Best eSIM for Mexico: Top plans compared for UK travellers

Planning a trip to Mexico? Whether you are lounging on the beaches of Cancún, exploring the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá, wandering through the streets of Oaxaca, or getting lost in the energy of Mexico City, having mobile data makes every part of your trip easier.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of swapping out your UK SIM at the airport, you download a local data plan directly to your device before you travel. Your UK number stays active in the background for calls and texts, while the eSIM handles your data in Mexico.

This guide compares some of the best eSIM providers for Mexico, helping UK travellers choose the right plan before they travel. To find out more about how the technology works, take a look at our guide on how eSIMs work.

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Best eSIM providers for Mexico: Quick look

Here is a quick overview of the top eSIM providers for Mexico:

Prices and plan details may vary depending on your location, currency and promotions. Prices may also be shown in different currencies depending on the provider. Always check the provider's website for the latest information before buying.

Airalo

Airalo offers two distinct types of Mexico eSIM: a data-only plan on the Claro Telcel network, and a Data/Calls/Texts plan on the Movistar network — making it one of the few providers that gives you the option of traditional phone calls and SMS in Mexico alongside your data.¹ Data-only plans start from $4.00, while the Data/Calls/Texts plans start from $5.50 and include a set number of call minutes and SMS messages alongside your data allowance.¹

Both plan types offer fixed data packages and unlimited options across a range of durations. Top-ups are available directly in the Airalo app, and customer support is accessible 24/7 via WhatsApp.¹ The app works in 53 languages across multiple currencies.

Good for: Travellers who want the option of traditional phone calls and SMS, or those who want data-only plans with easy in-app top-ups on Mexico's major mobile networks.

Read more in our full Airalo eSIM review.

Nomad

Nomad's Mexico eSIM connects to the AT&T and Movistar networks, providing 4G and 5G coverage across Mexico City, Cancún, Oaxaca, and beyond.² Plans start from $4.00, with a broad range of fixed data packages and unlimited plans for different trip lengths and usage levels.²

Hotspot and tethering are fully supported, and add-on plans are available that activate automatically when your main plan expires — helping you stay connected without interruption.² The Nomad app, available on iOS and Android, lets you monitor your data usage and manage your plan on the go.

Nomad's Mexico plans are data-only. Traditional calls and SMS are not included, so you will use apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime for voice communication.

Good for: Travellers who want multi-network access across AT&T and Movistar with flexible add-on options and unlimited plans for longer stays.

Read more in our full Nomad eSIM review.

Saily

Saily is built by the team behind NordVPN, with online privacy at the heart of its design. Plans for Mexico start from $8.99 and cover popular destinations including Cancún, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Guadalajara.³

A key practical advantage is that Saily uses a single eSIM for all supported destinations. Once installed, you simply add new countries to the same eSIM each time you travel — no reinstallation required.³ Hotspot sharing is unlimited with no daily cap, and three built-in security tools are included: a virtual location feature, an ad blocker, and web protection against malicious sites and trackers.³ You receive an alert when you reach 80% of your data, and top-ups can be added in the app.³

Saily plans are data-only and do not include calls or texts.

Good for: Security-conscious travellers who want one eSIM across multiple trips and unlimited hotspot sharing without any daily restrictions.

Read more in our full Saily eSIM review.

Holafly

Holafly sells only unlimited data plans for Mexico, which suits travellers who prefer not to track a data cap. Plans start from $6.90 for a one-day plan, with longer durations available at lower daily rates.⁴ Holafly's Mexico eSIM connects to Movistar Mexico and Telcel, two of Mexico's major mobile networks, with 4G and 5G coverage across urban areas.⁴

One thing worth noting is that Holafly lists several areas where coverage may be limited or unavailable.⁴ If you are planning to visit any of these areas, check Holafly's latest coverage information before purchasing.

Hotspot sharing is available, capped at 1 GB per day.⁴ A fair use policy applies, with speeds potentially reduced above 90 GB of usage in a month — a threshold most holiday visitors would not reach. Every plan includes Holafly's "Always On" feature, which provides 1 GB of free backup data per month. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

Holafly plans are data-only and do not include traditional calls or texts.

Good for: Travellers heading to main tourist destinations who want unlimited data on Movistar and Telcel without monitoring usage, and who are not visiting the specific areas without coverage.

Read more in our full Holafly eSIM review.

How to choose the best eSIM for your Mexico trip

With several strong options available, here are the key things to consider:

• Calls and texts: Most Mexico travel eSIMs are data-only. If you need to make traditional phone calls, Airalo is one of the few providers offering a Data/Calls/Texts option for Mexico via the Movistar network.
• Coverage in your specific destinations: If you are heading to Holbox Island or other less-covered areas, check the coverage details of your chosen provider carefully before buying. Holafly lists specific gaps on their Mexico page.
• Fixed vs unlimited data: A fixed data plan suits shorter trips or lighter usage such as maps and messaging. Unlimited plans work better for longer stays or heavier users who stream, video call, or tether devices frequently.
• Hotspot use: If you plan to share your data with a laptop or tablet, confirm hotspot is supported. Saily has no daily cap; Holafly caps at 1 GB per day.
• Plan duration: Match the plan length to your itinerary. Plans typically run from a few days to 30 days.
• Phone compatibility: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Most iPhones from the XR onwards and many recent Android flagships support eSIM.

