Mobile Internet in Venezuela for Travelers: 5 Ways to Get Data & Cost

This article is for people visiting Venezuela and wonder how to get mobile internet in Venezuela. Mobile internet is important for staying connected while traveling abroad, but there are many options to get it now. Choosing which connectivity option best suits for your Venezuela trip may confuse many of you. This article will reveal the best ways to get data in Venezuela, associated costs, and more so you can choose the best options for your trip.

Mobile internet in Venezuela for travelers

I. Mobile Internet in Venezuela – Coverage and Speed

Visitors have 3 major mobile networks to choose from to buy SIMs in Venezuela: Movilnet, Digitel and Movistar. Each network has many unique advantages. Below are some evaluation criteria to help you better understand each carrier:

1. Venezuela Mobile Internet Coverage 

  • Mobile operators Movilnet

Movilnet is the largest mobile network in Venezuela with more than 20 million subscribers. This network provides wide coverage across the country, from urban to rural areas. Therefore helping customers easily use the Internet wherever they are.

Movilnet covers the entire country with 3G, 4G and 4G LTE networks
Movilnet covers the entire country with 3G, 4G and 4G LTE networks. Source: nperf

Currently, Movilnet covers the entire country with 3G, 4G and 4G LTE networks at extremely competitive costs. Furthermore, in rural areas Movilnet still maintains a 2G network for people who do not have smartphones, this makes it easier for them to communicate and exchange information.

  • Mobile operators Digitel

Digitel’s network initially covered only the central region of Venezuela, reaching about 44% of the entire population. However, in 2006, through government approval, Digitel quickly covered the entire country.

Digitel quickly covered the entire country
Digitel quickly covered the entire country. Source: nperf

In early 2010, Digitel had a 3G network covering the entire country, becoming the fastest service provider in Venezuela. By the end of 2013, Digitel had a 4G/LTE network covering Venezuela.

  • Mobile operators Movistar

Movistar is the second largest mobile network operator in Venezuela. This network provides wide coverage across major cities to suburbs with more than 10 million registered subscribers.

Movistar provides 2G, 3G and 4G services throughout Venezuela
Movistar provides 2G, 3G and 4G services throughout Venezuela. Source: nperf

Currently Movistar provides 2G, 3G and 4G services throughout Venezuela. Especially in big cities like Caracas and Valencia, Movistar is offering 5G network package services for tourists.

2. Venezuela Mobile Internet Speed

CriteriaMovilnetDigitelMovistar
Average download speed8.34 Mbps14.37 Mbps9.72 Mbps
Average upload speed3.24 Mbps6.97 Mbps5.82 Mbps
Average delay speed121 ms97 ms112 ms
Consistency55.8%68.0%60.4%

In short, if users prioritize overall internet speed (both download and upload) and consistency, Digitel seems to be the best choice based on the data provided. However, if you want to use a fast network at a reasonable price, you can choose Movistar.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Venezuela?

Currently, there are 5 basic ways for tourists to connect to the Internet when traveling to Venezuela: Roaming, using prepaid Venezuela SIM, using eSIM Venezuela, Free Wifi and Pocket Wifi. Depending on personal needs, customers can easily choose the most suitable method.

Connectivity OptionsCharacteristicProsCons
RoamingUse the same SIM that Vietnam is using to roam and connect to the Venezuela network.– You don’t have to remove the main SIM so you don’t have to worry about losing the main SIM.
– Keep the same Vietnamese number when contacting.
– Expensive cost.
– Not all network operators in Vietnam have connection and cooperation contracts with network operators in Venezuela.
Prepaid Thailand SIM cardUse a physical SIM to travel from Venezuela.– Good price.
– Diverse packages to suit all types of needs.
– It takes effort to buy or wait for the SIM to be shipped to install it.
– Main SIM is easily lost when removed.
– Limit 1 device to only use 1 sim.
eSIM Thailand– This is digital SIM.
– Users do not need to disassemble and install, just scan the QR code to download the package information attached to the eSIM.
– Easily buy eSIM online, no need to declare information.
– Just scan the QR to get the SIM, no complicated installation required.
– Multiple packages can be installed on the same phone.
– Device picky, must have an eSIM compatible device to use (usually high-end models).
– Must have an unlocked phone to use.
Free WifiUse public Wifi in Venezuela such as at cafes, restaurants, malls.– Easy to use.
– No cost.
– Can’t actively access the Internet when needed.
– Information security risks.
– Slow speed due to many users.
Pocket WifiAs a network sharing device, it can share connections with many different devices.– The phone does not need to be unlocked to receive the Internet.
– Easy to use: turn on and use.
– High cost of renting or purchasing equipment.
– Must ensure distance between the phone and the wifi transmitter.
– If there are many users, the internet is not good.

