South America – known for its stunning landmarks, terrific beaches & fantastic food.
The region is also home to three of the seven (or eight, depending who you ask) world wonders.
Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Chichén Itzá in Mexico & Machu Picchu in Peru.
Many travelers visit South America because it is a relatively affordable travel destination.
Especially compared to North America and the Caribbean.
And it may even be cheaper than Central America.
While your intention of visiting this region will differ from other travelers, you probably want to stay connected.
Else you would not have clicked on this guide 😏.
But as you probably know, international roaming can be expensive – also in South America.
That is why you should get a local SIM card per South American nation you visit to save the most money.
And unlike in North America and the Caribbean, you can get SIM cards for just 1 USD or 2 USD – aka pocket change.
Moreover, the cost of mobile data is low in South America too.
So, what are your options in South America? Which SIM card is the best? How much do they cost? And what plans are available?
This guide will answer all these questions for every individual South American country.
Yes, this is the ultimate guide to buying a SIM card in South America. Let's do this.
Original publication: 8th of October 2019. Last updated: 17th of February 2023.
Table of Contents
Best Prepaid SIM Cards in South America
With 14 different countries and territories in South America, it can be a challenge to summarize which SIM card is the best for a particular country.
However, I will do my best. Which SIM cards are the best in South America?
In Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay & Peru, go with Claro. Entel is the best in Bolivia. For Uruguay, go with Antel. Stick with Orange in French Guiana. For Guyana, Digicel & GTT are fine. In Suriname, pick Telesur. For the Falkland Islands, you can only choose Sure.
That is quite an impressive summary, right? And all within 300 characters 😎.
For your convenience, there is a table of the best SIM cards in all South American countries:
| Country | Recommended SIM Card(s) |
|---|---|
| Argentina | Claro Argentina & Personal Argentina |
| Bolivia | Entel Bolivia & VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel) |
| Brazil | Claro Brazil (includes former Nextel) & TIM Brazil |
| Chile | Claro Chile & Entel Chile |
| Colombia | Claro Colombia & Tigo (Une) Colombia |
| Ecuador | Claro Ecuador & CNT |
| Falkland Islands | Sure Falkland Islands (Sure South Atlantic) |
| French Guiana (Guyane) | Orange French Guiana/Guyane |
| Guyana | Digicel Guyana & GTT |
| Paraguay | Claro Paraguay & Tigo Paraguay |
| Peru | Claro Peru & Movistar Peru |
| Suriname | Telesur |
| Uruguay | Antel Uruguay & Movistar Uruguay |
| Venezuela | N/A – tourists cannot get Venezuelan SIM cards |
Why are the mobile operators mentioned above the best in the stated countries?
You will have to read along to find out 😏.
SIM Card Prices in South America
Now you know which mobile operators are the best in South America.
But how much to SIM cards cost in this region?
It is hard to say because various currencies are used throughout South America.
But I will give it a try:
You can get a South American SIM card for between 0.40 USD (in Argentina (50 ARS)) to 37.80 USD (in the Falkland Islands (30 FKP)). However, you will often spend around 3.10 USD per SIM per country (but the average is 5.60 USD). Tourist SIM cards are available too, at inflated prices, for up to 50 USD.
So, why not convert everything into US Dollars/Euros/(British) Pound Sterling/*insert your currency here*?
Currencies fluctuate every day – even every 15 minutes. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to keep track of all currency changes.
Instead, I want to keep track of SIM card offerings worldwide 🤓.
Worry not, Wise has a nifty tool keeping track of currencies worldwide in real-time.
So if you want to know how much 3990 COP is in US Dollars, Euros, or (British) Pound Sterling, simply select the currencies on the Wise currency converter tool.
Moreover, 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 Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
With that out of the way, let's see how much SIM cards cost throughout South America:
By the way: mobile operators marked in bold are the recommended mobile operators for said country
| Country | Operator 1 | SIM Card Price | Operator 2 | SIM Card Price | Operator 3 | SIM Card Price | Operator 4 | SIM Card Price | Operator 5 | SIM Card Price | Operator 6 | SIM Card Price | Operator 7 | SIM Card Price | Operator 8 | SIM Card Price | Operator 9 | SIM Card Price | Operator 10 | SIM Card Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Claro Argentina | Free (from Claro stores), else from 50 ARS from resellers | Tourist SIM card (Claro Turista Chip): 2500 ARS with 25 GB, 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. | Movistar Argentina | Free (from Claro stores), else from 50 ARS from resellers | Personal Argentina | Free (from Claro stores), else from 50 ARS from resellers | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Bolivia | Entel Bolivia | 10 BOB | Tigo Bolivia | 10 BOB | VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel) | 10 BOB with 10 BOB credit (60 days) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Brazil | Vivo Brasil | 10 BRL | Claro Brasil (includes former Nextel) | 10 BRL | TIM Brasil | 10 BRL | Oi | 10 BRL | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Chile | Entel Chile | 3990 CLP | Movistar Chile | 2000 CLP to 5000 CLP (individual retailers set the price) | Claro Chile | 2000 CLP to 5000 CLP (individual retailers set the price) | WOM Chile (formerly Nextel Chile) | 500 CLP to 5000 CLP (individual retailers set the price) with 1 GB, unlimited WhatsApp data & 15 local minutes for 15 days | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Colombia | Claro Colombia | 5000 COP with 1000 COP credit | Movistar Colombia | 3000 COP | Tigo Colombia (formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil) | 5000 COP with 500 MB and unlimited local minutes for 3 days | 10 000 COP with 1 GB and unlimited local minutes for 5 days | 20 000 COP with 2 GB and unlimited local minutes fur 15 days | Avantel Colombia | 5000 COP with 1000 COP credit | WOM Colombia | 5000 COP with 1 GB, unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp data, unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS for 7 days | 20 000 COP with 5 GB, unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp data, unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS for 30 days | 60 000 COP with 10 GB, unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp data, unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS for 90 days | Buenofon | 5000 COP with 1000 COP credit | ETB Colombia | 5000 COP with 1000 COP | Kalley Móvil | 7000 COP to 10 000 COP, depending on the retailer, with 1 GB, unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp data, 100 local minutes & 100 local SMS for 30 days | Móvil Éxito | 5000 COP with 200 MB, 40 minutes & 10 SMS for 7 days | Virgin Mobile Colombia | 12 000 COP with 750 MB, unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp data & 90 local minutes for 30 days | 20 000 COP, 5 GB, unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp data & unlimited local minutes for 30 days | 32 000 COP, 12 GB, unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp data & unlimited local minutes for 30 days | 40 000 COP with 22 GB, unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp data & unlimited local minutes for 30 days |
