The Ultimate Guide to Puerto Rico SIM Cards for Tourists: Everything You Need to Know

Stay connected, navigate the island, and capture unforgettable moments with a reliable and affordable SIM card. You will find all the information you require in this extensive guide to select the ideal Puerto Rico SIM card for your requirements, guaranteeing that you maintain communication throughout your journey.

I. Should You Get a SIM Card in Puerto Rico?

Sure, in Puerto Rico purchasing a SIM card is a well-liked and practical method of accessing the internet. You ought to acquire a SIM card for the following reasons.

• Save money: you can save money on roaming charges which may cost you….
• Easy to buy and set up: you can buy SIM cards at airports, cell phone stores or other locations on the island.
• Easy to activate: Insert the SIM card into your phone and start browsing the internet

Note:

• Verify whether your phone is unlocked. Not all phones can use SIM cards from Puerto Rico. To find out if your phone is unlocked, contact the manufacturer or your cell provider.
• Pick the best mobile provider: There are numerous mobile providers in Puerto Rico. Do your homework and
• Evaluate plans: Before buying a SIM card, compare the various plans provided by various cell operators.

If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico and want to stay connected, it’s a good idea to get a local SIM card. This will give you better coverage and lower prices than using your home country’s SIM card. There are different types of SIM cards available, including eSIMs and physical SIM cards. You can choose the best plan for your needs, depending on how much data and minutes you need. In this article, we’ll tell you about the different types of SIM cards, the best deals and providers, and where to buy them.

II. Types of Puerto Rico SIM Card for Tourists – Which One is the Best?

There are two main types of SIM cards for tourists:

• Prepaid physical SIM cards
• Prepaid tourist eSIMs

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for your needs. Below is the comparison table of physical SIM cards and eSIMs:

1. Prepaid Physical SIM Cards

A physical SIM card is a traditional way for tourists to Puerto Rico stay connected during their travel. To use a Puerto Rico SIM card, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with the frequency bands used in this country.

Pros:

• Avoid roaming charges and stay connected throughout your trip.
• Get reliable coverage in all major cities like… and tourist destinations such as…
• Choose from various data plans to suit your usage needs, with xx GB of data used in xx days for
• Purchase a SIM card upon arrival and activate it on the spot.

Cons:

• You have to go through the hassle of buying or waiting for a SIM card to be shipped to you before you can use it.
• You can easily lose your primary SIM card when you remove it.
• You can only use one SIM card in a single-SIM phone at a time.

2. Prepaid Tourist eSIMs

A tourist eSIm is a virtual or digital SIM card that is built directly into your device. Unlike a physical SIM, an eSIM cannot be removed or replaced.

Pros:

• Can be purchased online anytime and anywhere.
• No need for physical swapping, simply scan the QR code to activate the eSIM.
• Allows simultaneous use of two SIM cards (either 1 physical + 1 eSIM or 2 eSIMs, depending on the device model).
• Multiple data plans can be installed on a single device, but only one or two plans can be activated at a specific time, depending on the device.
• Limited number of eSIMs depending on the phone’s memory, usually up to 20 eSIMs per device.
• No risk of losing the eSIM as it is embedded in the device.
• Keeps the main SIM card on the device, allowing the use of messaging apps even when the main SIM card is turned off.

Cons:

• Requires a compatible device, typically newer models.
• The phone must be unlocked to use an eSIM.

Conclusion:
From the comparison table above, if your phone supports eSIM technology, it is recommended to use a prepaid tourist eSIM with data only for Puerto Rico travel. With this eSIM, you can still stay online and stay in touch with people back home via voice apps. In case your phone is not compatible with eSIM, a prepaid data SIM card is the best connectivity option. We will explain more in the following sections.

III. Best Puerto Rico SIM Card Packages for Tourists and Price

There are four different mobile providers in Puerto Rico, each offering a variety of prepaid plans, including:

• AT&T
• T-Mobile
• Claro
• Boost Mobile

To help you choose the best SIM card for your needs, we’ve put together a guide to the best Puerto Rico SIM card packages for tourists, including their current prices.

1. AT&T Prepaid Plans for Tourists

AT&T offers 02 types of tourist packages which are:

• AT&T Unlimited Tourist Plan: 5GB of data + unlimited calls + text messages, used in xx days, for $40- used in Puerto Rico and the US.
• AT&T Prepaid Global Plus: 1GB of data + unlimited talk + unlimited texts for $35, used in Puerto Rico and possible trip to Mexico or Canada.

