Buy Personal SIM Cards and eSIM for tourists in 2024

Olivia Brown

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Latest update: September 2024

How to get and activate a Personal SIM & eSIM is of interest to many customers thanks to its popularity in Argentina. The information in this article will be important information for you.

In this article, Gigago will mention how to get and activate a Personal SIM & eSIM, which is an issue that is receiving a lot of attention from tourists and foreigners coming to Argentina for the first time. We will also introduce where to buy it as well as how to use it. All will be listed by Gigago below.

I. Overview about Personal – What you need to know

Personal is Argentina’s leading telecommunications services company. Here are some details:

• Ownership: Personal is owned by Telecom Argentina (this is also one of the 3 mobile telecommunications companies in Argentina)
• Brand change: Previously, Personal used the same logo as Telecom, which was changed in November 2011
• Establishment: Established in 1998 under the Personal brand
• In 2013, the number of Personal customers reached more than 19 million users
• Includes: fixed and mobile services

II. Personal coverage in Argentina

Personal’s coverage cannot be denied that it is very large. Just since 2013, the number of users has reached 19 million. By 2017, Personal had covered 71% of the entire Argentine population in 1000 large and small cities and towns; More than 90% of the Buenos Aires metro system is covered by Personal’s 4G/LTE network. Currently, Personal provides 4G coverage to 98% of the population.

III. Personal speed in Argentina

Personal’s access speed is good and provides high performance nationwide. Most large cities such as Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Cordoba, La Plata,… have average access speeds of up to 80MB. As of Q4 2023, Personal has a download speed of 93.84 Mbps, far exceeding many other network operators. Of course, there is also a disparity between urban and rural areas.

V. Top Personal  SIM cards for Tourists & Cost

Along with questions about how to get and activate a Personal SIM & eSIM, having data packages and trip expenses also need to be carefully prepared. These are Personal’s data packages for travelers you should consider:

In particular, since 2018, Personal has provided data packages specifically for tourists as follows: 699026 ARS ($800 USD) = 3 GB data + unlimited WhatsApp + 30 minutes international calling + 100 minutes of domestic calls (valid 30 days).

IV. Does Personal Argentina support eSIM?

Yes, Personal is one of three major network operators in Argentina that offers eSIM to customers. This is a form of technical SIM embedded into the device via QR, without the need for a physical SIM card. Personal’s eSIM has nationwide coverage and can activate 2 phone numbers on the same device.

It is a known fact that Personal is the first eSIM operator in Argentina, bringing a new experience to customers. However, due to the high cost and not really wide coverage, Gigago does not have an agreement to provide Personal eSIM.Argentine eSIM packages provided by Gigago come from Claro network with many time options for users to refer to.

VI. Where to buy Personal  SIM for Argentina

Ways to buy Personal SIM card in Argentina are as follows:

1. Buy at the airport upon arrival

If you choose to buy a Personal SIM card at Ezeiza International Airport, after checking in, go to Terminal A on the ground floor of the airport to see the kiosk. In addition, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery airport also has Personal SIM cards, you just need to go to the ground floor to see the carrier’s kiosk. However, you need time to queue for your turn to buy.

2. Buy at Personal’s store

As you may not know, Personal’s service is not available in English, so it requires you to have some Spanish vocabulary. That helps you find your way to the store and communicate with store staff. Here, you need to provide your passport to confirm your identity and activate your SIM card.

3. Buy at kiosks or authorized stores

There are many phone stores and kiosks in Argentina that have Personal SIM cards. This can help you buy a SIM card faster than buying at an official store. However, this method is not recommended because it is not guaranteed to be reputable and you may have to prepare extra cash to avoid credit card failure.

VII. A Better Alternatives to Personal SIM card – Argentina eSIM

In addition to Personal, Movistar and Claro are also major network operators in Argentina ready to provide many services to customers. However, each network has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you have a device ready to use eSIM, Gigago introduces you to eSIM Argentina with many attractive offers.

VIII. How to top up Personal Argentina SIM/eSIM

One of the following ways can top up SIM and eSIM cards:

• Download the Personal app to top up
• Top up via Personal’s website
• Top up at kiosk or store
• Top up via online service
• Top up with scratch card

The simple way to do it yourself is to download the Mi Personal Flow app > Go to Deposit > Enter the amount to deposit > Make payment > Ready for use.

IX. FAQs about Personal  in Argentina

X. Conclusion

Above are all instructions on how to get and activate a Personal SIM & eSIM. Hope you have a great experience in Argentina with your SIM and eSIM cards. Gigago will be pleased to provide you with an Argentine eSIM.