| Ecuador | Claro Ecuador | 4.48 USD with 3 GB, unlimited Facebook Messenger data, unlimited WhatsApp data, unlimited on-net minutes, 30 off-net minutes & 30 local SMS – all for 3 days (if you text CLARO to 5000) | Movistar Ecuador | 5 USD | CNT Móvil | 3 USD with 3 GB of data, 1 FB for Facebook, 1 GB for Instagram, 1 GB for TikTok, 4 GB for WhatsApp, unlimited on-net minutes, 30 off-net minutes & 50 local SMS – all valid for 7 days | Tuenti Ecuador | 5 USD with 5 GB, unlimited Spotify and WhatsApp data, unlimited on-net minutes, 50 off-net minutes & 50 local minutes for 30 days | 10 USD with 10 GB, unlimited Spotify and WhatsApp data, unlimited on-net minutes, 100 off-net minutes & 50 local minutes for 30 days | 20 USD with 15 GB, unlimited Spotify and WhatsApp data, unlimited on-net minutes, 50 off-net minutes & 50 local minutes for 30 days | 25 USD with 20 GB, unlimited Spotify and WhatsApp data, unlimited local minutes & 50 international minutes for for 30 days | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) | Sure Falkland Islands (South Atlantic) | 30 FKP with 10 FKP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| French Guiana | Digicel French Guiana/Guyane | 10 EUR with 5 EUR credit | Orange French Guiana/Guyane (Orange Caraïbe) | 15 EUR | SFR French Guiana/Guyane (SFR Caraïbe) | 15 EUR with 10 EUR credit | La Poste Caraïbe Mobile (French Guiana/Guyane) | 9.90 EUR | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Guyana | Digicel Guyana | 2000 GYD | GTT (formerly Cellink Plus) | 2000 GYD | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Paraguay | Tigo Paraguay | 5000 PYG/10 000 PYG | Personal Paraguay | 10 000 PYG with 40 000 PYG credit | Claro Paraguay | 5000 PYG | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Peru | Movistar Perú | 10 PEN with 3 GB (10 days), unlimited Facebook, Instagram & Movistar Play data (10 days) & unlimited WhatsApp data (30 days) | Claro Perú | 10 PEN | Entel Perú | 10 PEN with 4 GB, unlimited Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram & WhatsApp data, unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS for 30 days | Bitel (formerly Viettel Perú) | 10 PEN with Bifri 10 (1.5 GB, 1.5 GB for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Waze, unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS for 10 days | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Suriname | Telesur | 70 SRD with 10 on-net or local minutes | Digicel Suriname | 70 SRD with 1.3 GB for 3 days | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Uruguay | Antel Uruguay | 65 UYU with 200 call credit and unlimited WhatsApp data | Movistar Uruguay | 69 UYU with 250 MB & 25 local minutes for 7 days | 80 UYU with 200 MB, 200 on-net minutes, 5 off-net minutes, 200 on-net SMS & 5 off-net SMS for 7 days | 100 UYU with 250 MB, 250 on-net minutes, 8 off-net minutes, 250 on-net SMS & 8 off-net SMS for 7 days | 150 UYU with 450 MB, 450 on-net minutes, 10 off-net minutes, 450 on-net SMS & 10 off-net SMS for 15 days | 229 UYU with 1 GB and 100 local minutes for 30 days | 300 UYU with 1 GB, 1000 on-net minutes, 15 off-net minutes, 1000 on-net SMS & 15 SMS for 30 days | Claro Uruguay | 60 UYU | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Venezuela | N/A | Tourists cannot buy Venezuelan SIM cards | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Best eSIMs in South America
Some mobile operators in South America offer eSIMs to prepaid customers. However, most have no eSIMs at all, while some offer them only to postpaid customers.
These South American mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers:
- Argentina: Personal Argentina – Claro Argentina & Movistar Argentina may offer eSIMs to prepaid too
- Bolivia: N/A
- Brazil: TIM Brazil
- Chile: Entel Chile (maybe)
- Colombia: Movistar Colombia
- Ecuador: N/A
- Falkland Islands: N/A
- French Guiana (Guyane): N/A
- Guyana: N/A
- Paraguay: N/A
- Peru: N/A
- Suriname: N/A
- Uruguay: N/A
- Venezuela: N/A (tourists cannot get Venezuelan SIM cards)
In all South American nations with eSIMs offered to prepaid customers, except for Chile, SIM card registration is mandated by law.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for South America without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Airalo (most affordable) or Nomad (more data and longer validity in most countries in the region).
This way, you can avoid the bureaucratic hassle of obtaining a SIM card or eSIM and just purchase an eSIM on an app.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
Below are the eSIMs I recommend:
| Country | Local eSIMs | Airalo eSIMs | Nomad eSIMs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Personal Argentina | Registration IS required | Abrazo – 2 GB/7 days & 6 GB/30 days | Truphone – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days |
| Bolivia | N/A | WA Mobile – 1 GB/7 days | N/A |
| Brazil | TIM Brazil | Registration IS required | Joia – 1 GB/7 days | Truphone – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days |
| Chile | Entel Chile | Registration is NOT required | Altoque – 15 GB, 500 minutes & 500 SMS for 10 days | Truphone – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days |
| Colombia | Movistar Colombia (NOT recommended) | Registration IS required | Hartonet – 1 GB/7 days | Truphone – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days |
| Ecuador | N/A | Bacanet – 1 GB/7 days | Truphone – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days |
| Falkland Islands | N/A | Gentoo Mobile – 1 GB/7 days | N/A |
| French Guiana (Guyane) | N/A | KAWCOM – 1 GB/7 days | N/A |
| Guyana | N/A | Gucom – 1 GB/7 days | N/A |
| Paraguay | N/A | Triple Communications – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days | Truphone – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days |
| Peru | N/A | Habla Telefon – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days | Truphone – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days |
| Suriname | N/A | Pondocom – 1 GB/7 days | Truphone – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days |
| Uruguay | N/A | Ballena! – 1 GB/7 days | Truphone – 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days |
| Venezuela | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Best International/Travel SIM Card for South America
There are travel or international SIM cards covering individual countries of Central America or multiple ones.
Unfortunately, not all countries are covered (unless you go for SIM cards costing 50 USD, giving you 10 MB for Belize, for example 🙄).
I recommend SimCorner's travel SIM cards.
It has four country-specific travel SIM cards for the following South American American countries:
- SimCorner's 12 GB Argentina Travel SIM card (30 days)
- SimCorner's 12 GB Brazil Travel SIM card (30 days)
- SimCorner's 12 GB Chile Travel SIM card (30 days)
- SimCorner's 12 GB Colombia Travel SIM card (30 days)
- SimCorner's 12 GB Peru Travel SIM card (30 days)
- SimCorner's 12 GB Uruguay Travel SIM card (30 days)
You can also consider SimCorner's South America Travel SIM card, also with 12 GB for 30 days, to be used in the following Central American (CA) and South American (SA) countries:
- Brazil (SA)
- Chile (SA)
- Colombia (SA)
- Costa Rica (CA)
- El Salvador (CA)
- Guatemala (CA)
- Nicaragua (CA)
- Peru (CA)
- Puerto Rico (Caribbean)
- Uruguay (SA)
For Paraguay, you can use SimCorner's International Travel SIM card with 6 GB of data valid for 15 days.
This travel SIM card can be used in all the Central American and South American countries mentioned so far and about 100+ more, including Canada, Mexico, the United States – and many more in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East & Oceania.
South American Prepaid SIM Cards
I will be covering 14 countries in this guide.
While I would love it if you read this whole guide, it has more than 14k words.
Moreover, you may not even visit all these countries, so I do not blame you for just wanting to focus on the country you will go to.
Therefore, I created this index so that you can jump to the country you are interested in (instead of having to scroll for ages).
If you are done reading about a country and want to read another one, you can easily do so by jumping back to the index.
There will be a Jump back to the Index button at the end of each country section.
In this guide, I will:
- introduce you to the mobile operators in each country
- give my SIM card recommendation(s) for each country
- give you eSIM recommendations
- show you the coverage map(s) of the recommended mobile operator(s)
- tell you how much SIM cards cost and where to get them
- explain where to get top-up vouchers, how to top-up & how to check your balance
- give you the recommended plan(s) by the recommended mobile operator(s)
- provide a short recap of what you need to know about SIM cards in the country
With that being said, let's see what Central America has to offer to us
Argentina Prepaid SIM Cards
In Argentina, you have three mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Claro Argentina
- Movistar Argentina
- Personal Argentina
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Argentina
I recommend going with Personal Argentina. 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 Argentina for more generous data plans (Gigantes & Tourist SIM card).