2. T-Mobile Prepaid Plans for Tourists

You can refer to 02 packages that T-Mobile brings:

• T-Mobile Tourist: 5GB of data + unlimited calls + text and the internet, used in 30 days, for $50 – used in Puerto Rico, the US, Mexico or Canada.
• T-Mobile Prepaid Connect: 1GB of data + unlimited calls + text messages, used in 30 days in Puerto Rico and the US = $25

3. Claro Prepaid Plans for Tourists

• Claro MAX Unlimited: 1GB of data + unlimited talks, text and data in Puerto Rico, lasting 30 days = $45
• Claro Móvil Prepaid: 1GB of data + unlimited talks and text in Puerto Rico, used in 30 days = $20

4. Liberty Mobile Prepaid Plans for Tourists

• Liberty Mobile Unlimited: 3GB of data + unlimited talk, text, and data in Puerto Rico and the US in 30 days = $50
• Liberty Mobile Simply Unlimited: 1GB of data + unlimited talk and text in 30 days = $25

Note: Information on packages and prices is subject to change. Check the official websites of the respective mobile providers for the latest updates and offers.

IV. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Puerto Rico?

Tourists can acquire internet access in Puerto Rico through SIM card in four main ways:

• Buying a SIM card at the airport
• Purchasing a physical SIM online before departure
• Buying a SIM card in Puerto Rican Cities
• Getting a Puerto Rico eSIM (Embedded SIM)

1. Buying a SIM Card at the Airport

Airport SIM cards offer the convenience of getting connected right after you land, which is ideal if you need to be online immediately. You’ll have a variety of carriers and plans to choose from. Some airports sell SIM cards for tourists, such as Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Mercedita International Airport (PSE) in Ponce, Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (ARE) in Vieques,..

However, airport SIM cards can be more expensive than other options, and lines can be long, especially during peak season.

2. Purchasing a Physical SIM Online Before Departure

If you’re looking to save money on your SIM card, consider purchasing one before you travel. You’ll have more time to research and compare plans to find one that fits your needs and budget.

However, be aware of delivery time because it may take a long time.

3. Buying a SIM Card in Puerto Rican Cities

Buying a SIM card in a Puerto Rican city gives you the flexibility to explore different carriers and plans once you’re on the ground. You may also find deals or promotions offered by local stores. However, if you don’t speak Spanish, communication might be a challenge. Additionally, finding a store and comparing plans can take time.

4. Getting a Puerto Rico eSIM (Embedded SIM)

An eSIM (embedded SIM) offers the convenience of purchasing and installing a SIM card entirely online, eliminating the need for a physical card. You can buy an eSIM before or even after you arrive in Puerto Rico, as long as you have internet access for activation. eSIMs are also space-saving, so you don’t have to carry an extra SIM card or worry about losing it. However, fewer vendors offer eSIMs compared to physical SIMs, so it’s important to do your research before you travel.

Choosing the Right Option:

Consider your priorities! If convenience and immediate connectivity are crucial, an airport SIM might be ideal. For budget-conscious travelers, purchasing online beforehand or exploring options in Puerto Rico can save money. For ultimate flexibility, an eSIM offers the most freedom, but requires some research to find a suitable provider.

V. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Puerto Rico

In fact, the amount of data used on a trip depends on different factors, such as your internet…

Below we explain in detail what 1GB of data can do for you:

• 2 hours of streaming
• 10 hours of checking emails, using social media (text and photos) and basic apps

Our recommendation: Here we give some advice on the amount of data used while traveling by types of travelers:

• Average Tourist: 2GB – 3GB is a good starting point for most tourists who want to stay connected, share photos, and use navigation apps occasionally.
• Business Traveler: 5GB or more is recommended for business travelers who need to be reliable for emails, video calls, and potentially uploading documents.
• Sharing Wi-Fi Hotspot: Be mindful that sharing your data connection with other devices can quickly use up your allowance. Factor this in when choosing a plan.

VI. Puerto Rico eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in Puerto Rico

Instead of opting for traditional options like roaming, pocket WiFi, or free WiFi, prepaid eSIM is the perfect choice for you. Get a prepaid eSIM for your Puerto Rico trip for convenience, savings, flexibility, security, and reliable connectivity.