Our recommendation:

  • From the table above, buying a SIM card with data is the most optimal solution. However, before buying a SIM card in Venezuela, you need to check whether the phone is unlocked or not.
  • If customers have a eSIM compatible phone, eSIM is the optimal solution because of its affordable price and diverse packages. If you want to use eSIM, you need to check if your phone is in the list of eSIM compatible devices.

III. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Venezuela

Data SIM cards are a good choice for travelers to both connect and stay in touch with people back home through apps. The three major carriers in Venezuela, Movilnet, Digitel and Movistar, all support SIM cards for tourists with many different packages.

Movilnet SIM cards data packages:

Movilnet SIM cards data package
Movilnet SIM cards data package
  • Movil Prepago 10: Movil Prepago 10 prepaid plan offers 100 calling minutes, 100 SMS messages and 100 MB high-speed data for 10,000 VEB.
  • Movil Prepago 20: Movil Prepago 20 prepaid plan offers 200 calling minutes, 200 SMS messages and 200MB high-speed data for 20,000 VEB.
  • Movil Prepago 30: Movil Prepago 30 prepaid plan offers 300 calling minutes, 300 SMS messages and 300MB high-speed data for 30,000 VEB.

Digitel SIM cards data packages:

Digitel SIM cards data package
Digitel SIM cards data package
  • Digitel Data 100 package: Digitel Data 100 data package provides 100 MB data for only 100,000 VEB.
  • Digitel Data 200 package: Digitel Data 200 package provides 200 MB chir data at a price of 200,000 VEB.

Movistar SIM cards data packages:

Movistar SIM cards data package
Movistar SIM cards data package
  • Prepago Oro package: Postpaid package costs 10,000 VEF per month. This package provides 10 GB of high-speed data, 500 minutes of on-net calls and 100 minutes of off-net calls.
  • Prepago Platino package: Postpaid package costs 15,000 VEF per month. This package providing 20 GB of high-speed data, 700 minutes of on-net calls and 150 minutes of off-net

Note: Please note that the above prices are for reference only. To update the latest specific information, contact the operator. 

IV. Data eSIM for Venezuela – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

eSIM is a flexible and cost-effective mobile solution for travelers who need an internet connection. Depending on your needs, you can buy from an operator that provides Venezuelan eSIM or buy from eSIM providers.

1. Buy eSIM from Venezuela Operators

The three major carriers in Venezuela, Movilnet, Digitel and Movistar, currently all provide eSIM services for visitors to Venezuela. You can buy eSIM cards directly through stores at the airport or in Venezuela city.

You can buy eSIM from Venezuela Operators
You can buy eSIM from Venezuela Operators

However, with this method of purchasing, you must present your passport or ID card to register to buy an eSIM card. Furthermore, communication with sales staff may be difficult because of the language barrier.

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

If visitors want to buy a Venezuelan eSIM, they can refer to the options on Gigago. With a convenient 100% online process, customers will receive the eSIM via email and activate it with a QR code, connecting immediately upon landing.

If visitors want to buy a Venezuelan eSIM, they can refer to the options at Gigago
If visitors want to buy a Venezuelan eSIM, they can refer to the options at Gigago

This is the most convenient solution for travelers to get mobile internet in Venezuela without having to declare passport and ID card information. The steps to buy Venezuela eSIM on Gigago are also extremely simple. If this is your first time buying, you can refer to the following:

Choose the appropriate plan based on your needs, finances and trip duration.

  • Make payments.
  • Wait to receive the email.
  • Scan QR code or import activation code manually.
  • Turn on data roaming on the phone.
  • Complete the process.

V. FAQs about Mobile Internet in Venezuela

Which are the major mobile carriers in Venezuela?

Movilnet, Digitel, and Movistar are the major mobile carriers in Venezuela.

Are there other factors that can affect mobile internet speed in Venezuela?

Yes, factors like geographic location, network coverage, and device compatibility can impact mobile internet speed.

VI. Conclusion

The above article shares detailed information about mobile internet in Venezuela. Hope you have saved useful information and visit Gigago to discover the new Venezuela eSIM at a discounted price for your upcoming trip.