Buying a SIM card at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) 2024: Travelers Guide

Mia Moore

|

Published: July 2024

Whether or not it is possible to buy a SIM card at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) 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.

I. Should You Buy a SIM Card at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS)?

Yes. You can easily buy a SIM Card at Simón Bolívar International Airport. However, in reality, this option will be quite expensive and have fewer package options than other options. Furthermore, queuing and waiting to complete card purchase procedures can take quite a long time.

Tourists can consider buying a SIM card at the airport when they have the following needs:

• Internet access is required as soon as you arrive at the airport.
• Avoid difficulties when finding and buying a SIM card at your destination.
• Want to receive support for currency exchange and car rental when buying a SIM.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS)?

Using SIM in Venezuela is the connection method chosen by many tourists because it has many advantages. Currently there are 2 ways to buy a SIM card when traveling: Buy online before departure and purchase at the airport upon arrival.

1. Buy online before departure and pickup at the airport

You can buy a SIM card from an online retailer or the official website of a mobile service provider. Before ordering, tourists need to pay attention to the phone’s compatibility with Venezuela networks.

When choosing this option, it is best for tourists to buy the card 1 day before departure. This helps you proactively activate your phone and have the Internet immediately when you arrive in Venezuela.

Cost: Online options may be a bit more expensive due to shipping costs.

Pros:

• Order easily and just wait for delivery to your home.
• SIM cards are usually pre-activated, allowing immediate use upon arrival in Venezuela.

Cons:

• You can only buy an international SIM card online, but the local prepaid SIM card for Venezuela can only be purchased directly.
• Not all mobile providers in Venezuela provide online SIM card purchasing services.

2. Purchase at the airport upon arrival

After completing immigration procedures and going through customs, you can easily find many SIM card kiosks at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS). These kiosks are often brightly colored, easily recognizable, and always have a representative ready to assist you.

You can find stores selling SIM cards at:

• Around the baggage claim area: near the baggage carousel, around the baggage claim area you can find shops selling SIM cards.
• In the arrival hall you can see 3 large counters of 3 famous mobile companies in Venezuela: Movilnet, Digitel, Movistar. “Buy SIM” signs are everywhere so don’t worry about finding them.

Location: T1 International, Ground floor (before security)

Phone: 1300 650 410

Cost: You will have to pay a much higher price than buying a SIM online or in the city center.

Pros:

• You will have the Internet as soon as you arrive instead of having to wait to get to the center.
• Staff at the kiosk can help with setup.

Cons:

• Communicating with staff at the SIM card kiosk can be difficult because of the language barrier.
• Remember to check the validity of your SIM card before leaving to avoid risks.
• Not all stores are open 24/7, so in case you land at midnight, it is very difficult to buy a SIM card.

III. Do SIM card shops at CCS airport open after midnight?

No, SIM card shops at CCS airport do not open after midnight.

While the airport likely offers SIM card kiosks, not all stores are open 24/7. Therefore, if your arrival at CCS airport is scheduled after midnight, it’s advisable to consider alternative options for obtaining a SIM card, such as purchasing one online in advance or visiting a mobile provider store in the city center once you reach your destination.

IV. How Much Does a SIM Card at Simón Bolívar International Airport Cost?

The cost of a SIM card at Simón Bolívar International Airport can vary depending on the service provider and the type of plan you choose. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $20 USD for a SIM card.

Three major network operators in Venezuela, Movilnet, Digitel and Movistar, are providing many service packages with diverse capacities and prices. Travelers can choose the most suitable SIM card based on their needs.

1. Best Movilnet SIM Card Option and Price

• 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.

2. Best Digitel SIM Card Option and Price

• 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.
• Digitel Internacional 100 package: Digitel Internacional 100 international package provides 100 minutes of calls to Latin American countries for 1,000,000 VEB.

3. Best Movistar SIM Card Option and Price

• Básico Pakage: Prepaid package costs 1,000 VEB. This package provides 1 GB of high-speed data, 100 minutes of on-net calls and 20 minutes of off-net calls.
• Avanzado package: Prepaid package costs 2,000 VEB. This package provides 3 GB of high-speed data, 200 minutes of on-network calls and 40 minutes of off-network calls.
• Ilimitado package: Prepaid package costs 3,000 VEB. This package provides unlimited high-speed data, 300 minutes of on-net calls and 60 minutes of off-net calls.

V. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Simón Bolívar International Airport – Registration Process

Things to prepare when buying SIM card at Simón Bolívar International Airport:

• Your passport: needed to verify information and register the SIM card.
• Cash: Bring Venezuela currency or USD to pay. Some stores may accept credit cards but you should bring cash for convenience.
• Unlocked phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the Venezuela network.
• Normally the counter staff will assist in setting up the SIM so there is no need to prepare a SIM removal tool.

Procedures for purchasing and using Simón Bolívar International Airport airport SIM:

• Choose a mobile service provider according to your preferences and needs.
• Discuss available options/packages that are suitable for employees and choose the best option.
• Pay for your chosen SIM card and plan.
• Present your passport to register your SIM card.
• Follow the instructions to insert the SIM card into your phone and set it up.
• Test your new SIM card to make sure it works properly.

VI. Venezuela eSIM for Maiquetía – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Simón Bolívar International Airport 

Prepaid eSIM is a flexible and cost-effective mobile solution for travelers who need an internet connection in Venezuela. Compared to data roaming or pocket Wi-fi services, eSIM has many service packages at more reasonable prices.

If tourists want to buy a Venezuela eSIM, they can refer to the options at 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.

eSIM Gigago is 100% free of data roaming costs, providing call and texting services via applications such as: WhatsApp, Telegram, Facetime to help visitors save on connection costs. Additionally, Gigago’s staff is always ready to support guests 24/7 via chat or email.

VII. FAQs

VIII. Conclusion

The above article shares details on how to buy a SIM card at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS). Hope you have saved useful information and please visit Gigago to check for a new Venezuela SIM at a discounted price for your upcoming trip.