How to Get and Activate Movistar SIM Cards & eSIM: Guide for Tourists

How to get and activate a Movistar SIM card & eSIM Mexico is an issue that many tourists are interested in while traveling in Mexico. This article will guide you how to get and activate the SIM card and eSIM plans of this network operator. Also, you will know the best alternative option for Movistar SIM card to stay connected in Mexico.

Get and activate Movistar SIM card and eSIM Mexico

I. Quick Facts about Movistar Mexico

Movistar is the second largest mobile network operator in Mexico. This network provides wide coverage in many cities and rural areas and has 25.8 million subscribers as of January 2020.

  • Movistar is a Spanish mobile operator launched in 1995.
  • The meaning of the name Movistar represents the best transformation and flexibility of telecommunications services.
  • Movistar offers a variety of packages, supports eSIM and Movistar’s internet speed reaches an average of 20 Mbps, meeting basic usage needs.
  • Movistar provides extensive coverage across major cities in Mexico and has more than 5 million registered subscribers.
  • Currently, Movistar is operating in 10 different countries and has a large sales system.
  • About service Movistar offers 24/7 online support to help customers at all times.
  • Movistar offers support in a variety of languages, depending on the customer’s location and specific requirements.

II. Why Movistar When Traveling Mexico? Coverage and Speed

Movistar is the third-largest mobile network operator in Mexico
Movistar is the third-largest mobile network operator in Mexico

Movistar is a telecommunications provider chosen by many people, especially tourists to Mexico. Based on coverage, internet speed, and price, this brand is considered to have the best service in Mexico.

1. Movistar Coverage in Mexico

Movistar provides extensive coverage throughout Mexico. From cities, large centers to suburbs, the company is present. Therefore, Movistar will be the top choice of tourists, you can comfortably go everywhere without worrying.

Movistar provides extensive coverage throughout Mexico
Movistar provides extensive coverage throughout Mexico. Source: nperf

2. Movistar Speed

Regarding Internet speed, Movistar is always the optimal choice when compared to many other competitors. Currently, this mobile operator has speeds reaching 4G+ – 5G standards in big cities and rural areas in Mexico.

Regarding Internet speed, Movistar is always the optimal choice
Regarding Internet speed, Movistar is always the optimal choice

Compared to other leading telecommunications companies in Mexico such as Digitel and Movilnet, the speed in big cities is only 3G – 4G. Movistar has high superiority, thereby meeting all customer needs.

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

Currently, tourists have many options to connect to Movistar in Mexico such as buying a SIM card in Mexico, using pocket Wifi and Roaming. Each option will have different advantages and disadvantages to suit each customer’s needs. To understand better, please refer to this comparison table.

Connectivity optionsSIM CardPocket wifiRoaming
Pros– Affordable.
– Diverse packages to suit all types of needs.
– Fast, strong connection.
– The phone does not need to be unlocked to receive the Internet.
– Easy to use and no need to remove SIM.
– 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.
Cons– It takes a few steps to connect to the network.
– Easy to lose the main SIM when removing it.
– Limited to 1 device using only 1 SIM.
– Equipment rental or purchase costs are high.
– Have to come in person to buy or wait for delivery.
– Must charge or use a backup charger.
– Broadcast range is not far.
– Must ensure a safe distance between the phone and the Wifi transmitter.
– High costs for data consumption, calls or messages.
– Not sure if your carrier has roaming with Movistar.

IV. Best Movistar SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Mexico Movistar is a network provider that offers many service packages including prepaid and postpaid packages. Visitors should refer to information such as: connection capacity, calls, messages and prices. This is an important basis to help you consider the package that suits your needs.

Mexico Movistar is a network provider that offers many service packages
Mexico Movistar is a network provider that offers many service packages
  • Básico Package: Prepaid package costs 1,000 VEF. This package provides 1 GB of high-speed data, 100 minutes of on-net calls and 20 minutes of off-net calls.
  • Avanzado package: Prepaid package costs 2,000 VEF. This package provides 3 GB of high-speed data, 200 minutes of on-network calls and 40 minutes of off-network calls.
  • 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

In addition, you can also choose Movistar’s eSIM service. With this method, tourists will not have to disassemble, avoid losing the original SIM, and the price is extremely affordable. However, eSIM is quite picky about devices, so you need to check to see if your phone is compatible with this technology.

V. Does Movistar Support eSIM in Mexico?

Yes. Movistar has eSIM support in Mexico. This is a flexible and cost-effective mobile solution for travelers who need an internet connection. Furthermore, this method has many diverse options depending on the needs of each customer.

Movistar has eSIM support in Mexico
Movistar has eSIM support in Mexico

In particular, this option helps visitors have a stable connection everywhere and uninterrupted contact with the old phone number. This is something that a physical SIM cannot do.

