Buying a SIM Card in San Juan for Travelers: Guide from Locals

Harper Thomas

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Published: January 2025

Buying a SIM card in San Juan is your ticket to staying connected while exploring Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital.

This guide is perfect for travelers looking to find the best SIM card in San Juan without wasting time or money. Whether you need reliable mobile internet, affordable plans, or just want to avoid awkward WiFi-hunting moments, we’ve got you covered. From insider tips to comparing carriers, this article ensures you’re ready to stay connected and make the most of your trip!

I. Why Buy a SIM card in San Juan?

Getting a SIM card in San Juan is the smartest way to stay connected during your trip. It’s simple, affordable, and keeps you online wherever you go. Here’s why it beats other options:

• Saves Money: Roaming charges can be crazy expensive. A SIM card gives you data, calls, and texts without blowing your budget.
• Always Online: Free WiFi isn’t always available; when it is, it’s often slow or unsafe. With a SIM card, you’ll have reliable internet anytime.
• Hassle-Free: Pocket WiFi can run out of battery or get heavy to carry. A SIM card pops right into your phone and works like magic.
• Quick and Easy: Online options like eSIMs are great but can feel a bit technical. Buying a local SIM in San Juan is fast and ready to use.

With a SIM card in San Juan, you get to travel stress-free, save money, and enjoy a smooth trip. It’s a no-brainer for anyone visiting this amazing city!

II. Which mobile internet carrier is the best in San Juan?

Source: Opensignal (July 2024)

The best mobile internet carrier in San Juan is T-Mobile, based on its exceptional performance in coverage, speed, and overall reliability. The report from Opensignal highlighted T-Mobile as the winner in key categories like 5G download/upload speeds and coverage consistency.

San Juan has three major network operators: T-Mobile, Liberty, and Claro, along with a few MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that use the infrastructure of these major carriers.

Here’s a comparison of the major operators:

III. Best San Juan SIM Card Plans and Price

In San Juan, SIM card plans range from $10 to $65 per month, depending on the carrier and the data package. Below is a comparison of the top prepaid plans offered by Liberty, Claro, and T-Mobile:

Recommendation:

• Heavy users: Choose T-Mobile’s Unlimited Prepaid Plan ($50) for fast 5G and unlimited data.
• Moderate users: Liberty’s 25GB Prepaid Plan ($35) is reliable with rollover data.
• Budget travelers: Claro’s 10GB Prepaid Plan ($12) is affordable for light use.

IV. Where to Buy SIM Card in San Juan?

When visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico, you can purchase SIM cards from major carriers like Claro, Liberty, and T-Mobile at various locations:

• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU): Upon arrival, look for kiosks or retail outlets in the arrivals area that offer SIM cards. Availability may vary, and prices might be slightly higher for convenience.
• Official Retail Stores:
  • Claro: Visit Claro stores throughout San Juan for SIM cards and assistance. Use the Claro Store Locator to find a nearby location.
  • Liberty: Formerly AT&T, Liberty has retail outlets where you can purchase SIM cards. Find store locations on the Liberty Store Locator.
  • T-Mobile: T-Mobile stores in San Juan offer SIM cards and support. Locate a store using the T-Mobile Store Locator.
• Authorized Resellers: Electronics stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores often sell SIM cards from these carriers. Ensure the SIM card is new and compatible with your device.

V. Puerto Rico eSIM card for San Juan – Alternative to SIM Card for travelers

There are 2 places you can get an eSIM:

1. From Local Network Providers

Carriers like T-Mobile and Claro offer eSIM options for tourists. While these provide solid coverage, you might need to visit a store and show your ID or passport to activate it. This can be time-consuming, especially if you’re rushing to explore.

2. From eSIM Retailers – Why Gigago is a Great Choice

The easiest and most flexible option is to buy an eSIM online from Gigago. It’s fast, reliable, and made for travelers.

Here’s why you’ll love Gigago’s Puerto Rico eSIM:

• Easy to Activate: Buy it online and activate it in minutes from your phone.
• Great Data Plans: They have various options, starting with 1GB/day for 7 days.
• Affordable Prices: Whether on a short trip or staying longer, every budget has a plan.
• Works Everywhere: Gigago’s eSIM can also work in other countries, making it a great option if you visit multiple destinations.
• No Physical SIM Needed: Forget the worry of losing or damaging a SIM card.

For Puerto Rico, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 7 days with $4.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Puerto Rico eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $4.50 – $40.00 . 

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you have or how long your trip to Puerto Rico is. Gigago always has an option for you.

VI. What to Prepare to Buy a SIM Card in San Juan

When preparing to buy a SIM card in San Juan, consider the following practical steps to ensure a smooth purchase and setup:

• Unlock Your Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked to work with any carrier. Contact your provider to unlock it if needed.
• Check Compatibility: Ensure your phone works with Puerto Rico GSM networks, as most carriers use this system.
• Bring ID or Passport: Some carriers might ask for ID or a passport to register your SIM card.
• Know the Plans: Look up prepaid plans from carriers like Claro, Liberty, and T-Mobile beforehand to pick the best option for your needs.

VII. Extra Tips when Buying SIM card in San Juan

When purchasing a SIM card in San Juan, consider these practical tips to enhance your experience:

• Ask for Tourist Packages: Some plans aren’t advertised. Ask specifically for “planes para turistas” (tourist plans) to get short-term options.
• Confirm Fees: Ask, “¿Hay costos adicionales?” (Are there additional costs?) to avoid surprise charges for activation or services.
• Test the SIM Before Leaving: Insert the SIM and say, “¿Puede verificar si funciona?” (Can you check if it works?) to ensure everything is good.
• Look for Deals: Some stores might offer bundles with SIM cards and accessories like chargers. Ask, “¿Tienen promociones o paquetes especiales?” (Do you have promotions or special packages?).

VIII. FAQs about Buying a SIM Card in San Juan

IX. Conclusion

I hope this post helps you find the best SIM card in San Juan for your trip. Whether you go for a local SIM or an easy-to-use eSIM like Gigago, staying connected has never been simpler. With the right plan, you’ll have reliable internet to explore and enjoy everything San Juan has to offer!