The first time I travelled to Mexico, I realised very quickly just how important it is to have access to consistent and reliable internet. I got lost whilst wandering the streets of San Cristóbal de las Casas, a beautiful town nestled amongst the mountains of the state of Chiapas, completely on my own.
Back then, my grasp of the Spanish language was limited to ‘Hola’ and ‘Gracias’. Plus, I had been relying heavily on public WiFi networks to do my research and navigate the local area. I was lost, and there wasn’t a single cafe or tourist in sight.
After much aimless wandering and copious amounts of anxiety, I ended up spending a small fortune on data roaming (using my physical SIM card from home) so I could successfully get back to my Airbnb.
From then on, I knew I needed to find a suitable solution to accessing the internet on the go whilst in Mexico, so I could avoid getting lost like that again.
Since then, I’ve returned to Mexico multiple times and have explored various methods of accessing the internet. Including eSIMs, data roaming, local SIM cards, and WiFi. In this article, I will review all of these methods, highlighting what has worked best for me. Spoiler alert, it is an eSIM!
Just a quick thank you to my sponsor for this post, Holafly!
Thank you to Holafly for sponsoring this post and helping me to post useful content like this about my travels and my top tips for your next adventure!
1. Use an eSIM
The method that has been the most consistent and reliable for me has been using an eSIM. I install it onto my mobile without needing to remove my physical SIM card, and it works alongside it. Providing me with data whilst also having the ability to receive calls and texts to my physical SIM card.
I have been able to consistently access 4G, LTE and 5G across Mexico, including in Mexico City, Mérida, and Playa del Carmen. Although in super remote places you may struggle, like you would with most mobile networks!
Not only does an eSIM allow me to access the internet directly on my mobile, but I can also share the data via a hotspot to other people who are with me and to my other devices.
Holafly offers unlimited data eSIMs, and their Mexico eSIM includes 500MB of data per day that can be hotspotted to other devices. You pick how many days you need it for, purchase it, and then install using one of their three easy setup methods. Get started with Holafly’s Mexico eSIM here 
You can find out more about Holafly in my review.
Pros
- Unlimited data (with Holafly)
- Get 4G, LTE and 5G with Holafly eSIM
- Install and activate the eSIM instantly
- Access the internet anywhere on your phone
- Hotspot to other devices (up to 500MB per day)
- It is often the most affordable option
- Works alongside your existing physical SIM
Cons
- Old phones may not be compatible with eSIMs
- No coverage in some remote areas (e.g. Isla Holbox)
2. Use data roaming
One of the simplest ways to access the internet is via your existing SIM card on your phone. When abroad, this requires you to turn on data roaming on your SIM, so it can attach to other networks. However, this is typically very expensive.
The price will depend greatly on your SIM card provider and where you are from. If you are geographically quite close to the country you are visiting, it is way more likely that you’ll have a few free GB of data for roaming in that country. For example, most UK SIMs include a small amount of data for roaming in the EU.
However, outside of that, data roaming costs are normally charged per GB and can be VERY expensive. As you will have read earlier, I tested this out in Mexico and had a huge bill after using just a few GB. It would have been a lot cheaper for me to have paid for an eSIM, even with unlimited data!8
Pros
- Uses your existing SIM card
Cons
- Data roaming can be expensive or limited
- Not all SIM plans include data roaming
3. Buy a local SIM card
Before eSIMs came into existence, my favourite method of accessing the internet was with a local physical SIM card. It was relatively cheap, as long as I waited until I left the airport to buy one.
However, it did require me to remove my SIM card from home. Which was fine until I needed access to my phone number for accessing services back home, like online banking. Moreover, with their size, I’ve lost a fair few SIM cards over time.
Plus, the SIM card stalls in airports are usually the most convenient but also the priciest. Sometimes with long queues. Whereas an eSIM works the moment you arrive!
If you have an old phone that isn’t eSIM compatible, this may be the route you’ll want to take. You can find out if your phone is compatible or not here.
Pros
- Perfect if your phone isn’t eSIM compatible
- Local phone number for texts & calls
Cons
- Won’t work alongside your SIM (unless you have 2 slots)
- Restricts you to one local network
- No internet access until you visit a phone shop
4. Look for public WiFi networks
Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this option for every scenario, it is very possible to travel whilst relying solely on public WiFi networks. I have done it myself a fair few times – mostly before the era of eSIMs.
It does mean you won’t have consistent access to the internet, but if you are smart about it, you can get all the info you need whilst using it. For example, downloading your maps for offline access. And downloading any necessary resources.
However, it can be pretty risky when exploring new areas. And attaching yourself to public WiFi networks can pose a security threat, so if you do use this option, make sure to use a VPN at the same time!
Pros
- Public WiFi is often free to use
- You can buy a pocket WiFi (but expensive)
Cons
- Public WiFi isn’t always secure (use a VPN)
- Public WiFi internet speeds may be inconsistent
- Have to visit specific places to access public WiFi
Why I recommend Holafly’s eSIM
There are a fair few ways to get internet in Mexico, but the most useful, consistent and reliable method for me is with an eSIM. Particularly, an eSIM with unlimited data, like Holafly.
But there is more to Holafly than just their unlimited data plans. Here is an overview of why I enjoy using Holafly in Mexico:
- Unlimited data plans
- Access to 4G, LTE and 5G networks across Mexico
- 500MB of hotspot data in Mexico every day
- No hidden costs!
- 24/7 real person support team
- The duration is flexible – you choose how many days you need it for, so you don’t pay for what you don’t need
- Customisable day plans
- The setup is really easy, with three different methods to use
- They also offer a regional North America eSIM that includes the USA, Canada, and Mexico, plus a Latin America eSIM – great for country hopping!
Holafly eSIM FAQs
Find out more about eSIMs and Holafly:
How do I install the Holafly eSIM?
There are three ways in which you can install the Holafly eSIM:
- Scan the QR Code 📸
- Manual Installation 🛠️
- One-Button Install for iOS 17.4 or above 🚀
If you are using their mobile app, you can download it directly from there and follow the on-screen instructions. If you are on another device, you can open up the provided QR code, which will have been emailed or WhatsApped to you, and scan this with the mobile phone that you want to install the eSIM on. Alternatively, you can manually install the eSIM using the provided codes after purchasing.
Where can I buy an eSIM?
You can buy an eSIM either on the internet on your laptop, desktop and tablet, or directly from a mobile app on your phone. Holafly make it easy to purchase through either, with seamless setup options for when you want to install your purchased data plan on your mobile (see FAQ above).
Can I use an eSIM on any phone?
Most people will find eSIMs to be the most useful option for their travels in Mexico. However, you will need to first check if your phone is eSIM compatible. Most modern smartphones are, but you can use this handy guide from Holafly to find out if your model is suitable.
How much data should I buy?
When travelling, it is really difficult to predict just how much data you are going to need. You may need to do a lot of research whilst on the go, using Google Maps to navigate your way around, and communicating with friends and family.
This is why I like to pick an unlimited eSIM plan, like Holafly. It gives you peace of mind that you will always have enough data. Speeds do get throttled after a certain amount of usage each day (which is typical of unlimited data plans), but you will still be able to use your data for everything necessary on your travels.
My go-to travel health insurance:
Leave a Reply