El Salvador – known for being the land of volcanoes. The country has to deal with volcanic activity and earthquakes frequently.
Somehow, its flag does not feature a volcano – perhaps they have too many bad memories of it.
But you as a visitor can have fantastic memories of El Salvador if you plan your trip right.
Besides being known as the land of volcanoes, El Salvador is also a surfer's paradise. It has many beaches with perfect conditions for surfing.
But the country is also full of history. El Tazumal is a Mayan ruins complex with a museum attached.
Lake Ilopango is a beautiful lake… in a volcanic crater.
And Ruta de las Flores is simply a beautiful flower-lined path going through colonial towns.
Honestly, there is no need to be bored in El Salvador. Especially if you like volcanoes – there are plenty of them.
But before you start posting 261 photos of volcanoes on social media, be aware that international roaming can be expensive. Like, really pricey.
Luckily, you can avoid international roaming rates by using local SIM cards, like one from El Salvador.
This way, you can enjoy local rates – almost always cheaper than roaming.
But how expensive are SIM cards in El Salvador?
You can get a Salvadoran SIM card for as little as 1 USD from the four mobile operators (Claro, Movistar, Tigo & Digicel). Tigo also sells other starter packs up to 5 USD. SIM cards are sold at El/San Salvador International Airport.
1 USD for a SIM card? That is nothing!
And I can already tell you that the mobile data rates in this country are low too!
But before you get too excited already, I still have to go over some things.
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in El Salvador. Let's go.
Original publication: 10th of January 2020. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in El Salvador?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in El Salvador, I recommend going with Claro. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds.
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
El Salvador has four mobile operators offering prepaid services that are easily accessible to travelers:
- Claro El Salvador
- Movistar El Salvador
- Tigo El Salvador
- Digicel El Salvador
Anyone living in or visiting El Salvador can buy a Salvadoran SIM card without restrictions.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Salvadoran SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can get a Salvadoran SIM card in Claro, Movistar, Tigo & Digicel stores and from authorized dealers, including grocery stores. Some Salvadoran airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Salvadoran SIM cards:
- Claro El Salvador: 1 USD
- Movistar El Salvador: 1 USD
- Tigo El Salvador: 1 USD, 2 USD, 3.25 USD & 5 USD
- Digicel El Salvador: 1 USD
Note that Salvadoran SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
(Travel) eSIMs for El Salvador
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Currently, no Salvadoran mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
In my El Salvador eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Salvadoran SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Latin (Central- and South) America-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this El Salvador SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my El Salvador eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for El Salvador:
- Airalo: Cerrocom (El Salvador only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin (Central- and South) America)
- Alosim: El Salvador
- Holafly: El Salvador & South America (14 countries in Central- and South America) – options include unlimited data
- Nomad: Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
Once again, check out my El Salvador eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable).
Salvadoran Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Claro El Salvador, Movistar El Salvador, Tigo El Salvador & Digicel El Salvador, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what El Salvador offers us.
Claro El Salvador
Claro El Salvador, just Claro, is the largest mobile operator in El Salvador.
Claro, as a company, is active in Central America and South America.
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 El Salvador
Claro has the best coverage in El Salvador.
Although its 4G/LTE coverage is not as extensive as Tigo El Salvador's.
Below is Claro's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Claro's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Claro El Salvador
You can buy a Claro SIM card for 1 USD in Claro stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, phone shops, and kiosks. It is also possible to get SIM cards at El/San Salvador International Airport.
Dial *222# to see your Claro phone number.
- 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)
Claro has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for El Salvador, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Claro.
Especially if you get a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Latin American countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my El Salvador eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Cerrocom (El Salvador only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: El Salvador – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: El Salvador & South America (14 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: El Salvador & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my El Salvador eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Claro.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro El Salvador
Claro top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores, grocery stores, corner shops, and electronics shops throughout El Salvador.
To top up your Claro SIM card, dial *106*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *106*123456#.
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 (1/2) with (international) debit and credit cards.
