{"id":2285,"date":"2019-11-28T22:07:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-28T11:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phonetravelwiz.com\/?p=2285"},"modified":"2024-03-01T02:35:43","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T15:35:43","slug":"buying-a-sim-card-in-north-america-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/buying-a-sim-card-in-north-america-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"SIM Cards in North America: The Best Prepaid Plans |\u00a02024\u00a0Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:67.3828125%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:22.55859375%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:27.5390625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:59.765625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:60.7421875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:54.785478547855%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:19.62890625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:33.30078125%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-11::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-11{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Although <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wvdo\">North America<\/a> consists of only three countries, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wlo9\">Canada<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/3787\">Mexico<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wvdo\">United States<\/a>, it is a vast continent. Canada is the second-largest country in the world by size, while the US is the fourth-largest. Unlike <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/ps1t\">Europe<\/a>, where you can drive through various countries within a day, it can take you a few days go coast to coast in Canada and the US. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While exploring these big countries, you want to have the right cell phone service that gives you talk, text, and data when traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What are the best SIM card options in North America? <strong>It\ndepends on your needs. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/buying-a-sim-card-in-canada-guide\/\">Canada<\/a>, getting a prepaid plan with Rogers, Telus, or\nBell would do you well. In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/buying-a-sim-card-in-the-united-states-guide\/\">United States<\/a>, most travelers will experience\ngood coverage and service with T-Mobile, while AT&amp;T will be recommended\nwhen visiting remote places. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/buying-a-sim-card-in-mexico-guide\/\">Mexico<\/a>, Telcel has the coverage and speeds but\nis more expensive than Movistar that has cheaper data packages but worse\ncoverage. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/buying-a-sim-card-in-mexico-guide\/\" title=\"3 Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Mexico: Buying Guide\">Mexico<\/a> have three big providers, while the US has four. All these countries have Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which are companies that run on the networks of the leading providers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, they are cheaper than the big carriers, but their service may not be as good because those customers have a lower priority on the networks of the big carriers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is especially true in the US where MVNOs get throttled. This is, however, not the case in Canada. In Mexico, I am not so sure because the market share of MVNOs is around 2%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that out of the way, let&rsquo;s explore the best SIM card options when traveling in North America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 has-custom-font-size is-style-outline has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background no-border-radius wp-element-button\"><em>This guide contains affiliate links. Purchases made through affiliate links may provide a commission for us at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Original publication: 28<sup>th<\/sup> of November 2019. <strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Last updated: <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>15<sup>th<\/sup> of January 2024.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#f5822b;color:#f5822b\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Do You Need a Local SIM Card?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are putting together a trip to another\ncountry, one thing that might slip your mind is SIM cards. Why do you need one?\nAre they indispensable?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The simple answer is no &ndash; you do not have to have a local SIM card. However, if you<a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/this-is-why-roaming-internationally-is-expensive\/\"> do not want to spend mass amounts of money on data and roaming charges<\/a>, then you should highly consider opting for a SIM card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SIM cards will ensure that you can stay in\ntouch and do all of the things you need to do on your phone without the\nridiculous pricing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Canada SIM Cards<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"690\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/alberta-2297204_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Lake in Banff, Alberta, Canada\" class=\"wp-image-2288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/alberta-2297204_1280.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/alberta-2297204_1280-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/alberta-2297204_1280-768x518.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"690\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20690'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='690'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Lake in Banff, Alberta, Canada\" class=\"wp-image-2288 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/alberta-2297204_1280.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/alberta-2297204_1280.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/alberta-2297204_1280.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/alberta-2297204_1280-300x202.