Whether or not it is possible to buy a SIM card at Venezuela airports is a big concern of many tourists. Through the article below, Gigago will share with you in detail how to buy and what to prepare when using a SIM card.
Mobile Internet in Venezuela for Travelers: 5 Ways to Get Data & Cost
This article is for people visiting Venezuela and wonder how to get mobile internet in Venezuela. Mobile internet is important for staying connected while traveling abroad, but there are many options to get it now. Choosing which connectivity option best suits for your Venezuela trip may confuse many of you. This article will reveal the best ways to get data in Venezuela, associated costs, and more so you can choose the best options for your trip.
In this article
I. Mobile Internet in Venezuela – Coverage and Speed
Visitors have 3 major mobile networks to choose from to buy SIMs in Venezuela: Movilnet, Digitel and Movistar. Each network has many unique advantages. Below are some evaluation criteria to help you better understand each carrier:
1. Venezuela Mobile Internet Coverage
- Mobile operators Movilnet
Movilnet is the largest mobile network in Venezuela with more than 20 million subscribers. This network provides wide coverage across the country, from urban to rural areas. Therefore helping customers easily use the Internet wherever they are.
Currently, Movilnet covers the entire country with 3G, 4G and 4G LTE networks at extremely competitive costs. Furthermore, in rural areas Movilnet still maintains a 2G network for people who do not have smartphones, this makes it easier for them to communicate and exchange information.
- Mobile operators Digitel
Digitel’s network initially covered only the central region of Venezuela, reaching about 44% of the entire population. However, in 2006, through government approval, Digitel quickly covered the entire country.
In early 2010, Digitel had a 3G network covering the entire country, becoming the fastest service provider in Venezuela. By the end of 2013, Digitel had a 4G/LTE network covering Venezuela.
- Mobile operators Movistar
Movistar is the second largest mobile network operator in Venezuela. This network provides wide coverage across major cities to suburbs with more than 10 million registered subscribers.
Currently Movistar provides 2G, 3G and 4G services throughout Venezuela. Especially in big cities like Caracas and Valencia, Movistar is offering 5G network package services for tourists.
2. Venezuela Mobile Internet Speed
Criteria | Movilnet | Digitel | Movistar |
Average download speed | 8.34 Mbps | 14.37 Mbps | 9.72 Mbps |
Average upload speed | 3.24 Mbps | 6.97 Mbps | 5.82 Mbps |
Average delay speed | 121 ms | 97 ms | 112 ms |
Consistency | 55.8% | 68.0% | 60.4% |
In short, if users prioritize overall internet speed (both download and upload) and consistency, Digitel seems to be the best choice based on the data provided. However, if you want to use a fast network at a reasonable price, you can choose Movistar.
II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Venezuela?
Currently, there are 5 basic ways for tourists to connect to the Internet when traveling to Venezuela: Roaming, using prepaid Venezuela SIM, using eSIM Venezuela, Free Wifi and Pocket Wifi. Depending on personal needs, customers can easily choose the most suitable method.
Connectivity Options | Characteristic | Pros | Cons |
Roaming | Use the same SIM that Vietnam is using to roam and connect to the Venezuela network. | – You don’t have to remove the main SIM so you don’t have to worry about losing the main SIM. – Keep the same Vietnamese number when contacting. | – Expensive cost. – Not all network operators in Vietnam have connection and cooperation contracts with network operators in Venezuela. |
Prepaid Thailand SIM card | Use a physical SIM to travel from Venezuela. | – Good price. – Diverse packages to suit all types of needs. | – It takes effort to buy or wait for the SIM to be shipped to install it. – Main SIM is easily lost when removed. – Limit 1 device to only use 1 sim. |
eSIM Thailand | – This is digital SIM. – Users do not need to disassemble and install, just scan the QR code to download the package information attached to the eSIM. | – Easily buy eSIM online, no need to declare information. – Just scan the QR to get the SIM, no complicated installation required. – Multiple packages can be installed on the same phone. | – Device picky, must have an eSIM compatible device to use (usually high-end models). – Must have an unlocked phone to use. |
Free Wifi | Use public Wifi in Venezuela such as at cafes, restaurants, malls. | – Easy to use. – No cost. | – Can’t actively access the Internet when needed. – Information security risks. – Slow speed due to many users. |
Pocket Wifi | As a network sharing device, it can share connections with many different devices. | – The phone does not need to be unlocked to receive the Internet. – Easy to use: turn on and use. | – High cost of renting or purchasing equipment. – Must ensure distance between the phone and the wifi transmitter. – If there are many users, the internet is not good. |
Our recommendation:
- From the table above, buying a SIM card with data is the most optimal solution. However, before buying a SIM card in Venezuela, you need to check whether the phone is unlocked or not.
