[Traveler Guide] How To Use Cell Phone In Venezuela: Will Your Phone Work?

Will your phone work in Venezuela? Find out the answer in our guide. Also, learn how to use cell phone in Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic) the best way so you can stay connected throughout your trip in Venezuela effectively. Here we answer:

• If your phone is compatible with the frequency bands used in Venezuela
• Which cellular network operator you should use in Venezuela
• Best SIM plans for Venezuela travel
• more

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies and Networks in Venezuela

As for compatibility, Venezuela offers travelers the flexibility to connect to the Internet with open-band devices. Specifically concerning 4G networks, various frequencies are utilized, including B8 (900), B7 (2600), B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1), B3 (1800), and B2 (1900).

Mobile phone networks in Venezuela are extremely diverse. Below are summary of operators coverage in Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic)

• Movistar is a large network operator with widespread coverage. The phone needs to be compatible with the frequency band used by Movistar.
  • Bands 4G: B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
  • Bands 3G: B2 (1900)
  • Bands 2G: B5 (850)
• Digitel is a different carrier with different spectrum usage. The phone needs to support the frequencies that Digitel uses to connect effectively.
  • Bands 4G: B2 (1900), B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1), B7 (2600)
  • Bands 3G: B2 (1900), B5 (850)
  • Bands 2G: B5 (850)
• Movilnet is also an important network operator. Make sure your phone is compatible with Movilnet’s network.
  • Bands 4G: B3 (1800)
  • Bands 3G: B8 (900)
  • Bands 2G: B8 (900)

II. Use Cell Phone in Venezuela – Will My Cell Phone Work In Venezuela?

In general, your phone will most likely work when traveling to Venezuela. However, there are still many different factors to consider to know whether you can use these types of services to get Internet access or not.

To check most accurately, see if your mobile phone has an open band or not. This will help you easily connect to Internet networks other than the one you are using at home. 

In case your phone doesn’t have an open band, you can just use your carrier’s roaming. This method is quite expensive and not optimally effective.

On the other hand, you also need to check the network frequency your mobile phone operates on and the country you want to access. This is essential so you can know in advance your Internet connection speed when traveling. Below you can see the network frequencies in Venezuela. 

Technology	Frequencies
Bands 4G	B2 (1900), B3 (1800), B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1), B7 (2600)
Bands 3G	B2 (1900), B5 (850), B8 (900)
Bands 2G	B5 (850), B8 (900)

III. Do I Need An International Plan In Venezuela?

When visiting a foreign country, having an international plan is essential. This service enables you to stay connected to the internet while traveling while still saving money from high roaming charges accompanied with your local SIM. Moreover it also offers additional external services to enhance your overall convenience. 

Although you can use free Wifi in public places such as cafes, restaurants, and malls in Venezuela. However, this method has many limitations:

• Some public places require you to fill out a registration form before using Wifi. This will create a risk of personal information being leaked.
• Can’t be proactive on the Internet when needed.
• Slow speed due to many people using it at the same time.

Therefore, to avoid these limitations, there are still some other optimal international plans that you can refer to such as: eSIM, SIM Card, Pocket Wifi.

IV. What Are International Plan Options To Use Cell Phone In Venezuela For Tourists?

To use cell phone in Venezuela, you have different options, but most often times, people think of using international plans for cost effectiveness and flexibility. For Venezuela travel, you can use international plans for your phone. Here are options:

1. eSIM Plan for Venezuela

eSIM Plan for Venezuela is a modern technology SIM that can be purchased and activated 100% online, allowing tourists to use 2 SIMs at the same time. Thanks to that, you can maintain contact via the phone number you are using and at the same time connect to the network via eSIM.

However, eSIM technology is suitable for high-configuration phones and not all devices are compatible with this technology. Therefore you need to check in advance whether your device supports eSIM or not.

Travelers can buy eSIM online from an international SIM provider or a Venezuelan SIM provider. In addition, you can also choose to buy directly at airports or cities in Venezuela.

2. International SIM card for Venezuela

An international SIM card for Venezuela is to use the local country’s tourist sim. This product has the outstanding advantage of being affordable. Packages are extremely diverse, suitable for all types of needs.

However, the disadvantage of this international plan is that you have to remove the main SIM and insert this sim instead. Therefore, it is easy to lose the main SIM when removing it. 

You can buy an international SIM card for Venezuela directly at some international airports, mobile service provider stores. You can also buy online at convenience stores.

3. Pocket WiFi

Pocket Wifi is a network sharing device and uses an inserted sim card. This product can be suitable for many different phone devices.

The outstanding advantage of Pocket Wifi is that the phone does not need to be unlocked to receive the Internet. Furthermore, it is also very easy to turn on and use.

However, the cost of buying Pocket Wifi is quite expensive. During use, you must always carry it with you and ensure a safe distance between your phone and the wifi transmitter. If there are too many devices connected to the network, it will also affect Wifi quality.

V. Will My Local Network Work In Venezuela?

Using your phone in Venezuela is possible if there is a roaming agreement between your home network and a local Venezuelan operator. The growth of telecommunications globally means most network carriers interconnect for international coverage. However, roaming charges can be extremely expensive when traveling abroad.

With an international plan, it’s important to moderate your usage while in Venezuela to avoid bill shock. Calling, texting, and using mobile data can rack up costs quickly since international roaming rates are high. 

VI. Venezuela eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Venezuela With Your Cell Phone

To get cell phone internet in Venezuela, consider using an eSIM. eSIMs can be purchased online and activated by scanning a QR code. Upon arriving in Venezuela, your eSIM will automatically connect to supported local networks.

In particular, this option helps visitors have a stable connection everywhere and uninterrupted contact with the old phone number, something that public Wi-fi or physical SIM cannot do.

We recommend Gigago eSIM for connectivity in Venezuela. Gigago offers multiple plan options at affordable prices, and comprehensive customer service.

For Venezuela, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Venezuela eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, vary between $10.50 – $44.00 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Venezuela, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. Extra Tips To Use Cell Phone in Venezuela

• Check if your phone has the right network bands and frequencies that are compatible with Venezuela’s.
• Get an international plan to access the Internet abroad.
• Avoid public WiFi when possible and do not register personal details.
• Use eSIM for flexibility: eSIMs let you maintain your number and reduce SIM loss risk.
• Stay informed by checking for any updates to mobile networks, regulations or plans.
• Have customer support information handy for your eSIM, SIM card or Pocket WiFi.

VIII. Conclusion

Above are shared international methods to help you easily use cell phone in Venezuela. Hope you have saved useful information and please visit Gigago to check out the new Venezuela SIM with preferential prices for your upcoming trip