Buying Liberty Puerto Rico SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

Liberty Puerto Rico SIM cards & eSIMs are awesome choices for tourists wanting to stay connected while exploring the island. In this guide, you’ll find all the necessary information to use these services!

everything about liberty sim in puerto rico

Whether you’re concerned about coverage, speed, or where to buy, this article covers all aspects of Liberty Puerto Rico SIM cards & eSIMs. From top SIM card options for tourists to the best places to purchase them, you’ll also learn how to easily top up your data during your stay.

I. Overview of Liberty Puerto Rico – What you need to know

Liberty Puerto Rico is a telecommunications company providing broadband Internet, VoIP, television, and wireless services across Puerto Rico and mobile services in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

  • Foundation: Established in 1999, replacing TCI Cable.
  • Popularity: Serves over 1 million television subscribers and over 1 million data customers in Puerto Rico.
  • Coverage: Covers the entire island of Puerto Rico for broadband, telephone, and television services. Mobile services are available in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Speed: As of 2023, Liberty offers internet speeds up to 1,000 Mbit/s download and 30 Mbit/s upload.

Highlights:

  • In 2020, Liberty acquired AT&T’s wireless operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for $1.95 billion.
  • The company fully phased out the AT&T brand in Puerto Rico by September 27, 2021, rebranding all services and stores under the Liberty name.
  • Liberty Puerto Rico is now wholly owned by Liberty Latin America, following its split from Liberty Global in 2017.

II. Liberty Coverage in Puerto Rico

liberty coverage in puerto rico

Source: nperf.com

Liberty’s coverage in Puerto Rico offers reliable mobile connectivity in many areas, though performance can vary depending on your location.

According to the Opensignal’s report in July 2024:

  • Coverage Experience: Liberty scored 7.6/10 for coverage, better than T-Mobile (8.7) but behind Claro (9.1), indicating decent but not top-tier coverage. 
  • Availability: Liberty is available 99.4% of the time, tying with Claro as a leader, ensuring stable connections in cities like San Juan and Ponce. 
  • 5G Availability: Liberty’s 5G is available at 30.4%, significantly lower than T-Mobile’s 72.5% but higher than Claro’s 15.4%.

Compared to Claro and T-Mobile, Liberty ranks #2 in overall coverage, making it a good option for tourists traveling to key tourist hubs. However, T-Mobile would be a better choice if 5G access is a priority.

III. Liberty Speed in Puerto Rico

liberty mobile speed puerto rico

Source: opensignal.com

Liberty Puerto Rico offers decent internet speeds, although it ranks lower than some competitors in download and upload speeds.

  • Download Speed: Liberty’s median download speed is 43.5 Mbps, faster than Claro but slower than T-Mobile.
  • Upload Speed: Liberty has a median upload speed of 8.3 Mbps, placing it between Claro and T-Mobile.

Overall, Liberty’s speeds are good for most daily activities like streaming and browsing, but if faster speeds are a priority, T-Mobile may be a better option.

IV. Types of Liberty Puerto Rico SIM Card Options for Tourists

There are two main types of Liberty SIM card options for tourists in Puerto Rico: Prepaid SIM cards and eSIM.

  • Prepaid SIM cards
  • eSIM

Comparison Table of Liberty SIM Card Options for Tourists

CriteriaPrepaid SIM CardeSIM
ActivationPhysical activation in-store or onlineDigital activation via QR code
AvailabilityAvailable in stores and onlineInstant download and activation online
CostFixed price with different data packagesSlightly cheaper with flexible data plans
ConvenienceRequires physical SIM insertionNo physical SIM needed, instant activation
CompatibilityRequires unlocked phone with SIM slotRequires eSIM-compatible device

Recommendation: Using a Liberty eSIM is more convenient for tourists visiting Puerto Rico. It offers instant activation, no need for a physical SIM card, and flexible data plans that can be managed easily online. 

V. Top Liberty SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

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

PlanDataPrice (With AutoPay)HotspotFeaturesNotes
Unlimited PrepaidUnlimited Data$4525 GB– 5G Access – Unlimited calls, texts, and data in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada – Rollover dataWithout AutoPay: $65/month
25 GB Prepaid25 GB (then 128kbps)$3520 GB– 5G Access – Unlimited calls, texts, and data in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada – Rollover dataBest for moderate data users
15 GB Prepaid15 GB (then 128kbps)$30Included– 5G Access – Unlimited calls, texts, and data in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada – Rollover dataAffordable plan
5 GB Prepaid5 GB (then 128kbps)$15Included– Unlimited calls, texts, and data – Rollover dataIdeal for light users

Review: Liberty offers a variety of prepaid plans for tourists, with flexible data options and reasonable prices, especially with the AutoPay discount. Their plans cater to light and heavy data users, including 5G access.

However, getting a SIM card in Puerto Rico can be tricky, as many carriers require a passport to activate one. To avoid trouble, it’s best to buy a tourist SIM card before traveling.

VI. Where can tourists buy Liberty Puerto Rico SIM cards?

You can buy Liberty SIM cards in 3 main ways: directly at the airport upon arrival, in the city after settling in, or online before departure. Below are the detailed options for where and how to buy these SIM cards.

