Jazmin Li
Santiago Airport, also known as Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is a large international airport that handles millions of people and thousands of flights each year. It is possible to buy a SIM card at the airport, and there are several options for doing so. For example, you can buy SIM cards from major Chilean carriers such as Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro. However, SIM cards purchased at the airport are often more expensive than those bought in the city, and there may be added fees for international travellers. Additionally, the process of buying a SIM card can be complicated, as it requires providing sensitive information such as your passport and phone IMEI number. An alternative option is to purchase an eSIM, which can be bought online or at the airport and does not require a physical card. eSIMs are available from providers such as Airalo, GigSky, Jetpac, and Holafly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SIM card availability at Santiago Airport | SIM cards are available at the airport |
| Ease of finding SIM card shops at the airport | May be difficult to find a SIM card shop within the large airport complex |
| Recommended providers | Entel, Movistar, WOM, Claro, Virgin, VTR Móvil, Airalo, GigSky, Jetpac, Holafly, FlexiRoam |
| SIM card price range | $5 to $29 |
| eSIM availability | Yes, can be purchased online or at the airport |
| eSIM price | $11 for 7GB data |
| Passport required for activation | Yes |
| Other documents required | Phone's IMEI number, proof of address |
| SIM card price in Santiago | 5,000 CLP (~$6) plus 4,000 CLP for the SIM card |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy SIM cards at Santiago Airport
Santiago Airport, also known as Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, has several locations where you can purchase SIM cards. The airport's official SIM card retailers include Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro.
The Entel store is located on the first floor of Terminal 1, near the immigration and baggage claim area. The store is open 24 hours a day and offers a range of plans, including 1GB data-only options and monthly plans with calling, texting, and data. The staff speaks English and can assist you in choosing the right plan.
An official Movistar kiosk is located in the departure area of Domestic Terminal 1. This kiosk also offers SIM cards with travel data and monthly plans. The staff usually speaks good English, and the store is open 24 hours a day. However, it is in a secure spot, so you cannot access it immediately after arriving.
In addition to these major providers, you can also purchase SIM cards from kiosks like Fotokina, which offers prepaid SIMs for both Movistar and Entel. These kiosks are located in the departure area (top level) of the airport, across from ticketing and check-in.
While it is convenient to purchase a SIM card at the airport, it is important to note that the prices may be higher than those offered by the same providers in the city. For example, an Entel package purchased at the airport may cost around $6, plus an additional $4 for the SIM card itself. If you are heading into Santiago and can wait until you reach the city, you may find better value options.
Alternatively, you may consider purchasing an eSIM, which eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. eSIMs can be purchased online or at Santiago Airport before arriving in Chile. This option can save you time and protect your information, as you won't need to provide your passport details or other sensitive information.
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SIM card prices at Santiago Airport
Santiago Airport, also known as Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, has several locations where you can purchase a SIM card. These include major Chilean providers such as Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro, as well as a kiosk called Fotokina.
The SIM card prices at Santiago Airport vary depending on the provider and the plan you choose. Prices can range from $5 to $29 for the SIM card itself, in addition to the cost of the data package. For example, an Entel package with 10GB of data and 250 minutes of domestic calls valid for a month would cost around 5,000 CLP (~$6), plus an extra 4,000 CLP (~$5) for the SIM card. It is worth noting that prices at the airport tend to be higher than official rates, and you may save money by purchasing a SIM card in the city.
The Entel store is conveniently located near the immigration and baggage claim area on the first floor of Terminal 1. This store offers a range of plans, including 1GB data-only options and monthly plans with calling, texting, and data. The staff at Entel are English-speaking and can assist you in choosing the right plan for your needs.
Additionally, there is an official Movistar kiosk at the Domestic Terminal 1 departure area that sells SIM cards with travel data and monthly plans. This kiosk is open 24 hours a day, but it is in a secure spot, so you may not be able to access it immediately upon arrival. Fotokina, a small kiosk offering prepaid SIMs for both Movistar and Entel, can also be found in the departure area (top level) of the airport, across from ticketing and check-in.
If you want to avoid the hassle of purchasing a physical SIM card, you can consider an eSIM. eSIMs offer a convenient alternative by allowing you to digitally download Chilean phone plans without the need for a physical SIM chip. Providers such as Gigago offer eSIMs for $42.90, providing flexibility and smooth connectivity during your stay in Chile. You can purchase an eSIM online or at Santiago Airport before your arrival.