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/alberta-2297204_1280-768x518.jpg.webp 768w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Canada has three large providers: Rogers, Telus, and Bell\nMobility. Canada has various regional providers, such as Vid&eacute;otron in Quebec\nand eastern Ontario, SaskTel in Saskatchewan, and Eastlink in several\nprovinces. I will focus on nation-wide providers, as most travelers are\ninterested in those carriers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because all Canadian providers are geared towards postpaid\ncustomers with contracts, prepaid prices are the highest in the American\ncontinent (which includes North-, Central-, and South\/Latin-America &ndash; probably the\nCaribbean too). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like in the US, prices do not have the relevant taxes included\nin them &ndash; be aware. In Canada, they use the Canadian Dollar, also known as CAD.\nCAD 1 is around USD 0.75. The prices listed in this article have been converted\nfrom CAD to USD and often listed as just $. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rogers<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"231\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-1024x231.png\" alt=\"Rogers Logo\" class=\"wp-image-2035445\" style=\"width:512px;height:116px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-1024x231.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-300x68.png 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-768x174.png 768w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-1536x347.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-735x166.png 735w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-335x76.png 335w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-347x78.png 347w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-520x118.png 520w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-640x145.png 640w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-960x217.png 960w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-1080x244.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"231\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-1024x231.png.webp\" alt=\"Rogers Logo\" class=\"wp-image-2035445 lazyload\" style=\"width:512px;height:116px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-1024x231.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-300x68.png.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-768x174.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-1536x347.png.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-735x166.png.webp 735w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-335x76.png.webp 335w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-347x78.png.webp 347w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-520x118.png.webp 520w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-640x145.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-960x217.png.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo-1080x244.png.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo.png.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rogers-Logo.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&copy; Rogers<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Rogers is the largest provider in Canada. In fact, the list above is ranked\nfrom largest to smallest. Because it is the leading telecommunication company\nin Canada, it has a wide variety of options for visitors to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rogers is unique in that it offers a &ldquo;Pay As You Go&rdquo; SIM, which, as the name\nmay suggest, charges you as you use the card for calls, texts, and data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rogers divides its plans into two major categories Talk &amp; Text and, as\nyou may have guessed, Talk, Text &amp; Data Plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since travelers use a lot of data, especially in a large country like\nCanada, this article will only go over the plan with data as well as talk and\ntext.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their first plan is the most expensive at around $48, and it comes with 150\nminutes of daytime calls, unlimited texting locally, in the US, and\ninternationally, as well as 1 GB of data. This plan is best for individual\nfamily members who want to stay in touch and also video chat back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second plan, which is considerably cheaper at $37, has the same talking\nand messaging perks as plan #1 but with a reduced data plan of only 500 MB.\nThis is an excellent plan for someone on a week-long trip who does not need\nmuch access to the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cheapest plan for travelers to Canada includes only 50 minutes of\ncalling, unlimited messaging within Canada, and 250 MB of data. This plan is\nbest for anyone in Canada for a day or two waiting for a connecting flight or\non a short business trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can add an extra GB of data for $14.80 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plan #1 (&asymp;USD 48.07)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Talk:150 minutes of local daytime calls &ndash; also unlimited local calls from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Messaging: Unlimited locally and internationally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data: 1GB (Add an extra GB for &asymp;USD 14.80 per month)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plan #2 (&asymp;USD 37)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Talk: 150 minutes of local daytime calls &ndash; also unlimited local calls from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Messaging: Unlimited locally and internationally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data: 500 MB<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plan #3 (&asymp;$22.20 USD)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Talk: 50 minutes anytime but local calls only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Messaging: Unlimited but only in Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data: 250 MB<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can purchase plans from official Rogers stores, as well as mobile kiosks, and the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Telus<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"282\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-1024x282.png\" alt=\"Telus Canada Logo\" class=\"wp-image-2035447\" style=\"width:512px;height:141px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-1024x282.