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SIM card in Cancun, eSIM, roaming and other ways to get Internet | April 2024

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Last update: April 1, 2024
Roams UK
Author: Roams UK
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In a nutshell

Buying a SIM card in Cancun can be a very good option to get Internet access in the Aztec country. But you should know that it is not the only one: you can activate your company's roaming or connect to both public and portable wifi networks. But we think the best idea is to get an eSIM that you can activate from your phone, so you don't miss a second of your trip.

Book your Cancun eSIM with Holafly

Buy a SIM card in Cancun

Purchasing a SIM card in Cancun is relatively simple, you can find them at any airport or shopping centre, it is quite easy and inexpensive, and it allows you to communicate with family and friends and make calls if necessary.

The main advantages of using a SIM card in Cancun are:

  • Having a data plan and calls with local coverage.
  • No permanence, most of these cards are cancelled after a few days or when the data plan you have contracted runs out.
  • SIM cards work in all phones, just choose the size of card that is compatible with the mobile phone you use.

You can also buy the SIM card online, but you must take into account the shipping times so that it arrives before you leave on your trip, generally these websites have international shipping so you can choose the rate that best suits the requirements you are looking for.

Inf you want Internet in Mexico, you can find different plans and SIM cards in Cancun:

SIM card plans in Cancun
Plan Price Data
14 days £5 3GB
30 days £10 3GB
20 days £7 2GB

The main companies operating in Cancun are AT&T, Telcel and Movistar, these three companies have the best coverage in the country. To buy this type of card you only have to go to one of their points of sale, in shopping centres or at the airport. To recharge the card is also very simple, you can go to any convenience store or point of sale, you don't need to give a credit card as you can pay in cash.

Some things to bear in mind when purchasing this type of card:

  • Be aware of the duration of the card voucher.
  • It's not necessary to use a credit card as both the purchase and the top-up can be paid in cash.
  • These cards can be topped up at any of the company's outlets or convenience stores.
  • You can call any local phone number free of charge, but this is not the case if you want to call UK. In these cases, we recommend using Whatsapp calls to communicate with family and friends.

Other options to get Internet abroad

Although a SIM card in Cancun is a good option to get Internet, you should keep in mind that it's not the only one. You can also connect to a public or private wifi network, buy a virtual eSIM or activate your phone company's roaming.

Surely when you started planning your trip, one of the first questions that came to your mind was how to use your mobile phone in the same way you use it every day. Nowadays, we use our mobile phones for almost everything, from finding out how to get to a certain place or to staying connected with family and friends.

That's why we want to detail all your options for getting mobile data abroad, one by one, with all their pros and cons.

How much does it cost the Internet in Cancun?
Service Price/Days Data
eSIM Cancun Holafly
  • From £29/10 days
  • Unlimited
Cancun SIM card
  • From £5/14 days
  • 3GB
Wifi in Cancun:
  • Portable
  • Public

  • From £4/day
  • Free

  • 2GB/day
  • Unlimited
Roaming in Cancun:
  • EE
  • O2
  • Three

  • From £44/30 days
  • From £6/day
  • From £3/day

  • 8GB
  • 1MB
  • 1MB

eSIM in Cancun: The best way to get unlimited data

You may have thought about buying a SIM card in Cancun, but you should know that there are modern virtual cards called eSIM cards that can offer a better service. This is the case of Holafly's eSIM Cancun, which offers, among other advantages, unlimited data packages.

What is an eSIM card?

It's a value you won't find on a SIM card, whose plans are limited. What's more, these virtual models can be activated directly from your phone, so you won't have to waste a second of your trip. You receive it in your email, activate your data plan when you land at the airport - and that's it.

eSim Mexico
Mobile
Prepaid: 5 days expiry
Data Unlimited

Coverage
AT&T
Connection speed 4G
Pay as you go£195 days expiry
taxes included

At this point, we must underline one detail: not all mobile phones support eSIM cards. The latest generation of iPhones and phones from other brands do, but this may not be the case for you. We recommend that you check before you buy anything. Here are the main manufacturers with eSIM compatible models:

In addition to unlimited data, Holafly offers other advantages such as a 24/7 customer service that will assist you in eight different languages.

Here are all the plans and prices for Holafly's eSIM Cancun:

Cancun eSIM Holafly: all the plans
Plan Price Gigas
5 days £19 Unlimited
10 days £29 Unlimited
15 days £44 Unlimited
20 days £49 Unlimited
30 days £59 Unlimited
60 days £77 Unlimited
90 days £87 Unlimited

Sign up now for your Holafly eSIM with a 5% discount including the coupon ROAMS

That said, it makes sense to do a little market research before you buy anything. That's why we want to show you some of the other major companies that also offer travel eSIM cards:


How to activate roaming in Cancun?

