Ruth Haines
If you're travelling to Cancun and are looking to purchase a cell phone, you may want to consider buying a local SIM card instead. While it seems that SIM cards can be purchased at Cancun Airport, some sources suggest that they are overpriced and may not be worth the convenience. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing a cheap cell phone with a local SIM card, or a portable WiFi device.
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What You'll Learn
SIM cards are available at Cancun Airport
It is recommended that you avoid buying SIM cards at the airport and instead purchase them from stores in Cancun, such as OXXO, which are said to be cheaper. OXXO stores are similar to 7-11 in the US and can be found all over Cancun, especially in tourist areas. You can buy a SIM Card Telcel from OXXO for between 29 and 79 pesos, plus the recharge.
Another option is to pre-purchase a SIM card online from Telcel and have it ready before your flight. Alternatively, you can visit the Telcel store at the Centro Maya Mall, where they speak English.
If you are staying in an all-inclusive resort, you may also be able to purchase a SIM card from the gift shop.
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Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T stores are in Terminal 3
If you're looking to purchase a cell phone at Cancun Airport, you may be able to find what you're looking for at one of the stores in Terminal 3. Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T all have stores in Terminal 3, and these stores are usually open from 7 am to 11 pm. These stores are located near the arrival gates, baggage claim area, and exit gates.
Telcel is the market leader and biggest mobile internet provider in Mexico, so you may want to start there. Telcel offers expansive coverage and high-speed connectivity. You can also purchase a Telcel SIM card from an OXXO store, which is similar to 7-Eleven in the US. There are OXXO stores everywhere, especially in tourist areas. However, there isn't an OXXO store at the airport. If you're unable to find an OXXO or if they're out of stock, you can try Best Buy or Walmart, which sell SIM cards from all major providers.
If you're looking for a cell phone rather than a SIM card, you may be able to find a cheap option at one of the mobile operator stores in Terminal 3. However, keep in mind that these stores primarily sell SIM cards, so the selection of cell phones may be limited.
Additionally, it's worth noting that some sources suggest that the prices at the airport may be higher than at other stores. You may want to use the airport's free WiFi or purchase a SIM card from a store outside the airport if you have the time.
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Prepaid SIM cards are more expensive at the airport
While it is possible to buy a prepaid SIM card at Cancun Airport, it is worth noting that these are likely to be more expensive than those purchased elsewhere. There is only one place that sells SIM cards at the airport, and it is reportedly very expensive.
One source suggests that you can buy a SIM card from Telcel, the biggest company in Mexico, at the airport, but the price is unknown. However, another source recommends against buying from them, as they are located in the middle of the airport, targeting tourists, and charging a premium.
You can find SIM cards in stores all over Cancun, particularly in convenience stores, and it is recommended that you purchase a SIM card upon arriving in the city for better selection and value. OXXO stores, similar to 7-11 in the US, are everywhere and carry SIM cards.
If you want to avoid the hassle of finding a local store, you can pre-purchase a SIM card online from Telcel and have it ready before your flight. The Centro Maya Mall is also a good option, as they speak English.
Alternatively, you could consider getting an eSIM before your departure, which will be ready to activate as soon as you land.
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You can pre-purchase SIM cards online from Telcel
While it is possible to purchase a SIM card at Cancun Airport, it is recommended that you pre-purchase SIM cards online from Telcel, the largest operator in Mexico with the most extensive coverage and fastest speeds. By pre-purchasing a SIM card, you can avoid the hassle of searching for a SIM card at the airport and ensure that you have a working phone as soon as you arrive.
Telcel offers a prepaid VoLTE 3-in-1 Universal SIM Card that is brand new, registered, and pre-activated. It will work in any unlocked device, and you can get a Mexican phone number from Mexico City (+55). Telcel SIM cards are tested before shipping, and fast customer support is provided in English and Spanish. You can also reuse the SIM card for future trips by purchasing a refill online.
In addition to Telcel, there are other options for purchasing SIM cards before your trip. For example, you can find SIM cards at OXXO stores, which are similar to 7-Eleven in the US and are located everywhere in Mexico. However, it is important to note that there is no OXXO store at the Cancun Airport.
By pre-purchasing a SIM card from Telcel or another provider, you can ensure that you have a working phone with data, calling, and messaging capabilities as soon as you arrive in Cancun. This can be especially useful for navigation and staying connected with family and friends during your trip.
It is worth mentioning that some travellers have reported issues with their Telcel SIM cards not working immediately upon arrival in Mexico. To avoid any potential issues, it is recommended to activate the SIM card at least one day before your trip and to test it before departing for Mexico. Overall, pre-purchasing a SIM card from Telcel or another provider is a convenient and cost-effective option to stay connected during your trip to Cancun.
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Telcel offers unlimited social media apps and 4GB data for US phones
If you're travelling to Cancun and want to stay connected, it's important to plan how you'll stay connected. While you can buy a cheap cell phone at Cancun Airport, it's not recommended, and you may be better off buying a SIM card. Telcel is the largest operator in Mexico and offers extensive coverage and fast speeds.
Telcel offers a prepaid SIM card with 4.5GB of data and unlimited calls and social media apps for 30 days. This includes unlimited access to WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. You can purchase this SIM card on Amazon or from a Telcel store.
If you're looking for a plan with more data, Telcel offers larger data packages with their Telcel Plus plans. For example, Telcel Plus 2 offers 4GB of data with unlimited calls, SMS, and social media apps for $299 Mexican pesos. Telcel Plus 4 provides 10GB of data with the same unlimited features for $499 Mexican pesos.
It's important to note that Telcel's data plans vary in price and features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. You can also consider purchasing a plan from your current provider specifically for travelling, as some users have suggested this can be a more cost-effective option.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a cheap cell phone from T-Mobile at Cancun Airport.
Yes, you can buy SIM cards from various mobile operator stores, including Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T, located within Terminal 3 of Cancún International Airport. SIM cards are also available at a seller just before the exit in the arrival area.
Yes, you can purchase a SIM card online from Telcel and have it ready before your flight. You can also buy a SIM card at the Centro Maya Mall, where they speak English. Additionally, you can buy a prepaid SIM card on the internet, which will be delivered to your home address before your trip.
SIM cards purchased at Cancun Airport may be slightly more expensive than buying them outside the airport. It is recommended to confirm pricing at the airport before purchasing. Additionally, some sources suggest that the seller in the arrival area charges extortionate amounts, so it may be better to purchase from a store within Terminal 3 or online.
