Roberta Aguirre
It is possible to buy a SIM card at Guatemala Airport, however, prices are much higher than in the city centre. A SIM card for tourists at the airport costs 150 GTQ ($19) for 2 GB of data and 100 minutes of calling/texting for 7 days. There is a kiosk that sells SIM cards before the baggage area, but it is unclear whether these are from the providers Tigo or Claro, which are both recommended. It is also possible to purchase an eSIM for Guatemala, which may be more convenient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability at the airport | Sim cards are available at Guatemala Airport |
| Price at the airport | More expensive than in the city center |
| Recommended place to buy | Official Claro or Tigo stores |
| Scam at the airport | Locked sim cards with unusable data packages |
| Best service and information | Official Claro or Tigo stores |
| Sim card price at the airport | 150 GTQ ($19) for 2 GB data and 100 minutes calling/texting for 7 days |
| Sim card price in the city | 50 GTQ ($6.5 USD) for 8 GB data and unlimited calling/texting for 30 days |
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What You'll Learn
- SIM cards are available at Guatemala Airport, but they are expensive and may be scams
- It is recommended to buy a SIM card in-person from a mobile provider store
- Tigo and Claro are the best providers in Guatemala
- eSIMs are a good option for those who want data as soon as they arrive
- It is possible to get by without a SIM card by using free WiFi
SIM cards are available at Guatemala Airport, but they are expensive and may be scams
While SIM cards are available at Guatemala Airport, there are several reasons why you may want to avoid purchasing them there. Firstly, the prices for SIM cards at the airport are significantly higher than in the city center or other locations. For example, one source mentions that the cost of a SIM card at the airport was 4 times higher than usual. Specifically, another source mentions that at the airport, they charge 150 GTQ ($19) for 2 GB data and 100 minutes of calling/texting for 7 days, whereas in the city, you can get a Tigo prepaid SIM card for $13 USD with 8 GB of data and free social media usage for 30 days.
In addition to the high prices, there is also a risk of scams at the airport SIM card stalls. One traveler reported that they were sold a locked SIM with a data package that was unusable, and it took a while for the issue to be resolved at an official Tigo store. This scam is reportedly common at the airport stalls, so it is advisable to be cautious and consider purchasing SIM cards from official stores or other reputable sources outside of the airport.
If you need immediate connectivity upon arrival, there are alternatives to buying a SIM card at the airport. One option is to use eSIMs, which are virtual SIM cards that can be purchased online before your trip. eSIM providers such as Airalo offer special plans for Guatemala and Latin America, providing a convenient way to get data without having to visit a physical store. Additionally, most airports offer free Wi-Fi, which can be used temporarily until you have the chance to purchase a SIM card at a more reasonable price.
Overall, while it is possible to purchase a SIM card at Guatemala Airport, it is generally not recommended due to the high prices and potential scams. By waiting until you reach your destination or doing some research beforehand, you can find better deals and avoid potential issues with your connectivity during your stay in Guatemala.
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It is recommended to buy a SIM card in-person from a mobile provider store
While it is possible to buy a SIM card at Guatemala Airport, it is not recommended. There are several reasons why it is better to buy a SIM card in-person from a mobile provider store in Guatemala.
Firstly, SIM cards at the airport are significantly more expensive than those found in the city centre or other stores. One source states that SIM cards at the airport are almost four times the price of those found elsewhere. For example, at the airport, you may be charged 150 GTQ ($19) for 2 GB of data and 100 minutes of calling/texting for seven days, whereas in the city, you can get 8 GB of data for $13. Another source mentions that at the airport, they were charged 200Q ($25) for a SIM card with 6GB of data, whereas normally, 6.5GB of data would cost 50Q ($6.5) and the SIM card would cost 30Q ($4), totalling $10.50.
Secondly, it is much easier to assess the different companies, SIM cards, plans, and pricing when buying from a mobile provider store. This means you can choose the best option for your needs, rather than being limited to the small selection available at the airport.
Thirdly, it is common to be scammed at the airport SIM card stalls. One source mentions that they were sold a locked SIM with a data package that was unusable. This is a common scam at airport stalls, and it took a long time for the issue to be resolved at an official store.
Finally, while it is possible to buy SIM cards at the airport, they are not always available. Therefore, it is recommended to buy a SIM card in-person from a mobile provider store to ensure you get the best deal and avoid any potential scams.
