Yes, eSIM works in Mexico. Telcel, AT&T México and Movistar all offer eSIM, and the iPhone 17 sold in Mexico doesn't even take a physical SIM card. As a visitor you have two options: a local eSIM from a Mexican phone company, which you have to register in your name, or a Mexico travel eSIM that you buy online and install before you fly. This guide covers each eSIM provider in Mexico, what tourists need to know and how to pick a plan for your trip.
Short on time? These are data-only Mexico eSIMs you can buy now and install at home. Pick the one that matches the length of your trip.
Data-only plans for Mexico · 5 GB, 10 GB or 20 GB · See all Mexico eSIMs · Visiting more countries? Find your destination
Does eSIM work in Mexico?
Yes. eSIM is well established in Mexico:
- The big three support it: Apple lists AT&T, Movistar and Telcel as Mexican carriers that activate eSIM on iPhone, including eSIM Quick Transfer and prepaid plans for international travelers (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM service).
- Some phones are eSIM only: Apple's Mexican spec page says the iPhone 17 uses dual eSIM and doesn't work with physical SIM cards (Apple México: iPhone 17 specs).
- Travel eSIMs work too: a travel eSIM you install at home connects to a Mexican network when you arrive, so you don't need a local carrier at all.
Your phone just needs to support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. More in our guide to checking eSIM compatibility.
eSIM providers in Mexico at a glance
These are the Mexican phone companies and eSIM options you will come across:
- Telcel: eSIM for its Plan de Renta (postpaid) and Amigo (prepaid) customers, plus a tourist eSIM you buy online.
- AT&T México: on Apple's list for every eSIM activation method in Mexico, including prepaid plans for international travelers.
- Movistar México: eSIM with plans or prepaid recharges, and new lines sold on its website.
- Oui and Bait: smaller brands. Apple lists Oui for QR code or app activation, and Bait has an eSIM page on its website.
- Travel eSIMs: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, no store visit and no Mexican carrier account.
Here is what each carrier says about its eSIM.
Telcel eSIM
Telcel's eSIM page says eSIM is available on its Plan de Renta and Amigo lines, with no activation fee. You can start a new Amigo eSIM line online with a compatible phone, move your line with eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone, or get help at a Telcel Centro de Atención a Clientes. Telcel asks you to install the eSIM on a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Telcel tourist eSIM
Telcel also sells a tourist eSIM for visitors. According to its page:
- Coverage: the plans cover Mexico, the US and Canada, and one plan adds Latin American countries.
- Validity: the line lasts 90 days from installation, and you have up to a year after purchase to install it.
- Registration: you must register the line in your name with your passport and a live selfie check. Telcel says that if you don't register the line, you can't use its services.
- Reinstalling: if you delete the eSIM, you can reinstall it on the same phone up to two more times.
It's a good fit if you want a Telcel line for a longer stay. For a short holiday, a travel eSIM you install at home is quicker to set up.
AT&T México eSIM
AT&T México is on Apple's list for all four eSIM methods in Mexico: carrier activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, QR code or app activation, and prepaid plans for international travelers. That means you can get an AT&T eSIM as a new customer or move an existing AT&T line to eSIM on iPhone.
We couldn't load AT&T México's own eSIM page to check its current plans and steps, so check them on att.com.mx or in an AT&T store before you buy. A new Mexican line also needs registering, so bring your passport.
Movistar México eSIM
Movistar's eSIM page covers plans, prepaid recharges and renewals. Here are the key points:
- New lines online: since March 27, 2026 you can buy an eSIM for a new line directly on Movistar's website.
- Activation: Movistar emails you a QR code, you call *611 to activate, then you link (register) your line.
- Existing customers: eSIM is available with a phone renewal. Moving your number to eSIM is done at a Centro de Atención y Ventas (CAV).
- Compatible phones: the page lists models from Apple, Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, OPPO and Honor, and Movistar says it doesn't guarantee eSIM on phones that aren't on the list.
- One device only: the QR code can be downloaded only once, on one phone.
Oui and Bait eSIM
Oui is on Apple's list of Mexican carriers that activate eSIM by QR code or app. Bait also has an eSIM page on its official website. Neither is on Apple's list for prepaid plans for international travelers, so check their requirements before you count on them for a trip.
Do you need to register a Mexican phone line?