If visitors want to buy a Mexico eSIM, they can refer to the eSIM plans at 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.

For Mexico, 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, vary between $12.00$224.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Mexico, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

Additionally, the product is fully insured in Mexico. Gigago staff are always ready to support customers 24/7 via chat or email.

Note: eSIM only works on specific unlocked phone models. To check if your phone is unlocked and can use eSIM, refer our guides.

VI. Where to Buy a Movistar SIM card and eSIM?

Currently there are many ways for you to buy Movistar SIM card and eSIM. Therefore, depending on your own needs, you can easily choose the appropriate purchasing method. To understand better, please refer to the following.

1. Where to Buy Movistar SIM Card for Mexico?

1.1. Upon Arrival

You can buy SIM cards directly at the Mexico airport upon arrival. In addition, you also buy SIM cards from local mobile service provider stores in the city center. With this purchase method, visitors will have to provide identification and passport information to register.

You can buy SIM cards upon arrival
You can buy SIM cards upon arrival

1.2. Movistar store

You can buy a SIM card online on the official Movistar store page. When choosing this form, it is best for tourists to buy the card 1 day before departure to avoid risks. In addition, you can also buy directly at the Movistar store at the airport or in downtown Mexico.

You can buy a SIM card at Movistar store
You can buy a SIM card at Movistar store

1.3. Other authorized retail stores

You can purchase SIM cards from other authorized retail stores. Before buying, tourists need to check the reputation of the store. Also pay attention to your phone’s compatibility with Mexico networks.

You can purchase SIM cards from other authorized retail stores
You can purchase SIM cards from other authorized retail stores

With this method, the SIM card will be activated in advance, allowing customers to use it immediately upon arrival in Mexico. Furthermore, ordering online is very easy and saves a lot of time.

2. Where to Buy Movistar eSIM for Mexico?

Purchasing an Movistar eSIM online is a straightforward process, and travelers have the option to buy from either an international or Mexico SIM provider. Gigago stands out as one of the trustworthy leading suppliers that you can confidently opt for.

Purchasing an Movistar eSIM online is a straightforward process
Purchasing an Movistar eSIM online is a straightforward process

Below is the online eSIM buying process that you can refer to:

  • Choose an eSIM Provide.
  • Access the Website or App.
  • Choose the appropriate eSIM Package.
  • Fill in Information and Payment.
  • Get eSIM and Activation Instructions.
  • Checking connection.

VII. How to Activate Movistar SIM/eSIM in Mexico?

Using a Movistar SIM/eSIM for Mexico is not difficult. If this is your first time using it, please check the instructions below.

1. How to Use Movistar SIM Card in Mexico?

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.

  1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device.
  2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card.
  3. Activate the SIM card: In most cases, the Unitel Laos SIM card will be pre-activated.
  4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
  5. Check your services.

2. How to Activate Movistar eSIM?

Getting started with an Movistar eSIM for Mexico is quite easy as follows:

  1. Install the eSIM.
  2. Activate the eSIM.
  3. Set up the eSIM.
  4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

VIII. How to Top-up Movistar SIM/eSIM

How to get and activate a Movistar SIM & eSIM Mexico is extremely simple. However, there are still many tourists wondering about this issue. That’s why Gigago will share the process on how to top-up that you can refer to.

How to get and activate a Movistar SIM & eSIM Mexico is extremely simple
How to get and activate a Movistar SIM & eSIM Mexico is extremely simple
  • Access Movistar’s Online Platform: Visit the official Movistar website or use the Movistar app if available.
  • Log In or Create an Account: Log in to your Movistar account or create one if you don’t have an existing account.
  • Navigate to Recharge Section: Look for the “Recharge” or “Top-up” section within your account.
  • Enter Recharge Details: Enter your phone number and the desired recharge amount.
  • Choose Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method (credit card, online banking, etc.).
  • Confirm and Complete the Transaction: Confirm the details and complete the recharge transaction.
  • Receive Confirmation: Once the transaction is successful, you should receive a confirmation message

IX. FAQs about Movistar in Mexico

What documents do I need when buying a Movistar SIM card? 

Answer: Visitors need to prepare a passport or Mexico ID.

Should tourists choose prepaid or postpaid Movistar SIM?

Answer: Prepaid service packages are preferred by many travelers because of their flexibility and diverse top-up options.

How to recharge Movistar SIM card?

Answer: Visitors have the option to recharge Movistar SIM cards through carrier outlets, authorized vendors, mobile applications, and online platforms.

X. Conclusion

The above article shares details on how to get and activate a Movistar SIM & eSIM Mexico. Hope you have saved useful information and please visit Gigago to check for a new Mexico SIM at a discounted price for your upcoming trip.