Gigago – Trusted eSIM Provider with Diverse Plans for Puerto Rico Travel:

Gigago is a leading eSIM provider with extensive experience in the international telecommunications industry. This is the place what offers a wide range of prepaid Puerto Rico eSIM plans to suit every need of Vietnamese tourists:

Key Advantages of Gigago eSIM:

• Competitive Prices: Offer the best eSIM plan prices on the market.
• High-Quality Service: Extensive network coverage, fast and stable internet access speeds.
• Professional Support: 24/7 support team ready to answer any customer questions.

Choose Gigago eSIM for an Excellent Internet Access Experience in Puerto Rico:

• Buy SIM Online: Visit the Gigago website, select Puerto Rico and the appropriate plan, pay quickly and easily.
• Install eSIM: Receive QR code via email, scan QR code and install eSIM on phone within minutes.
• Activate SIM: Restart the phone and connect to the internet immediately.

For Puerto Rico, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB for 7 days with $4.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Puerto Rico eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $4.50 – $40.00 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Puerto Rico, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. Which Puerto Rico Mobile Networks Are The Best for Tourists?

The best Puerto Rico mobile networks are… but choosing which to go for on your trip may depend on….
When choosing a mobile network in Puerto Rico for your tourist SIM card, it’s essential to consider factors such as coverage, speed, reliability, and pricing.

There are four major mobile network carriers in Puerto Rico: AT&T, T-Mobile, Claro, and Boost Mobile. Each provider offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a quick comparison of the four carriers:

Criteria	AT&T	T-Mobile	Claro	Liberty Mobile
Coverage	Best	Best	Best	Good
Speed	Super fast	Super fast	Fast	Fast
Price	Expensive	Affordable	Affordable	Cheapest
eSIM	Available	Available	Available	Available

Here’s a brief overview of each carrier:

AT&T: Offers the best overall coverage and the fastest internet speeds, but it also has the most expensive plans. A good choice for users who need a reliable connection and don’t mind paying a premium.

T-Mobile: Provides excellent coverage and fast speeds at a more affordable price than AT&T. A good choice for users who want a balance of price and quality.

Claro: Offers the cheapest plans of the four major carriers, but coverage may be slightly more limited than AT&T and T-Mobile. A good option for budget-conscious users who primarily use their phones in urban areas.

Liberty Mobile: A prepaid carrier that offers a variety of affordable plans. Coverage is good in most urban areas, but may be spotty in rural areas. A good choice for users who want a no-contract option and don’t need the absolute best coverage or speeds.

Ultimately, the best way to choose a mobile carrier in Puerto Rico is to compare plans and prices from different carriers and see which one best fits your needs.

VIII. How to Use Puerto Rico Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM

Using prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs in Puerto Rico is straightforward once you have purchased and activated your chosen plan. Here are some essential steps to set up and utilize your tourist SIM card or eSIM effectively:

1. Using Prepaid Puerto Rico Tourist SIM Cards

After purchasing your SIM card, you can:

• Insert the SIM card: Turn off your phone and carefully insert the SIM card into the designated slot.
• Restart your phone: Power on your phone and wait for it to detect the new SIM card.
• Start using your phone: You can now make calls, send texts, and access the internet using your Puerto Rico SIM card.
• Top up your credit (if needed): You can top up your credit with scratch-off cards, online, or at convenience stores to add more data or call minutes.

2. Setting Up and Activating Puerto Rico eSIM

• Install the eSIM on your phone: Open the email with the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions to install the eSIM on your phone. This usually involves scanning the QR code with your phone’s camera or entering a provided activation code.
• Activate your eSIM: Depending on the provider, you might need to activate your eSIM through their app or website. Follow the specific instructions provided.
• Start using your phone: Once activated, you can now make calls, send texts, and access the internet using your Puerto Rico eSIM.

IX. FAQs

X. Conclusion

In short, a SIM card or eSIM keeps you connected in Puerto Rico. Choose between prepaid SIM cards or convenient eSIMs. Research plans, network coverage, and activation for a smooth communication experience. Consider data needs, network coverage, and activation to find the perfect fit for your Puerto Rican adventure! Plan, choose, and stay connected!