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Argentina: 3 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Argentina – known for the Tango, steak & Lionel Messi.

The country also has terrific wines, which sometimes puts port wine from Porto (Portugal) to shame.

But since I do not drink wine (yuck), I cannot say if that statement is true 🤪.

Anyway, being the 8th largest country in the world, Argentina has a lot to offer.

You could visit Aconcagua – the largest mountain in South America.

You can stroll through the city of Buenos Aires and even enjoy its nightlife.

And do not forget about exploring the stunning nature in the country, like Iguazú National Park.

Overall, there is no reason to be bored in Argentina.

With the economic disasters that have struck the country, traveling to Argentina has become cheap in recent years.

For example, the Argentine Peso has lost 97.5% of its value against the US Dollar since 2003, which is incredible… in a bad way.

But that does not mean you should not budget for your Argentina trip.

Especially if you decide not to roam in Argentina – international roaming can be expensive.

Luckily, you can get an Argentine SIM card to enjoy local rates.

And those rates are surprisingly low – you will never spend more than 3300 ARS (12.50 USD) for a data plan… with 40 GB of data.

So, how much do SIM cards cost in Argentina?

You can get an Argentine SIM card for free if purchased in a Claro, Movistar, or Personal store. Else, 50 ARS (0.15 USD) from resellers, like kiosks. SIM cards are sold at Buenos Aires-Ministro Pistarini International Airport/Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP).

Free SIM card or otherwise only spending about 0.50 USD? Incredible!

Do not tell the Canadians about this – they will cry with their criminal mobile data rates 😔. Anyway…

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Argentina. Let's do this.

Buying a SIM Card in Argentina Guide (logos of Claro, Movistar & Claro)

Original publication: 9th of January 2020. Last updated: 1st of October 2023.


Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Argentina?

Everyone 18 years or older (previously 16 years or older) living in or visiting Argentina can buy an Argentine SIM card from the mobile network operators (Claro, Movistar & Personal) without restrictions.

You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Argentina).

Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Argentina?

You can get an Argentine SIM card in Claro, Movistar & Personal stores. Resellers, like kiosks, also sell SIM cards. They are also sold at various airports, including Buenos Aires-Ministro Pistarini International Airport/Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP).

You can expect to pay the following for Argentine SIM cards:

  • Claro Argentina: free from official Claro stores, else 50 ARS from resellers
  • Movistar Argentina: free from official Movistar stores, else 50 ARS from resellers
  • Personal Argentina: free from official Personal stores, else 50 ARS from resellers

The following Argentina mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:

  • Claro Argentina: 2500 ARS
  • Personal Argentina: 800 ARS 1

1 until early 2022, Personal Argentina had a tourist SIM card, costing 800 ARS with 3 GB, unlimited WhatsApp data, 100 local minutes & 30 international minutes for 30 days sold at the two Buenos Aires Airports and two Personal stores in Buenos Aires. However, this offer vanished from its website. As I will not be in Argentina anytime soon, I cannot guarantee this offer is still available. But you can let me know if you have an answer!

For up-to-date ARS:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Can You Use Your Phone in Argentina?

Argentina uses GSM technology for mobile communications primarily. CDMA phones will not work in Argentina. However, almost all phones use GSM anyway.

You also need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.

Although there are three ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American frequencies and European frequencies.

Argentina uses American frequencies, which are used in the Americas (North-, Central & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2).

Phones sold in the Americas typically have no issues when using their phone in other ITU Region 2 countries.

In Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3), they typically use European frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European frequencies without issues.

ITU Regions Map by Phone Travel Wiz

If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Argentina.

If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Argentina or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).

If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Argentina (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Argentina

Cellular Connectivity Illustration by Phone Travel Wiz

Argentina has three mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • Claro Argentina
  • Movistar Argentina
  • Personal Argentina

The following frequencies are used in Argentina:

  • 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
  • 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Argentina, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

5G NR in Argentina

5G NR Connectivity Illustration by Phone Travel Wiz

Commercial 5G NR has been available in Argentina since 2021. It is available on the Personal network. Prepaid users can use 5G NR as well. Claro and Movistar do not have 5G NR networks (yet).

Best SIM Card in Argentina

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Argentina, I recommend going with Personal. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds. Moreover, it is also the only mobile operator with a 5G NR network (also for prepaid). Consider Claro for more generous data plans (Gigantes & Tourist SIM card).

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal
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Best eSIM in Argentina

Personal Argentina offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.

While Claro Argentina and Movistar Argentina also have eSIMs, it is unknown whether they are offered to prepaid customers or not.

