AT&T SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists

AT&T is a major telecommunications company in the United States that provides mobile, TV, internet, and phone services. Here’s some quick background on AT&T SIM Cards and eSIM for those visiting Mexico.

I. Quick Facts about AT&T

• Founded in 1885 as Southwestern Bell Telephone Company
• Full company name: AT&T Inc.
• Provides wireless, broadband, TV and other telecommunication services
• Has over 100 million wireless subscribers
• Extensive coverage across Mexico
• Operates over 2,200 AT&T branded stores in the US. Also available from authorized retailers.

II. Why AT&T SIM Cards When You’re Exploring Mexico – Coverage and Speed

1. AT&T Network Coverage in Mexico

AT&T has an extensive network in Mexico due to a partnership with Telcel, Mexico’s largest mobile carrier. This gives AT&T customers very good coverage across most of Mexico including major cities and tourist destinations.

With the Telcel partnership, AT&T can provide coverage across Mexico’s 31 states plus Mexico City. Key areas with strong AT&T coverage include:

• AT&T ranks second behind Telcel for its video experience score of 50.1, enabling smooth streaming.
• Its 5G network excels for video, scoring over 52 for a lag-free experience.
• Live content streams smoothly on AT&T based on its solid live video experience scores.
• Coverage is extensive at 98.7% availability nationwide with consistent quality everywhere.
• While Telcel leads in speeds, AT&T maintains excellent average 5G downloads over 22Mbps.
• International travelers benefit from AT&T’s comfortable roaming through partner agreements.

So in summary, AT&T delivers near seamless video, speedy 5G performance, widespread coverage and reliable connections wherever travellers, residents and businesses need mobile access in Mexico. It’s easy to see why they’re a leading provider.

2. AT&T Speed

AT&T’s network in Mexico can provide decent speeds, especially in large cities where 4G LTE is available. Users can expect:

• AT&T averages over 22Mbps download speeds, sufficient for smooth HD video, social media, music and more.
• 5G speeds average over 54Mbps for high quality video calls and fast app/game downloads.
• Uploads average around 15Mbps, not slow for content uploading and big file backups.
• Speeds maintain social media and light productivity for international travelers.
• Broad coverage means loading webpages and maps almost anywhere.
• While Telcel leads in raw speeds, AT&T delivers more than fast enough connectivity for daily phone use.

So in summary, AT&T customers need not worry about having speedy enough cellular access wherever they need mobile internet access in Mexico.

III. AT&T Connectivity Options for Travelers to Mexico

In summary, the prepaid SIM provides flexibility but requires a physical SIM swap. eSIM is more convenient with no SIM needed but requires an eSIM-compatible phone and offers fewer plan choices. Both run on AT&T’s Mexico network.

IV. Best AT&T SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

These tourist SIMs provide a week to a month of connectivity at reasonable prices. With unlimited talk and text to Mexican numbers plus a data allowance, they allow you to easily communicate on your Mexico trip.

V. Does AT&T Support eSIM in Mexico?

Yes, AT&T has rolled out eSIM support in Mexico. This allows you to activate a cellular plan digitally on compatible smartphones like newer iPhones.

To use eSIM with AT&T in Mexico:

• Your phone must be eSIM capable and have the latest OS. Most iPhones from XS and newer support eSIM.
• Contact AT&T to provision your account for eSIM use abroad. They will provide instructions on setting up a cellular plan.
• Manage your AT&T eSIM by downloading the AT&T Prepaid app. This is where you can refill data or change plans.

eSIM makes travel easier without having to get a physical SIM card. You can setup service before leaving and change plans on the fly.

VI. Where can You Buy an AT&T SIM card and eSIM in Mexico?

1. Where to Buy AT&T SIM Cards in Mexico?

You can pick up an AT&T Prepaid Mexico SIM at several locations:

• Any AT&T store – There are AT&T shops in major Mexican airports, cities and malls. Easiest option.
• Authorized AT&T retailers – Third party cell shops that carry AT&T SIMs. Look for authorized retailer signage.
• Select OXXO stores – Large chain of convenience stores in Mexico. Some locations sell AT&T SIMs.
• Online via Amazon Mexico – Can get SIM card delivered in Mexico. May take a few days for shipping.

