eSIM Providers in Guatemala: Claro, Tigo and Travel eSIMs

Looking for an eSIM in Guatemala? Both big carriers, Claro and Tigo, offer eSIM, and Apple lists both for iPhone. They suit you if you live in Guatemala or want a local line. If you're just visiting and mainly need data, a travel eSIM you install before you fly is the simpler route. This guide covers both and shows how to set them up.

A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. You install it on Wi-Fi at home and it connects when you land. It has no phone number, so you keep your home number for calls and texts. The SimOptions Guatemala plans run on Tigo.

Data-only plans for Guatemala · See all Guatemala eSIMs · All destinations

eSIM providers in Guatemala at a glance

Apple's list of carriers that offer eSIM on iPhone includes Claro and Tigo for Guatemala, both under other activation methods such as a QR code or the carrier's app. Tigo is also listed for prepaid plans for international travelers (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM service on iPhone). Here is how your options compare:

• Claro eSIM Prepago: a prepaid eSIM from Claro, activated with a QR code that Claro sends to your email.
• Tigo eSIM: Tigo's own eSIM, listed by Apple for QR code or app activation.
• Travel eSIM: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, ready before you leave.

The carrier eSIMs give you a Guatemalan line. The travel eSIM gives you data and nothing else. Which one fits depends on whether you need a local number.

Claro eSIM in Guatemala

Claro's eSIM Prepago page says you don't need to visit a store to change or pick up a SIM. Claro sends a QR code to your email and you scan it from your phone's settings. It also says you can have two active numbers on the same phone.

How to set up a Claro eSIM

1. On iPhone, open Settings > Cellular, choose the option to add an eSIM, pick the QR code option and scan the code from your email. Apple's steps are in Set up eSIM on iPhone.
2. On Android, Claro gives this path: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > add an eSIM or mobile plan, then choose the operator QR code option and scan the code. Menu names vary by phone.

Which phones does Claro list?

Claro lists iPhone XS up to iPhone 16 Pro Max, including the iPhone SE (2020) and SE (2022). It lists Samsung Galaxy S20 to S25 and the Z Fold3 to Fold6 and Z Flip3 to Flip6. It also lists selected models from HONOR, Huawei, Motorola, OPPO, Rakuten, Sharp, Sony, vivo and Xiaomi. Check Claro's page for your exact model.

Claro's page doesn't give a price, and it doesn't say whether visitors can get one or what ID you need. Ask Claro or check at checkout before you count on it for a short trip.

Tigo eSIM in Guatemala

Tigo has an eSIM page on its site. We couldn't load it when we checked, so look there for the current price, the plans and what you need to bring. What we can confirm is Apple's listing: Tigo supports eSIM on iPhone with QR code or app activation, and is listed for prepaid plans for international travelers.

Whichever carrier you pick, your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked. See our guide to checking eSIM compatibility and the list of eSIM supported devices.

Guatemala travel eSIM: data without a local line

Here is what the SimOptions Guatemala plans include, according to their plan details:

• Network: runs on Tigo in Guatemala, with 4G, LTE and 5G.
• Data only: no Guatemalan phone number, no calls or SMS. You call and message with apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or Signal. See how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM.
• Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach Guatemala.
• Top-ups: available if you run low on data.
• Expiry: if you don't use the eSIM within a year, it becomes invalid.
• Coverage: Guatemala only. Going on to another country? See Mexico, Belize, El Salvador or Honduras, or browse all destinations.

How much data do you need?

The Guatemala plans run from 1 GB for 3 days up to 20 GB for 15 days. As a rough guide:

• A short stop of a few days: 1 GB or 3 GB for maps, messages and ride apps.
• About a week: 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days.
• Up to two weeks: 20 GB for 15 days.

How to set up your Guatemala travel eSIM

1. Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked.
2. Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
3. Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave. Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
4. Label the line "Guatemala" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
5. When you land, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.

Not connecting after you land? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.

Carrier eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?

A Claro or Tigo eSIM fits if

• You live in Guatemala or stay for months.
• You need a Guatemalan number for local calls, deliveries or services.
• You're happy to confirm the price and ID requirements with the carrier.

A travel eSIM fits if

• You're on a short trip and want data the moment you land.
• You want to sort it out at home.
• You want to keep your home number on your phone at the same time. See how to set up a dual eSIM.

Check your own operator's roaming prices too. See our guide to roaming settings for an eSIM.

FAQs

Does Claro Guatemala have eSIM?

Yes. Claro offers eSIM Prepago, activated with a QR code that Claro sends to your email. Apple also lists Claro in Guatemala for eSIM on iPhone.

Does Tigo Guatemala have eSIM?

Yes. Apple lists Tigo in Guatemala for eSIM on iPhone, with QR code or app activation. Check Tigo's eSIM page for the current price and requirements.

How do I activate a Claro eSIM?

Scan the QR code from your email. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and add an eSIM. On Android, Claro points to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.

Which eSIM should I get for Guatemala?

If you only need data, a travel eSIM is the simplest choice. If you need a Guatemalan number, ask Claro or Tigo about their eSIM.

Do I get a Guatemalan phone number with a travel eSIM?

No. The SimOptions Guatemala plans are data only.

Which network does the SimOptions Guatemala eSIM use?

The plans run on Tigo, with 4G, LTE and 5G.

Can I install a Guatemala eSIM before I fly?

Yes. Install the QR code on Wi-Fi at home. A SimOptions travel eSIM then activates automatically when you reach Guatemala.

Can I use a Guatemala eSIM on an iPhone?

Yes, if your iPhone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Add it under Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.