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.

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. Quick facts about Movistar Argentina

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. Argentina Movistar Coverage and Speed in the Argentina

Among the factors for customers to decide to use Movistar’s services, coverage area and access speed play a key role. Before learning how to get and activate a Movistar Argentina SIM & eSIM, here is the information you need to know to learn during your trip:

1. 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.

2. 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.

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Movistar Argentina for Travelers to Argentina?

Along with wondering how to get and activate a Movistar Argentina SIM & eSIM, visitors also wonder what type of connection to use. To connect to the internet in Argentina to be able to contact family members and stay connected while traveling, visitors can choose from the following methods:

Connectivity options	Pros	Cons
Movistar Argentina SIM card	Use with stable access speedThere are data packages specifically for short-term tourists, or you can purchase a long-term packageThere are many places to buy: Movistar store, airport in Argentina, shopping malls, train stations,…	Need an unlocked phone ready for useDisassembly may cause the SIM card to fall
Pocket wifi connects to Movistar Argentina	Connect multiple devices, multiple users at the same time: maximum up to 15 peopleNo physical SIM card required	It is not certain that the SIM card in the pocket wifi will work well in the area you are visiting (coverage area is not certain)A deposit or documents are required to rent pocket wifi from the supplierAccess speed depends on the number of usersNeed to maintain the battery of pocket wifi to use
Data roaming with Movistar Argentina	Keep your local SIM card intactAccess anywhere in the coverage area of Movistar network operator performing roaming	+ The cost is not for those with limited budgets+ Make sure your SIM card has an agreement with Movistar Argentina

From the comparison table above, you can see that buying a SIM card is the most economical and convenient option. Ensuring the basic requirements of many tourists.

IV. Best Movistar Argentina SIM cards for Tourists & Cost

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

Cost	Data	Call (minutes)	Social media	Valid
157175 ARS ($180 USD)	2 GB			5 days
122247 ARS ($140 USD)	1 GB			7 days
174639 ARS ($200 USD)	2 GB		1 GB	7 days
209567 ARS ($240 USD)	1.5 GB	60		7 days
231397 ARS ($365 USD)	2 GB	80		7 days
261958 ARS ($300 USD)	3 GB		1 GB	10 days
454061 ARS ($520 USD)	3 GB		1 GB	30 days
576308 ARS ($660 USD)	5 GB		5 GB	30 days
576308 ARS ($660 USD)	2 GB	100		30 days

V. 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).

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.

VI. Where can you buy a Movistar Argentina SIM card and eSIM?

Some of the instructions below can be referenced:

1. 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:

1.1. 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.

1.2. 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.

1.3. 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.

2. Where to buy Argentina Movistar eSIM

Determine whether your phone supports eSIM or not. Then, choose between buying directly in store or visiting Movistar Argentina’s website. Select the appropriate and valid data package for that data package. Provide some necessary information and email to receive QR for activation.

VII. How to Use and Activate Movistar Argentina Argentina SIM/eSIM in Argentina?

In searches about how to get and activate a Movistar Argentina SIM & eSIM, customers are also interested in how to use SIM and eSIM cards. Movistar Argentina’s usage method is not too different from other carriers.

1. How to Use and Activate Movistar Argentina SIM Card in Argentina?

Using a Movistar SIM card is like many SIM cards from other providers, the steps are short and simple as follows:

• Verify the phone is unlocked
• Insert the Movistar SIM card on the phone slot
• Restart your phone
• Go to “settings” to turn on data
• Use and know how to control data

2. How to Use and Activate Movistar Argentina eSIM?

At the network operator’s store or website, visitors can simply buy by following these steps:

• Choose the right eSIM package for your trip
• Payment costs
• Provide email to receive QR code
• Scan the QR code to activate on your phone
• Restart the phone to use
• Start using the service

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.

IX. Alternatives to Argentina Movistar Argentina

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.

X. FAQs about Movistar Argentina in Argentina

XI. 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.