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-300x83.png 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-768x211.png 768w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-735x202.png 735w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-335x92.png 335w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-347x95.png 347w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-520x143.png 520w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-640x176.png 640w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-960x264.png 960w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-1080x297.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"282\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-1024x282.png.webp\" alt=\"Telus Canada Logo\" class=\"wp-image-2035447 lazyload\" style=\"width:512px;height:141px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-1024x282.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-300x83.png.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-768x211.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-735x202.png.webp 735w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-335x92.png.webp 335w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-347x95.png.webp 347w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-520x143.png.webp 520w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-640x176.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-960x264.png.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo-1080x297.png.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Telus-Logo.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&copy; Telus Canada<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Telus is another great provider. Coming\nin second after Rogers, this telecommunication company has some great plans\ntourists and visitors to Canada can take advantage of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can purchase SIM cards and add\ndata as you go, or you can choose one of three the card options, which include\nthe Elite 67, Hero 45, and the Connect 37 options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Elite 67 plan is the most\nexpensive at around $50 and comes with 500 minutes of local calls, unlimited\ntexting locally, and 1 GB of data! This is a solid plan for anyone with a\nfamily traveling with teenagers or young adults. This way, you can call and\ntext each other on the go and keep track of everyone at all times without\nworrying about data or call minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second option is the Hero 45\nprices at $33. This plan comes with a reduced 300 minutes of local calls,\nunlimited local texts, and 500 MB of data. This is a solid plan for someone on\na week-long trip to Canada looking to disconnect a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last but, well, in this case, least, the Connect 37 option. This plan comes at around $27 and offers 150 minutes of free local calls, unlimited local texting, and only 250 MB of data. Again, this is a great plan for a business trip where you need to stay connected to your peers but also have access to WIFI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Elite 67 (&asymp;USD 49.60)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Talk: 500 minutes within Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Messaging: Unlimited within Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data: 1 GB<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hero 45 (&asymp;USD 33.30)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Talk: 300 minutes within Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Messaging: Unlimited within Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data: 500 MB<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Connect 37 (&asymp;USD 27.40)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Talk: 150 minutes within Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Messaging: Unlimited within Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data: 250 MB<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also buy additional data at\naround $22 for every GB, but be careful because videos and streaming will eat\nup data faster than a Canuck eats maple syrup&hellip; a little Canada humor for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-very-dark-gray-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/international-sim-card-comparison-which-one-is-the-best\/\"> Not in the mood to buy a SIM card in multiple countries? You can also buy an international SIM card. Find your options now!<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bell Mobility<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"612\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-1024x612.png\" alt=\"Bell Mobility Logo\" class=\"wp-image-2035448\" style=\"width:256px;height:153px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-1024x612.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-300x179.png 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-768x459.png 768w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-1536x918.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-2048x1224.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-735x439.png 735w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-335x200.png 335w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-347x207.png 347w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-520x311.png 520w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-640x383.png 640w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-960x574.png 960w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-1080x646.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"612\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-1024x612.png.webp\" alt=\"Bell Mobility Logo\" class=\"wp-image-2035448 lazyload\" style=\"width:256px;height:153px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-1024x612.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-300x179.png.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-768x459.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-1536x918.png.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-2048x1224.png.webp 2048w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-735x439.png.webp 735w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-335x200.png.webp 335w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-347x207.png.webp 347w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-520x311.png.webp 520w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-640x383.