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eSIMs vs physical SIM cards
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Santiago Airport (SCL) from major Chilean carriers such as Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro. The Entel store is located on the first floor of Terminal 1, near the immigration and baggage claim area. SIM card prices range from $5 to $29, and you will need a passport for registration. You can also pre-order your SIM card online and pick it up when you land.
An eSIM is a virtual or digital version of a physical SIM card. It is a reprogrammable chip embedded into the device's motherboard, allowing you to change carriers or plans without physically swapping the SIM card. eSIMs are more secure, as they are harder to clone, and provide more flexibility when managing your phone and service plans. They are also better for the environment, as there is no plastic card or shipping material waste. Additionally, many phones allow you to use both the eSIM and a physical SIM card simultaneously, giving you the ability to use two numbers on one device.
However, not all networks support eSIMs, especially smaller MVNOs, and switching phones is not as straightforward as simply swapping a physical SIM card. While eSIMs offer convenience and flexibility, physical SIM cards are still the most common type and are more widely accepted. They also offer the convenience of quickly switching devices by simply moving the SIM card, which can be crucial in certain situations.
When deciding between eSIMs and physical SIM cards, consider your specific needs, the availability of compatible networks, and the level of flexibility and convenience you require in managing your phone and service plans.
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Registering your SIM card
If you plan on staying in Chile for more than 120 days, you will need to register your Chilean SIM card as an anti-theft measure. This does not apply if you are roaming or using a travel eSIM.
To register your SIM card, you will need to provide the following:
- A valid passport for registration.
- Your phone's IMEI number.
- Proof of address, such as a hotel reservation or printed address. This may not always be required.
- Your RUT number (Spanish: Rol Único Tributario), which is a Chilean tax number. It should be no problem purchasing a SIM without it, and if it is required, you can enter 9 nine times (e.g. 999999999).
You can purchase a SIM card at Santiago Airport from Entel, Movistar, WOM, Claro, and Fotokina. However, SIM cards purchased at the airport are significantly more expensive than those bought in the city. For example, an Entel package bought in Santiago costs 5,000 CLP (~$6), plus around 4,000 CLP for the SIM card itself. This package would likely cost more at the airport.
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Buying SIM cards in Santiago city centre
If you want to buy a SIM card in Santiago city centre, it's best to head to the Costanera Centre. There, you can buy a SIM card and visit the top of Gran Torre Santiago, the tallest building in Latin America. You can expect to pay around 5,000 CLP (~$6) for 10GB of data, plus 250 minutes of domestic calls, valid for a month. You'll also need to pay for the SIM card itself, which costs around 4,000 CLP.
You can also buy SIM cards in supermarkets, kiosks, and other locations in Santiago and other major towns and destinations throughout Chile.
If you're arriving at Santiago Airport and want to buy a SIM card there, you can do so at the arrivals area counters. You'll need your passport for activation, and plans vary in terms of data, call minutes, and validity periods. You can buy SIM cards from major Chilean carriers, such as Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro. The Entel store is located on the first floor of Terminal 1, near the immigration and baggage claim area. An official Movistar kiosk is located in the Domestic Terminal 1 departure area, and it's open 24 hours a day.
If you want to avoid the hassle of buying a SIM card at the airport or in the city centre, you can buy an eSIM before you arrive in Chile. eSIMs are a great option if you only need data, and they eliminate the need for a physical SIM card. You can buy eSIMs from providers like Gigago and Airalo, and they typically offer good coverage and speeds.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Santiago Airport.
You can buy a SIM card at the arrivals or departures area of the airport. SIM cards are available at the kiosks of major Chilean carriers such as Entel, Movistar, WOM, Claro, and Fotokina. The Entel store is located on the first floor of Terminal 1, near the immigration and baggage claim area.
You will need a passport for SIM registration. Some providers might also ask for additional details like your hotel address or proof of address. You may also need your phone's IMEI number.
SIM card prices at Santiago Airport range from $5 to $29, depending on the plan. The prices at the airport are typically higher than in the city. For example, an Entel package that includes 4.5GB of data and 350 minutes for 30 days costs CLP$8000 at the airport, while the same package in the city would cost around CLP$9000.
Yes, you can consider buying an eSIM or international SIM card before arriving at the airport. eSIMs are available online and from providers like Airalo, GigSky, Jetpac, Holafly, FlexiRoam, and Gigago. International SIM cards can be useful if you plan to visit multiple countries in South America. You can also wait until you reach the city of Santiago, where SIM cards are available at supermarkets, kiosks, and phone stores in shopping malls.