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Tigo and Claro are the best providers in Guatemala
While you can buy SIM cards at Guatemala Airport, it is not recommended due to the high prices and common scams. Instead, it is best to get a SIM card from official Tigo or Claro stores, which are the two major cell carriers in Guatemala. Tigo has the best coverage across the country, including in Lake Atitlan, Flores, and Antigua. It offers 1, 2, 3, 7, and 30-day plans with 8GB of data and unlimited social media usage for around $13 USD. Tigo also has a more extensive 4G/LTE network across the country compared to Claro.
Claro is a close second, with very good coverage, especially in tourist destinations like Quetzaltenango (Xela), Antigua, and Guatemala City. It has a more advanced 4.5G and 5G network than Tigo, and its prepaid SIM cards are valid across the Americas. However, Claro SIM cards are more expensive than Tigo's.
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eSIMs are a good option for those who want data as soon as they arrive
SIM cards are available at Guatemala Airport, but they are much more expensive than in the city centre. One source states that the airport charges 150 GTQ ($19) for 2GB of data and 100 minutes of calling/texting for 7 days, whereas in the city centre, you can get 8GB of data for around $13. Another source states that SIM cards at the airport are almost four times the price of those in the city.
For this reason, eSIMs are a good option for those who want data as soon as they arrive in Guatemala. eSIMs can be purchased online and installed before you leave for your trip, meaning you can get connected immediately upon landing. eSIMs are also useful because they do not replace your existing phone plan but add a new secondary data plan. This means you can keep using your regular number and stay connected to friends and family without having to communicate a new number.
There are several eSIM providers for Guatemala, including Maya Mobile, Airalo, SimOptions, GigSky, and Holafly. Prices start from $6.50 for 5GB of data and 30 days of validity. However, it is important to check if your device is eSIM compatible before purchasing.
In conclusion, while SIM cards are available at Guatemala Airport, they are overpriced and may not be the best option for travellers. eSIMs offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative, providing immediate data access upon arrival and allowing users to retain their original phone number.
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It is possible to get by without a SIM card by using free WiFi
Although it is recommended to get a SIM card when travelling to a new country, it is possible to get by without one by using free WiFi. While SIM cards are available at Guatemala Airport, they are much more expensive than in the city centre. For example, one source states that they were charged 150 GTQ ($19) for 2 GB of data and 100 minutes of calling/texting for 7 days at the airport, whereas in the city, they paid 50 GTQ ($6.50) for a SIM card with 8 GB of data, unlimited social media, calling and texting for 30 days.
Therefore, if you want to avoid the high prices at the airport, you can use the airport's free WiFi to get an Uber or other form of transport to your accommodation, and then head to a phone shop, pharmacy, or convenience store to purchase a SIM card at a better rate. There are no official Claro or Tigo stores at Guatemala City Airport, but there are several in the city, particularly in Antigua, where you can get a better deal.
If you don't want to buy a SIM card at all, you can survive on free WiFi. Guatemala has excellent coverage, with many internet service providers trying to reach every corner of the country. There are several large chains, such as Pollo Campero, Cafe Barista, and McDonald's, where you can find free WiFi. Additionally, free WiFi is often available at backpacker hostels and hotels, such as the Gran Hotel de la Isla in Peten (Flores). However, it is important to note that relying solely on free WiFi may limit your ability to use data-intensive apps such as Google Maps, and you may have to constantly look for new WiFi connections.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy SIM cards at Guatemala Airport. However, it is not recommended as the prices are much higher than in the city centre.
You can buy SIM cards in most places in Guatemala, including mobile provider stores, convenience stores, and phone shops. Some recommended places to buy SIM cards in Guatemala are Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Guatemala City.
The most recommended SIM card companies in Guatemala are Tigo and Claro. Tigo offers the best and fastest coverage across the country, while Claro has an extensive 4G/5G network and good coverage.
SIM card prices in Guatemala vary depending on the company and plan chosen. At the airport, SIM cards can cost around $25 USD, while in the city, they are typically cheaper, ranging from $6.50 to $13 USD for the card and a data plan.
Yes, you can consider eSIM cards or plans, which are virtual SIM cards that can be used if your phone supports eSIM technology. Recommended eSIM providers for Guatemala include Airalo, SimOptions, Nomad, and Holafly.