Note that the Argentina mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).

However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.

The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Argentina.

But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.

Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).

So here are the nine best eSIMs for Argentina:

Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Argentina, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).

If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Argentina, you better check out my Argentina eSIM buying guide.

It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.

Buying an eSIM for Argentina Guide (logos of Personal, Holafly, Alosim, Airlao & Abrazo!)

SIM Card Registration in Argentina

SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Argentina.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Suppose you buy your SIM card from the official stores of Claro, Movistar, or Personal.

In that case, the SIM card will be activated upon purchase (provided you bring your passport with you).

If purchased from a kiosk, you still have to visit a service center or contact the Facebook or Twitter pages of the operators.

To activate a SIM card through Facebook or Twitter, follow the following steps:

  • Contact the operator on Facebook or Twitter
  • Send a direct message with #NOMI
  • A service agent will connect with you (shortly)
  • Provided the required documentation (and have your passport ready)

Trying to activate your SIM card through *234# will only work for those with an Argentine ID or passport.

Those with a foreign passport will have to follow the registration steps mentioned above.

So you are better off visiting a Claro, Movistar, or Personal store.

Movistar Argentina SIM Card Activation
© Movistar Argentina

Argentina Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Flag of Argentina

Being redone.

Currency in Argentina

1000 Argentine Peso Bank Note
© Central Bank of the Argentine Republic/Banco Central de la República Argentina (BCRA)

Argentina uses the Argentine Peso with the symbol ARS (which will be used throughout this guide).

However, prices are often listed as just $ or AR$. For example, 25 ARS = AR$/$25.

For reference, below are some exchange rates between ARS and USD (US Dollars):

  • 1 ARS = 0.030 USD
  • 10 ARS = 0.30 USD
  • 100 ARS = 0.30 USD
  • 1000 ARS = 2.85 USD
  • 10 000 ARS = 28.50 USD

For up-to-date ARS:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.

Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).

I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.

Open a Wise account for FREE!

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Argentine Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through Claro Argentina, Movistar Argentina & Personal Argentina, and go through:

  • Background information
  • Mobile coverage
  • SIM card types, prices, and availability
  • Recharge/top-up information
  • Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs) 

With that being said, let’s see what Argentina has to offer to us.


Claro Argentina

Claro Logo New
© Claro

Claro Argentina, just Claro, is one of the mobile operators in Argentina.

While it used to be the largest by far, its competitors have caught up recently.

Now, it is unknown who is the largest mobile operator in Argentina, but it is the second-fastest (a bit behind Personal Argentina).

Claro, as a company, is active in Central America and South America.

Claro uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
  • 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1700 MHz (Band 4)
  • 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Claro:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Claro SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Claro Argentina

Claro has extensive coverage throughout Argentina.

4G/LTE is available in all urban areas and most towns and villages.

Below is Claro's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Claro's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Claro Argentina

You can get a Claro SIM card for free in Claro stores. If you buy it from a third party, like a kiosk, expect to pay at least 50 ARS. SIM cards are also sold at Buenos Aires-Ministro Pistarini International Airport/Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP).

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Claro Turista Chip – Claro's tourist offering.

For 2500 ARS, you get 25 GB of data, 500 MB for Free Fire, 500 MB for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube individually (2 GB in total) & 1 GB/day for WhatsApp – all for 30 days.

Claro Argentina Tourist SIM Card

You may have to dial *746# to activate your Claro SIM card.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Claro has eSIMs, but it is unknown whether they are offered to prepaid customers.

Even then, note that the Argentine mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Argentina without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Argentina (Abrazo) eSIMs from Airalo (2 GB/7 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 6 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Argentina Abrazo! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

You can also get Argentina eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring South American countries.

International Travel eSIM SimCorner
© SimCorner

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

Finally, you can get Argentina eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Argentina 6 GB eSIM for 15 days
Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Argentina (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

Latamlink Latin America eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers to be used in Argentina and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).

  • Argentina
  • Belize 1
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela 1

1 on 3G only

Airalo Latamlink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (August 2023 Version)

With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

TIP: check out my Best Argentina eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Argentina, including ones not mentioned above.

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Claro offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Argentina

Claro top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Argentina.

To top up your Claro SIM card, text the VoucherCode to 444.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text 123456 to 444.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *611# or text balance to 611 to check your Claro balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Claro Argentina (My Claro Argentina) app (Android/iOS).

Claro Argentina Mi Claro App
© Claro Argentina

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Claro Argentina

Claro has four data-featured prepaid plans:

All Claro plans can be activated on the Mi Claro Argentina app.

