How to Get Mobile Internet in Puerto Rico for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Published: October 2024

Mobile internet in Puerto Rico is a must-have for travelers who want to stay engaged throughout their trip.

Tourists in Puerto Rico may find it tricky to choose mobile internet options due to concerns about coverage and high data costs. This article aims to help travelers understand mobile internet coverage, rates, and the best solutions, like the recommended Gigago eSIM, to ensure a smooth trip.

In this article

I. Mobile Internet in Puerto Rico – Coverage and Speed

Puerto Rico has good mobile internet that works well most of the time, but the quality can change depending on the service provider. Tourists can usually count on a strong connection, but 5G availability might be different in some areas.

According to the Opensignal July 2024 report, Puerto Rico’s mobile coverage is strong, with differences among the major carriers: Claro, Liberty, and T-Mobile. Here’s a breakdown:

Coverage Experience: Claro leads with the highest score of 9.1, followed by T-Mobile at 8.7 and Liberty at 7.6.
Availability: Both Claro and Liberty offer 99.4% availability, while T-Mobile stands at 98.6%.
5G Availability: T-Mobile dominates with 72.5% availability, far ahead of Liberty at 30.4% and Claro at 15.4%.

► Recommendation: If you prioritize general network coverage, Claro is the best choice. However, if 5G access is crucial, T-Mobile offers the most extensive 5G network in Puerto Rico.

2. Puerto Rico Mobile Internet Speed

Based on Speedtest Awards Q2-Q3 2023, Puerto Rico’s mobile internet speeds vary depending on the provider:

Liberty: Top performer with a speed score of 122.01 and maximum speeds of 436.41 Mbps.
Claro: Speed score of 86.02, with top speeds of 331.45 Mbps.
AeroNet: Speed score of 64.19, top speeds reaching 30.33 Mbps.

► Recommendation: If speed is your priority, Liberty offers the fastest internet in Puerto Rico, making it ideal for users who need high-speed connectivity.

II. What are the Connectivity Options for Tourists in Puerto Rico?

When traveling to Puerto Rico, tourists have several options to stay connected:

Puerto Rico SIM card
Puerto Rico eSIM
Roaming with Puerto Rico operators
Public WiFi
Pocket WiFi

Comparison of Connectivity Options

Option	How It Works	Cost	Where to Buy	Convenience	Pros	Cons
Puerto Rico SIM card	Insert a local SIM into your phone.	Affordable	Airports, local shops, kiosks	Easy to find and use	Good coverage, flexible data plans	Requires phone unlocking, changing SIM cards.
Puerto Rico eSIM	Activate via QR code on eSIM phone.	Moderate	Online, local providers	No physical SIM needed	Easy switch between plans, ideal for short trips	Not all phones compatible, slightly pricier.
Roaming	Use your home SIM with roaming.	High	Automatic through provider	Immediate use	No new SIM needed, automatic connectivity	Expensive, limited coverage.
Public WiFi	Connect to public WiFi hotspots.	Free or low	Cafes, hotels, malls	Good for short use	No SIM required, free in many locations	Unreliable, not secure, limited coverage.
Pocket WiFi	Carry a rented portable WiFi device.	Moderate to high	Online, airport	Connects multiple devices	Great for groups, portable	Needs rental/return, limited battery life.

► Recommendation: Buying a SIM card with data is optimal for most tourists. If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, the eSIM is even more convenient due to its flexibility and ease of use.

Tip: Ensure your phone is unlocked before buying a SIM card. For eSIM users, check if your phone is eSIM-compatible.

