What is the easiest and cheapest way to get a SIM card for a short trip in Mexico? [closed]

I'm travelling to Mexico later this year and wondering if anyone has had experience with SIM cards from companies like Telcel or Movistar. I have an old phone that I'll use (hopefully I'll be able to unlock it) so that my current phone doesn't have issues with iMessage. It's an AT&T Avail 2 (also called ZTE Z992) which I have the unlock instructions for. I bought it in the US two years ago.

What's the easiest and cheapest way to get a SIM card and load it with an American credit card?

cellphones mexico

Best Answer

I go to Mexico City three times per year and have always bought a Virgin Mobile SIM Card in the 7-11 in the airport (I think other 7-11s carry them but I just use the one in the Airport). There are a couple 7-11s in the Juarez Airport and only one of them had the SIM Cards but it was there.

One thing to know is that Mexicans don't call them cards - even in Spanish "Tarjeta" will not communicate - they call it a "Chip" which in Spanish is sort of pronounced like "CHEEP".

You can say "Quiero comprar un chip para el telefono celular; Virgin? Telcel? Movistar?"

I suggest unlocking your phone before you leave the USA - I've used several different Samsung phones and never had a problem.

You can also go to a Telcel store in the city, I had a colleague do that but he waited in line for almost an hour and it was a lot of red tape (they were cheaper on the data and calls though).

All 7-11s sell credit for phone and they all take US Credit Cards.

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What prepaid plans work in Mexico?

The Best Prepaid SIM Card for Mexico in 2022

What Are The Top SIM Cards Offers for Mexico?
AT&T Mexico.
T \u2013 Mobile \u2013 Deutsche Telekom AG.
Movistar \u2013 A trademark of Telefonica.
Telcel \u2013 A part of America M\xf3vil.

What SIM can I use in Mexico?

The Mexico SIM card you'll want to buy is from Telcel. This is Mexico's largest cell phone service provider, so a Telcel SIM Card in Mexico will give you the most coverage throughout the country. Note: Before buying a SIM card, call your cell company and see if you already have Mexico service.

Do American SIM cards work in Mexico?

A lot of North American sim cards can also be used in Mexico. Check my article about the best prepaid USA sim cards or best prepaid Canada sim cards to find out which ones have free data roaming in Mexico.

Can you purchase just a SIM card?

If your existing phone uses GSM technology, there's a good chance you can purchase a new SIM card for it. You just need to make sure it's \u201cunlocked\u201d first. Some carriers include software that links the SIM card to the phone's serial number. If the two don't match, the phone won't work.

How To Use Your Phone in Mexico | BEST SIM CARD FOR TRAVELLERS

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