I will list all the prices in ARS (Argentine Peso).

To convert ARS to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Internet Plans – Claro Argentina

The Internet plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Internet plans can be activated on the Mi Claro Argentina app:

PriceDataSocial Data Validity
210 ARS10 GBUnlimited 21 night (0:00-6:00)
250 ARS500 MBUnlimited 12 days
360 ARS1 GBUnlimited 13 days
500 ARS1 GBUnlimited 17 days
620 ARS2 GBUnlimited 33 days
750 ARS1 GBUnlimited 230 days
820 ARS2 GBUnlimited 47 days
1030 ARS3 GBUnlimited 47 days
1200 ARS3 GBUnlimited 320 days
1250 ARS4 GBUnlimited 47 days
1750 ARS4 GBUnlimited 430 days

1 for free WhatsApp
2 for free for free Amazon Prime Video mobile edition & WhatsApp
3 for free mobile data Facebook, Free Fire, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube & WhatsApp
4 for free mobile data Amazon Prime Video, Facebook, Free Fire, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube & WhatsApp

Claro Argentina Internet Para Prepago
Renovación Automática (Automatic Renewal) Plans – Claro Argentina

The Renovación Automática plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Renovación Automática can be activated on the Mi Claro Argentina app:

PriceDataSocial DataValidity
360 ARS1 GBUnlimited 13 days
500 ARS1 GBUnlimited 17 days
620 ARS2 GBUnlimited 33 days
820 ARS2 GBUnlimited 47 days
1100 ARS2 GBUnlimited 430 days
1250 ARS4 GBUnlimited 47 days
1750 ARS4 GBUnlimited 4,530 days

1 for free WhatsApp
2 for free for free Amazon Prime Video mobile edition & WhatsApp
3 for free mobile data Facebook, Free Fire, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube & WhatsApp
4 for free mobile data Amazon Prime Video, Facebook, Free Fire, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube & WhatsApp
5 +unlimited Pack TV 20+

Claro Argentina Renovación Automática

Renovación Automática auto-renew. Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Mi Claro Argentina app.

Gigantes Plans – Claro Argentina

The Gigantes plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Gigantes can be activated on the Mi Claro Argentina app:

PriceDataSocial DataValidity
2400 ARS10 GBUnlimited 2,330 days
6000 ARS25 GBUnlimited 2,330 days
6600 ARS40 GBUnlimited 160 days

1 for free mobile data Facebook, Free Fire, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube & WhatsApp
2 for free mobile data Amazon Prime Video, Facebook, Free Fire, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube & WhatsApp
3 +unlimited Pack TV 20+

Claro Argentina Gigantes Plans
Packs Ya Plans – Claro Argentina

The Packs Ya plans are data packs (without 5G NR access). It allows you to connect to the internet . Buying a pack, you choose the number of gigabytes you want to contract to access and browse the web, chat, watch videos and use your applications.

Packs Ya plans can be activated on the Mi Claro Argentina app:

PriceDataSocial Data 1Validity
100 ARS1 GB1 GB 23 days
140 ARS1 GB1 GB 27 days
200 ARS2 GB1 GB 2, 37 days
250 ARS1 GB1 GB 230 days
340 ARS3 GB1 GB 2, 320 days
360 ARS4 GB1 GB 2, 37 days
500 ARS4 GB1 GB 2, 330 days
650 ARS6 GB1 GB 2, 330 days

1 for unlimited WhatsApp and free games
2 for YouTube
3 +1GB Free Fire

Claro Argentina Packs Ya Packs Now Plans

APN/Internet Settings – Claro Argentina

  • Name: Movistar
  • APN: wap.gprs.unifon.com.ar
  • Username: wap
  • Password: wap

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Movistar Argentina

Movistar Logo New
© Movistar

Movistar Argentina, just Movistar, is one of the mobile operators in Argentina.

Movistar, as a brand, is active in Central America, South America & Spain.

Movistar uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
  • 3G: 1900 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1700MHz (Band 4) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Movistar:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Movistar SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Movistar Argentina

Movistar has the worst coverage in Argentina.

However, 4G/LTE is available in all urban areas and many towns and villages.

Below is Movistar's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Movistar Argentina

You can get a Movistar SIM card for free in Movistar stores. If you buy it from a third party, like a kiosk, expect to pay at least 50 ARS. SIM cards are not sold at Buenos Aires-Ministro Pistarini International Airport/Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) or Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP).