1. Buy Liberty SIM at Puerto Rico Airports

puerto rico airports
  • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan: Get Liberty SIM cards at kiosks and stores in Terminal B and Terminal C, close to baggage claim.
  • Mercedita International Airport (PSE) in Ponce: Find Liberty SIM cards at kiosks near the main entrance or in nearby stores.
  • Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (VQS) in Vieques: Check small shops or kiosks by the terminal exit. Since it’s a smaller airport, availability may vary.

Why Choose This Option?

  • Pros: Quick access right after landing, no need to wait for shipping or travel into the city.
  • Cons: Higher prices, limited plan variety, long queues, and risk of kiosks being closed during late-night arrivals.

Things to Know:

  • What to bring: Bring a passport or valid ID.
  • Price: Airport SIM cards are pricier, usually costing $25 to $85, based on the data plan.
  • Options: There are usually fewer choices than buying in the city.

2. Buy Liberty SIM in Puerto Rico City Center

liberty shop in puerto rico city

If you prefer some flexibility, you can purchase a Liberty SIM card in major cities after you arrive.

Where to Buy:

  • San Juan: Puerto Rico’s capital with Liberty Mobile stores at Mall of San Juan and Plaza Las Américas. 
  • Ponce: Rich in culture, Ponce has convenience stores and telecom shops for Liberty SIM cards. 
  • Mayagüez: A coastal city with many places selling SIM cards, including local electronics and telecom shops.

How to Find Stores: Use Google Maps to find nearby stores or specific shops that sell Liberty SIM cards. You can check out Liberty Mobile Shops and Walmart

Buying Process: Register your SIM card with your personal information, like your passport. This can take time and requires filling out forms. 

Price: SIM cards bought in the city are usually cheaper, costing around $20 to $50, but the buying process is more complicated and takes longer.

3. Buy Liberty Puerto Rico SIM Card Online Before Departure

liberty puerto rico sim card

Where to Buy: You can get Liberty SIM cards from travel SIM suppliers or online shops like Amazon and eBay.

Why Choose This Option?

  • Pros: No ID needed at checkout, convenient home shipping, and easy price comparison.
  • Cons: Shipping may take time, and the SIM card might not work right away in Puerto Rico.

Price: Typically cheaper than airport purchases, online prices range from $20 to $40, depending on the data package​

Buying Process: Just share your name, phone number, and shipping address. Your SIM card will arrive before your trip, so you can set up your connection early. Many travelers like this method for its convenience and savings.

VII. Where to Buy Liberty Puerto Rico eSIM for Tourists?

puerto rico esim gigago

If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico, getting an eSIM before your trip is a great idea. It saves you from complicated registration and waiting for a SIM card. You can connect right when you land and enjoy your trip fully. Just install the eSIM before you leave and activate it when you arrive!

Gigago offers excellent Puerto Rico eSIM options for tourists:

  • Wide selection: Gigago has more eSIM plans for Puerto Rico than competitors, suiting different budgets and trip lengths. 
  • 24/7 support: Get help anytime in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and more. 
  • Top-notch coverage: Gigago’s Puerto Rico eSIM uses Liberty and T-Mobile networks for reliable, fast connections across the island. 
  • Backup coverage: Using multiple carriers, you’ll stay connected even in rural areas.

For Puerto Rico, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day 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 many Internet users you have or how long your trip to Puerto Rico is. Gigago always has an option for you.

VIII. How to top up a Liberty Puerto Rico SIM Card?

There are 3 main ways to top up your Liberty Puerto Rico SIM card:

1. Online Recharge:

Go to the prepaid section of the Liberty Puerto Rico website. You can add money to your SIM card using a credit or debit card.

You can top up from anywhere with the internet. Just enter your phone number and choose how much you want to add.

2. Recharge at Convenience Stores:

Many Puerto Rico convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies sell Liberty SIM card top-ups.  You can often find scratch cards or top-ups at the register by providing your phone number and the amount you want. 

Stores like Walgreens and Pueblo Supermarkets usually offer these services.

3. Using Third-Party Services:

You can use services like doctorSIM to add credit to your Liberty SIM card. These platforms often help international users, making it easy for tourists to top up before or during their trip.

IX. FAQs about Liberty Puerto Rico SIM Cards & eSIMs

How much does a Liberty SIM card cost?

Liberty offers prepaid plans starting from $25 for 1GB of data with unlimited talk and text​.

How do I top up my Liberty SIM card?

You can top up online through the Liberty website, at convenience stores, or by using third-party platforms.

Is a passport required to buy a Liberty SIM card?

Yes, you must present a valid passport or ID when purchasing a SIM card in Puerto Rico​.

Can I use Liberty SIM cards outside of Puerto Rico?

Liberty SIM cards work in the U.S. as well, allowing you to use your plan while traveling to the mainland.

X. Conclusion

I hope this post helps you grab and use Liberty Puerto Rico SIM cards & eSIMs! Whether you’re looking for either, you’ll know the best ways to stay connected during your trip. For a pleasant experience, check out the Gigago Puerto Rico eSIM for great coverage and flexible data plans. Enjoy exploring Puerto Rico without stressing about staying online!