Telcel SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists

Mexico’s largest mobile carrier Telcel offers connectivity across Mexico with excellent coverage and speed. As a tourist visiting Mexico, getting a Telcel SIM cards or eSIM can keep you connected throughout your travels with easy mobile data and calling access.

I. Quick Facts about Telcel

• Founded in 1989 as the cellular arm of Telmex.
• Full company name is Radiomóvil Dipsa S.A. de C.V.
• Provides mobile voice, text, and data services.
• Over 75 million mobile subscribers as of Q2 2022.
• Extensive 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE coverage across Mexico.
• Over 50,000 points of sale including Telcel stores, dealers, and other retailers.

II. Why Telcel When You’re Exploring Mexico – Coverage and Speed

1. Telcel Network Coverage in Mexico

With over three decades of operation, Telcel has built one of the most far-reaching mobile networks in Mexico. Its 2G and 3G networks cover over 92% of the population. Its 4G/LTE network reaches over 88% of Mexicans across 2,400+ municipalities.

• Telcel SIM Cards won the Coverage Experience award with a score of 8.8/10.
• The network aims to keep users connected seamlessly wherever they are.
• Its broad reach makes browsing maps and streaming videos reliably smooth.
• Coverage spans across diverse landscapes from coast to coast.
• International travelers can explore confidently on Telcel’s network.

2. Telcel Speed

In addition to coverage breadth, Telcel also offers excellent 4G and 4.5G speed through its LTE network.

• Telcel won all four speed awards for fastest downloads and uploads.
• Their average download speed of 28.4Mbps ensures smooth HD media.
• 5G downloads average over 200Mbps for ultra-fast file transfers.
• The network aims to provide the quickest connectivity.
• Users can enjoy lightning-fast speeds for apps, games, uploads and more.

III. Telcel Connectivity Options for Travelers to Mexico

For travelers headed to Mexico, Telcel offers two main connectivity options:

Both options provide the same Telcel SIM Cards service but in different formats. eSIM is more modern and convenient since your phone stays physical SIM-free, but SIM cards work on more phone models.

IV. Best Telcel SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

There is a variety of Telcel SIM cards packages suitable for tourists in Mexico. Some top options include:

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 Telcel Support eSIM in Mexico?

Yes, Telcel launched eSIM service in 2020 and actively offers eSIM plans to consumers.

Telcel eSIM options allow you to access the Telcel network and activate a data plan completely digitally through your phone’s settings. To use eSIM with Telcel 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.

Their eSIM plans provide the same call, text, and mobile data access but in a convenient embedded format. eSIM is supported on many newer iPhone and Android models.

VI. Where Can You Buy a Telcel SIM Card and eSIM?

1. Where to Buy Telcel SIM Cards in Mexico

As Mexico’s largest network, it’s easy to find Telcel stores and retailers to purchase a SIM card. Some options include:

• Telcel Stores – Visit an official Telcel store found in most cities. Store staff can set you up with the tourist SIM card you need.
• Airports – Major airports like Mexico City and Cancún have Telcel counters or stores where you can conveniently buy a SIM upon arrival.
• Supermarkets – Larger grocery store chains often sell Telcel SIMs including Oxxo, 7-Eleven, and more.
• Electronics Stores – Retailers like Best Buy, AT&T, and others carry Telcel SIMs for easy pickup.

When purchasing, you’ll need to show your passport for identification. Prices are very reasonable for tourist SIMs providing a week or more of unlimited usage.

2. Where to Buy Telcel eSIM in Mexico

Telcel provides a few ways to get your eSIM profile for activation:

• Online – Telcel allows eSIM purchase directly from their website. After registering your details, you can buy a tourist eSIM plan and scan the QR code for activation.
• Telcel App – Download the Telcel app for iPhone or Android to purchase an eSIM plan in-app. Provides the QR code needed to activate service on your phone.
• In-Store – Visit a Telcel corporate store in Mexico to have staff help provision your eSIM profile for your device. Less common but available.

Otherwise, 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 Telcel SIM/eSIM in Mexico

1. How to Use Telcel 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 Telcel eSIM

Getting started with an Telcel eSIM for Mexico 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. Telcel Call & SMS Rates

Telcel prepaid plans like tourist SIMs often come with unlimited Mexico calling and texting. This allows you to call and text Mexican numbers without worrying about per-minute charges.

If you have a basic prepaid plan without call bundles, Telcel has these example domestic rates from your Telcel Mexico phone:

For international calls, rates start from 2 Pesos/min (~$0.10 USD) depending on location. With a tourist SIM, bundle international calling or use VoIP apps to save money.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Telcel SIM/eSIM

Telcel SIM cards and eSIM users can check their account balance and settings quickly using USSD codes:

• *500 – Check Telcel account balance
• *133# – Check data remaining
• *134# – Check rate plan information
• *123# – Check bonus/promotional balance
• *222# – Service activation and deactivation

Enter these codes into your phone dial pad and hit call/send to check your prepaid status, data, and settings via Telcel’s network.

X. How to Top-Up Telcel SIM/eSIM

When your Telcel SIM Cards prepaid credit runs low, you can easily top-up your account in several ways:

• Telcel App – Use the Telcel app for Android and iPhone to top-up your plan using payment methods saved in the app.
• Vouchers – Purchase top-up vouchers at Telcel stores, Oxxo, 7-Eleven, and other retailers in various denominations like 100, 200, 300 Pesos.
• Online – Recharge your Telcel SIM online by credit/debit card by visiting a top-up site and entering your phone number.
• Cash – Some Telcel stores and agents accept cash payments for topping up your SIM on the spot.

Once successfully recharged, your new prepaid balance will be added so you can continue calling, texting and using mobile data through the Telcel network in Mexico.

XI. Alternatives to Telcel

1. Other Main Local Mobile Operators

While Telcel is the largest network in Mexico, there are two other major operators:

• Movistar – Offers similar nationwide coverage with prepaid SIM and data packages.
• AT&T Mexico – Good option if you want access to AT&T’s US roaming network. More limited Mexican coverage.

2. esim-mexico.com

A more convenient option is to buy an eSIM plan from esim-mexico.com, which is Mexico’s leading eSIM provider powered by GIGAGO . They offer affordable data packages on reliable networks without any contracts or deposits. After purchasing a plan, you will receive an activation QR code via email, which you can scan on your device to connect instantly to GIGAGO’s high-speed network. You don’t need to swap physical SIM cards – just download and go.

These providers can serve as alternatives if you need more specific roaming capabilities or have issues getting Telcel service in certain regions of Mexico during your visit.

XII. FAQs about Telcel

XIII. Final Words

A Telcel SIM card or eSIM is a great connectivity option for travelers headed to Mexico. With excellent nationwide coverage, fast speeds, and affordable tourist plan rates, Telcel makes staying connected seamless during your Mexico visit. Look for Telcel plans at Mexican airports, stores and online for uncomplicated access to Mexico’s top network.