Getting internet access as soon as you land should be a top priority when traveling abroad. A SIM card is the easiest way to get online with your unlocked phone or mobile hotspot. But where and how do you buy a SIM card at Los Cabos Airport? This guide will walk you through all the options, costs, and things to know before buying a Mexico SIM card when you land at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).

Buy SIM Card at Los Cabos Airport 2023

I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Los Cabos Airport

There are a few options for purchasing SIM cards once you arrive at Los Cabos Airport:

AT&T Store

att store 1

There is an AT&T authorized reseller located in the domestic arrivals area of Terminal 1, before you exit into the main lobby. They sell AT&T Mexico prepaid SIM cards with data packages you can add. Basic plans start around 300 pesos ($15 USD). AT&T uses the Telcel network which has the best coverage in Mexico.

Telcel Store

In the international arrivals area of Terminal 1, there is an official Telcel store which is one of the major Mexican cell providers. You can get a Telcel SIM here with data packages. Plans are around 300 pesos and up.

VivaAerobus SIM Kiosk

In the domestic departures area of Terminal 2 before security, there is a VivaAerobus SIM card stand. They offer prepaid SIMs on the Movistar network, which has good coverage around Los Cabos. Plans start around 100 pesos.

Airport Kiosks

There are a couple small shops and kiosks in the airport that sell SIM cards from various Mexican networks like Movistar and Telcel. Prices are usually a bit higher than getting it directly from a provider store.

Supplier Delivery

simoption 1

Some Mexico SIM card companies like SimOptions will deliver a SIM to your hotel or rented apartment upon arrival. This ensures you have connectivity as soon as you arrive. Delivery fees apply.

II. Los Cabos Airport SIM Card Options and Costs

The main Mexico cell networks available at Los Cabos Airport are Telcel, AT&T Mexico. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from each provider:

New wpDataTable

Operator SIM Option Inclusions Approx. Cost (MXN)
Telcel Tourist SIM 3GB data, 300 mins, unlimited texts $150-200
Telcel Amigo Sin Limite 20GB data, unlimited calls/texts $300
AT&T Tourist Plan 2GB data, 200 mins, unlimited texts $200-250
AT&T Unlimited Plan Unlimited data, calls, texts $350-400

Both the AT&T and Telcel SIMs are going to provide the fastest speeds and widest coverage for Los Cabos. Most plans come with calling, texting, and mobile data you can add. Be sure to ask about activation fees which can sometimes apply.

III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Los Cabos Airport

Before buying your SIM Card at Los Cabos Airport, there’s a few things you’ll need to have ready:

Unlocked Phone: Your phone must be unlocked to use a foreign SIM card. Contact your home provider to request an unlock before you travel.

Passport: When purchasing a SIM card in Mexico, you’ll need to show your passport for identification and activation.

Pesos: Have some Mexican Pesos on hand to pay for your SIM card and plan. Many stores accept USD too but the exchange rate may not be favorable.

Telcel Account: If you plan to get a Telcel SIM, set up an account on the Telcel website ahead of time to make purchasing your plan easier.

Know your Data Needs: Decide how much data you’ll need for your trip. This will determine which plan makes the most sense. Most travelers need at least 2-5GB for a week.

IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Los Cabos Airport

If your phone has an embedded eSIM chip, another option is to purchase a Mexican eSIM plan online prior to your trip instead of buying a local SIM card. Some benefits of using eSIM include:

esim benefits
  • Convenience – eSIM allows instant activation without swapping SIMs
  • Mobility: Since eSIM is a digital SIM stored on your device, you don’t have to worry about carrying physical SIM cards.
  • Flexibility: You can easily switch between carriers directly on your device without needing a new physical SIM.
  • Roaming Costs: Avoid high roaming fees by purchasing a local eSIM plan instead of using your home network abroad.
esim price

If you’re looking for an eSIM plan in Mexico, you can check out esim- mexico.com by GIGAGO. They offer both short-term and long-term eSIM plans that tap into the major networks in Mexico for data usage and calls.

V. FAQs

Do I need to register my SIM card?

Mexico does not require registration of SIM cards. Just show your passport when purchasing.

Can I use my SIM card in other countries?

No, Mexican SIM cards only work in Mexico. You’ll need to get a different SIM for other countries.

How can I refill/recharge my Mexico SIM?

You can top-up your SIM at Oxxo stores and other retailers in Mexico or via your SIM provider’s website or app.

Do SIM cards work in all phones?

Mexico uses GSM networks which work with most modern unlocked phones. Some areas still have only 2G where basic calls/texts will work.

How long does a SIM card last?

SIM cards are usable as long as you continue to add funds to renew your number. The card itself does not expire.

VI. Conclusion

Getting a Mexico SIM card or eSIM when you land at Los Cabos Airport ensures you have connectivity right away during your trip. With providers like Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar available at SJD, you’ll have flexible options based on network coverage and budget. Just be sure to unlock your phone and know approximately how much data you’ll need during your travels. With a Mexico SIM in hand when you land, you’ll be set to start sharing photos and making plans as soon as you get out of the airport!