Guatemala – known for its incredible volcanic landscape, the Mayan culture & stunning lakes.
While some countries lack green nature (such as forests), the name Guatemala means the place of many trees.
Guatemala lives up to that definition.
But what can you do in this country? A lot.
There are plenty of cool hiking trails to and around volcanoes.
You can also chill and swim in plenty of lakes, such as the Natural Monument Semuc Champey.
Or explore Ancient Mayan cities, like Tikal, and explore pyramid rules.
Being bored in Guatemala? No way!
But before you start bombarding your social media following with all your Guatemala experiences, be aware that international roaming can be expensive.
That is why many travelers simply hate this feature.
Luckily, there is still a way to stay connected throughout the day while exploring Guatemala – by using a Guatemalan local SIM card.
That way, you can enjoy local rates.
So, how expensive are SIM cards in Guatemala?
You can get a Guatemalan SIM card for 10 GTQ (1.30 USD) from Claro or Tigo in their stores. For 199 GTQ (25.50 USD), you can purchase a Claro SIM card with additional perks. SIM cards are also sold at Guatemala City-La Aurora International Airport (GUA – Claro only).
Those are low prices for SIM cards, huh?
But that is not all – the cost of mobile data is low in Guatemala too!
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Guatemala. Let’s do this.
Original publication: 10th of January 2020. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Guatemala?
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Guatemala has two mobile operators offering prepaid services that are easily accessible to travelers:
- Claro Guatemala (including Movistar & Tuenti Guatemala)
- Tigo Guatemala
Anyone living in or visiting Guatemala can buy a Guatemalan 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 Guatemalan SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can get a Guatemalan SIM card in Tigo and Claro stores. Some Guatemalan airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Guatemalan SIM cards:
- Claro Guatemala (including Movistar & Tuenti Guatemala): 10 GTQ & 199 GTQ
- Tigo Guatemala: 10 GTQ
Note that Guatemalan SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date GTQ (Guatemalan Quetzal) to your currency (let's say USD – US Dollar) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between GTQ and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 GTQ = 0.15 USD
- 10 GTQ = 1.30 USD
- 100 GTQ = 12.80 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Guatemala
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 Guatemalan mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
But if you purchase an eSIM from any of these mobile operators, you must comply with Guatemala's SIM card registration regulations.
Suppose you do not wish to do so for privacy reasons (for example) or want to be connected immediately without paying for an overpriced SIM card (or eSIM) sold at a Guatemalan airport. In that case, you may consider getting a travel eSIM for Guatemala.
In my Guatemala eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Guatemalan 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 Guatemala SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Guatemala 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 Guatemala:
- Airalo: Tikal Mobile (Guatemala only) & Latamlink (19 countries in Latin (Central- and South) America)
- Alosim: Guatemala
- Holafly: Guatemala & 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: MAR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, MAR10 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 Guatemala 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).
Guatemalan Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Claro Guatemala (Including Movistar & Tuenti) & Tigo Guatemala, 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 Guatemala offers us.
Claro Guatemala (Including Movistar & Tuenti)
Claro Guatemala, just Claro, is probably the largest mobile operator in Guatemala.
I say probably because only outdated subscriber numbers are available.
And adding old Movistar Guatemala and Tuenti Guatemala numbers to Claro's numbers, which got transferred to Claro after its acquisition, makes Claro the largest in the country.
Claro, as a company, is active in Central America and South America.
Claro uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1900 MHz (Band 2)
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
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 Guatemala (Including Movistar & Tuenti)
Claro has extensive coverage throughout Guatemala.
4G/LTE is widely available in populated areas (in the south).
However, high-speed reception is lacking up north.
Below is Claro's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Claro Guatemala (Including Movistar & Tuenti)
You can buy a Claro SIM card for 10 GT or 199 GTQ in Claro stores. Claro SIM cards are also sold at Guatemala City-La Aurora International Airport (GUA – from a convenience store).