Text SALDO to 72536 or CONSUMO to 4777 to check your Claro balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Claro (My Claro) app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Claro El Salvador
Claro has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Superpack Express (combo)
- Superpack Xtreme (combo)
- Superpack de Internet (data)
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollars).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say JPY – Japanese Yen) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Superpack Express – Claro El Salvador
The Superpack Express are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Superpack Express are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Local/International Minutes 4 | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Superpack Express $1 | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 2 days |
| 2 USD | Superpack Express $2 | 2 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 20 minutes | Unlimited | 4 days |
| 4 USD | Superpack Express $4 | 4 GB | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited | 40 minutes | Unlimited | 8 days |
| 10 USD | Superpack Express $10 | 5 GB | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited | 60 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
2 + 500 MB Youtube
3 + 2GB TikTok & Youtube
4 also to Canada & United States
Superpack Xtreme – Claro El Salvador
The Superpack Xtreme are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Superpack Xtreme are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Superpack Xtreme 2 days | 1 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 2 days |
| 2 USD | Superpack Xtreme 4 days | 2 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 4 days |
| 4 USD | Superpack Xtreme 8 days | 3 GB | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited | 8 days |
1 WhatsApp
2 + 2 GB Instagram, TikTok & Twitch
3 + 6 GB Instagram, TikTok, Twitch & YouTube
Superpack de Internet – Claro El Salvador
The Superpack de Internet are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Superpack de Internet are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 USD | Superpack de Internet 3 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited 1 | 3 days |
| 2.50 USD | Superpack de internet 1 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited 2 | 5 days |
| 5 USD | Superpack de Internet 5 GB | 5 GB | Unlimited 2 | 10 days |
| 10 USD | Superpack de Internet 9 GB | 9 GB | Unlimited 2 | 20 days |
| 15 USD | Superpack de Internet 12 GB | 12 GB | Unlimited 2 | 30 days |
1 Instagram
2 Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp
APN/Internet Settings – Claro El Salvador
- Name: Internet Claro
- APN: internet.ideasclaro
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Movistar El Salvador
Movistar El Salvador, just Movistar, is the second-largest mobile operator in El Salvador.
Movistar, as a brand, is active in Central America and South America.
Movistar uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1900 MHz (Band 2)
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 El Salvador
Movistar has great coverage throughout El Salvador.
Its 4G/LTE coverage is still mostly concentrated around urban areas.
Below is Movistar's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Movistar's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Movistar El Salvador
You can buy a Movistar SIM card for 1 USD in Movistar stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, phone shops, and kiosks. It is also possible to get SIM cards at El/San Salvador International Airport.
- 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)
Movistar has no eSIMs.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for El Salvador, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Movistar (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just El Salvador or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My El Salvador eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Cerrocom (El Salvador only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: El Salvador – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: El Salvador & South America (14 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: El Salvador & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my El Salvador eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Movistar for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Movistar El Salvador
Movistar top-up vouchers are sold in denominations of 1.60 USD, 2.60 USD & 5.25 USD in Movistar stores, grocery stores, corner shops, and electronics shops throughout El Salvador.
Movistar top-up credit has no expiry. Moreover, each top-up includes unlimited WhatsApp data for 30 days.
The following online and eTop-Up options are available:
| Online Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 0.50 USD | No expiry |
| 1 USD | No expiry |
| 1.50 USD | No expiry |
| 2 USD | No expiry |
| 2.50 USD | No expiry |
| 3 USD | No expiry |
| 4 USD | No expiry |
| 15 USD | No expiry |
| 20 USD | No expiry |
To top up your Movistar SIM card, dial *701*VoucherCode*1#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *701*123456*1#.
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.
Dial *555 or text SALDO to 700 to check your Movistar balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Movistar El Salvador (My Movistar El Salvador) app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Movistar El Salvador
Movistar has two data-featured plans: Paquetes ConTodo/Packages WithEverything (combo) & Paquetes Sin Vigencia/Packages Without Validity (data).
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollars).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say JPY – Japanese Yen) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Paquetes #ConTodo (Packages #WithEverything) – Movistar El Salvador
The Paquetes #ConTodo (Packages #WithEverything) are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Paquetes #ConTodo are available by dialing *700#:
| Price | Data | Social Data 2 | TikTok/Youtube Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | 1.5 GB | 750 MB | N/A | Unlimited 1 | 10 minutes | 2 days |
| 2 USD | 3 GB | 1.5 GB | 500 MB | Unlimited 1 | 20 minutes | 5 days |
| 3 USD | Unlimited 3 | Shared with data allowance | Shared with data allowance | Unlimited 1 | Shared with on-net allowance | 4 days |
| 4 USD | 6 GB | 3 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited 1 | 50 minutes | 10 days |
| 5 USD | Unlimited 3 | Shared with data allowance | Shared with data allowance | Unlimited 1 | Shared with on-net allowance | 7 days |
| 7 USD | 8 GB | 10 GB | 2 GB | Unlimited 1 | 60 minutes | 18 days |
| 10 USD | 10 GB | 20 GB | 2 GB | Unlimited 1 | 80 minutes | 31 days |
1 also to Canada & United States
2 Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Twitter & WhatsApp
3 unlimited on 4G/LTE, 5 GB on 3G
Unused allowances will roll over when you renew your plan.