Recommended 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.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Argentina without personal detail capturing, you can get the Argentina (Abrazo) eSIM from Airalo (2 GB/7 days & 6 GB/30 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Argentina eSIMs from Nomad.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Argentina
Below are the coverage maps of Claro Argentina and Personal Argentina produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see Movistar Argentina's coverage map, head to my Argentina SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Argentina
You can get an Argentine SIM card for free if purchased in a Claro, Movistar, or Personal store. Else, 50 ARS (0.40 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).
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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Argentina
Claro Argentina and Personal Argentina top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores and Personal stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Claro SIM card, text the VoucherCode to 444.
For Personal, 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.
Recharging online with international debit and credit cards is possible for Claro and Personal.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *611 or texting balance to 611 with Claro. For Personal, dial *150#.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Argentina
Claro Argentina has three data-featured plans. But the Internet plans are recommended.
They are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Daily/Weekly Bundles are available, which can be activated on the Mi Claro Argentina app:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 ARS | 10 GB | Various | 1 night (0:00-6:00) |
| 300 ARS | 2 GB | Various | 3 days |
| 400 ARS | 2 GB | Various 2 | 7 days |
| 500 ARS | 3 GB | Various 2 | 7 days |
| 550 ARS | 3 GB | Various | 10 days |
| 600 ARS | 3 GB | Various | 20 days |
| 650 ARS | 4 GB | Various 2 | 7 days |
| 850 ARS | 4 GB | Various 2 | 30 days |
| 1000 ARS | 6 GB | Various 2 | 30 days |
1 for Free Fire: 500 MB, select social media apps: 500 MB for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube individually (2 GB in total) & WhatsApp: 1 GB/day
2 +2 GB for Amazon Prime Video
Personal Argentina has four data-featured plans. But the Gigas + Crédito (Data + Credit) plans are recommended.
They are data bundles (with 5G NR access).
The following Gigas + Crédito are available, which can be activated on the Mi Personal app:
| Price | Credit | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 328 ARS | 365 ARS | 3 GB | 3 days |
| 454 ARS | 505 ARS | 3 GB | 5 days |
| 544 ARS | 605 ARS | 3 GB | 7 days |
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Argentina
- Both Claro Argentina and Personal Argentina are recommended
- Argentine SIM cards are available for free if obtained from Claro, Movistar, or Personal directly. Else, expect to spend 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)
- Topping up can be done in Claro and Personal stores, through top-up partners & online
- Claro's Internet plans range from 150 ARS to 1000 ARS. Personal's Gigas + Crédito (data) range from 328 ARS to 544 ARS
- Read my Argentina SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Argentine SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Bolivia Prepaid SIM Cards
In Bolivia, you have four mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Entel Bolivia (Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
- Tigo Bolivia
- VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Bolivia
I recommend going with Entel Bolivia or VIVA Bolivia. Entel is, overall, the best mobile operator in the country. VIVA has the largest variety in plans and is the fastest, but it is behind on (4G/LTE) coverage.
Recommended eSIM in Bolivia
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Bolivia (yet).
However, you can get the Bolivia eSIM (WA Mobile) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days).
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Bolivia
Below are the coverage maps of Entel Bolivia and VIVA Bolivia produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see Tigo Bolivia's coverage map, head to my Bolivia SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Bolivia
You can get a Bolivian SIM card for 10 BOB in Entel, Tigo & VIVA (formerly Nuevatel) stores or other places, like electronic shops and pharmacies. It is possible to get SIM cards at Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Viru Viru International Airport (VVI).
For up-to-date BOB: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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Bolivia
Entel Bolivia and VIVA Bolivia top-up vouchers are sold in Entel stores and VIVA stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Entel SIM card, dial *109*VoucherCode# or dial *109, select option 1, and follow the instructions.
For VIVA, dial *109*VoucherCode#.
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.
Recharging online with international debit and credit cards is possible for (1/2).
Note that you get 25% bonus credit when you top up online.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *105# with Entel. For VIVA, dial *105#.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Bolivia
Entel Bolivia has three data-featured plans. But the Hablador & Navegador Combos (Talker & Browser Combos) are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Hablador & Navegador Combos are available, which can be activated on the Entel app:
| Price | Plan | Data | WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 BOB | Hablador 10 | 100 MB | N/A | 12 minutes | 5 days |
| 10 BOB | Hablador 15 | 200 MB | N/A | 18 minutes | 10 days |
| 10 BOB | Navegador 10 | 1 GB | Unlimited | 2 minutes | 5 days |
| 15 BOB | Hablador 30 | 300 MB | N/A | 38 minutes | 15 days |
| 15 BOB | Navegador 15 | 1.5 GB | Unlimited | 4 minutes | 10 days |
| 20 BOB | Hablador 50 | 500 MB | N/A | 65 minutes | 20 days |
| 30 BOB | Hablador 100 | 1000 MB | N/A | 130 minutes | 30 days |
| 30 BOB | Navegador 30 | 3 GB | Unlimited | 8 minutes | 15 days |
| 50 BOB | Navegador 50 | 6 GB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | 20 days |
| 100 BOB | Navegador 100 | 13 GB | Unlimited | 15 minutes | 30 days |
VIVA Bolivia has ten data-featured plans. But the Paquetes Wow Prepago (WOW Prepaid Packages) are recommended.
They are data bundles with data (without 5G NR access).
The following Bolsas Prepago (Prepaid Bags) are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 9101 or dialing *511#:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 BOB | 10 GB, then unlimited @ 512 Kbps | 7 days | WOW 10GBx7Dx70Bs |
| 120 BOB | Unlimited @ 3 Mbps 1 | 15 days | WOW 20GBx15Dx120Bs |
| 200 BOB | 40 GB, then unlimited @ 512 Kbps | 28 days | WOW 40GBx28Dx200Bs |
1 unlimited data does not apply to Amazon Prime Video, Facebook, Netflix, Instagram, Spotify, TikTok, Torrenting (P2P) & Twitter
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Bolivia
- Both Entel Bolivia and VIVA Bolivia are recommended
- Bolivian SIM cards cost 10 BOP (Entel, Tigo Bolivia & VIVA)
- SIM cards are also sold at Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Viru Viru International Airport (VVI)
- Topping up can be done in Entel and VIVA stores, through top-up partners & online
- Entel's Hablador & Navegador Combos range from 5 BOB to 100 BOB. VIVA's Paquetes Wow Prepago (data) range from 70 BOB to 200 BOB
- Read my Bolivia SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Bolivian SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Brazil Prepaid SIM Cards
In Brazil, you have four mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Vivo Brazil (Vivo Brasil)
- Claro Brazil (Claro Brasil – includes former Nextel)
- TIM Brazil (TIM Brasil)
- Oi
While I recognize Brazil has various regional mobile operators and many Mobile Virtual Network Operators, they will not be useful for travelers. You can read my note in my Buying a SIM Card in Brazil Guide
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Brazil
I recommend going with Claro Brazil (includes former Nextel). It has one of the best coverage nationwide and has a large variety of plans (at average prices). TIM Brazil has the best 4G/LTE coverage, but it has only one prepaid plan.
Recommended eSIM in Brazil
TIM Brazil is the only mobile operator offering eSIMs to prepaid customers.
However, TIM has literally only one plan for prepaid customers.
Note that the Brazilian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you want to get an eSIM, I recommend getting the Brazil (Joia) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Brazil eSIMs from Nomad.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Brazil
Below are the coverage maps of Claro Brazil (includes former Nextel) and TIM Brazil produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see the coverage maps of the other mobile operators, head to my Brazil SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Brazil
You can get a Brazilian SIM card for 10 BRL (1.80 USD), but sometimes up to 15 BRL (2.60 USD), from Vivo Brazil, Claro Brazil, TIM Brazil & Oi in the official and partner stores or resellers, including kiosks and pharmacies. Airports, including both in São Paulo, sell SIM cards too.
