Roberta Aguirre
If you're travelling to Mexico, you may be wondering if you can get a Mexican SIM card at Cancún Airport. The short answer is yes, but there is only one place that sells SIM cards at the airport, and it's just before the exit in the arrival area. However, it may be more cost-effective to buy a SIM card at a store in Cancún or online before your trip. Telcel, the biggest mobile internet provider in Mexico, has stores all over Cancún, including one at the Centro Maya Mall, and you can pre-purchase a SIM card from them online. Additionally, you can order an eSIM that operates on the Telcel network from Jetpac or Airalo. If you're from the US, it's worth checking with your carrier, as many US mobile carriers now offer plans that cover Mexico, and some offer temporary international plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy a SIM card at Cancun Airport? | Yes, but there is only one place that sells SIM cards at the arrival area of the Cancun Airport. |
| Where else can you buy a SIM card in Cancun? | OXXO stores, Telcel stores, Centro Maya Mall, online, kiosks and stores in Baja, and all over Cancun. |
| What are some things to keep in mind when buying a SIM card? | SIM cards at the airport may be more expensive than other places. Telcel is the biggest mobile internet provider in Mexico and has the best network coverage. |
| What are some alternatives to buying a SIM card? | Contact your carrier to see if your current plan covers Mexico or if they offer a temporary international plan. |
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What You'll Learn
- SIM cards at Cancun Airport are available, but they are expensive
- Telcel is the biggest mobile provider in Mexico
- US mobile carriers offer international plans that cover Mexico
- Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased online and delivered to your home address
- You can use WhatsApp in Cancun to message without cellular service
SIM cards at Cancun Airport are available, but they are expensive
Cancun Airport, also known as Cancun International Airport, offers SIM cards from various mobile operator stores, including Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T, located within Terminal 3. Telcel is the biggest company in Mexico, and you can get a SIM card without any issues at the airport, but it may be costly. One source mentions that the sellers at the airport charge extortionate amounts and it is not recommended to buy from them.
Instead, it is suggested to purchase a SIM card from a store in Cancun, such as an OXXO or 7-Eleven convenience store, or a Telcel store at the Centro Maya Mall, where English is spoken. You can also pre-purchase SIM cards online from Telcel before your flight.
To activate your SIM card at Cancun Airport or elsewhere, you will need to complete a registration form, provide identification, choose a prepaid or postpaid plan, make the payment, and then receive your activated SIM card and setup instructions.
Another option is to get an additional data-only eSIM, which can be purchased online from providers like Airalo, and set your phone to use that line for mobile data. This may be a cheaper option than buying a SIM card at the airport, but it requires some advance planning.
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Telcel is the biggest mobile provider in Mexico
Telcel's 3G network, based on UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+ technology, covers more than 350 cities in Mexico. In 2012, they implemented LTE, LTE Advanced, and 4G-LTE connectivity, enabling browsing speeds of up to 5 Mbps. Telcel continued to innovate by presenting solutions related to the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem in 2017 and launching 5G network testing in 2020.
Telcel offers flexible plans to meet different needs and budgets, making it a popular choice for travellers and locals alike. Their prepaid plans, known as Amigo plans, allow users to add credit as needed without long-term commitments. These plans offer data, unlimited calls within Mexico, and free WhatsApp usage, which is the most popular communication app in the country.
Telcel's stores are conveniently located in major cities and tourist areas, including Cancun Airport, Centro Maya Mall, and Chedraui supermarkets. Their staff are friendly and knowledgeable, assisting customers with plan selections and SIM card activations. Telcel's wide availability and comprehensive coverage make it a reliable choice for individuals seeking a mobile provider in Mexico.
While Telcel is the largest provider in Mexico, other companies like AT&T and Movistar also offer competitive services and have been recognised for their network availability.
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US mobile carriers offer international plans that cover Mexico
If you are looking to purchase a Mexican SIM card, it is possible to do so at Cancun Airport, although this may be expensive. There is one place that sells SIM cards in the arrival area of the airport, just before the exit. However, it may be cheaper to purchase a SIM card in Cancun itself, either at a Telcel store or another mobile phone store, or at a convenience store such as OXXO or 7-Eleven. Telcel SIM cards cost around $13, with $12 for 1 gigabyte of data for a week, and some free minutes for calls.
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Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased online and delivered to your home address
If you want to activate your Mexican phone at Cancun Airport, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport, although this may be expensive. There is only one place that sells SIM cards at the Cancun Airport arrival area, and it is just before the exit.
However, if you would prefer to have a prepaid SIM card delivered to your home address before your trip, you can purchase one online. This option is available from providers such as Holafly, Jetpac, Airalo, SimOptions, and Orange Holiday World. These SIM cards are pre-activated and are "plug and play", meaning you will have data on your phone as soon as you land in Mexico.
In addition to purchasing a SIM card, you should also check with your current mobile provider to see if they offer international coverage or reasonable roaming rates. For example, Verizon and T-Mobile offer plans that include coverage in Mexico and Canada.
By purchasing a prepaid SIM card online and having it delivered to your home address, you can ensure that you have a working phone and data connection as soon as you arrive in Mexico, without having to worry about finding a SIM card at the airport or paying potentially higher prices.
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You can use WhatsApp in Cancun to message without cellular service
If you're travelling to Cancun and want to stay connected without incurring roaming charges, there are a few options to consider.
Firstly, you can use WhatsApp to message without cellular service by utilising a stable WiFi connection. Almost every hotel in Cancun offers WiFi, although some may charge a fee for this service. By relying on WiFi, you can send and receive messages on WhatsApp without using your cellular data plan.
If you want to use WhatsApp without a phone number, there are a few methods you can try. One option is to use a temporary or virtual number service like TextNow, which works on both Android and iOS devices. You can install TextNow, obtain a virtual number, and then use that number to set up WhatsApp. Another method is to link WhatsApp to another device, such as a tablet or a second phone, without needing a phone number. This can be done through the "Linked Devices" feature in WhatsApp's settings. Additionally, you can try using a landline number or a service like Google Voice, which provides a free and permanent phone number based on your Google account.
Additionally, if you want to use a Mexican phone number, you can purchase a SIM card at the Cancun Airport or at various stores in Cancun, such as Telcel, OXXO, or 7-Eleven. However, be aware that buying a SIM card at the airport may be more expensive.
By combining these options, you can use WhatsApp in Cancun without cellular service by utilising WiFi and a virtual number or linked device setup.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at Cancun Airport. However, it is recommended that you avoid purchasing from the sellers at the exit, as they tend to charge higher prices.
You can find SIM cards in stores all over Cancun, especially in convenience stores and malls. Telcel, the biggest mobile provider in Mexico, has stores at the Centro Maya Mall and all over Cancun.
Many US mobile carriers now offer plans that cover Mexico, so you may already be covered. Contact your carrier to check. Alternatively, you can order an eSIM before your trip or buy a physical prepaid SIM card online, which will be delivered to your home address.
Mexican SIM cards are relatively cheap and include data. They also allow you to avoid roaming charges.
Cellphone coverage is generally not great in Mexico unless you are in the cities. Apps like WhatsApp are recommended for messaging as they work well even with limited cellular service.
