Buying a SIM card at Mexico City International Airport (MEX): Tourists’ Guide 2024

Latest update: June 2024

This guide is aimed at helping international tourists who are looking to purchase a SIM card at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) upon arrival. The objective of this article is to provide readers with information on where and how to buy a tourist SIM card at the airport, including details on documentation needed, SIM card options for tourists, prices, and alternatives to airport SIM cards.

Following the guidance in these sections will prepare readers to have a mobile connection right from arrival at Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juárez International Airport).

In this article

I. How to get a SIM Card at Mexico City International Airport (MEX)?

There are several other ways to get a Mexico SIM card at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) such as ordering online before departure and purchasing once in Auckland center.

Where to buy	Pros	Cons
At Mexico City Airport	Convenient; Instant Internet access when you reach Mexico airport	Limited plan options; Fewer carrier options; Pretty expensive
Online before trip	A wider range of plan options, Affordable fees	Additional delivery fees; Need to wait for delivery if you buy a prepaid physical SIM
In Mexico center	Multiple plan options, The most affordable rates	Extra travel to the Auckland center

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Mexico City International Airport?

Different stores at the airport offer Mexico sim cards for tourists:

Door 3: MOBO shop – carries AT&T prepaid sim cards.
Door 5: MOBO shop – offers AT&T prepaid sim cards.
Door 5, 2nd floor: Official TelCel store – operates from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Door 6: OXXO – sells only Telcel sim cards.
Door 7: MOBO shop – has AT&T sim cards.
Door 7: OXXO – provides Telcel sim cards.
Door 8: 7Eleven – stocks Telcel sim cards.

What to Prepare:

Unlocked phone
Passport
Mexican Pesos (MXN): Having some cash on hand avoids currency exchange hassles.
Patience: Depending on the queue, waiting times can vary.

Cost:

Generally more expensive: Airport prices tend to be higher than buying elsewhere in Mexico or online beforehand.
Expect: Starter SIM card costs around $5 (85 MXN), with data packages ranging from $10-30 (170-513 MXN).

Pros:

Get online right after landing.
No need to search for stores or deal with language barriers.
Both Telcel and AT&T are available, offering different plans and coverage.

Cons:

Expect to pay a premium for convenience.
Fewer choices compared to online or city stores.
This may delay your immediate connection.

III. Best Tourist Mexico City Airport SIM Card Price

Choosing the right SIM card for your Mexico City trip depends on your data usage needs and budget. Here’s a comparison of popular options at Mexico City Airport:

Operator	Data	Price (USD)	Calls/Texts	Activation Fee (USD)	Notes
Telcel	2GB	29.90	Unlimited MX	N/A	Valid for 26 days, works in US & Canada
	3GB	39.99	Unlimited MX	N/A	Valid for 30 days, works in US & Canada
	8GB	69.14	Unlimited MX	N/A	Valid for 30 days, works in US & Canada
AT&T	1GB for 7 days	9	Unlimited MX	N/A	Works on AT&T & Movistar network
	2GB for 15 days	15	Unlimited MX	N/A	Works on AT&T & Movistar network
	3GB for 30 days	21	Unlimited MX	N/A	Works on AT&T & Movistar network
	3GB for 30 days (promotion)	12	Unlimited MX + Unlimited Social Media	N/A	Good value option, limited social media included

► Our reommendations:

Heavier Data users: Telcel 3GB/8GB
Moderate Data users: AT&T 3GB promo
Light Data users /Short Stays: AT&T 1GB

IV. eSIM for Mexico City – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Mexico City International Airport

Instead of buying a physical SIM card, you can try using an eSIM due to these comfort:

Scan a QR code, connect instantly – no more SIM tray hassle.
Travel seamlessly – switch between local eSIMs on the go.
Double your number options – keep your main line, add a temporary eSIM for data or another line.
Embrace the future – enjoy flexibility and convenience with eSIM, the standard of tomorrow.
Go green – choose eSIM for a more sustainable mobile experience.

Gigago is one of the leading providers in offering quality eSIMs. For Mexico, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $12.00 .

What is great about Gigago’s Mexico eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $12.00 – $224.50 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Mexico, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VI. FAQs about SIM Card at Mexico City International Airport

What are some local customs or etiquette I should know when using my phone with a Mexican SIM card?

Be mindful of public phone usage in certain areas and avoid loud conversations. Consider purchasing a local calling plan if making frequent calls to avoid potential cultural faux pas.

Can I sell or gift my unused SIM card at Mexico City International Airport to someone else?

This is generally not recommended as plans are often tied to specific phone numbers and activation processes. Sharing personal information associated with the SIM card also raises security concerns.

What’s the cheapest way to get data access in Mexico City?

Research! Compare plans from different vendors, consider your data needs, and opt for options with longer validity periods to spread the cost.

Can I use my SIM card in other parts of Mexico after leaving the airport?

Most tourist plans work nationwide but double-check the coverage area with the vendor to avoid surprises.

VII. Conclusion

Picking up a SIM card at Mexico City International Airport is simple and budget-friendly. This blog post helps you find the right Mexico SIM cards, register them correctly, choose from top providers and plans, and explore options like eSIMs.

Staying connected with dependable data, calls, and texts will help you explore Mexico effortlessly. Have a great journey!