Yes, if you get a line from a Mexican carrier. Telcel says on its tourist eSIM page that Mexican regulation requires the line to be registered in your name, and Movistar includes linking your line as one of its eSIM activation steps. As a visitor you register with your passport.
With a SimOptions travel eSIM, you don't open an account with a Mexican carrier. You buy it online, install it at home and it connects when you land. For a holiday, that's the simpler route. Going on to South America? See our guide to eSIM providers in Peru.
Mexico travel eSIM: get connected before you fly
A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. You get a QR code by email, install it on Wi-Fi at home, and it connects when you arrive. Here is what the SimOptions Mexico plans include, according to their plan details:
- Data only: no Mexican phone number, no calls or SMS. You call and message with apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage.
- Speed: 4G/LTE.
- Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach Mexico.
- Top-ups: available if you run low on data.
- Expiry: if you don't use the eSIM within a year, it becomes invalid.
- Coverage: Mexico only. Going to the US as well? Read our guide to the best eSIM for the USA and Mexico.
Not sure what you can do without a local number? See how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM. Comparing more options? Read our list of eSIMs for Mexico.
How much data do you need for Mexico?
The Mexico plans range from 1 GB for 3 days to 60 GB for 90 days. As a rough guide:
- A long weekend in Mexico City or Cancún: 1 GB to 5 GB covers maps, messages and ride apps.
- One to two weeks (for example Tulum and the Yucatán, or Cabo San Lucas): 10 GB for 7 days or 20 GB for 15 days.
- Two weeks to a month: 20 GB to 50 GB.
- Several months: 60 GB for 90 days, with top-ups if you need more.
Working remotely from Mexico for a month? Video calls and uploads add up fast, so the 50 GB plan gives you the most room.
How to set up your Mexico eSIM
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM.
- Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you fly. On iPhone, open the Camera app, scan the QR code and tap Add Cellular Plan (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
- Label the line "Mexico" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
- When you land, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.
Not connecting after you arrive? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.
Local eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?
A Telcel, AT&T or Movistar eSIM fits if
- You live in Mexico or stay for several months.
- You need a Mexican phone number for calls, local services or apps.
- You're fine with registering the line with your passport, and maybe a store visit.
A travel eSIM fits if
- You're on holiday or a business trip of a few days to a few weeks.
- You want data the moment you land, for maps, taxis and messages.
- You'd rather skip the store visit and the paperwork of opening a Mexican line.
- You want to keep your home number on your phone at the same time.
Tips for staying connected in Mexico
- Keep your home line on. Most eSIM phones run two lines at once. Keep your home number for calls and security codes, and use the travel eSIM for data. See how to set up a dual eSIM.
- Turn off data roaming on your home line so it doesn't use data abroad.
- Download offline maps before road trips, cenote visits or remote beaches. Mobile signal can drop away from towns, whatever eSIM you use.
- Install before you travel. You need an internet connection to download an eSIM, so do it on Wi-Fi at home.
FAQs
Does Mexico have eSIM?
Yes. Telcel, AT&T and Movistar all offer eSIM, and Apple lists them for eSIM activation and Quick Transfer on iPhone. The iPhone 17 sold in Mexico is eSIM only.
Does my eSIM work in Mexico?
If your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, yes. You can use a travel eSIM for Mexico, a local eSIM from a Mexican carrier, or your home carrier's roaming.
Which Mexican carriers support eSIM?
Apple lists AT&T, Movistar and Telcel for carrier activation and Quick Transfer, plus Oui for QR code or app activation. Bait also has an eSIM page on its website.
Can a tourist get a Telcel eSIM?
Yes. Telcel sells a tourist eSIM online that covers Mexico, the US and Canada. You need to register the line with your passport and a live selfie check before you can use it.
Do I have to register a Mexican eSIM?
Yes, a line from a Mexican carrier must be registered in your name. Visitors register with a passport. Telcel and Movistar both include this step in their eSIM process.
Can I get a Mexico eSIM with a phone number?
Yes, from a local carrier like Telcel, AT&T or Movistar. The SimOptions Mexico plans are data only, so you keep your home number and call or message with WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage.
Does Movistar México eSIM work on Android?
On many models, yes. Movistar's eSIM page lists compatible phones from Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, OPPO and Honor as well as iPhone, and says it doesn't guarantee eSIM on other phones.
Does a Mexico eSIM work in the USA?
The SimOptions Mexico plans cover Mexico only. For a trip to both countries, see our guide to the best eSIM for the USA and Mexico or find your destination.