Send a blank SMS to 5888 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)
These three Claro starter packs are available:
- Kit Gama Básica: 10 GTQ with 150 GTQ credit (7 days), 250 MB (30 days) & 300 SMS (30 days)
- Kit Gama Smartphones 4G LTE: with 15 GB and unlimited social media (Deezer, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Uber, Waze & WhatsApp) unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS – all for 30 days
- 15 GB Llamadas Ilimitadas: 199 GTQ with 15 GB, unlimited social media (Deezer, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Uber, Waze & WhatsApp), unlimited local minutes & unlimited SMS – all for 30 days
Claro has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Guatemala, 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 Guatemala eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Tikal Mobile (Guatemala only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Guatemala – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Guatemala & South America (14 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Guatemala & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Guatemala eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Claro.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Claro.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Guatemala (Including Movistar & Tuenti)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Claro Guatemala (Including Movistar & Tuenti)
Claro has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Superpack Todo Includio/Superpack All Inclusive (combo)
- Redes Sociales Ilimitadas/Unlimited Social Media (data)
- Superpack Internet (data)
All Claro plans can be activated by dialing *555#.
I will list all the prices in GTQ (Guatemalan Quetzal).
To convert GTQ to your currency (let's say EUR – (Euro)) 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 Todo Includio (Superpack All Inclusive) – Claro Guatemala (Including Movistar & Tuenti)
The Superpack Todo Includio (Superpack All Inclusive) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Superpack Todo Includio can be activated by dialing *555#:
Price | Plan | Data | Social Media Data | Local/USA Minutes | Validity | Deactivation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 GTQ | Superpack Todo Includio 1 Dia | 650 MB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 1 day | FINILIMI1 |
15 GTQ | Superpack Todo Includio 2 Dias | 2 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 2 days | FINILIMI2 |
20 GTQ | Superpack Todo Includio 3 Dias | 2.5 GB | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited | 3 days | FINILIMI3 |
30 GTQ | Superpack Todo Includio 7 Dias | 4 GB | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited | 7 days | FINILIMI7 |
50 GTQ | Superpack Todo Includio 15 Dias | 6 GB | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited | 15 days | FINILIMI15 |
100 GTQ | Superpack Todo Includio 30 Dias | 10 GB | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited | 30 days | FINILIMI30 |
1 for WhatsApp
2 for TikTok & WhatsApp
3 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp
4 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter & WhatsApp
Superpack Todo Includio auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text FIN to 2512.
The Redes Sociales Ilimitadas (Unlimited Social Media) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Redes Sociales Ilimitadas can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 313 or dialing *555#:
Price | Plan | App Data | Validity | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 GTQ | Superpack Estudiante 1 Día | Unlimited 1 | 1 day | CLASES5 | N/A |
15 GTQ | Superpack Redes Sociales Ilimitadas Q15 | Unlimited 2 | 3 days | *555# | FINR3 |
30 GTQ | Superpack Redes Sociales Ilimitadas Q30 | Unlimited 2 | 7 days | *555# | FINR3 |
60 GTQ | Superpack Estudiante 30 Días | Unlimited 1 | 30 days | CLASES60 | N/A |
1 for Google Meet, Khan Academy, Wikipedia, WhatsApp & Zoom
2 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Waze, WhatsApp & YouTube
The deactivation code for the 15 GTQ and 30 GTQ is, somehow, indeed the same – that was not a typo from my end.
Superpack Internet Plans – Claro Guatemala (Including Movistar & Tuenti)
The Superpack Internet plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Superpack Internet can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 313 or dialing *555#:
Price | Plan | Data | Social Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 GTQ | Superpack 1 GB | 1.2 GB | Unlimited 2 | 2 days | NAVEGA2 |
10 GTQ | Superpack 3 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited 1 | 1 day | 1DIA |
15 GTQ | Superpack 2 GB | 2.2 GB | Unlimited 3 | 3 days | NAVEGA3 |
30 GTQ | Superpack 6 GB | 6 GB | Unlimited 4 | 7 days | NAVEGA7 |
50 GTQ | Intecap Light Package | 4 GB | Unlimited 1 | 30 days | INTECAP1 |
50 GTQ | Superpack Intecap Light | 8 GB | Unlimited 4 | 15 days | NAVEGA15 |
100 GTQ | Superpack 12 GB | 15 GB | Unlimited 4 | 30 days | NAVEGA30 |
1 for WhatsApp
2 for Facebook & WhatsApp
3 for Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp & YouTube
4 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube
Superpack Internet auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text FIN to 2512.
APN/Internet Settings – Claro Guatemala (Including Movistar & Tuenti)
- Name: Internet Claro
- APN: internet.ideasclaro
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Tigo Guatemala
Tigo Guatemala, just Tigo, is the smaller mobile operator in Guatemala.