You can buy a Brazillian SIM card in the following airports:
- Belo Horizonte – Belo Horizonte/Confins – Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF)
- Brasília – Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB)
- Rio de Janeiro – Galeão International Airport (GIG)
- São Paulo – Congonhas Airport (CGH)
- São Paulo – Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
For up-to-date BRL: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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Brazil
Claro Brazil and TIM Brazil top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores and TIM stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Claro SIM card, dial *577*VoucherCode# or dial *1052#, select option 2, and select option 2 again.
For TIM, dial *244 or *244# 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.
Recharging online with international debit and credit cards is possible for Claro.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *544#, *555, or dialing *1052#, selecting option 2, and selecting option 1 with Claro. For TIM, dial *222#.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Brazil
Claro Brazil has two data-featured plans. But the Claro Prezão are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Claro Prezão Bundles are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 2006:
| Price | Data | WhatsApp Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.99 BRL | 100 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 15 SMS | 1 day | DIA |
| 9.99 BRL | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 7 days | SEMANA |
| 29.99 BRL | 6 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 300 SMS | 30 days | MES |
TIM Brazil has only one prepaid plan (not just one data-featured plan – just literally one plan): TIM Pré Top.
It is a combo bundle with 8 GB of data (without 5G NR access), 9 GB of nighttime data (between 0:00 and 6:00), unlimited Deezer Go, unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS – all valid for 15 days, costing 15 BRL.
TIM Pre Top can be activated by texting TOPMAIS to 4141.
| Price | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | Deezer Go & WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 BRL | 8 GB | 9 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Brazil
- Both Claro Brazil and TIM Brazil are recommended
- Brazilian SIM cards cost 15 BRL (Vivo, Claro, TIM & Oi)
- SIM cards are also sold at various airports, including Belo Horizonte/Confins – Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF), Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB), Galeão International Airport (GIG), Congonhas Airport (CGH) & Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
- Topping up can be done in Claro and TIM stores, through top-up partners & online (not for TIM)
- Claro's Prezão plans (combo) range from 1.99 BRL to 29.99 BRL. TIM's Pré Top (combo) costs 15 BRL
- Read my Brazil SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Brazilian SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Chile Prepaid SIM Cards
In Chile, you have four mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Entel Chile
- Movistar Chile
- Claro Chile
- WOM Chile (formerly Nextel Chile)
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Chile
I recommend going with Entel Chile or Claro Chile. Entel is the best mobile operator in most regards. Claro has the fastest speeds.
Recommended eSIM in Chile
While Entel Chile offers eSIMs, it is unknown whether they are offered to prepaid customers.
However, you can get the Chile (Altoque) eSIM from Airalo with 15 GB of data, 500 local minutes & 500 local SMS valid for 10 days.
This is one of the few eSIMs to include call and text allowances on Airalo.
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Chile eSIMs from Nomad.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Chile
Below are the coverage maps of Entel Chile and Claro Chile produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see the coverage maps of the other mobile operators, head to my Chile SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Chile
You can get a Chilean SIM card for as low as 500 CLP (0.60 USD) to 5000 CLP (6 USD) in Entel, Movistar, Claro & WOM stores (although they all often solely deal with postpaid customers) or from supermarkets and grocery stores. Santiago-Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) sells SIM cards too
For up-to-date CLP: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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Chile
Entel Chile and Claro Chile top-up vouchers are sold in Entel stores and Claro stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Entel SIM card, call 103 and follow the instructions.
For Claro, dial *103# 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.
Recharging online with international debit and credit cards is possible for Entel and Claro.
However, only Chile-issued cards are accepted.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *103# with Entel.
However, only the first balance inquiry of the day will be free. All subsequent inquiries will cost you 100 CLP.
For Claro, dial *103#.
However, all inquiries will cost you 50 CLP.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Chile
Entel Chile has three data-featured plans. But the Bolsas Prepago Datos y Minutos (Prepaid Data and Minutes Bags) are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Bolsas Prepago Datos y Minutos are available, which can be activated on the Entel app:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 CLP | 400 MB | N/A | 20 minutes | 2 days |
| 1000 CLP | 1 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 3 days |
| 2000 CLP | 2 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 5 days |
| 3000 CLP | 4 GB | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 7 days |
| 4000 CLP | 4 GB | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 30 days |
| 5000 CLP | 5 GB | Unlimited | 200 minutes | 30 days |
| 6000 CLP | 7 GB | Unlimited | 400 minutes | 30 days |
| 8000 CLP | 10 GB | Unlimited | 500 minutes | 30 days |
1 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Spotify, Twitter & WhatsApp
Claro Chile has four data-featured plans. But the Bolsas Prepago (Prepaid Bags) are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Bolsas Prepago (Prepaid Bags) are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 2020:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 CLP | 100 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 day | B100 |
| 500 CLP | N/A | N/A | 100 minutes | N/A | 1 day | LIB1 |
| 500 CLP | 200 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 day | IM500 |
| 890 CLP | N/A | 2 GB 2 | N/A | N/A | 3 days | BVID3 |
| 1000 CLP | N/A | N/A | 30 minutes | N/A | 7 days | 30BMIN |
| 1000 CLP | 750 MB | 2 GB | 100 minutes | N/A | 3 days | P1000 |
| 1490 CLP | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 nights (23:00 – 7:59) | BOLSANONCHE |
| 1500 CLP | 1.5 GB | 2 GB | N/A | N/A | 3 days | IM1500 |
| 2000 CLP | N/A | N/A | N/A | 10 minutes 4 | 15 days | 10LDI |
| 2000 CLP | N/A | N/A | N/A | 20 minutes 5 | 15 days | 20LDI |
| 2000 CLP | N/A | N/A | 60 minutes | N/A | 15 days | 60BMIN |
| 2000 CLP | 2 GB | 2 GB | 200 minutes | N/A | 7 days | P2000 |
| 2500 CLP | 2.5 GB | 2 GB 3 | N/A | N/A | 7 days | IM2500 |
| 2500 CLP | 3 GB | 2 GB 3 | 200 minutes | N/A | 7 days | PGM |
| 2990 CLP | N/A | N/A | 100 minutes | N/A | 4 days | LIB4 |
| 2990 CLP | N/A | 2 GB 6 | N/A | N/A | 365 days | BA365 |
| 2990 CLP | 2 GB | 2 GB 3 | 200 minutes | 10 minutes | 5 days | PLDI2 |
| 4000 CLP | N/A | N/A | 200 minutes | N/A | 15 days | 200BMIN |
| 4000 CLP | 3.5 GB | 2 GB 3 | N/A | N/A | 15 days | IM4000 |
| 4000 CLP | 5 GB | 2 GB | 300 minutes | N/A | 15 days | P4000 |
| 4890 CLP | Unlimited | N/A | 100 minutes | N/A | 7 days | LIB7 |
| 5000 CLP | 2 GB | 2 GB 3 | 200 minutes | 20 minutes 5 | 15 days | PLDI7 |
| 5000 CLP | 5 GB | 2 GB | 400 minutes | N/A | 30 days | P5000 |
| 7000 CLP | 8 GB | 2 GB 7 | 500 minutes | N/A | 30 days | P7000 |
| 10 000 CLP | 10 GB | 2 GB 7 | 700 minutes | N/A | 30 days | P10000 |
1 for Claro Música, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, Twitter & WhatsApp
2 for Netflix & YouTube only
3 excludes Telegram
4 to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay & Venezuela
5 to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru & Uruguay
6 for Claro Música, Facebook, Spotify & WhatsApp only
7 includes Waze
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Chile
- Both Entel Chile and Claro Chile are recommended
- Chilean SIM cards cost between 500 CLP to 5000 CLP (Entel, Movistar Chile, Claro & WOM Chile)
- SIM cards are also sold at Santiago-Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
- Topping up can be done in Entel and Claro stores, through top-up partners & online (you need a Chile-issued debit or credit card for online top-ups)
- Entel's Bolsas Prepago Datos y Minutos (combo) range from 500 CLP to 8000 CLP. Claro's Bolsas Prepago (combo) range from 200 CLP to 10 000 CLP
- Read my Chile SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Chilean SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Colombia Prepaid SIM Cards
In Colombia, you have three mobile network operators, two 4G/LTE-only mobile operators (with national roaming agreements) & six Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid services:
- Claro Colombia
- Movistar Colombia
- Tigo Colombia
- Avantel Colombia (WOM Colombia will absorb Avantel soon)
- WOM Colombia (merging with Avantel Colombia soon)
- Buenofon (Movistar Colombia MVNO)
- ETB Colombia (Tigo Colombia MVNO)
- Kalley Móvil (Suma Móvil MVNO using Tigo Colombia)
- Móvil Éxito (Tigo Colombia MVNO)
- Virgin Mobile Colombia (Movistar Colombia MVNO)
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Colombia
I recommend going with Claro Colombia or Tigo (Une) Colombia. Claro has the best overall coverage (mostly 2G & 3G). Tigo (Une) is the best mobile operator overall with the fastest speeds, most extensive 4G/LTE coverage and availability & network performance.
