Best El Salvador SIM cards for Travelers

When visiting El Salvador, securing a prepaid El Salvador SIM card is essential for ensuring smooth communication and access to mobile services.

This guide offers a complete overview of SIM cards in El Salvador for tourists. You’ll find information on the best options, pricing, and where to buy these SIM cards. We’ll also look at eSIM alternatives, the types of SIM cards available, and what you need to prepare before buying. Additionally, the guide includes steps for activation and details about how long your SIM card will be valid during your stay.

I. What are the Best El Salvador SIM cards for Tourists?

Prepaid SIM cards in El Salvador are affordable, and for just a few dollars, you can get a lot of data for your phone. 

1. Tigo El Salvador SIM Card

A prepaid Tigo SIM card is free, but you will need to top up with one of the available packages. All Tigo packages include unlimited calls to Tigo numbers in El Salvador and offer free social media apps, as shown in the 2024 plans. They also include minutes for calls to the USA and Canada.

Here are some package options:

• $1 USD : 1 GB for 2 days + 10 minutes to other networks and USA/Canada.

• $2 USD : 2 GB for 4 days + 20 minutes to other networks and USA/Canada.

• $4 USD : 4 GB for 8 days + 40 minutes to other networks and USA/Canada.

• $8 USD : 4 GB for 16 days + 50 minutes to other networks and USA/Canada.

2. Claro El Salvador SIM Card

A Claro SIM card is also free and includes free calls to Claro numbers in El Salvador, along with unlimited social media. Here are the prepaid SIM card packages for tourists:

• $1 USD : 1 GB data for 2 days.

• $2 USD : 2 GB data for 4 days + 5GB Instagram + Twitch +TikTok during the validity of the package.

• $4 USD : 4 GB data for 8 days + 6GB Instagram + You Tube + Twitch +TikTok during the validity of the package + Unlimited Networks. 

• $10 USD : 9 GB data for 20 days + Navigation to Central America + Unlimited Networks Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp.

• $12 USD : 5 GB data for 30 days +  2GB Youtube and TikTok / 5GB Claro Video + Unlimited to Claro network + 60 minutes to other networks, USA and Canada + Central America for navigation +Video App TikTok + Unlimited Networks Facebook, Instagram, Whatapp and Twitter. 

A big advantage of Claro prepaid SIM cards in El Salvador is that they are valid in all of Central America. The larger data packages also include extra GBs for YouTube and TikTok.

3. Digicel El Salvador SIM Card

You can find Digicel all over the Americas and the Caribbean, including El Salvador, but their stores are limited. Their SIM cards are free and include free calls to other Digicel numbers.

Here are the three most popular Digicel data packages:

• $2 USD : 6 GB data for 4 days + 20 minutes to other networks and USA/Canada + free WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and Twitter.

• $3,5 USD : 8 GB data for 8 days + 50 minutes to other networks and USA/Canada + free WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and Twitter.

• $6 USD : 8 GB data for 16 days + 70 minutes to other networks and USA/Canada + free WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and Twitter.

• $10 USD : 10 GB data for 30 days + 90 minutes to other networks and USA/Canada + free WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and Twitter

You can easily top up online, and according to their website, you can use Digicel in many other countries as well. 

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in El Salvador for Tourists?

You can buy SIM cards in El Salvador for tourists online, at airports, or in cities. Here are the details:

1. San Salvador City Center

In San Salvador, there are many mobile phone shops, including official stores for Claro, Tigo, Digicel, and Movistar. The best place to go is any of the large shopping malls, like Centro Comercial Galerias.

In the Historic Center, you’ll also find street vendors selling prepaid SIM cards, mainly for Tigo and Claro. These vendors can activate your SIM card on the spot!

You can also buy prepaid SIM cards at convenience stores throughout the country, including gas stations and roadside shops. It’s common to purchase a SIM card from a convenience store. Just be sure to ask if they can activate the SIM card for you right away. Don’t leave or pay until the SIM card is activated!

2. San Salvador Airport

There is a Digicel kiosk at San Salvador Airport that sells SIM cards. Unfortunately, it’s the only mobile operator available at the airport as of August 2024.

3. Online

You can buy SIM cards online through marketplaces like eBay or official provider websites.