Movistar Argentina SIM Card
© Movistar Argentina
  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get a Movistar eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Argentine mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Argentina without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Argentina (Abrazo) eSIMs from Airalo (2 GB/7 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 6 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Argentina Abrazo! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

You can also get Argentina eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring South American countries.

International Travel eSIM SimCorner
© SimCorner

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

Finally, you can get Argentina eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Argentina 6 GB eSIM for 15 days
Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Argentina (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

Latamlink Latin America eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers to be used in Argentina and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).

  • Argentina
  • Belize 1
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela 1

1 on 3G only

Airalo Latamlink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (August 2023 Version)

With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

TIP: check out my Best Argentina eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Argentina, including ones not mentioned above.

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Movistar offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Movistar Argentina

Movistar top-up vouchers are sold in Movistar stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Argentina.

The following (online) Movistar top-ups are available:

Top-UpValidity
20 ARS180 days 
30 ARS180 days 
40 ARS180 days 
50 ARS180 days 
100 ARS180 days 
200 ARS180 days 

You can multiply your credit with the Multiplicar Crédito option:

PriceCreditDataSocial Data 1, 2ValidityActivation Code
150 ARS300 ARSN/AUnlimited1 day2
290 ARS1160 ARSN/A50 MB3 days4
430 ARS2580 ARSN/A100 MB5 days6
550 ARS3850 ARS350 MB500 MB7 days7
650 ARS5200 ARS500 MB650 MB10 days8
800 ARS7200 ARS1 GB1 GB20 days9

1 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, Spotify, TikTok, Twitter & YouTube
2 +unlimited WhatsApp
3 for WhatsApp only

Text the Activation Code to 3456 to activate Multiplicar Crédito.

To top up your Movistar SIM card, dial *444 or *611# and follow the instructions.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *611# or text balance to 611 to check your Movistar balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Movistar Argentina (My Movistar Argentina) app (Android/iOS).

Movistar Argentina Mi Movistar App
© Movistar Argentina

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Movistar Argentina

Movistar has three data-featured prepaid plans:

All Movistar plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 1234 or dialing *611#.

I will list all the prices in ARS (Argentine Peso).

To convert ARS to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Combinados con WhatsApp Gratis (Combo with Free WhatsApp) Plans – Movistar Argentina

The Combinados con WhatsApp Gratis (Combo with Free WhatsApp) are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Combinados con WhatsApp Gratis can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 1234:

PriceDataSocial Data 1, 2, 3Local MinutesLocal SMSValidity
990 ARS2 GB1 GB80 minutesUnlimited7 days
2190 ARS2 GB1 GB100 minutesUnlimited30 days

1 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, Spotify, TikTok, Twitter & YouTube
2 +unlimited WhatsApp
3 +undisclosed Free Fire data and Garena

Movistar Argentina Combinados con WhatsApp Gratis
Armá tu Pack (Make Your Own Pack) – Movistar Argentina

Armá tu Pack (Make Your Own Pack) is a customizable bundle that allows you to set how much data, how many minutes & if you want unlimited SMS.

You can select:

  • Data
  • Local minutes
  • Unlimited local SMS

You get a combo discount if you select data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

However, I will not mention those discounts in the tables below because it would be too time-consuming to calculate the discount for each combination 🥲 – but there is an example in the image below.

Movistar Argentina Arma Tu Pack Make Your Own Packs Plan
© Movistar Argentina
Armá tu Pack Data – Movistar Argentina

The data options for Armá tu Pack start from 350 ARS (1 GB for 1 day) to 1900 ARS (5 GB for 30 days):

Price (ARS)1 day3 days 7 days 10 days 15 days 30 days 
1 GB350430520620750950
2 GB4805807808409201200
3 GB730800980106013001510
5 GB9009901230140015101900
Internet Con WhatsApp Gratis (Internet with Free WhatsApp) Plans – Movistar Argentina

The Internet Con WhatsApp Gratis (Internet with Free WhatsApp) plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Internet Con WhatsApp Gratis can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 1234:

PriceDataSocial DataWhatsAppValidity
160 ARS200 MBN/AUnlimited1 day
500 ARS1 GBN/AUnlimited7 days
540 ARS2 GBN/AUnlimited2 days
590 ARS2 GBN/AUnlimited3 days
680 ARS2 GBN/AUnlimited5 days
780 ARS2 GB1 GB 1,2Unlimited7 days
1060 ARS3 GB1 GB 1,2Unlimited10 days
1510 ARS3 GB1 GB 1,2Unlimited30 days
1900 ARS5 GB2 GB 1,2Unlimited30 days


1 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, Spotify, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube
2 +undisclosed Free Fire data and Garena

Movistar Argentina Tus Packs Internet Con WhatsApp Gratis
© Movistar Argentina

APN/Internet Settings – Movistar Argentina

  • Name: Movistar
  • APN: wap.gprs.unifon.com.ar
  • Username: wap
  • Password: wap

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

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Personal Argentina

Personal Argentina Logo
© Personal

Personal Argentina, just Personal, is one of the mobile operators in Argentina.