Buying directly at an AT&T store is recommended to ensure you get the right SIM card. Staff can also assist with activation and setup.

2. Where to Buy AT&T eSIM in Mexico?

As eSIM is digital, there is no physical card to pick up. You must contact AT&T to enable your account for eSIM before leaving on your trip.

AT&T stores in Mexico can help get eSIM set up on your phone. But best to contact AT&T support and have eSIM working prior arrival.

You can buy Mexico eSIM plans from esim-mexico.com that work on all major cellular networks across Mexico such as Telcel, AT&T and Movistar. Esim-mexico.com offers affordable daily, weekly and monthly eSIM plans with flexible data amounts and durations starting from as low as $12 for 3 days.

VII. How to Activate AT&T SIM/eSIM in Mexico?

1. How to Use AT&T SIM Cards in Mexico?

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.

1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
3. Activate the SIM card: In most cases, Unitel Laos SIM card will be pre-activated
4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
5. Check your services.

2. How to Activate AT&T eSIM?

Getting started with an [operator] eSIM for [country] is quite easy as follows:

1. Install the eSIM
2. Activate the eSIM
3. Set up the eSIM
4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

• Activate eSIM on iPhone
• Activate eSIM on Samsung phones
• Activate eSIM on Google Pixel Phones

VIII. AT&T Call & SMS Rates

These are the standard voice call and SMS rates on AT&T Mexico

Please note that these rates are subject to change without prior notice. Also, international calling rates may vary depending on the country you are calling.

The SMS rate for all plans is unlimited to Mexico, US, and Canada. Therefore, there is no additional charge for SMS messages.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for AT&T SIM/eSIM

USSD codes are quick dial shortcuts you enter on your phone keypad. They are handy for checking your account balance or other info.

Some handy USSD codes for AT&T Mexico:

• *325# – Check account balance
• *288# – Recharge/top-up account
• *123*RechargePIN# – Recharge using a top-up PIN
• *123# – Check rate plan or add data packs

Enter the codes above and press call/send to check your usage. The info displays directly on your phone screen.

Using USSD codes is free – they simply query your account status. Very handy when traveling in Mexico on AT&T.

X. How to Top-up AT&T SIM/eSIM

It’s easy to add more money and data to your AT&T SIM/eSIM while in Mexico. There are a few ways to recharge your account:

Using the AT&T Prepaid App – Add money directly through the app via credit/debit card. You can also manage your plan.

AT&T Stores – Visit any AT&T store in Mexico to top up in person. Staff can assist you.

Recharge Cards – Purchase AT&T recharge cards at stores like OXXO. Dial *288# and enter the scratch-off PIN to add credit.

USSD Codes – Dial *288# or *123# and follow prompts to recharge your account.

AT&T makes it convenient to top-up your Mexico SIM/eSIM on the go. And costs are reasonable – $60 gets you 30 days with lots of calling & data.

XI. Alternatives to AT&T

1. Other Main Local Mobile Operators

While AT&T works great in Mexico, some other options to consider:

• Telcel Amigo Prepaid – Mexico’s largest network. Wide presence and local SIM cards.
• T-Mobile – Decent roaming speeds with unlimited talk/text. 5GB high speed data.
• Google Fi – Flexible plans that include Mexico. Unlimited calls and texts with data topping at $10/GB.
• Local SIM Card – Buy a SIM from a Mexican provider like Telcel or Movistar for local rates.
• Pocket WiFi Rental – Rent a mobile hotspot to get wireless data without buying a SIM

2. esim-mexico.com

Travelling to Mexico but worried about having a reliable data connection? Leave your spare physical SIM card at home and go digital with an eSIM from esim-mexico.com by GIGAGO

esim-mexico.com offers both short-term and long-term eSIM plans that tap into the major networks in Mexico for data usage and calls.

XII. FAQs about AT&T in Mexico

XIII. Final Words

AT&T SIM cards or eSIM is a very convenient and cost effective way to stay connected on your Mexico trip. Coverage is excellent nationwide thanks to AT&T’s partnership with Telcel. And plans like the Prepaid Mexico option give you unlimited calling/texting to US/Canada plus decent amounts of high speed data at a fair price. With easy top-up options and seamless service across North America, AT&T is a great connectivity choice for traveling in Mexico.