Recommended eSIM in Colombia
Movistar Colombia is the only mobile operator offering eSIM to prepaid customers.
However, it is not one of the Colombian mobile operators I recommend.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia without personal detail capturing, you can get the Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Nomad.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Colombia
Below are the coverage maps of Claro Colombia and Tigo Colombia produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see the coverage maps of the other mobile operators, head to my Colombia SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Colombia
You can get a Colombian SIM card for 3000 COP to 60 000 COP (includes a plan) in the mobile operator stores. But SIM cards are often priced at 5000 COP – 7000 COP. Only Claro Colombia sells SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport (BOG – between 35 000 COP and 150 000 COP – all with plans).
For up-to-date COP: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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Colombia
Claro Colombia and Tigo Colombia top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores and Tigo stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Claro SIM card, dial *106*VoucherCode# or *611# and follow the instructions.
For Tigo, dial *111# 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.
Recharging online with international debit and credit cards is possible for Tigo.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *611# or #724 with Claro. For Tigo, dial *10#.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Colombia
Claro Colombia has three data-featured plans. But the Paquetes Todo Includio (All Inclusive Packages) are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Paquetes Todo Includio are available, which can be activated by dialing *611#:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 COP | 400 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2 days |
| 6000 COP | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6 days |
| 7000 COP | 1.3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 10 000 COP | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 10 000 COP | 5 GB | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 7 days |
| 20 000 COP | 4.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 days |
| 20 000 COP | 10 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 30 000 COP | 9 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 30 000 COP | 12 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 40 000 COP | 12 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 for Facebook, Twitter & WhatsApp
Tigo Colombia has four data-featured plans. But the 2×1 Plans are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following 2×1 Plans are available, which can be activated on the Mi Tigo app:
| Price | Data | Facebook & WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 000 COP | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 20 000 COP | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 days |
| 30 000 COP | 20 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Colombia
- Both Claro Colombia and Tigo Colombia are recommended
- Colombian SIM cards cost between 3000 COP and 60 000 COP. The more expensive the plan, the better starter benefits you get
- SIM cards are also sold at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport (BOG – Claro only)
- Topping up can be done in Claro and Tigo stores, through top-up partners & online
- Claro's Paquetes Todo Includio (combo) range from 3000 COP to 40 000 COP. Tigo's 2×1 Plans (combo) range from 10 000 COP to 30 000 COP
- Read my Colombia SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Colombian SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Ecuador Prepaid SIM Cards
In Ecuador, you have four mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Claro Ecuador
- Movistar Ecuador
- CNT Ecuador (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
- Tuenti Ecuador (Movistar Ecuador MVNO)
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Ecuador
I recommend going with Claro Ecuador or CNT. Claro has the best (4G/LTE) nationwide coverage. CNT is the fastest mobile operator in the country.
Recommended eSIM in Ecuador
Movistar Ecuador offers eSIMs, but they are not available to prepaid customers.
However, you can get the Ecuador (Bacanet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Ecuador eSIMs from Nomad.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Ecuador
Below are the coverage maps of Claro Ecuador and CNT produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see the coverage maps of the other mobile operators, head to my Ecuador SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Ecuador
You can get an Ecuadorian SIM card for 3 USD from CNT, 4.48 USD from Claro, 5 USD from Movistar & between 5 USD & 25 USD from Tuenti in their stores. SIM cards are also sold at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).
For up-to-date USD:your currency (let's say EUR) 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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Ecuador
Claro Ecuador and CNT top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores and CNT stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Claro SIM card, dial *100*VoucherCode#.
For CNT, dial *111, select option 2, and enter your Voucher Code. The same can be done by dialing *611 and selecting option 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.
Recharging online with international debit and credit cards is possible for Claro.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *102# with Claro. For CNT, dial *611#.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Ecuador
Claro Ecuador has only one data-featured plan: Plan Ideal.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Plan Ideal are available, which can be activated by dialing *123#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 2 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Paquete de Redes por 1 Día | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 1 USD | 200 Megas + Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 1 Día | 200 MB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 2 USD | 1 Giga + Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 2 Días | 1 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 2 days |
| 2 USD | Paquetes de Redes por 2 Días | 4.5 GB 3 | Unlimited 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 days |
| 3 USD | 3 Gigas + Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 3 Días | 3 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 30 minutes | N/A | 3 days |
| 4 USD | 2 Gigas + 2 Gigas Para la Noche por 10 Días | 2 GB + 2 GB 5 | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited | 40 minutes | N/A | 10 days |
| 5 USD | 1 Gigas + Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 15 Días | 2 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited 6 | 100 minutes | N/A | 15 days |
| 6 USD | 3 Gigas + 3 Gigas Para la Noche por 15 Días | 3 GB + 3 GB 5 | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited | 60 minutes | N/A | 15 days |
| 7 USD | 3.5 Gigas + 3.5 Gigas Para la Noche por 15 Días | 3.5 GB + 3.5 GB 5 | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited 6 | 150 minutes | N/A | 20 days |
| 10 USD | 10 Gigas por 30 Días + 2 Gigas Redes por 7 Días | 10 GB | 2 GB 7 (7 days) | Unlimited 6 | 200 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 12 USD | 12 Gigas por 30 Días + 2 Gigas Redes por 7 Días | 12 GB | 2 GB 7 (7 days) | Unlimited 6 | 240 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 15 USD | 15 Gigas por 30 Días + 5 Gigas Redes por 7 Días | 15 GB | 5 GB 7 (7 days) | 150 minutes | Shared with on-net call allowance | N/A | 30 days |
1 for Facebook & Twitter
2 for Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp
3 for Facebook & Twitter + 4608 MB for Instagram & YouTube
4 for Facebook, Free Fire & Twitter
5 2/3/3.5 GB for any time use and 2/3/3.5 GB for between 23:00 and 6:59
6 to 5 Claro numbers
7 for Facebook, Instagram & TikTok for 7 days + unlimited Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp for 30 days
CNT has two data-featured plans. But the Nuevos Paquetes Prepago (New Prepaid Packages) are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Nuevos Paquetes Prepago are available, which can be activated by texting COMBOS to 7000:
| Price | Data | Social Data | On-Net Minutes | Off- Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | 300 MB | Various 1 | 15 minutes | Shared with on-net call allowance | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 3 USD | 4 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | 35 minutes | N/A | 50 SMS | 7 days |
| 5 USD | 5 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 10 USD | 15 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | 200 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 15 USD | 20 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 20 USD | 25 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | Shared with on-net call allowance | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Ecuador
- Both Claro Ecuador and CNT are recommended
- Peruvian SIM cards cost 3 USD (CNT), 4.48 USD (Claro), 5 USD (Movistar Ecuador) & between 5 USD and 25 USD (Tuenti Ecuador)
- SIM cards are also sold at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)
- Topping up can be done in Claro and CNT stores, through top-up partners & online
- Claro's Preplan (combo) range from 1 USD to 15 USD. CNT's Nuevos Paquetes Prepago (combo) range from 1 USD to 20 USD
Falkland Islands Prepaid SIM Cards
In the Falkland Islands, you have only one mobile network operator offering prepaid services:
- Sure Falkland Islands (Sure South Atlantic)
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in the Falkland Islands
I recommend going with Sure Falkland Islands (Sure South Atlantic)… because it is the only mobile operator in the territory.