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-960x574.png.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo-1080x646.png.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bell-Mobility-Logo.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&copy; Bell Mobility<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Bell is the smallest major\ntelecommunication provider, so you would assume they have multiple affordable\noptions. Unfortunately, that is not the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They do have multiple options in\ngeneral. Since this article is identifying the best SIM card for when you visit\nCanada, we have focused on Bell&rsquo;s Carte Multi-SIM option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Carte card comes at a fixed\nprice of around $8 and gives you the option to purchase prepaid data. This is\nwhere it gets interesting. Bell is perhaps more data-focused than the Rogers\nand Telus, but that does not necessarily mean it is cheaper. Luckily there are\na lot of options to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the initial SIM card payment,\nyou can choose from a range of data options from $7.40 for 100 MB all the way\nup to $62.90 for 10 GB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Carte Multi-SIM\nCard (&asymp;USD 7.40)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus an additional<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&asymp;USD 7.40 for 100 MB of data<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>&asymp;USD 33.30 for 2GB of data<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>&asymp;USD 44.40 for 5GB of data<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>&asymp;USD 62.90 for 10GB of Data<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you purchase 10 GB of data and\nyou exceed your limit, you will pay an additional $7.40 for each GB used. You\ncan also buy a daily data plan for $1.50, which gives you about 20 MB of data.\nThis is enough to use Google Maps for a few quick searches and hail a ride from\none of the ride-sharing apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For an additional $37, you can get\nunlimited local and Canadian long-distance talking time. You can also purchase\n50 GB of data for a cool $110, but it would be a very unusual amount,\nespecially for travelers and visitors to Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED: <\/strong>Want to learn more about SIM cards in Canada? Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wlo9\">my Canada SIM card buying guide<\/a> with up-to-date and detailed information regarding prices and packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mexico<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"622\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-1228131_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Beach in Cancun, Mexico\" class=\"wp-image-2289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-1228131_1280.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-1228131_1280-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-1228131_1280-768x467.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"622\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-1228131_1280.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Beach in Cancun, Mexico\" class=\"wp-image-2289 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-1228131_1280.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-1228131_1280-300x182.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-1228131_1280-768x467.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-1228131_1280.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Mexico has three mobile operators: Telcel (by Am&eacute;rica M&oacute;vil), Movistar (by Telef&oacute;nica), and AT&amp;T Unidos Mexico. Mexico only has various Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), but they have a small market share, and not many travelers use them (I have not used them either). Usually, you will do well with the leading carriers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Telcel will be the recommended provider when going to\nMexico. Although more expensive than the other options, it has the best\ncoverage of them all. If you are on a budget, Movistar may do well if staying\nin populated areas, as their coverage is not the best in remote places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let&rsquo;s say you are doing a tour in North America and start your trip in Mexico, it will be cheaper to use your Mexican SIM card with international roaming in both Canada and the United States than buying a new SIM card in those countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apparently, AT&amp;T started a price war in 2015 by including US and Canada roaming at Mexican rates. Now all other Mexican providers offer this option. Although convenient, do not take too much advantage of it, as your line may be suspended if you are out of Mexico for more than a month if your roaming consumption exceeds Mexican usage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Mexico, SIM cards are called Chips. Registration is often\nnot necessary but be sure to bring your passport and ID with you when buying\nyour chip &ndash; you never know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They use the Mexican Peso in Mexico, which is denominated with the dollar sign; $. To avoid confusion, the prices will be listed in the official currency code, MXN, and not just $. MXN 1 is USD 0.05. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Telcel<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"303\" height=\"166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Telcel_logo.jpg\" alt=\"Telcel Logo\" class=\"wp-image-3631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Telcel_logo.jpg 303w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Telcel_logo-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 303px) 100vw, 303px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"303\" height=\"166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Telcel_logo.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Telcel Logo\" class=\"wp-image-3631 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Telcel_logo.jpg.webp 303w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Telcel_logo-300x164.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 303px) 100vw, 303px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Telcel_logo.