
Internet in Mexico: How to get it and avoid roaming fees
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beaches of Cancún or history in Chichen Itza, you’re going to need internet in Mexico during your trip. But what’s the easiest — and cheapest — way to stay connected while you’re on vacation? Read on to find out!

Table of Contents
- How is the internet connection in Mexico?
- How does roaming work in Mexico?
- AT&T
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
- Vodafone
- Do you need to rely on roaming to get internet in Mexico?
- The cheapest and easiest ways to get internet when traveling in Mexico
- eSIM: The easiest and the most flexible way to always be online in Mexico
- Public Wi-Fi
- Pocket Wi-Fi
- Getting a SIM card with mobile internet providers in Mexico
- Explore Mexico with Saily eSIM
How is the internet connection in Mexico?
The internet connection in Mexico is generally pretty good, particularly near cities. Mexico has four main mobile internet providers — Telcel, AT&T Mexico, Movistar, and Altán Redes — as well as other, smaller companies like Virgin Mobile and Flash Mobile.
Urban areas have extensive 4G and 5G coverage. However, rural areas have fewer internet users and therefore less coverage. If you’re planning to explore off the beaten path, you may want to plan carefully.
While you may not be glued to your phone the entire trip, you do want to make plans for accessing the internet in Mexico. Otherwise, you may not be able to get directions to various attractions, find the best restaurants, call rideshares, or stay connected with your friends and family.
How does roaming work in Mexico?
Many US and European mobile carriers offer roaming in Mexico. International data roaming in Mexico allows your phone to connect to local networks, make calls, send and receive text messages, and use mobile data.
The specifics of your international roaming plan will vary depending on your specific provider and plan, but here’s an overview of a few popular mobile carriers that offer international roaming in Mexico:
AT&T
AT&T operates in Mexico as well as the US, so it provides good coverage on its international roaming plans. AT&T offers two options for its roaming service: the International Day Pass or pay-per-use data.
The International Day Pass offers unlimited data, calls, and texts for $10 per day. The pay-per-use plan allows you to pay for data at a rate of $2.05 per megabyte. If you anticipate minimal data usage during your current period roaming in Mexico, the pay-per-use plan could be a good option.
Verizon
Verizon’s TravelPass gives you access to international roaming in Mexico for $6/day. The TravelPass is a good deal if you’re already a Verizon customer on an unlimited data plan, as roaming in Mexico is included.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers internet in Mexico at a cost of $15 per megabyte. However, current T-Mobile customers with certain plans, such as the Simple Gold plan, can get unlimited text and 2 GB of data in Mexico at no extra cost.
Vodafone
Vodafone charges between $7-$15 per megabyte of data, making it one of the priciest options for accessing the internet in Mexico.
Data roaming may seem simple. However, it comes with major cons like expensive rates and unstable download speeds. You’re also stuck with the internet companies in Mexico that your mobile provider partners with. Not to mention, you need to check if your phone will work in Mexico because it may be country locked.
Do you need to rely on roaming to get internet in Mexico?
Thankfully, you don’t need to rely on roaming to get internet in Mexico. Using your phone overseas without roaming is possible, and it’s often cheaper!
The cheapest and easiest ways to get internet when traveling in Mexico
Let’s explore the cheapest and easiest ways to get internet when traveling in Mexico, from eSIMs to pocket Wi-Fi.
eSIM: The easiest and the most flexible way to always be online in Mexico
An eSIM is the easiest, most flexible way to access mobile internet in Mexico. eSIMs are a virtual alternative to physical SIM cards, taking advantage of microchips and pre-installed software in modern smartphones to use multiple providers at once. You simply buy an eSIM plan and activate it via the provider’s app. With Saily, you can download the app, set it up in a few simple steps, and the plan will activate automatically when you reach your destination.
The benefits of an eSIM include:
No high roaming charges.
Access to the internet as soon as you arrive.
High-speed data.
Flexible plans so you only pay for the data you need.
Coverage from the best internet providers in Mexico.
The ability to switch between different carriers.
Saily’s eSIM Mexico mobile data plans start at $5.99 for 1 GB over 7 days — less than just one megabyte on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Vodafone’s plans. Simply put, getting an eSIM for Mexico is the best solution!
Public Wi-Fi
You’ll probably be able to find public Wi-Fi quite easily in Mexico. Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels in Mexico offer free Wi-Fi, and you can also find free Wi-Fi in airports, like the Cancun Airport Wi-Fi.
While Wi-Fi is the cheapest option, it’s not very reliable. You may not be able to find public Wi-Fi when you really need it, and you can only access it when you’re near the network. Also, the internet speed can vary wildly depending on user traffic.
However, public Wi-Fi isn’t just inconvenient; it can also be dangerous. Public Wi-Fi networks are rife with cybercriminals who can take advantage of lax security protocols to access your device, steal your personal information, and/or install malware. If you ever log in to public Wi-Fi — either in Mexico or at home — you should use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect yourself.
Pocket Wi-Fi
Pocket Wi-Fi is a device that you can use to get unlimited data whenever you need it. You simply rent or buy pocket Wi-Fi from a company like Cello Mobile or XOXO WiFi. Then, get the device delivered to you before you leave or pick it up at the airport.
While pocket Wi-Fi is convenient, it comes with a high price tag. Cello Mobile charges $349.99 per week. XOXO is a bit cheaper, at $85 per week for Mexico. However, XOXO is still way more expensive than an eSIM. Also, if you lose your pocket Wi-Fi device, you’ll have to pay a hefty fee, anywhere from $75-$150.
Getting a SIM card with mobile internet providers in Mexico
You can also get mobile internet with a prepaid SIM card from Mexico internet providers like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, and Movistar. You can get physical SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, and retail shops.
Physical SIM cards provide the same internet access as an eSIM, but they come with more cons. Physical SIM cards either have to be bought once you arrive in Mexico or shipped before you leave, and then you have to insert them into your phone to activate them. Because they are small pieces of plastic, physical SIM cards can be lost, stolen, or damaged. Also, many modern smartphones don’t use physical SIM cards, so depending on your mobile phone, a prepaid Mexican SIM card may not even be an option for you. If you’re unsure which is the right choice for you, compare eSIM vs. physical SIM.
Explore Mexico with Saily eSIM
It’s easy to stay connected to the internet when you’re in Mexico! Skip high international roaming fees, unreliable public networks, costly pocket Wi-Fi, and logistically difficult physical SIMs. If you want a fast internet speed, a secure connection, and an affordable price, download an eSIM from Saily.
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Ksenija is a culinary adventurer who believes that the best way to explore a new culture is through its food. Whether she's savoring Thanksgiving turkey in the U.S. or daring to try Hákarl in Iceland, eSIMs are her trusty travel companions. Ksenija never misses a chance to document her gastronomic journeys, sharing every delicious bite with the world. No matter where her taste buds lead her, Ksenija ensures she's always connected, ready to find the next culinary delight.