If you are not convinced by the eSIM and do not want to buy a SIM card in Cancun, you can always activate your provider's roaming. However, we can assure you that it will be quite expensive.

Here are the roaming plans of the main companies operating in the UK:

  • EE roaming in Cancun: You can choose different data plans depending on how long you plan to stay in Cancun.
  • Roaming with O2 in Cancun: Its main advantage is that it offers a wide range of options. You can even sign up for 24-hour plans.
  • Three roaming for Cancun: You will be able to make calls to UK numbers, but you will have to pay quite a lot of money for Internet access.
  • Vodafone roaming for Cancun: Mexico is not included in its list of countries where roaming is included in the tariff. Therefore, you will have to dig deep into your pocket to get mobile data.

Free Internet in public wifi networks in Cancun

I'm sure you've already thought about connecting to a public wifi network in Cancun. It's not a bad idea, as you can find them in hotels, bars and all kinds of establishments. Not to mention that they are totally free.

But keep in mind that these networks are not meant for every kind of task. They are fine for sending WhatsApp messages, checking train timetables or the weather.

Avoid at all costs making purchases or banking transactions over such connections, as they are very insecure. With a bit of bad luck, a stranger could gain access to your data and bank accounts.

Connect to a pocket wifi network in Cancun

Another interesting option to get Internet in Cancun are the pocket wifi or MiFi. You can rent these devices to have mobile data wherever you go. It is an option that many travellers choose to stay connected.

Although renting a pocket wifi is a very good option to get Internet, it requires you to be careful. Mostly because you have to return the equipment in perfect condition to avoid paying a financial penalty. And in case of theft or loss, your personal data could be exposed.

These are some of the companies you can turn to:

  • Wifivox: This option is ideal if you need to connect multiple devices, as it will allow you to connect up to five devices.
  • Travel Wifi: It offers slightly larger data plans that can go up to 2GB per day.
  • MioWifi: You can connect up to five devices to its high-speed 4G connection.
  • Klook Wifi: And if you're looking for variety, the company has plans ranging from 1GB to 4GB of mobile data.

Why you should have Internet in Cancun?

The benefits of having Internet in Cancun are many and varied, as you are used to consulting any data from your phone, so have mobile data when you travel becomes a necessity.

Some of the benefits of accessing the Internet in Cancun are:

  • Keep in touch with our family and friends, being able to send photos of the wonderful turquoise beaches, a video of a swim with the turtles or a visit to Chitzen Itza.
  • Check your email, so that you are always up-to-date.
  • Consult the map to avoid getting lost while visiting the ruins of Cancun, renting a car or cancelling a reservation.

If you are going to travel to other destinations, either as a tourist or if you are a digital nomad, you are interested in knowing the benefits of having internet while you travel, here are some that may be interesting:


Tips before travelling to Cancun

Cancun is characterized by white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters, but you can also enjoy Mayan sites such as Chitzen Itza or the ruins of Tulum, swim in a cenote or scuba dive in a coral reef.

The electricity voltage in Cancun is 127 volts and 60 Hz. Plugs are either type A or type B, so check with the places you're staying to see if you need an adaptor and what type you need.

The official currency in Cancun is the Mexican peso. The most convenient option is to use a prepaid card when travelling abroad, although you can also change money at the airport.

With Holafly's eSIM Cancun, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about overspending. You will have unlimited data for every day of the card to have Internet connection in Cancun.

Sign up now for your Holafly eSIM with a 5% discount including the coupon ROAMS


FAQs about SIM card in Cancun

Where can I buy a SIM card in Cancun?

You can buy a SIM card in Cancun in any supermarket or specialized shop. You will also find them at the airport, but we don't recommend you buy them there, as you will pay more than you need to.

How to get unlimited data in Cancun?

You can get an Internet connection by buying a SIM card, activating roaming or connecting to a wifi network. But the few ways you can get unlimited data abroad is with an eSIM card.

Our methodology
Roams offers a free information and comparison service, which tries to help anyone find the product that best suits their needs. To ensure that the data presented is correct, extensive market research and product analysis is carried out. Our database of mobile phone and internet rates is updated every day. The content is frequently reviewed by a team of writers with previous experience and/or specific training in telephony.

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Laura Burón
Edited and revised por Laura Burón