It is suitable for travelers who want to purchase a SIM card before arriving in El Salvador and avoid the hassle of buying one at the airport or in the city.

Tourists can visit the website, choose your plan, and pay online. The SIM card will then be delivered to your hotel or address in El Salvador.

III. How Much is a Tourist El Salvador SIM Card?

The cost of a tourist SIM card in El Salvador can vary based on the provider and the package you choose. A SIM card in El Salvador usually costs between $1USD to $12USD. 

These prices are common for SIM cards purchased directly from providers in their stores, at the airport, or through authorized sellers. Buying a SIM card at El Salvador International Airport may be slightly more expensive than getting one in the city.

IV. What types of El Salvador SIM cards are available for tourists?

There are two main types of SIM cards for tourists in El Salvador:

• Prepaid SIM

• Tourist eSIM

Criteria	Prepaid SIM	Tourist eSIM
Convenience	Available at stores and airports.	Buy online, no physical card needed.
Compatibility	Works with unlocked phones.	Works with eSIM-compatible phones.
How to Use	Insert SIM, activate in store.	Scan QR code for instant activation.

In conclusion, while prepaid SIM cards are easy to find and often cheaper, eSIMs offer more convenience and are simpler to set up. For tourists seeking a better experience, an eSIM might be the better choice.

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for El Salvador travel?

Yes, you’ll need a SIM card to use your phone while traveling in El Salvador. Here’s why getting an international SIM card is a smart choice:

• Saves Money : International SIM cards usually have lower rates than roaming.

• Better Signal : Local providers have networks that work well in the country.

• Faster Internet : You’ll connect to local 4G/5G networks.

• Flexible Options : It’s easy to add more money and choose plans that fit your needs.

If your phone supports eSIM technology, you can opt for an eSIM. eSIMs are easy and safe to use since you don’t need a physical card. They allow for simple plan switching and are more secure, reducing the risk of losing or breaking a SIM card.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in El Salvador? 

In El Salvador, you can buy a SIM card without having to register your passport or ID. There’s no need for fingerprints or any other form of identification. When you buy a prepaid SIM card, it’s activated for you but not registered in your name. The SIM card is plug-and-play, meaning you just insert it into your phone, and it works right away. This is why it’s common to buy a SIM card from street vendors or roadside shops in San Salvador.

However, it’s very important that your phone is unlocked! Foreign SIM cards only work in unlocked phones. If you’re not sure if your phone is unlocked, contact your provider at home before your trip to El Salvador.

VII. El Salvador eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

Gigago is one of the most reliable and largest eSIM retailers, offering a wide range of eSIM plans for over 200 countries, including El Salvador.

Key Features of Gigago’s eSIM for El Salvador:

• Instant delivery via email.

• Easy installation using a QR code.

• No need to register or provide documents.

• 24/7 customer support.

• Coverage on El Salvador’s best 4G LTE network.

• No surprise bills or hidden fees. 

For El Salvador, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $8.90 . What is great about Gigago’s El Salvador eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $8.90 – $35.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in El Salvador there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in El Salvador?

A tourist SIM card in El Salvador usually lasts for 30 days. This validity period is the same for popular providers like Tigo, Claro, Movistar, Digicel. 

Whether you choose Tigo SIM, Claro plans, Movistar plans or Digicel plans, your SIM card will be active for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to stay connected while in the country.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in El Salvador? 

To activate a SIM card in El Salvador, tourists can follow these simple steps below: 

Step 1 : Buy a SIM card from an authorized telecom provider or retailer.

Step 2 : Insert the SIM card into your mobile device.

Step 3 : Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the new SIM card.

Step 4 : Follow the on-screen instructions or dial the activation number that comes with your SIM card.

Step 5 : Provide any needed personal information and ID as required by local rules.

Step 6 : Choose a plan or package that fits your needs.

Step 7 : Wait for a confirmation of activation, which usually takes a

X. FAQs

Whether you choose a El Salvador prepaid SIM or an El Salvador eSIM, staying connected is very easy. For a quick and simple setup, try Gigago’s El Salvador eSIM so you can start using mobile data right away. Don’t forget to check out Gigago’s plans to stay connected during your trip!