Lois Larson
If you're travelling to Cancun and need to stay connected, you can buy a SIM card at Cancun International Airport. However, it's important to note that SIM cards purchased at the airport tend to be overpriced. You can find cheaper options at OXXO stores, which are located everywhere in Mexico, including one near the airport and another in Cancun. If you're not in a hurry, you can also purchase a SIM card from Walmart, Best Buy, or a local cell phone store in Cancun. Additionally, you can pre-purchase SIM cards online from providers like Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T, and have them ready before your trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SIM card availability at Cancun Airport | SIM cards are available at Cancun Airport, but they are overpriced. |
| Recommended places to buy SIM cards | OXXO stores, Walmart, Centro Maya Mall, Best Buy, online |
| Telcel SIM card availability at the airport | Telcel SIM cards are not available at the airport. |
| Documents required for SIM card activation | Registration form, identification documents, payment |
| Prepaid SIM card options | Telcel, AT&T, Movistar, Airalo, Nomad, BAIT |
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What You'll Learn
SIM card options at Cancun Airport
Cancun International Airport offers SIM cards from various mobile operator stores, including Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T, located within Terminal 3. However, it is important to note that SIM cards purchased directly from the airport are often overpriced and may not offer the best value for your money.
Alternative Options
If you have the time, it is recommended to explore alternative options to purchasing a SIM card at the airport. One popular option is to visit an OXXO store, which can be found everywhere in Mexico and offers affordable SIM card options. For example, you can purchase a Telcel prepaid SIM card with unlimited data for a much lower price compared to the airport.
Additionally, you can consider buying a SIM card from a popular electronics store like Best Buy, which offers SIM cards from all major providers. Walmart is another option, where you can find a wide selection of SIM cards from different providers, including Telcel. If you are staying in an all-inclusive resort, you may even find SIM cards available for purchase in the gift shop.
ESIM Options
If your phone is eSIM-capable, you may also consider purchasing an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. Airalo is one provider that offers a "North America" pack that is cheaper than the "Mexico" version. You can also set up an eSIM online with AT&T, but it requires a 12-month contract.
Registration and Activation
When purchasing a SIM card at Cancun Airport or elsewhere, you will need to provide certain documents and information for registration and activation. This includes completing a registration form, providing identification, choosing a prepaid or postpaid plan, making the payment, and receiving the activated SIM card with setup instructions.
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Cheaper alternatives to buying at the airport
While it is possible to buy a SIM card at Cancun Airport, there are cheaper alternatives to consider. Firstly, it is worth checking with your current carrier to see if they charge for roaming in Mexico, as some providers may not charge extra for their services in the country.
If you do need a Mexican SIM card, it is possible to buy one online from Telcel and have it ready before your flight. This may be a good option if you want to avoid the potentially high prices at the airport. Telcel is the biggest company in Mexico, and its SIM cards can be purchased online or from one of their stores, including one at the Centro Maya Mall in Cancun. Telcel SIM cards can also be bought from Amazon, where they are often cheaper than other international cards.
Another option is to buy a cheap cell phone from T-Mobile and use it exclusively in Mexico. Alternatively, you can buy a SIM card from an OXXO store, which offers SIM cards at a lower price than Telcel, ranging from 29 to 79 pesos, plus the recharge.
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Where to buy SIM cards in Cancun
If you're looking to buy a SIM card in Cancun, there are a few options available to you.
Cancun Airport
Firstly, it is possible to purchase a SIM card at Cancun International Airport, which is a convenient option for travellers seeking immediate connectivity upon arrival. You can buy SIM cards from various mobile operator stores, including Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T, located within Terminal 3. However, it is worth noting that some travellers have reported being overcharged by sellers at the airport, so purchasing a SIM card in town may be a better option if you have the time.
Centro Maya Mall
The Centro Maya Mall is home to a Telcel store, which is recommended by several sources as the best location to purchase a SIM card in Cancun. Telcel is the biggest telecommunications company in Mexico and offers expansive coverage and high-speed connectivity. The staff at this location also speak English, making it a convenient choice for international travellers.
OXXO Stores
OXXO is a convenience store chain with locations all over Cancun. You can purchase a Telcel SIM card and plan from any OXXO store. One user recommends the "AMIGO SIN LIMITE" package, which offers unlimited data (with restrictions) for specific apps, as well as unlimited phone calls to Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Walmart
According to a Tripadvisor forum post, Walmart sells AT&T Go-phones for $10, which are pay-as-you-go phones that allow you to make calls and send texts to Mexico and the US at a rate of $0.25 per minute or text.
Online
If you want to hit the ground running, you can pre-purchase a SIM card online from Telcel and have it ready before your flight. This option may be convenient if you want to avoid the hassle of searching for a store upon your arrival.
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How to activate your SIM card
While it is possible to purchase a SIM card at Cancún International Airport, it may not be the best option. Travellers have reported that the sellers charge extortionate amounts and that it is better to purchase a SIM card from elsewhere.
If you do decide to purchase a SIM card at the airport, you will need to register and activate it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to activate your SIM card:
- Register your SIM card: Complete a registration form with your personal and contact details, provide the required identification documents, choose a prepaid or postpaid plan option, and make the payment for the SIM card and plan.
- Insert the SIM card: Open the SIM card tray on your phone using a SIM eject tool or a paper clip. Place the SIM card in the tray, ensuring that the gold-coloured contacts are facing downwards, and push the tray back into your phone.
- Turn on your phone: Press and hold the power button until your phone turns on. Follow any on-screen prompts to set up your phone, such as choosing your language and connecting to Wi-Fi.
- Activate your SIM card: If you have a physical SIM card, it may automatically be detected and activated when you turn on your phone. If not, follow the instructions provided by your carrier to activate it. If you have an eSIM, you will need to activate it digitally during the setup process, which may require an internet connection.
- Connect to a network: If prompted, connect your phone to an available Wi-Fi or cellular network. Once you've completed these steps, your new SIM card should be activated and ready to use.
Please note that the specific steps may vary depending on your phone model and carrier, so it is always a good idea to refer to the instructions provided by your carrier or phone manufacturer.
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Recommended SIM card providers
Telcel is the biggest company in Mexico and offers SIM cards with expansive coverage and high-speed connectivity. You can purchase a Telcel SIM card at the Cancun Airport, but some users have reported that the sellers charge extortionate amounts. It is recommended that you purchase a Telcel SIM card at the Centro Maya Mall, where they speak English. You can also pre-purchase Telcel SIM cards online and have them ready before your flight.
You can also purchase SIM cards from Movistar and AT&T, located within Terminal 3 of Cancun International Airport.
If you don't want to purchase a SIM card at the airport, you can buy a cheap cell phone from T-Mobile and use it for Mexico only. You can also buy a SIM Card Telcel from an OXXO store, which are everywhere.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Cancun Airport. However, it is recommended to buy a SIM card from an OXXO store instead, as the SIM cards at the airport are overpriced.
The SIM card shop is located within Terminal 3 of Cancun International Airport.
Tourists can purchase prepaid SIM card options from Mexico's three main brands: Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar. These options include unlimited usage of most social media apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
