Buying Claro Chile SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

William Jones

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Published: August 2024

Claro Chile SIM cards & eSIMs offer an easy way to stay connected during your visit to Chile.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Claro Chile SIM cards & eSIMs. You’ll learn about Claro’s coverage and speed, the different types of SIM cards available for tourists, and where to buy them. Plus, we’ll cover how to top up your SIM, ensuring you’re always connected while exploring Chile.

I. Overview of Claro Chile – What you need to know

Claro Chile is a telecom company offering mobile phone services, internet, and TV in Chile. Here are the main highlights of the network:

• Foundation: Started in 2006 when América Móvil bought Chilesat PCS.
• Popularity: Operates in 18 countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.
• Rank: Claro Chile is the third-largest mobile operator in Chile, with about 23% market share.
• Coverage: Strong in cities like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción, but weaker in rural areas, especially in the south. The 4G network reaches around 90% of Chileans.
• Speed: Claro Chile’s 4G is one of the fastest, with average download speeds of about 20 Mbps.
• Highlights: In 2019, Claro Chile partnered with Liberty Latin America to offer more services like cable TV and internet.

II. Claro Coverage in Chile

Source: nperf.com

Claro’s coverage in Chile is mixed, with strong signals in urban areas but weaker coverage in rural regions.

According to the latest Opensignal’s report:

• Coverage Experience: 82.4% of Claro users reported having a 4G signal, with an average download speed of 18.6 Mbps.
• Availability: Claro’s 4G network is available in 90.3% of the country, and users spend 98.1% of their time connected to it.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strong coverage: Claro has good coverage in cities like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción, as well as tourist spots like La Serena and Pucon. 
• Weak coverage: Coverage is poor in rural areas, especially in the south, like Aysén and Magallanes.

Ranking:

• Claro ranks last in terms of 4G availability, behind Movistar (98.7%), WOM (98.9%), and Entel (98.4%).

III. Claro Speed in Chile

Source: opensignal.com

• Claro has the slowest download and upload speeds among Chile’s main mobile network providers.
• Users on Claro might notice slower data, which can affect activities that need fast internet, like streaming, video calls, and online gaming.
• Claro needs to improve greatly to reach the performance of WOM, Entel, and Movistar compared to other providers.

This means that while Claro may have the lowest speeds, it could still work for people with lighter data needs or in areas where Claro’s coverage is more dependable.

IV. Types of Claro Chile SIM Card Options for Tourists

There are two main types of Claro SIM card options for tourists in Chile: Prepaid SIM cards and eSIM.

• Prepaid SIM cards
• eSIM

Comparison Table of Claro SIM Card Options for Tourists

► Recommendation: If you’re a tourist in Chile, using a Claro eSIM is easier. It activates instantly, doesn’t require a physical SIM card, and has flexible data plans that you can manage online.

V. Top Claro SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

Here are some plans for tourists. For more information, you should go to check the website clarochile.cl

VI. Where can tourists buy Claro Chile SIM cards?

As a tourist traveling to Chile, you can buy Claro Chile SIM cards directly at the airport, after arriving in Chile, or online before departure.

1. Buy Claro SIM at Chile Airport

Buying a Claro SIM card at the airport is a popular and simple way to connect when you arrive in Chile. Claro SIM cards are available at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago.

At the airport, you can buy Claro SIM cards at:

• Claro Kiosk: Located in the arrivals area after you pass customs. Staff can assist you in setting up the SIM card on your device. Operating hours are generally from 6:00 am to midnight.
• Vending Machines: A self-service option that accepts cash near the Claro storefront.

To buy a Claro SIM card at the airport, follow these steps:

• Find the Claro SIM counter, usually located in the arrivals area.
• Present your passport or personal documents and a photo may be taken.
• Choose from various options, including different data plans and validity periods.
• Pay for the SIM card, ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 CLP (around $15-$75 USD).

However, buying a SIM card at the airport can be expensive, and there may be queues or limited operating hours.

2. Buy Claro SIM in Chile City Center

You can also buy Claro SIM cards after entering the city center in popular tourist cities like:

• Santiago: Visit the Claro store at Plaza de Armas or use Google Maps to find other locations that sell Claro SIM cards, such as:
  • Claro Store: Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 1475, Santiago
  • Florida Center: Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 6100
• Valparaíso: Visit the Claro store at Plaza Sotomayor or use Google Maps to find other locations.
• Concepción: Visit the Claro store at Plaza de la Independencia or use Google Maps to find other locations.

To buy a Claro SIM card in the city center, you’ll need to:

• Find a Claro store or authorized retailer.
• Registering your personal information can be a complicated process.
• Choose from a variety of options and pay for the SIM card.

While buying a SIM card in the city center can be cheaper than at the airport, the process can be more complicated and time-consuming.

3. Buy a Claro Chile SIM Card Online 

You can purchase from travel SIM suppliers that sell SIM cards using Claro’s network, such as:

• Amazon
• eBay
• Tourist SIM websites

The purchasing process is simple:

• No need to present personal information, just basic details like name, phone number, and shipping address.
• Choose from a variety of options and pay for the SIM card.
• Receive your SIM card before your trip and insert it into your phone when you arrive in Chile.

This method is proactive, convenient, and usually cheaper than buying at the airport or in the city. Many travelers decide to grab their Claro Chile SIM card online before they leave to ensure a hassle-free trip and connection.

VII. A Better Alternative to Claro Chile SIM cards – Chile eSIM

If your phone has eSIM, consider a better option than traditional Claro SIM cards. eSIM makes staying connected in Chile easier than ever.

Very welcome to introduce to you Gigago, a top provider of eSIM for travelers. With Gigago’s Chile eSIM, you’ll enjoy fast data and great coverage during your trip. We offer plans for all needs and budgets, perfect for everyone!

Gigago’s Chile eSIM offers a range of benefits, including:

• No need to physically swap SIM cards or visit a store to activate your plan.
• Enjoy fast data speeds and stable connections throughout Chile.
• Get support 24/7
• Receive eSIM through email within only 5 minutes.

Gigago offers competitive pricing with plans to fit various needs and budgets. Our Chile eSIM plan is priced at $12.50 , providing great value and flexibility for both light and heavy users. Choose the plan that suits you best for smooth connectivity in Chile.

Don’t let connection worries spoil your Chile trip. Get your eSIM before you go and focus on making great memories in this beautiful country!

VIII. How to top up a Claro Chile SIM Card?

There are three main ways to top up your Claro Chile SIM card, making it easy and convenient to stay connected:

• USSD Code: Dial *103# on your phone, follow the steps, and choose how much to top up. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy times.
• In-Person at a Store: Go to any Claro store or participating shop. Tell the salesperson how much credit you need and give your phone number, and they will add it for you using their system.
• Online Recharge: Use the Claro Chile website to top up with a debit or credit card. Only Chilean cards work. This is great if you want to stay in.

IX. FAQs about Claro Chile SIM Cards

X. Conclusion

I hope you find this guide helpful for figuring out how to buy a Claro Chile SIM card. Claro is a solid network carrier in Chile, with great coverage and flexible SIM packages for all kinds of needs. While their physical SIM cards are good, using an eSIM is even more convenient and secure. For an amazing experience, I really recommend the Gigago Chile eSIM—it’s the smarter choice for today’s travelers!