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Telcel is the leading provider with a market share of around\n65%. Their prepaid line is called Amigo and has the best coverage around the\ncountry. You can choose from the following Telcel Amigo prepaid plans: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Amigo sin l&iacute;mite (Amigo without limits)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amigo por segundo (Amigo per second)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amigo &Oacute;ptimo plus sin fronteras (Amigo ultimate\nplus without borders) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amigo sin l&iacute;mite <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Amigo sin l&iacute;mite are combo plans with set allowances for\ndata, minutes, and SMS valid in Mexico, Canada, and the US. Calling within and\nto those countries are free of charge. These plans do not auto-renew and will typically\nactivate a plan equivalent to the recharge order. All packages come with\nunlimited WhatsApp calls in and to Mexico, Canada, and the US. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>100 MB and 200 app MB valid for 1 day for MXN 20<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>120 MB and 300 app MB valid for 3 days for MXN 30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>400 MB and 500 app MB valid for 7 days for MXN 50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>500 MB and 1 app GB valid for 13 days for MXN 80<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1300 MB and unlimited app data valid for 15 days for MXN 100<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2000 MB and unlimited app data valid for 26 days for MXN 150<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3000 MB and unlimited app data valid for 30 days for MXN 200<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4000 MB and unlimited app data valid for 33 days for MXN 300<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6000 MB and unlimited app data valid for 33 days for MXN 500<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat are counted\nagainst your app data allowance and not your regular data allowance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amigo por segundo <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Amigo por Segundo are plans with a lower standard rate for\ndata, calls, and texts. Incoming calls in Mexico, Canada, and the US are free\nwhile making calls and sending SMS into these countries are charged at the same\ndomestic rate. Data costs $0.85, which is why you would want to add data\npackages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amigo &Oacute;ptimo plus sin fronteras <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Amigo &Oacute;ptimo plus sin fronteras are plans with higher\nstandard rates for data, calls, and texts in Mexico, Canada, and the US, but\ncan be combined with packages that give top-up bonuses that make it cheaper if\nyou use it more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>20 MXN120 MB regular data and 200 MB for Facebook and Twitter valid for 1 day for MXN 20<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>150 MB regular data and 300 MB for Facebook and Twitter valid for 3 days for MXN 30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>400 MB regular data and 500 MB for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat valid for 7 days for MXN 50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>600 MB regular data and 1 GB for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat valid for 13 days for MXN 80<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1.5 GB regular data and unlimited data for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, to be used in Mexico only, valid for 17 days for MXN 100<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 GB regular data and unlimited data for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, to be used in Mexico only, valid for 17 days for MXN 150<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4 GB regular data and unlimited data for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, to be used in Mexico only, valid for 17 days for MXN 200<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>7 GB regular data and unlimited data for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, to be used in Mexico only, valid for 17 days for MXN 300<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>13 GB regular data and unlimited data for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, to be used in Mexico only, valid for 17 days for MXN 500<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Movistar Mexico<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-1024x201.png\" alt=\"Movistar Logo New\" class=\"wp-image-2034914\" style=\"width:512px;height:101px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-1024x201.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-300x59.png 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-768x150.png 768w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-735x144.png 735w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-335x66.png 335w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-347x68.png 347w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-520x102.png 520w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-640x125.png 640w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-960x188.png 960w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-1080x212.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-1024x201.png.webp\" alt=\"Movistar Logo New\" class=\"wp-image-2034914 lazyload\" style=\"width:512px;height:101px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-1024x201.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-300x59.png.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-768x150.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-735x144.png.webp 735w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-335x66.png.webp 335w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-347x68.png.webp 347w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-520x102.png.webp 520w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-640x125.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-960x188.png.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New-1080x212.png.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New.png.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Movistar-Logo-New.