Recommended eSIM in the Falkland Islands
Unfortunately, Sure Falkland Islands (Sure South Atlantic) does not offer eSIMs to prepaid customers in the Falkland Islands (yet).
However, you can get the Falkland Islands eSIM (Gentoo Mobile) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in the Falkland Islands
Below is the coverage map of Sure Falkland Islands (Sure South Atlantic) produced by Speedtest:
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in the Falkland Islands
You can get a Falkland Island SIM card for 30 FKP in the Sure store in Stanley (Ross Road). They are not sold at (Port) Stanley Airport (PSY – nor at RAF Mount Pleasant (MPN)).
For up-to-date FKP:your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) 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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in the Falkland Islands
Sure Falkland Islands (Sure South Atlantic) top-up vouchers are sold in the Sure store in Stanley (Ross Road), kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Sure SIM card, dial *450*VoucherCode#.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *453# with Sure.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in the Falkland Islands
Sure Falkland Islands (Sure South Atlantic) has only one data-featured plan: Boosters.
They are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Boosters are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 FKP | 100 MB 7 Day Booster | 100 MB | 7 days | *456*1# |
| 10 FKP | 200 MB 14 Day Booster | 200 MB | 14 days | *456*2# |
| 15 FKP | 400 MB 30 Day Booster | 400 MB | 30 days | *456*3# |
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in the Falkland Islands
- Sure Falkland Islands (Sure South Atlantic) is recommended… because it is your only option in the territory
- Falkland Island SIM cards cost 30 FKP (Sure)
- SIM cards are not sold at (Port) Stanley Airport (PSY – nor at RAF Mount Pleasant (MPN)
- Topping up can be done in Sure stores and through top-up partners
- Sure's Boosters (data) range from 6 FKP and 15 FKP
- Read my Falkland Islands SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Falkland Island SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
French Guiana (Guyane) Prepaid SIM Cards
In French Guiana, you have four mobile network operators offering prepaid services:
- Digicel French Guiana/Guyane
- Orange French Guiana/Guyane (Orange Caraïbe)
- SFR French Guiana/Guyane (SFR Caraïbe)
- La Poste Caraïbe Mobile (French Guiana/Guyane)
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in French Guiana (Guyane)
I recommend going with Orange French Guiana/Guyane (Orange Caraïbe). It has the fastest speeds in the territory. Moreover, it allows for free roaming in the French West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy & Saint Martin – called Zone Locale).
Recommended eSIM in French Guiana (Guyane)
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in French Guiana (yet).
However, you can get the French Guiana eSIM (Kawcom) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in French Guiana
Below is the coverage map of Orange French Guiana/Guyane (Orange Caraïbe) produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see the coverage maps of the other mobile operators, head to my French Guiana SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in French Guiana (Guyane)
You can get a French Guianese SIM card for 10 EUR from Digicel French Guiana/Guyane and La Poste Caraïbe Mobile (French Guiana/Guyane) or 15 EUR from Orange French Guiana/Guyane (Orange Caraïbe) and SRF French Guiana/Guyane (SFR Caraïbe) in their stores and from resellers. SIM cards are not sold at Cayenne – Félix Eboubé Airport (CAY).
For up-to-date EUR: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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in French Guiana (Guyane)
Orange French Guiana/Guyane (Orange Caraïbe) top-up vouchers are sold in Orange stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Orange SIM card, dial #124# 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.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing #123# with Orange.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in French Guiana (Guyane)
Orange French Guiana/Guyane (Orange Caraïbe) has three data-featured plans. But the Les Recharges Classiques (Max Refills) are recommended.
They are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Les Recharges Classiques are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 3 EUR | 500 MB | 10 days |
| 5 EUR | 1 GB | 10 days |
| 15 EUR | 3 GB | 30 days |
| 50 EUR | 30 GB | 60 days |
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in French Guiana (Guyane)
- Orange French Guiana/Guyane (Orange Caraïbe) is recommended
- French Guianese SIM cards cost 10 EUR (Digicel French Guiana/Guyane & La Poste Caraïbe Mobile (French Guiana/Guyane)) or 15 EUR (Orange and SFR Guiana/Guyane (Orange Caraïbe)
- SIM cards are not sold at Cayenne – Félix Eboubé Airport (CAY)
- Topping up can be done in Orange stores and through top-up partners
- Orange's Les Recharges Classiques (data) range from 3 EUR to 50 EUR
- Read my French Guiana SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about French Guianese SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Guyana Prepaid SIM Cards
In Guyana, you have two mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Digicel Guyana
- GTT(+) (formerly Cellink Plus)
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Guyana
I recommend going with Digicel Guyana or GTT (formerly Cellink Plus). Digicel has (slightly) better (4G/LTE) coverage than GTT. GTT offers more plan choices than Digicel.
Recommended eSIM in Guyana
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Guyana (yet).
However, you can get the Guyana eSIM (Gucom) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Guyana eSIMs from Nomad.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Guyana
Below are the coverage maps of Digicel Guyana and GTT (formerly Cellink Plus) produced by Speedtest:
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Guyana
You can get a Guyanese SIM card for 2000 GYD from Digicel and GTT in their stores or from SIM vendors, such as grocery stores, pharmacies & electronic shops. SIM cards are also available at Georgetown/Timehri-Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO – Digicel only)
For up-to-date GYD: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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Guyana
Digicel Guyana and GTT (formerly Cellink Plus) top-up vouchers are sold in Digicel stores and GTT stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Digicel SIM card, dial *121*VoucherCode#.
For GTT, dial *100# 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.
