How to Get Mobile Internet in Mexico for Tourists: What Best Option to Choose?

For tourists visiting Mexico, getting mobile internet in Mexico is essential to stay connected. This guide will outline the different options available to tourists, including data SIM cards and eSIMs, to choose the best way to access fast and affordable internet while traveling throughout Mexico. 

We will discuss factors like Mexico’s mobile internet coverage and speed, available connectivity options, data rates, and why data eSIM may be the top choice for getting mobile internet in Mexico.

I. Mobile Internet in Mexico – Coverage and Speed

Three (3) major mobile network providers in Mexico cover most areas: Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T. Let’s take a look at the network coverage and speed of these three carriers.

1. Mexico Mobile Internet Coverage

Mexico boasts extensive mobile internet coverage, with claims reaching 94.5% nationally. However, choosing the best provider depends on your specific needs and location. Let’s dive into the coverage data of major operators:

Telcel:

• Coverage: Most comprehensive, covering nearly all populated areas with 3G, 4G, and 5G (limited deployment). Strong presence in rural areas and major cities.
• Advantages: Widest reach, reliable speeds.
• Disadvantages: Can be pricier than competitors.

Movistar:

• Coverage: Strong in urban centers and tourist areas, offering 3G, 4G, and some 5G pockets. Coverage in rural areas can be spotty.
• Advantages: Often offers competitive data packages and promotions.
• Disadvantages: Rural coverage can be unreliable.

AT&T:

• Coverage: Primarily focused on major cities and tourist destinations, with 3G and 4G coverage. 5G availability is minimal.
• Advantages: Often has the most affordable data plans.
• Disadvantages: Limited coverage outside urban areas, and lower network reliability compared to Telcel.

▶ Our Recommendation: Determining the “best” operator depends on your priorities.

• For widespread coverage and reliability, Telcel is the leader, especially if venturing outside major cities.
• For budget-conscious travelers staying in urban areas, AT&T might be suitable.
• Movistar offers a balance between affordability and decent coverage, but be prepared for potential gaps in rural areas.

2. Mexico Mobile Internet Speed

2.1 Nationwide Average Speed Test (Download and Upload Speed)

Operator	Download Speed (Mbps)	Upload Speed (Mbps)	Latency (ms)
Telcel	24.81	10.33	43
Movistar	22.82	8.83	47
AT&T	19.05	8.39	55

2.2 Regional Variations 

Big Cities:

• Mexico City:
  • Telcel: 34.08 Mbps download, 12.30 Mbps upload, 37 ms latency
  • Movistar: 28.24 Mbps download, 10.12 Mbps upload, 42 ms latency
  • AT&T: 25.14 Mbps download, 9.42 Mbps upload, 52 ms latency
• Guadalajara:
  • Telcel: 31.24 Mbps download, 11.42 Mbps upload, 39 ms latency
  • Movistar: 26.85 Mbps download, 9.81 Mbps upload, 45 ms latency
  • AT&T: 23.57 Mbps download, 8.95 Mbps upload, 54 ms latency
• Monterrey:
  • Telcel: 30.58 Mbps download, 11.23 Mbps upload, 41 ms latency
  • Movistar: 27.12 Mbps download, 9.57 Mbps upload, 46 ms latency
  • AT&T: 22.94 Mbps download, 8.79 Mbps upload, 53 ms latency

Rural Areas:

• Download speeds generally range from 5 Mbps to 15 Mbps across all operators.
• Upload speeds typically fall between 2 Mbps and 5 Mbps.
• Latency can be higher than in urban areas, reaching up to 100 ms or more.

▶ Our Recommendation: Telcel is the recommended operator in Mexico. However, for specific regions or budget needs, compare data plans and user reviews of Movistar and AT&T as well.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Mexico?

When it comes to connecting to 03 big networks in Mexico, you have 03 common options: roaming for Mexico, using an Mexican SIM card, or relying on free WiFi. Each choice has its pros and cons.

Let’s determine the ideal pick for tourists visiting Mexico:

Option	Roaming	Free WiFi	International SIM Card
Setup	Automatic	Varies (may require login)	Requires SIM swap (eSIM possible)
Convenience	No additional device	Often readily available	Works like your home phone
Coverage	Limited to carrier network	Varies by location	Wider than free WiFi
Cost	Expensive, unpredictable	Free, but potential security risks	Affordable data plans
Pros	Simple to use	Widely accessible, saves data	Avoids roaming charges
Cons	High cost, potential data limits	Unreliable speed and security	Requires setup, potential compatibility issues

III. Internet Rates in Mexico

Staying online while traveling in Mexico doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s a quick overview of different mobile internet options and their costs, converted to USD for easy comparison:

Option	Data	Validity	Price MXN	Price USD
SIM card Mexico	5GB	30 days	199	9.95
eSIM Mexico	10GB	30 days	299	14.95
Roaming with Telcel	1GB	30 days	399	19.95
Roaming with Movistar	2GB	30 days	499	24.95
Roaming with AT&T	5GB	30 days	599	29.95
Public WiFi	Varies	Varies	Free (with limitations)	Free (with limitations)
Pocket WiFi	5GB	30 days	499	24.95

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Mexico

Staying connected while traveling in Mexico is crucial for navigating, staying informed, and staying in touch with loved ones back home. Luckily, several data SIM card options cater to tourists, offering affordable data packages and easy activation.

Leading data SIM cards for tourists:

1. Telcel: Boasts the widest network coverage in Mexico.

• Amigo Sin Limite: Unlimited calls and SMS within Mexico + 3GB data valid for 30 days – MXN 200 ($10)
• Amigo Sin Limite Datos: Unlimited data (throttled to 256kbps after 10GB) valid for 30 days – MXN 300 ($15)

2. AT&T: Offers coverage in major cities and tourist areas.

• Unlimited USA & Mexico: Unlimited calls, texts, and data within Mexico + USA – MXN 399 ($20)
• Prepaid SIM: Various data packages available, starting from 1GB for 7 days – MXN 99 ($5)

3. Movistar: Provides good coverage in urban areas.

• Turista Sin Limite: Unlimited calls, texts, and data within Mexico valid for 7 days – MXN 229 ($12)
• Datos Sin Limite: Unlimited data (throttled to 256kbps after 10GB) valid for 7 days – MXN 99 ($5) 

V. Data eSIM for Mexico – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

eSIM is always the best choice while traveling because of these benefits:

• Convenience: Skip airport lines and SIM swaps. Activate instantly online!
• Flexibility: Choose data plans tailored to your needs, with no locked contracts.
• Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than roaming charges or local physical SIMs.
• Connectivity: Stay online anywhere, avoiding Wi-Fi dead zones.

Why Gigago for your Mexico eSIM?

While several providers offer eSIMs for Mexico, Gigago stands out for:

• Unbeatable Value: Enjoy generous data packages at competitive prices.
• Reliable Coverage: Powered by Movistar and AT&T, Mexico’s largest and fastest network.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Get assistance anytime, anywhere, in multiple languages.

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. Buying Mexico eSIM from Gigago now!

VI. FAQs about Mobile Internet in Mexico

VII. Conclusion

Planning a great trip to Mexico with easy internet access can be simple if you understand the tips provided for getting mobile internet in Mexico. If you need help, reach out to us through the official website or the Mexico carriers’ websites for assistance. Have a fantastic journey!