Jazmin Li
If you're travelling to Cancun and wondering about staying connected, you'll be happy to know that many US mobile carriers offer plans that cover Mexico. It's always a good idea to check with your carrier before travelling, as some providers offer temporary international plans. For example, Verizon users can use TravelPass® for $5 per day, and their unlimited plans already include Mexico. AT&T's unlimited plan users can also use their phones in Cancun without any roaming charges, and T-Mobile offers unlimited talk, text, and data with their Canada & Mexico Included feature. If you're looking to purchase a Mexican SIM card, you may be able to find one at Cancun Airport or in stores near Riviera Maya. To avoid roaming charges, you can turn off cellular data and connect to WiFi at your resort, restaurants, or shops in town.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Using a cellphone in Cancun Airport | You can use your cellphone in Cancun Airport, but be mindful of data roaming charges. |
| Cellphone usage in Cancun | Many U.S. mobile carriers offer plans that cover Mexico. Check with your carrier before traveling. |
| Verizon users | With TravelPass®, you can use your phone in Cancun for $5 per day. Verizon’s unlimited plans include Mexico. |
| AT&T users | AT&T's unlimited plan includes free talk, text, and data across Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., with no additional fees. |
| T-Mobile users | T-Mobile's Canada & Mexico Included feature offers unlimited talk, text, and data in Cancun with most plans. |
| SIM cards in Cancun Airport | It is unclear if SIM cards are available for purchase at Cancun Airport, but they can be found in stores in Baja and other parts of Mexico. |
| WiFi in Cancun Airport | Free WiFi is available across all terminals, but it may be slow due to high demand. |
| Charging stations in Cancun Airport | Charging stations are available both before and after security checkpoints. |
| Customs declaration | You will need to fill out a customs form (Hacienda) during your inbound flight and hand it to a customs agent after collecting your bags. |
| Food and product restrictions | You are not allowed to bring unpackaged food or products into Mexico. Medicine is allowed for the duration of your stay, but bring a doctor's prescription for large quantities. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a US smartphone in Cancun
If you're planning to bring your US smartphone to Cancun, there are a few things you should know to ensure you stay connected. Firstly, check with your carrier to see if your plan includes coverage in Mexico. Many US mobile carriers now offer plans that cover Mexico, and some providers even include Mexico in their unlimited plans. For example, if you're a Verizon user, you can take advantage of their TravelPass®, which offers unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico for a daily fee of $5. Similarly, AT&T's unlimited plans include free talk, text, and data across Mexico, Canada, and the US, with no additional roaming charges. T-Mobile also offers excellent coverage in Mexico, including Cancun, with their Canada & Mexico Included feature, providing unlimited talk, text, and data.
If your current plan does not include coverage in Mexico, don't worry. Many providers offer temporary international plans that will allow you to use your phone in Cancun. These plans are designed for travellers and often auto-terminate when you return home. You can contact your carrier to explore your options and add a temporary international plan to your existing service.
Another option is to utilise Wi-Fi and messaging apps during your stay in Cancun. Free Wi-Fi is available across all terminals at Cancun Airport, and many hotels in Cancun also offer Wi-Fi access, although some may charge a fee. By connecting to Wi-Fi, you can use messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, or texting apps like Text Plus, to communicate without incurring data charges. These apps allow you to send messages and make calls over Wi-Fi instead of using your cellular data plan.
If you plan to stay connected while on the go, consider purchasing a Mexican SIM card. You can find SIM cards at kiosks and stores in Cancun, including OXXO stores, which are similar to 7-Eleven in the US. By purchasing a local SIM card, you can take advantage of local rates and plans, which can be relatively cheap and include data. However, keep in mind that cellphone coverage in Mexico may not be as reliable as in the US, especially outside of major cities.
Lastly, remember to enable your phone's roaming settings if you plan to use your US smartphone in Cancun. Roaming will allow you to stay connected even when you're not connected to Wi-Fi, but be mindful of any additional charges or data usage fees that may apply.
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Roaming charges and data plans
Cancun International Airport offers free Wi-Fi across all terminals, so you can stay connected while you wait for your flight. However, due to the large number of people sharing the connection, the Wi-Fi speed may be slower than usual. If you need to charge your phone, charging stations are available both before and after the security checkpoints.
To avoid roaming charges in Cancun, it is recommended that you remove your SIM card before boarding your flight and only insert it again when you have returned home. This is because your phone may connect to a Mexican cellular network and trigger roaming charges. If you would like to use your phone in Cancun, there are several options to avoid these charges:
- Check your current plan: Some US mobile carriers now offer plans that cover Mexico. Contact your carrier or visit their website to see if your plan includes coverage in Mexico.
- Add an international plan: If your current plan does not include coverage in Mexico, you can consider adding a temporary international plan. These plans often auto-terminate when you return home, so you don't need to worry about cancelling them.
- Use Wi-Fi: Whenever possible, connect to Wi-Fi for calls and data instead of using your cellular network.
- Turn off data roaming: Go into your phone's settings and turn off data roaming to prevent your phone from connecting to Mexican cellular networks.
- Download offline content: Download offline maps and other content before your trip to reduce your reliance on data.