- If customers have a eSIM compatible phone, eSIM is the optimal solution because of its affordable price and diverse packages. If you want to use eSIM, you need to check if your phone is in the list of eSIM compatible devices.
III. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Venezuela
Data SIM cards are a good choice for travelers to both connect and stay in touch with people back home through apps. The three major carriers in Venezuela, Movilnet, Digitel and Movistar, all support SIM cards for tourists with many different packages.
Movilnet SIM cards data packages:
- Movil Prepago 10: Movil Prepago 10 prepaid plan offers 100 calling minutes, 100 SMS messages and 100 MB high-speed data for 10,000 VEB.
- Movil Prepago 20: Movil Prepago 20 prepaid plan offers 200 calling minutes, 200 SMS messages and 200MB high-speed data for 20,000 VEB.
- Movil Prepago 30: Movil Prepago 30 prepaid plan offers 300 calling minutes, 300 SMS messages and 300MB high-speed data for 30,000 VEB.
Digitel SIM cards data packages:
- Digitel Data 100 package: Digitel Data 100 data package provides 100 MB data for only 100,000 VEB.
- Digitel Data 200 package: Digitel Data 200 package provides 200 MB chir data at a price of 200,000 VEB.
Movistar SIM cards data packages:
- Prepago Oro package: Postpaid package costs 10,000 VEF per month. This package provides 10 GB of high-speed data, 500 minutes of on-net calls and 100 minutes of off-net calls.
- Prepago Platino package: Postpaid package costs 15,000 VEF per month. This package providing 20 GB of high-speed data, 700 minutes of on-net calls and 150 minutes of off-net
Note: Please note that the above prices are for reference only. To update the latest specific information, contact the operator.
IV. Data eSIM for Venezuela – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists
eSIM is a flexible and cost-effective mobile solution for travelers who need an internet connection. Depending on your needs, you can buy from an operator that provides Venezuelan eSIM or buy from eSIM providers.
1. Buy eSIM from Venezuela Operators
The three major carriers in Venezuela, Movilnet, Digitel and Movistar, currently all provide eSIM services for visitors to Venezuela. You can buy eSIM cards directly through stores at the airport or in Venezuela city.
However, with this method of purchasing, you must present your passport or ID card to register to buy an eSIM card. Furthermore, communication with sales staff may be difficult because of the language barrier.
2. Buy eSIM from Gigago
If visitors want to buy a Venezuelan eSIM, they can refer to the options on Gigago. With a convenient 100% online process, customers will receive the eSIM via email and activate it with a QR code, connecting immediately upon landing.
This is the most convenient solution for travelers to get mobile internet in Venezuela without having to declare passport and ID card information. The steps to buy Venezuela eSIM on Gigago are also extremely simple. If this is your first time buying, you can refer to the following:
Choose the appropriate plan based on your needs, finances and trip duration.
- Make payments.
- Wait to receive the email.
- Scan QR code or import activation code manually.
- Turn on data roaming on the phone.
- Complete the process.
V. FAQs about Mobile Internet in Venezuela
Which are the major mobile carriers in Venezuela?
Movilnet, Digitel, and Movistar are the major mobile carriers in Venezuela.
Are there other factors that can affect mobile internet speed in Venezuela?
Yes, factors like geographic location, network coverage, and device compatibility can impact mobile internet speed.
VI. Conclusion
The above article shares detailed information about mobile internet in Venezuela. Hope you have saved useful information and visit Gigago to discover the new Venezuela eSIM at a discounted price for your upcoming trip.