Paquetes Sin Vegencia (Packages Without Validity) – Movistar El Salvador
The Paquetes Sin Vegencia (Packages Without Validity) are data plans (without 5G NR access) with no expiry.
Paquetes Sin Vegencia can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 700:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | 50 MB | No expiry | INTER1 |
| 5 USD | 500 MB | No expiry | INTER5 |
| 10 USD | 1 GB | No expiry | INTER10 |
APN/Internet Settings – Movistar El Salvador
- Name: Movistar Internet
- APN: internet.movistar.sv
- Username: movistarsv
- Password: movistarsv
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Tigo El Salvador
Tigo El Salvador, just Tigo, is the third-largest mobile operator in El Salvador.
Tigo, as a company, is active in Central America and South America.
Tigo uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5), 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
This is what you will learn about Tigo:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Tigo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Tigo El Salvador
Tigo has great coverage in El Salvador. It also has the best 4G/LTE reception.
Its 4G/LTE coverage is rather extensive.
Below is Tigo's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Tigo's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Tigo El Salvador
You can buy a Tigo SIM card for 1 USD to 5 USD, depending on the starter SIM card, in Tigo stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, phone shops, and kiosks. It is also possible to get SIM cards at El/San Salvador International Airport.
Dial *627# to see your Tigo phone number.
Dial *123# or *611# to access the Tigo menu.
- 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)
Tigo has no eSIMs.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for El Salvador because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Tigo.
Especially if you get a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for El Salvador in my El Salvador eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Cerrocom (El Salvador only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: El Salvador – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: El Salvador & South America (14 countries) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: El Salvador & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my El Salvador eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Tigo for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tigo El Salvador
Tigo top-up vouchers are sold in denominations of 0.50 USD to 7 USD in Tigo stores, grocery stores, corner shops, and electronics shops throughout El Salvador.
The following top-up options are available:
- 0.50 USD
- 1 USD
- 2 USD
- 4 USD
- 7 USD
The following online and eTop-up options are available:
- 0.50 USD
- 1 USD
- 1.50 USD
- 2 USD
- 3 USD
- 5 USD
- 10 USD
- 15 USD
- 20 USD
- 40 USD
To top up your Tigo SIM card, text the Voucher Code to 404.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, text 123456 to 404.
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.
Dial *725# your Tigo balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Tigo El Salvador (My Tigo El Salvador) app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Tigo El Salvador
Tigo has three data-featured plans:
- Paquetes Todo Includio/All Inclusive Packages (combo)
- Tigo USA (combo)
- Paquetes Solo Internet & Gaming/Internet & Gaming Only Packages (data)
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollars).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say JPY – Japanese Yen) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Paquetes Todo Includio (All Inclusive Packages) – Tigo El Salvador
The Paquetes Todo Includio (All Inclusive Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Paquetes Todo Includio can be activated by dialing *123#, *404#, or *611#:
| Price | Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net/International Minutes 2 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | 1 GB 3 | Unlimited | 10 minutes | 2 days |
| 2 USD | 2 GB 4 | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 4 days |
| 4 USD | 4 GB | Unlimited | 40 minutes | 8 days |
| 7 USD | 4 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 16 days |
| 10 USD | 5 GB | Unlimited | 60 minutes | 30 days |
| 15 USD | 10 GB | Unlimited | 80 minutes | 30 days |
| 20 USD | 20 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 30 days |
1 with undisclosed Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube data
2 to Canada & United States
3 without TikTok & YouTube
4 without TikTok
Tigo USA – Tigo El Salvador
The Tigo USA plans are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Although aimed at friends and family living in the United States recharging on someone in El Salvador's behalf, anyone can purchase Tigo USA plans.