It is currently the best mobile operator in the country.

Personal is also active in Paraguay.

Personal uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 1900 MHz
  • 3G: 1900 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28) & 2600 MHz (n7)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Personal:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Personal SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Personal Argentina

Personal has the best coverage in Argentina.

This is also confirmed by Opensignal.

Below is Personal's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Personal Argentina

You can get a Personal SIM card for free in Personal stores. If you buy it from a third party, like a kiosk, expect to pay at least 50 ARS. SIM cards are not sold at Buenos Aires-Ministro Pistarini International Airport/Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) or Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get a Personal eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Personal Argentina eSIM
© Personal Argentina

Note that the Argentine mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Argentina without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Argentina (Abrazo) eSIMs from Airalo (2 GB/7 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 6 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Argentina Abrazo! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

You can also get Argentina eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring South American countries.

International Travel eSIM SimCorner
© SimCorner

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

Finally, you can get Argentina eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Argentina 6 GB eSIM for 15 days
Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Argentina (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

Latamlink Latin America eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers to be used in Argentina and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).

  • Argentina
  • Belize 1
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela 1

1 on 3G only

Airalo Latamlink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (August 2023 Version)

With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

TIP: check out my Best Argentina eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Argentina, including ones not mentioned above.

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Personal offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Personal Argentina

Personal top-up vouchers are sold in Personal stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Argentina.

You can multiply your credit with the Multiplicá tu Crédito option:

Top-UpCreditValidity
280 ARS630 ARS1 day
520 ARS1740 ARS3 days
845 ARS3760 ARS7 days

To top up your Personal SIM card, dial *150# or *151 and follow the instructions.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *150# to check your Personal balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Personal (My Personal) app (Android/iOS).

Personal Argentina Mi Personal App
© Personal Argentina

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Personal Argentina

Personal has four data-featured prepaid plans:

All Personal plans can be activated on the Mi Personal app (and you get 10% off when you buy plans on the app).

I will list all the prices in ARS (Argentine Peso).

To convert ARS to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Nacionales Packs (National Packs) – Personal Argentina

The Nacionales Packs (National Packs) are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Nacionales Packs can be activated on the Mi Personal app:

PriceDataSocial Data 1Validity
380 ARS1 GBUnlimited 1 days
670 ARS2 GBUnlimited 3 days
1045 ARS2 GBUnlimited7 days

1 for WhatsApp

Personal Argentina Nacionales Packs
Mensual (Mensual) Plans – Personal Argentina

The Mensual (Mensual) plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.

Mensual plans can be activated on the Mi Personal app:

PriceDataWhatsApp DataLocal MinutesValidity
845 ARS1 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
1620 ARS3 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
Personal Argentina Monthly Plans
Gigas + Crédito (Data + Credit) Plans – Personal Argentina

The Gigas + Crédito (Data + Credit) plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Gigas + Crédito can be activated on the Mi Personal app:

PriceCreditDataValidity
430 ARS315 ARS2 GB1 day
795 ARS580 ARS3 GB3 days
1120 ARS820 ARS3 GB5 days
1285 ARS940 ARS3 GB7 days
Personal Argentina Gigas + Crédito Data + Credit Plan
Gigas + Redes Sociales y Video Plans (Data + Social Networks and Video) Plans – Personal Argentina

The Gigas + Redes Sociales y Video (Data + Social Networks and Video) plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Gigas + Redes Sociales y Video can be activated on the Mi Personal app:

PriceDataVideo Data 1Validity
795 ARS2 GB2 GB3 days
1120 ARS2 GB2 GB5 days
1285 ARS2 GB2 GB7 days

1 for Amazon Prime, Flow, Netflix & YouTube

Personal Argentina Gigas + Redes Sociales y Video Data + Social Media & Video Data Plans

APN/Internet Settings – Personal Argentina

  • Name: PERSONAL DATOS
  • APN: datos.personal.com
  • Username: datos
  • Password: datos

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

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The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Argentina

Getting a SIM card from Personal would do you well when considering an Argentine SIM card.


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Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.

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