Recharging online with international debit and credit cards is possible for Digicel and GTT.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *120# with Digicel. For GTT, dial *100# or text Menu to 6202428.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Guyana
Digicel Guyana has only one data-featured plan: Digicel Prime Bundles.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Prepaid Prime Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *100#:
| Price | Plan | Any Use Data | Listen More (Music) Data | Listen More (Radio) Data | Watch More Data | Play More Data | Share More Data | Know More Data | Store More Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 GYD | 1 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 500 MB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 10 minutes | 10 SMS | 1 day |
| 750 GYD | 3 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 1 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 20 minutes | 20 SMS | 3 days |
| 1600 GYD | 7 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 2 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 30 minutes | 30 SMS | 7 days |
| 3800 GYD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 4.5 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 80 minutes | 80 SMS | 30 days |
| 5400 GYD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 6 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 150 minutes | 150 SMS | 30 days |
GTT (formerly Cellink Plus) has two data-featured plans. But the Pre-Paid Bundles are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Pre-Paid Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *100#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local/Canada/USA Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 410 GYD | Daily+ Bundle | 300 MB | 15 minutes | 30 SMS | 1 day |
| 680 GYD | 3 Days Bundle | 600 MB | 25 minutes | 50 SMS | 3 days |
| 1370 GYD | Weekly Bundle | 1.5 GB | 40 minutes | 80 SMS | 7 days |
| 3380 GYD | Monthly Bundle | 4 GB | 100 minutes | 200 SMS | 30 days |
| 4840 GYD | Monthly+ Bundle | 5 GB | 150 minutes | 250 SMS | 30 days |
| 7300 GYD | 10 GB Monthly Bundle | 10 GB | 300 minutes | 500 SMS | 30 days |
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Guyana
- Both Digicel Guyana and GTT (formerly Cellink Plus) are recommended
- Guyanese SIM cards cost 2000 GYD (Digicel & GTT)
- SIM cards are also sold at Georgetown/Timehri-Cheddi Jagan International Airport (Digicel only)
- Topping up can be done in Digicel and GTT stores, through top-up partners & online
- Digicel's Prime Bundles (combo) range from 450 GYD to 5400 GYD. GTT's Pre-Paid Bundles (combo) range from 410 GYD to 7300 GYD
- Read my Guyana SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Guyanese SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Paraguay Prepaid SIM Cards
In Paraguay, you have four mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Tigo Paraguay
- Personal Paraguay
- Claro Paraguay
- VOX Paraguay
You should avoid VOX at all costs. You can find out here in the A Note about VOX Paraguay (by Copaco) section.
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Paraguay
I recommend going with Tigo Paraguay or Claro Paraguay. Tigo has the best coverage and, overall, the best network. Claro has the fastest speeds. However, its (4G/LTE) coverage is the weakest in the country.
Recommended eSIM in Paraguay
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Paraguay (yet).
However, you can get the Paraguay eSIM (Triple Communications) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Paraguay
Below are the coverage maps of Tigo Paraguay and Claro Paraguay produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see Personal Paraguay's coverage map, head to my Paraguay SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Paraguay
You can get a Paraguayan SIM card for 5000 PYG from Claro Paraguay & 10 000 PYG from Personal Paraguay. Tigo Paraguay has two starter packs priced at 5000 PYG and 10 000 PYG. SIM cards are available at the official stores of the mobile operators and at Asunción/Lunque-Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU).
For up-to-date PYG: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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Paraguay
Tigo Paraguay and Claro Paraguay top-up vouchers are sold in Tigo stores and Claro stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Tigo SIM card, *222# and follow the instructions.
For Claro, text the VoucherCode to 123.
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.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *162, *611# and selecting option 1, or texting S to 162 with Tigo.
Note that you can check your balance with S to 162 for free twice a day.
Each subsequent balance inquiry will cost you 50 PYG/check.
For Claro, dial *111#.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Paraguay
Tigo Paraguay has three data-featured plans. But the Extendidos (Extended) Packages are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Extendidos are available, which can be activated by dialing *222#:
| Price | Data | WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6000 PYG | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2 days |
| 7500 PYG | 1.5 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 3 days |
| 11 000 PYG | 2 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 4 days |
| 13 000 PYG | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 days |
| 16 000 PYG | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 16 000 PYG | 4 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 7 days |
| 25 000 PYG | 4 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 10 days |
| 35 000 PYG | 4 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 15 days |
| 65 000 PYG | 5 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 30 days |
Claro Paraguay has only one data-featured plan: Packs Ya.
They are data bundles with data (without 5G NR access).
The following Packs Ya are available, which can be activated by dialing *989#:
| Price | Data | Social & Free Fire Data 1 | WhatsApp Data | Auto-Renews? | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 PYG | 50 MB | N/A | Unlimited | Yes | 1 day |
| 2200 PYG | 200 MB | N/A | Unlimited | Yes | 1 day |
| 2750 PYG | 400 MB | N/A | Unlimited | Yes | 1 day |
| 3500 PYG | 400 MB | N/A | Unlimited | No | 1 day |
| 4000 PYG | 10 GB | N/A | Unlimited | No | 1 night (0:00 – 6:00) |
| 6000 PYG | 1 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Yes | 2 days |
| 6000 PYG | 1 GB | N/A | Unlimited | No | 2 days |
| 11 000 PYG | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 2 days |
| 11 000 PYG | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Yes | 2 days |
| 11 000 PYG | 1 GB | N/A | Unlimited | No | 5 days |
| 16 000 PYG | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 3 days |
| 22 000 PYG | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 7 days |
| 25 000 PYG | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 7 days |
| 27 000 PYG | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Yes | 7 days |
| 28 000 PYG | 1 GB | N/A | Unlimited | No | 30 days |
| 38 000 PYG | 2 GB | N/A | Unlimited | No | 30 days |
| 44 000 PYG | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 15 days |
| 50 000 PYG | 4 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 30 days |
| 50 000 PYG | 4 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Yes | 30 days |
| 70 000 PYG | 6 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 30 days |
| 99 000 PYG | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 30 days |
| 199 000 PYG | 25 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 30 days |
| 299 000 PYG | 40 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 60 days |
1 for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Paraguay
- Both Tigo Paraguay and Claro Paraguay are recommended
- Paraguayan SIM cards cost between 5000 GYD and 10 000 GYD (Tigo, Personal & Claro)
- SIM cards are also sold at Asunción/Lunque-Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU)
- Topping up can be done in Tigo and Claro stores, through top-up partners & online
- Tigo's Extendidos (combo) range from 6000 PYG to 65 000 PYG. Claro Packs Ya (combo) range from 1500 PYG to 299 000 PYG
- Read my Paraguay SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Paraguayan SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Peru Prepaid SIM Cards
In Peru, you have four mobile operators offering prepaid services that are easily accessible to tourists:
- Movistar Perú
- Claro Perú
- Entel Perú
- Bitel (formerly Viettel Perú)
While you also have Cuy Móvil & Inkacel (formerly Virgin Mobile Perú), getting them registered is quite a challenge as a tourist (most resellers do not know how to or simply refuse).
Cuy Móvil also owns PeruSIM. PeruSIM prices are up to triple the rates of Cuy Móvil, and those selling Cuy Móvil SIM cards will only sell you PeruSIM SIM cards – not worth it.
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Peru
I recommend going with Movistar Peru or Claro Peru. Movistar has the best coverage and 4G/LTE availability (the latter together with Entel Peru). Claro is the fastest option and has the best 4G/LTE coverage experience.
Recommended eSIM in Peru
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Peru (yet).
However, you can get the Peru (Habla Telecom) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Peru eSIMs from Nomad.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Peru
Below are the coverage maps of Movistar Peru and Claro Peru produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see the coverage maps of the other mobile operators, head to my Peru SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Peru
You can get a Peruvian SIM card for 10 PEN (2.50 USD | 20 PEN (5 USD) for Bitel) in the official and partner stores of Movistar Peru, Claro Peru, Entel Peru & Bitel, or from resellers, including kiosks and pharmacies. Claro sells SIM cards at Lima-Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) for 50 USD.
For up-to-date PEN: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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Peru
Movistar Peru and Claro Peru top-up vouchers are sold in Movistar stores and Claro stores (1/2), kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Movistar SIM card, dial *515# and follow the instructions.
For Claro, dial *788, select option 1, select option 8, and enter the VoucherCode.
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.
