Movistar SIM Cards and eSIM for tourists 2024

How to get and activate a Movistar Argentina SIM & eSIM is a matter of concern for many tourists and foreigners coming to Argentina for the first time. Below is the detailed information.

Movistar Argentina SIM card
Movistar Argentina SIM card

How to get and activate a Movistar Argentina SIM & eSIM is always a factor of interest to foreign tourists. Argentina always brings surprises to tourists every time they come to this country. Gigago’s article below with information about SIM cards, coverage area, access speed,… of network operator Movistar Argentina.

I. Overview about Movistar Argentina – What you need to know

Movistar Argentina is a famous telecommunications company invested from Spain
Movistar Argentina is a famous telecommunications company invested from Spain

Some quick information about Movistar Argentina that many people may not have known before:

  • Ownership: A subsidiary of the Spanish telecommunications company – Telefonica
  • Company name: Telefonica SA
  • Year the company was born: 1990
  • Coverage: Has wide coverage throughout urban to rural areas
  • Services provided: Includes voice calls, text messages, and mobile data services
  • Technology: Providing 3G, 4G, 4G+ and DSL networks
  • Branches: There are many branches to fully serve customers in Argentina from individuals to businesses
  • Investment and development: Continuously invest in infrastructure and technology to ensure expansion of coverage and customer service

II. Movistar coverage in Argentina

Thanks to modern investment in infrastructure, Movistar has wide coverage throughout Argentina from urban to rural areas. 4G+ network has strong coverage in densely populated areas such as Mendoza, San Juan, Buenos Aires, etc. On the contrary, less populated areas like La Pampa only have 2G network or none.

Movistar's coverage in Argentina
Movistar’s coverage in Argentina (Source: nPerf)

III. Movistar speed in Argentina

Movistar offers many internet packages with different speeds to meet different needs. According to the fourth quarter 2023 report, Movistar has a download speed of up to 106.41 Mbps, latency of 9 ms, average access speed of 17 Mbps in Buenos Aires.

Movistar's access speed in Argentina
Movistar’s access speed in Argentina

IV. Does Movistar Argentina Argentina support eSIM?

Yes, Movistar Argentina offers services including eSIM. This form of usage eliminates the need to use a physical SIM card, thereby saving space on the phone. This increases the ability to switch between phone devices and prevents loss of the physical SIM card. Movistar offers eSIM data plans from 1 GB to 100 GB per month from just 1500 ARS ($1.72 USD).

Movistar Argentina offers eSIM from 1 GB to 100 GB of data
Movistar Argentina offers eSIM from 1 GB to 100 GB of data

Visitors can buy eSIM directly at Movistar network via the internet or at the store. Unfortunately, Gigago currently does not provide this operator’s eSIM because of its popularity and quite high cost. Currently, Gigago also offers eSIM from Claro network with many data packages.

V. Top Movistar Argentina SIM cards for Tourists & Cost

Movistar Argentina’s data packages are suitable for each person’s trip length needs:

CostDataCall (minutes)Social mediaValid
157175 ARS ($180 USD)2 GB5 days
122247 ARS ($140 USD)1 GB7 days
174639 ARS ($200 USD)2 GB1 GB7 days
209567 ARS ($240 USD)1.5 GB607 days
231397 ARS ($365 USD)2 GB807 days
261958 ARS ($300 USD)3 GB1 GB10 days
454061 ARS ($520 USD)3 GB1 GB30 days
576308 ARS ($660 USD)5 GB5 GB30 days
576308 ARS ($660 USD)2 GB10030 days

Note: Information about data packages and costs is for reference only. Visitors need to visit the website to update costs at that time.

Movistar Argentina data packages for tourists
Movistar Argentina data packages for tourists

VI. Where to buy Movistar SIM for Argentina

There are many ways to buy a physical SIM card such as buying online, buying at Movistar store, buying when arriving at the airport,… Below are specific instructions:

1. Buy on arrival

Buying a physical SIM card directly upon arrival is a traditional way of purchasing that is still used today. Airports in Argentina have Movistar kiosks such as Ministro Pistarini International Airport. After checking in, customers go to the kiosk to choose to buy a SIM card.

Buy a SIM card directly at the airport upon arrival
Buy a SIM card directly at the airport upon arrival

2. Buy at Movistar store

In addition to buying at the airport, some tourists choose to buy at Movistar in your destination city. Normally, in densely populated areas and cities, it is not difficult to find a Movistar store. You can search the map for directions.

Buy SIM card at Movistar store in Argentina
Buy SIM card at Movistar store in Argentina

3. Buy at authorized retail of Movistar

In addition to the store, Movistar’s authorized mobile retail stores can also purchase physical SIM cards. It is important to find a reputable store that provides dedicated support for using SIM cards while in Argentina.

Authorized retail stores selling Movistar Argentina SIM cards
Authorized retail stores selling Movistar Argentina SIM cards

VII. A Better Alternatives to Movistar SIM cards – Argentina eSIM

Not only Movistar, other carriers such as Claro or Personal are also two popular options in Argentina. However, if your phone supports eSIM, you may consider using eSIM. If you don’t know which provider to find an eSIM from, Gigago is the address where you can refer to eSIM Argentina from network operator Claro.

Suitable alternative for eSIM supported phones
Suitable alternative for eSIM supported phones

VIII. How to top up Movistar Argentina Argentina SIM/eSIM

To top up Movistar Argentina’s SIM and eSIM cards, you can choose one of the following ways:

  • Download the Mi Movistar Argentina app and make a deposit
  • Recharge at Movistar store
  • Deposit via deposit services
  • Top up at top up stations inside the city
  • Top up via Movistar Argentina’s website

Example of loading on Mi Movistar Argentina app: Access the application > Go to top-up section > Select SIM/eSIM card top-up type > Select the data package to use > Payment.

Top up money on the Mi Movistar Argentina app
Top up money on the Mi Movistar Argentina app

IX. FAQs about Movistar Argentina in Argentina

How long is an eSIM QR code valid for?

Your QR code is valid for 30 days, but whether you can use it or not depends on the data package term.

What do I need to do to prepare to buy a Movistar SIM card in Argentina?

You need to prepare your passport (or other identification documents) to confirm your identity and cash.

How many stores in Buenos Aires can buy eSIM?

There are up to 3 large Movistar stores in Buenos Aires that can buy eSIM, you can search the address for directions.

X. Conclusion

Questions about how to get and activate a Movistar Argentina SIM & eSIM have been answered in the above article with useful information. Hope you have received meaningful information for your upcoming trip. And don’t forget the Argentine eSIM from Gigago can be an alternative to your Movistar physical SIM card.