How to install and activate an eSIM for Mexico travel

Setting up a Mexico eSIM is straightforward. Here is how to do it before you fly:

1. Check compatibility: Confirm your phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. On an iPhone, go to Settings and look for an option to add a mobile plan. On Android, check under SIM settings or network settings.
2. Buy your plan: Visit the provider's app or website and select a Mexico data plan. Purchase before you leave the UK.
3. Receive your QR code: After purchase, you will receive a QR code by email or directly in the app.
4. Install the eSIM: Go to your phone settings, select "Add mobile plan" (or the equivalent), and scan the QR code. You need a Wi-Fi connection during installation.
5. Enable data roaming: In your phone settings, turn on data roaming for the new eSIM profile.
6. Activate on arrival: Most plans activate automatically when your phone connects to a Mexican network. You can install the eSIM at home before you fly — it stays inactive until you land.

A useful tip: install your eSIM one or two days before departure while you are on stable home Wi-Fi, so you have time to troubleshoot if anything is unclear before you need to be at the airport.

Why use an eSIM for travelling to Mexico?

Here are the main reasons a Mexico travel eSIM is worth considering:

• Get online at the airport instantly: Having data the moment you land means you can use Uber or DiDi to get to your hotel — both of which are much cheaper than airport taxis in many Mexican cities — without hunting for a SIM stall or free Wi-Fi.
• Avoid high UK roaming costs: UK carrier roaming charges to Mexico can be significant and rarely match local data rates.
• Keep your UK number active: Your physical SIM stays in your phone, so you can still receive bank verification texts, calls, and two-factor authentication codes on your UK number throughout your trip.
• Buy before you fly: Everything is set up from home, so you are connected the moment you land with no queuing or paperwork.
• Flexible top-ups: Most providers let you add more data through an app without visiting a shop.
• Security: Using your own mobile data is more secure than connecting to unknown public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, beach clubs, or restaurants.

Make your spending go further in Mexico with the Wise card

Sorting your data before you fly is one part of trip preparation. Having the right card for spending in Mexico is another.

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies across 150+ countries, converting your pounds to Mexican pesos (MXN) at the mid-market exchange rate. There is only a small, transparent conversion fee* and no foreign transaction fees.

The card costs a one-time fee of £7 to order. Free ATM withdrawals are available up to £250 per month, with a 2.69% fee on any amount above that. Additional charges may apply from independent ATM networks.

Sign up with Wise for free

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FAQs about using an eSIM in Mexico

Will my eSIM work in Cancún, Mexico City, and Tulum?

Yes, all four providers in this guide offer coverage in Mexico's main tourist destinations including Cancún, Mexico City, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca. Coverage in urban and resort areas is generally strong on the Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T networks. For remote or rural areas — including the Yucatán jungle, desert regions, or smaller islands — signal may be weaker or absent. If you are visiting Holbox Island, note that Holafly specifically states it does not have coverage there.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

Most iPhones from the XR onwards support eSIM, as do many recent Android devices including Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. The quickest way to check is to go into your phone's settings and look for an option to add a new mobile plan, or search your phone model followed by "eSIM compatible".

Can I keep my UK phone number while using a Mexico eSIM?

Yes. Your eSIM handles mobile data while your physical UK SIM stays active for calls and texts. Set your UK SIM as the default for calls and SMS, and set the eSIM as your data line. This means you can still receive bank two-factor authentication codes and calls on your UK number throughout your trip in Mexico.

Can I make phone calls with a Mexico travel eSIM?

Most Mexico travel eSIMs are data-only, meaning you use apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime for voice and video calls rather than traditional phone calls. Airalo is the exception: they offer Data/Calls/Texts plans for Mexico on the Movistar network that include call minutes and SMS, which is useful if you need to call local businesses or accommodation directly.

When should I install my Mexico eSIM?

The best time to install your eSIM is one or two days before your flight, while you are at home on a stable Wi-Fi connection. This gives you time to check everything is working before you travel, and means you will be connected the moment your plane lands in Mexico without needing airport Wi-Fi.

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Sources used:

1. Mexico eSIMs - Airalo — Starting price from $4.00 USD, Claro Telcel network (data-only), Movistar network (Data/Calls/Texts plans from $5.50), top-up availability, 24/7 WhatsApp support. Checked 02-06-2026.
2. Mexico Travel eSIM - Nomad — Starting price from $4.00 USD, AT&T / Movistar networks, 4G/5G coverage, hotspot/tethering support, automatic add-on plans. Checked 02-06-2026.
3. eSIM Mexico - Saily — Starting price from $8.99 USD, unlimited hotspot (no cap), built-in security features (ad blocker up to 28.6% data saving, virtual location, web protection), one eSIM for all trips, city coverage confirmed. Checked 02-06-2026.
4. eSIM for Mexico - Holafly — Starting price from $6.90 USD (1-day plan), Movistar Mexico / Telcel networks, unlimited data only, 1GB/day hotspot cap, Always On feature, specific areas without coverage listed, FUP above 90GB/month. Checked 02-06-2026.

Sources last checked on date: 02-06-2026