It is more expensive than Claro Guatemala (including Movistar & Tuenti).
However, Tigo's network quality is substantially better than Claro's.
Tigo, as a company, is active in various countries in Latin America and also in Tanzania.
Tigo uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 850 MHz
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 Guatemala
Tigo has the best coverage in Guatemala.
Its 4G/LTE reception is also more extensive than Claro Guatemala (including Movistar & Tuenti)'s.
Below is Tigo's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Tigo Guatemala
You can buy a Tigo SIM card for 10 GTQ with 100 GTQ credit, 200 MB of data & unlimited WhatsApp data for 3 days if you recharge at least 25 GTQ in Tigo stores. Tigo SIM cards are not sold at Guatemala City-La Aurora International Airport (GUA).
- 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)
You may have to text Tigo to 101 to activate your SIM card.
Activation can take up to 15 minutes and requires a phone reboot.
Tigo has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Guatemala, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Tigo (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Guatemala or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Guatemala eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Tikal Mobile (Guatemala only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Guatemala – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Guatemala & South America (14 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Guatemala & 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 Guatemala eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Tigo for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Tigo.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tigo Guatemala
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Tigo Guatemala
Tigo has two data-featured prepaid plans: Paquetigos de Internet/Internet Packages (combo) & Paquetigos Ilimitados/Unlimited Packs (combo).
All Tigo plans can be activated on the Tigo en Línea (antes Tigo Shop y Mi Tigo) app.
I will list all the prices in GTQ (Guatemalan Quetzal).
To convert GTQ to your currency (let's say EUR – (Euro)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Paquetigos de Internet (Internet Packages) – Tigo Guatemala
The Paquetigos de Internet (Internet Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Paquetigos de Internet can be activated on the Tigo en Línea (antes Tigo Shop y Mi Tigo) app:
Price | Data | Local/USA Minutes | Local/USA SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
5 GTQ | 400 MB 1 | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
10 GTQ | 1 GB 1 | N/A | N/A | 2 days |
10 GTQ | 2 GB 1, 2 | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
15 GTQ | 1.6 GB 1 | N/A | N/A | 3 days |
30 GTQ | 3.3 GB 1 | 60 minutes | 60 SMS | 7 days |
30 GTQ | 4.5 GB 1 | N/A | N/A | 7 days |
33 GTQ | 3.3 GB 1 | 150 minutes | N/A | 7 days |
40 GTQ | 4 GB 1, 2 | N/A | N/A | 7 days |
50 GTQ | 5 GB 1 | 100 minutes | 100 SMS | 15 days |
50 GTQ | 6.5 GB 3 | N/A | N/A | 15 days |
99 GTQ | 10 GB 3 | 200 minutes | 200 SMS | 1 month |
99 GTQ | 13 GB 3 | N/A | N/A | 1 month |
120 GTQ | 12 GB 2,3 | N/A | N/A | 1 month |
1 +unlimited Facebook & WhatsApp data
2 +unlimited Call of Duty, Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Free Fire, Pokemon Go & Roblox data
3 +unlimited Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp data
Paquetigos Ilimitados (Unlimited Packages) – Tigo Guatemala
The Paquetigos Ilimitados (Unlimited Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Paquetigos Ilimitados can be activated on the Tigo en Línea (antes Tigo Shop y Mi Tigo) app:
Price | Data | Social Data | On-Net Minutes | Local/USA Minutes | Local/USA SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 GTQ | 450 MB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | 1 day |
15 GTQ | 1.5 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 2 days |
20 GTQ | 2 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 3 days |
35 GTQ | 4 GB 3 | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 40 minutes | 40 SMS | 7 days |
60 GTQ | 6 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 60 minutes | 60 SMS | 15 days |
150 GTQ | 12 GB 3 | Unlimited 2 | 1000 minutes | Shared with on-net allowance | 500 SMS | 1 month |
1 +unlimited WhatsApp data
2 +unlimited Facebook & WhatsApp data
3 for 40 GTQ & 150 GTQ plans allow for roaming in El Salvador, Honduras & Mexico. 30 minutes & SMS for 40 GTQ plan & 150 minutes & SMS for 150 GTQ plan
APN/Internet Settings – Tigo Guatemala
- Name: Tigo Guatemala
- APN: broadband.tigo.gt
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Guatemala
Getting a SIM card from Tigo would do you well when considering a Guatemalan SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.