Tigo USA can be activated online:
| Price | Data | Social Media Data 1 | Local Minutes | International Minutes 2 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 USD | 7 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | Unlimited | 8 days |
| 10 USD | 25 GB | Unlimited 3 | 200 minutes | Unlimited | 20 days |
| 15 USD | 40 GB | Unlimited 4 | 300 minutes | Unlimited | 20 days |
1 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube
2 Canada & United States
3 +TikTok
4 +TikTok & YouTube
Paquetes Solo Internet & Gaming (Internet & Gaming Only Packages) – Tigo El Salvador
The Paquetes Solo Internet & Gaming (Internet & Gaming Only Packages) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Paquetes Solo Internet & Gaming can be activated by dialing *123#, *404#, or *611#:
| Price | Data 1,2 | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | 2 GB | 1 day |
| 2 USD | 4 GB | 3 days |
| 4 USD | 6 GB | 7 days |
| 7 USD | 8 GB | 14 days |
| 12 USD | 10 GB | 30 days |
1 +undisclosed Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp data
2 +undisclosed gaming data for Among Us, Call of Duty: Mobile, Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Discord, Dream League Soccer, Free Fire, Minecraft, Modern Combat 5, Pokemon Go, PUBG Mobile & Roblox
APN/Internet Settings – Tigo El Salvador
- Name: Internet Tigo
- APN: internet.tigo.sv
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Digicel El Salvador
Digicel El Salvador, just Digicel, is the smallest mobile operator in El Salvador.
In the past, it used to be a budget option due to its low prices compared to its competitors, but this competitive advantage has vanished over the years.
Quite frankly, it is the worst option out there. But it is still the cheapest option.
Digicel as a company is active in the Caribbean, Central America & Oceania.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Digicel El Salvador
Digicel has decent coverage throughout El Salvador. However, it has the worst coverage in the country.
Its 4G/LTE reception is close to non-existent.
Below is Digicel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Digicel El Salvador
You can buy a Digicel SIM card for 1 USD in Digicel stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, phone shops, and kiosks. It is also possible to get SIM cards at El/San Salvador International Airport.
Dial *129# to see your Digicel phone number.
- 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)
Digicel has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for El Salvador, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Digicel.
Especially if you get a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Latin American countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my El Salvador eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Cerrocom (El Salvador only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: El Salvador – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: El Salvador & South America (14 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: El Salvador & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my El Salvador eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Digicel.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel El Salvador
Digicel top-up vouchers are sold in Digicel stores, grocery stores, corner shops, and electronics shops throughout El Salvador.
To top up your Digicel SIM card, dial *100 and select option 1.
If you have a DigiAhorro top-up voucher, you dial *123*VoucherCode*PackageCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456 and the package code (shown on the back of the voucher) is 60, you would dial *123*123456*60#.
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 *100, *120#, or *444# to check your Digicel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Digicel app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Digicel El Salvador
Digicel has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Prepago (combo). It includes data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollars).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say JPY – Japanese Yen) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
You can activate Prepago plans through the MyDigicel app:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net/International Minutes 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Paquete Prepago 2GB | 2 GB | 500 MB/day (1 GB) 2 + 2 GB 4 + 2 GB 5 | Unlimited | 10 minutes | 2 days |
| 2 USD | Paquete Prepago 4GB | 4 GB | 500 MB/day (2 GB) 3 + 2 GB 4 + 4 GB 5 | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 4 days |
| 3.50 USD | Paquete Prepago 6GB | 6 GB | 500 MB/day (4 GB) 3 + 2 GB 4 + 8 GB 5 | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 8 days |
| 6 USD | Paquete Prepago 6GB | 6 GB | 500 MB/day (8 GB) 3 + 2 GB 4 + 16 GB 5 | Unlimited | 70 minutes | 16 days |
| 9 USD | Paquete Prepago 8GB | 8 GB | 500 MB/day (15 GB) 3 + 2 GB 4 + 30 GB 5 | Unlimited | 90 minutes | 30 days |
1 to Canada and USA
2 for Facebook and WhatsApp only
3 for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
4 for TikTok & YouTube
5 for GoLoud
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel El Salvador
Most phones will automatically retrieve the correct APN settings when inserting a SIM card – the same counts for Digicel El Salvador SIM cards.
If that does not automatically happen, you can dial *100, select option 3, and select option 2 to download the APN settings.
- Name: Digicel
- APN: web.digicelsv.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in El Salvador
Getting a SIM card from Claro would do you well when considering an Salvadoran SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.