- Purchase a local SIM card: You can buy a Mexican SIM card upon arrival in Cancun Airport or at OXXO stores (similar to 7-11 in the US) to avoid roaming charges. Please note that cell phone coverage may not be great outside of the cities. To use this option, your phone must be "unlocked", meaning it is not tied to a particular service provider.
- Look into eSIM options: eSIMs offer a modern solution to the roaming conundrum, with full-speed data and pay-as-you-go flexibility.
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Getting a Mexican SIM card
You can bring your cellphone to Cancun Airport, and there are several options for staying connected while in Mexico. Many U.S. mobile carriers now offer plans that cover Mexico, so it is worth checking with your carrier before your trip. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing a Mexican SIM card.
To purchase a Mexican SIM card, your phone must be unlocked. You can then buy a SIM card from a Mexican provider. Telcel is the Mexican National mobile provider, and they have stores all over Mexico, including one at the Centro Maya Mall in Cancun, where staff speak English. You can also pre-purchase Telcel SIM cards online and have them ready before your flight.
If you are arriving at Cancun Airport and wish to purchase a SIM card there, there is one place that sells SIM cards in the arrival area, just before the exit. However, some travellers have reported that this seller charges a premium for SIM cards.
You can also purchase SIM cards from kiosks and stores in Cancun and throughout Mexico, including OXXO stores (similar to 7-11 in the US).
To register and activate your SIM card at Cancun Airport, you will need to:
- Complete a registration form with personal and contact details
- Provide the required identification documents
- Choose a prepaid or postpaid plan option
- Make the payment for the SIM card and plan
- Receive the activated SIM card and setup instructions
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Phone usage on the airplane
You can take your cellphone to Cancun Airport, and even use it to stay connected while you're in Cancun. The airport provides free WiFi across all terminals, although it may be on the slower side due to the number of people using it. If you'd prefer to use your cellular data, make sure your phone's roaming settings are on and that you've added a travel plan to your account.
Now, onto phone usage on the airplane.
Phone usage on an airplane depends on the airline and the regulations of the country you're in. In the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibits the use of cell phones when the plane is airborne. The Code of Federal Regulations states that "cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons, or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off." This is because cell phones emit radio waves that can interfere with the plane's navigation and radar equipment and cause issues with pilots' headsets.
Some airlines have installed technologies to allow phone usage during flights. In 2008, Emirates flights began allowing in-flight voice calls, and AeroMobile and OnAir permit the use of personal electronic devices on board. Qantas also permits mobile phones and other electronic devices weighing less than 1 kg to be switched on during the entire flight, as long as they are in flight mode.
In 2014, the European Aviation Safety Agency removed its ban on mobile phone use during flights, allowing airlines to offer 'gate-to-gate' telecommunication or WiFi services. Similarly, in 2018, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) permitted the use of mobile phones and internet access through WiFi on all flights in Indian airspace, with the restriction that calls are only allowed when the aircraft is above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet).
Despite these relaxations, many airlines still do not allow mobile phone usage, and those that do often ban their use during take-off and landing. If you're unsure, check with your airline before your flight to avoid any issues.
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Customs and immigration
When arriving at Cancun International Airport, you will first need to go through immigration. Make sure your passport is valid for the entirety of your stay in Mexico, as you will not be allowed in otherwise. You do not need to fill out the Immigration Visa Form (FMM) unless you are entering from certain countries or have a student/work visa. Be prepared for long immigration lines and keep your passport open at the photo page, with your boarding pass (physical or digital) ready. If you qualify, use the electronic passport control Fast Tract Kiosks in Terminals 3 and 4.
After navigating immigration, you will head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. If you only have carry-on luggage, you can skip this step and go straight to Customs. All international visitors are issued a Digital Tourist Card, which you can obtain online after clearing immigration.
At Customs, you will hand over the customs form (Hacienda) that you filled out during your inbound flight. You will then press the button on what appears to be a traffic light. A green light means you can go, while a red light means that officials will perform a quick inspection.
As a general rule, you are allowed to bring into Mexico whatever you need for the duration of your stay. You are not permitted to bring unpackaged/unsealed food or products, unless they are for a special diet or medical reasons. The same rule applies to medicine, where you are allowed to bring enough medication for your time in Mexico. If you are bringing a large quantity of medicine, it is advisable to bring a doctor's prescription in case you need to prove that the medicine is for your personal use.
It is worth noting that vapes are illegal in Mexico and may be confiscated. Additionally, Mexico has specific limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring into the country. You are allowed to bring 3 litres of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (10 packs), 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco. This includes any purchases made at Duty-Free. Exceeding these limits may result in a fine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring your cell phone to Cancun Airport.
It depends on your carrier and plan. Many U.S. mobile carriers now offer plans that cover Mexico, but it's always smart to check before traveling. Contact your carrier or visit their website to see if they offer a temporary international plan.
If you want to avoid roaming charges, turn off cellular data and connect to Wi-Fi instead. Many texting apps use Wi-Fi to send messages instead of a data plan. You can also purchase a Mexican SIM card, but keep in mind that cellphone coverage outside of cities in Mexico may not be great.
You can purchase a SIM card at Cancun Airport or in stores near Riviera Maya.
Remember to fill out the customs form (Hacienda) during your inbound flight and hand it to the customs agent after collecting your bags. Also, be mindful of the amount of alcohol, tobacco, and medicine you bring into the country, as there are specific limits.