Recharging online with international debit and credit cards is possible for Movistar and Claro.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *515# with Movistar. For Claro, dial *778.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Peru
Movistar Peru has five data-featured plans. But the Preplan are recommended.
They are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Preplan are available:
| Price | Data | Social Media Data | YouTube Data 3 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 PEN | 500 MB | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 days |
| 6 PEN | 600 MB | Unlimited 1 | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6 days |
| 7 PEN | 700 MB | Unlimited | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 8 PEN | 800 MB | Unlimited | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 days |
| 9 PEN | 900 MB | Unlimited | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 9 days |
| 10 PEN | 1 GB | Unlimited | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 15 PEN | 1.5 GB | Unlimited | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 20 PEN | 2 GB | Unlimited | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 days |
| 25 PEN | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 25 days |
| 30 PEN | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Movistar Play & WhatsApp (30 days)
2 without Instagram
3 on 4G/LTE (+4.5G) only
Claro Peru has three data-featured plans. But the Paquetes de Megas (Data Plans) are recommended.
They are data bundles (soon with 5G NR access).
The following Paquetes de Megas are available, which can be activated by dialing *799#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 3 PEN | 200 MB | 2 days |
| 5 PEN | 650 MB | 5 days |
| 6 PEN | Unlimited | Until midnight |
| 10 PEN | 1.5 GB | 10 days |
| 20 PEN | 3 GB | 20 days |
| 30 PEN | 4.5 GB | 30 days |
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Peru
- Both Movistar Peru and Claro Peru are recommended
- Peruvian SIM cards cost 10 PEN (Movistar, Claro & Entel Peru) or 20 PEN (Bitel)
- SIM cards are also sold at Lima-Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM- Claro only)
- Topping up can be done in Movistar and Claro stores, through top-up partners & online
- Movistar's Preplan (combo) range from 5 PEN to 30 PEN. Claro's Paquetes de Megas (data) range from 3 PEN to 30 PEN
- Read my Peru SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Peruvian SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Suriname Prepaid SIM Cards
In Suriname, you have two mobile network operators offering prepaid services:
- Telesur
- Digicel Suriname
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Suriname
I recommend going with Telesur. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds (more than double Digicel's). It currently offers 5G NR to prepaid customers too.
Recommended eSIM in Suriname
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Suriname (yet).
However, you can get the Suriname eSIM (Pondocom) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Suriname eSIMs from Nomad.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Suriname
Below is Telesur's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see Digicel Suriname's coverage map, head to my Suriname SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Suriname
You can get a Surinamese SIM card for 70 SRD from Telesur and Digicel in their stores and from select resellers, including electronic shops and grocery stores. SIM cards are also available at Paramaribo-Zanderij/Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM).
For up-to-date SRD:your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) 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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Suriname
Telesur top-up vouchers are sold in Telesur stores (1/2), kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Telesur SIM card, dial *131*VoucherCode#.
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.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *132# with Telesur.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Suriname
Telesur has only one data-featured plan: Internet op Mobiel (Internet on Mobile)
They are data bundles (with 5G NR access).
The following Internet op Mobiel are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 4040:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 SRD | 150 MB | 12 hours | Net 12 |
| 31 SRD | 1.5 GB | 1 day | Net 1D |
| 62 SRD | 3 GB | 3 days | Net 3D |
| 156 SRD | 7 GB | 7 days | Net 7D |
| 469 SRD | 22.5 GB | 30 days | Net 30D |
| 1870 SRD | 90 GB | 30 days | 50GB |
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Suriname
- Telesur is recommended
- Surinamese SIM cards cost 70 SRD (Telesur & Digicel Suriname)
- SIM cards are also sold at Paramaribo-Zanderij/Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM).
- Topping up can be done in Telesur stores and through top-up partners
- Telesur's Internet op Mobiel (data) range from 16 SRD to 1870 SRD
- Read my Suriname SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Surinamese SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Uruguay Prepaid SIM Cards
In Uruguay, you have three mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Antel (Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
- Movistar Uruguay
- Claro Uruguay
Recommended Prepaid SIM Cards in Uruguay
I recommend going with Antel or Movistar Uruguay. Antel has the best coverage and has great network performance. Movistar is the fastest mobile operator in the country.
Recommended eSIM in Uruguay
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Uruguay (yet).
However, you can get the Uruguay eSIM (Ballena!) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Uruguay eSIMs from Nomad.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
For Airalo eSIMs, the links above will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Coverage Maps of the Recommended Mobile Operators in Uruguay
Below are the coverage maps of Antel and Movistar Uruguay produced by Speedtest:
If you want to see Claro Uruguay's coverage map, head to my Uruguay SIM Card Buying Guide.
Prepaid SIM Card Prices & Availability in Uruguay
You can get an Uruguayan SIM card for 60 UYU from Movistar and Claro in their stores. Antel sells SIM cards for 65 UYU with starter perks. Montevideo-Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (MVD) sells SIM cards too.
For up-to-date UYU: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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check in Uruguay
Antel and Movistar Uruguay top-up vouchers are sold in Antel stores (1/2) and VIVA Movistar stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Antel SIM card, dial *77, select option 1, and enter the VoucherCode.
For Movistar, use the Mi Movistar Uruguay (My Movistar Uruguay app – Android/iOS)
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.
Recharging online with international debit and credit cards is possible for Antel and Movistar.
Checking your balance can be done by dialing *611 or texting SALDO to 226 with Antel. For Movistar, text SALDO to 222.
Recommended Prepaid Plans in Uruguay
Antel has five data-featured plans. But the Promocionales (Promotions) are recommended.
They are data bundles with data (without 5G NR access).
Although they are promotions, this limited promotion has been going on for more than a year.
However, it is subject to change at any time without notice, so be aware of that.
The following Promocionales are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 226:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 UYU | Recarga 50 GB | 50 GB | 5 days | 50GB |
| 250 UYU | Recarga 70 GB | 70 GB | 10 days | 70GB |
Movistar Uruguay has two data-featured plans. But the Paquetes Dúo (Duo Packages) are recommended.
They are data bundles with data (without 5G NR access).
The following Paquetes Dúo are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 888:
| Price | Plan | Data | Nighttime Data 3 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190 UYU | Dúo Semanal | 6 GB 1 | 12 GB | 7 days | ALTA DUO 7 |
| 210 UYU | Dúo Música | 6 GB 2 | 12 GB | 7 days | App only |
| 220 UYU | Paquete Dúo App | 10 GB | 26 GB | 7 days | App only |
| 290 UYU | Dúo XL | 15 GB | 30 GB | 7 days | DUO XL |
1 +50 on-net minutes
2 +App Mi Movistar (Música)
3 for between 23:00 – 8:59
Recap of the Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Uruguay
- Both Antel and Movistar Uruguay are recommended
- Uruguayan SIM cards cost 60 UYU (Movistar & Claro) or 65 UYU (Antel)
- SIM cards are also sold at Montevideo-Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (MVD)
- Topping up can be done in Antel and Movistar stores, through top-up partners & online
- Antel's Promocionales (data) range from 150 UYU to 250 UYU. Movistar's Paquetes Dúo (data) range from 190 UYU to 290 UYU
- Read my Uruguay SIM Card Buying Guide for (much) more about Uruguayan SIM cards
Jump back to the Country Index. | Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Venezuela Prepaid SIM Cards
In Venezuela, you have three mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Movilnet by CANTV (Compañía Anónima Nacional de Teléfonos de Venezuela)
- Movistar Venezuela
- Digitel GSM
However, none of these mobile operators allow tourists to get their SIM cards currently – unfortunately.
So yeah, I have nothing more to add here 🥲.
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Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
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You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
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