III. Internet Rates in Puerto Rico

Option	Cost (USD)	Data Allowance	Validity	Notes
Puerto Rico SIM Card	$10 – $40/month	10 GB – Unlimited 4G/5G Data	30 days	Claro, Liberty, T-Mobile SIMs are common. No contract plans.
Puerto Rico eSIM	$27 for 5 days – $79 for 30 days	Unlimited data (eSIM only)	5 to 30 days	Best for convenience, supports tethering, no physical SIM needed
Roaming	$5 – $10/day	Dependent on carrier	Per day	Expensive for heavy use, but convenient for short-term.
Public WiFi	Free in select areas	Unlimited but slow	Unlimited	Limited availability in public spaces like hotels or cafes.
Pocket WiFi (rental)	$7 – $12/day	Unlimited data	Per day	Good for groups, but requires carrying an extra device.

► Recommendation: For solo travelers or those who want simplicity, eSIMs are the best choice. For groups, pocket WiFi is great for sharing unlimited data among multiple devices, though it means carrying an extra gadget. Public WiFi is okay for occasional use, but don’t rely on it too much since coverage can be spotty.

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Puerto Rico

If you’re visiting Puerto Rico, you can grab data SIM cards from major providers like Liberty, Claro, and T-Mobile. They have a bunch of prepaid plans with different data limits and prices, so you can find one that fits your needs perfectly!

Liberty: Prepaid plans offer 5 GB to unlimited data, costing $15 to $65 based on data and features like hotspot access.
Claro: Plans range from 3 GB to 39 GB, priced between $15 and $39.
T-Mobile: Offers plans from 10 GB to unlimited data, costing $40 to $50, with options for multiple lines.

These prices are for reference only and may vary. Always check with the operator for the most updated information

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

When getting mobile internet as a tourist in Puerto Rico, eSIMs offer a flexible and convenient solution. Here are two main ways to get an eSIM for your trip:

Buy from Puerto Rico operators
Buy from Gigago

1. Buy eSIM from Puerto Rico Operators

List of Operators:

Liberty
Claro
T-Mobile

How to Buy:

Go to the operator’s official website if you want.
Choose the eSIM option in mobile plans.
Fill out the required information, pick your plan, and finish the purchase.
You’ll get an email with a QR code to scan and activate your eSIM.

Pros: Local support and services, often with local offers.

Cons: You may need a local ID to buy; it might not be available online before you get to Puerto Rico.

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

The easiest way to get connected is to buy an eSIM from a reliable provider like Gigago. This lets you get online as soon as you arrive in Puerto Rico without needing local ID, waiting for a SIM card to be delivered, or going to a store. Everything is done online for a hassle-free experience.

How to Buy:

Visit the Gigago website, click on the “Buy eSIM” option, and select “See all destinations.“
Type “Puerto Rico” in the search box to find available eSIM plans.
Pick a plan that fits your data needs, budget, and how long you’ll be there.
Go to the payment page and finish your purchase.
After you pay, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. Scan it or enter the activation code to set up your eSIM.

Once it’s activated, turn on data roaming on your phone to start using mobile internet in Puerto Rico.

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.

VI. FAQs about Mobile Internet in Puerto Rico

How is the 5G coverage in Puerto Rico?

Both T-Mobile and Liberty offer extensive 5G coverage, with T-Mobile covering approximately 97% of the island, providing fast internet speeds.

What is the average cost of mobile data in Puerto Rico?

Mobile data prices vary, with prepaid plans ranging from $15 to $65 depending on the operator and data allowance. Liberty and Claro offer competitive rates.

Do I need to show identification to buy a SIM card in Puerto Rico?

Yes, identification such as a passport is required when purchasing a SIM card in Puerto Rico.

Can I use my U.S. mobile plan in Puerto Rico?

Many U.S. carriers treat Puerto Rico as part of their domestic coverage, but it’s important to confirm with your provider to avoid unexpected charges.

VII. Conclusion

I hope this blog post helps you and answers your questions about mobile internet in Puerto Rico. For a smooth and easy experience, check out the Gigago Puerto Rico eSIM, which lets you set up your mobile internet before you even arrive. Visit Gigago right now to find affordable and flexible eSIM plans that fit your needs!