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&copy; Movistar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Movistar was Telcel&rsquo;s only competitor until AT&amp;T ruined\ntheir party. Movistar&rsquo;s coverage is not as robust at Telcel&rsquo;s or AT&amp;T&rsquo;s,\nbut it provides cheaper data packages and does not suffer as much from\ncongestion as Telcel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can buy the Movistar starter pack called chip prepago at\nany Movistar dealer, 7-11s, Walmarts, or at airports for MXN 60, which\nsometimes comes with up to MXN 100 in credit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Prepago comes in two variants: Prepago Simple (Prepaid\nSimple) and Prepago Ilimitado (Prepaid Unlimited). The Simple is the base plan\nwhere you can add internet packages, while the Ilimitade has plans with higher\nallowances for social media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For both plans, you can add the following Prepago plans with\ndata, calls, and SMS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Unlimited WhatsApp VoIP calls valid for 3 days for MXN 10 <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>300 MB regular data, 200 MB for WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, and unlimited minutes and texts to Mexico, Canada, and the US, valid for 3 days for MXN 30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>500 MB regular data, 1 GB for WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, and unlimited minutes and texts to Mexico, Canada, and the US, valid for 3 days for MXN 50<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1.4 GB regular data, unlimited data for WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, and unlimited minutes and texts to Mexico, Canada, and the US, valid for 3 days for MXN 100<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2.1 GB regular data, unlimited data for WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, and unlimited minutes and texts to Mexico, Canada, and the US, valid for 3 days for MXN 150<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 GB regular data, unlimited data for WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, and unlimited minutes and texts to Mexico, Canada, and the US, valid for 3 days for MXN 200<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prepago Simple <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some of the Prepago Simple data-only packages: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>250 MB valid for 1 day for MXN 10<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>750 MB valid for 3 days for MXN 30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1250 MB valid for 5 days for MXN 50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2500 MB valid for 15 days for MXN 100<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3500 MB valid for 25 days for MXN 150<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4500 MB valid for 30 days for MXN 200<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some of the data packages that include an allowance\nfor social media apps as well: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>35 MB regular data and 1 GB for WhatsApp valid\nfor 1 day for MXN 10<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>200 MB regular data and 1 GB for WhatsApp,\nFacebook, and Twitter valid for 5 days for MXN 60<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>750 MB regular data and 1 GB for WhatsApp,\nFacebook, and Twitter valid for 5 days for MXN 120<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1.5 GB regular data and 2 GB for WhatsApp,\nFacebook, and Twitter valid for 5 days for MXN 200<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 GB regular data and 2 GB for WhatsApp,\nFacebook, and Twitter valid for 5 days for MXN 300<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prepago Ilimitado<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some of the combo plans with unlimited calls and\ntexts to Mexico, Canada, and the US, data, roaming allowance, and app\nallowance: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>15 MB regular data and 1 GB for WhatsApp valid\nfor 1 day for MXN 10<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>75 MB regular data and 1 GB for WhatsApp, Facebook,\nand Twitter valid for 3 days for MXN 30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>200 MB regular data and 1 GB for WhatsApp, Facebook,\nand Twitter, and MXN 75 roaming credit valid for 15 days for MXN 75<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1.2 GB regular data and 2 GB for WhatsApp, Facebook,\nand Twitter, and MXN 200 roaming credit valid for 15 days for MXN 200<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 GB regular data and 2 GB for WhatsApp, Facebook,\nand Twitter, and MXN 300 roaming credit valid for 15 days for MXN 300<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AT&amp;T Mexico<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg\" alt=\"AT&amp;T Logo\" class=\"wp-image-3629\" style=\"width:150px;height:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg.webp\" alt=\"AT&amp;T Logo\" class=\"wp-image-3629 lazyload\" style=\"width:150px;height:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo-150x150.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>AT&amp;T bought Iusacell and Nextel back in 2015 and\nrebranded them into AT&amp;T Unidos Mexico, but I will call them just AT&amp;T.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can buy AT&amp;T SIM cards at their stores, but also in\nWalmarts, Coppels, and Famas. The SIM cards at these stores are often free but\nrequire a mandatory top-up. Other stores will sell you the SIM cards for around\n$100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can choose out of the following AT&amp;T plans: AT&amp;T\nM&aacute;s (AT&amp;T More) and AT&amp;T por segundo (AT&amp;T per second). I recommend\ngoing with M&aacute;s so that you do not pay per use. The following AT&amp;T M&aacute;s plans\nare available: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>300 MB valid for 3 days for MXN 30 <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>500 MB valid for 5 days for MXN 50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 GB valid for 14 days for MXN 100<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1.5 GB valid for 28 days for MXN 150<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 GB valid for 35 days for MXN 200<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All plans include unlimited calls and texts. The calls, SMS, and data are valid in both Mexico and the US. Unfortunately, Canada has been excluded as of lately. Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat usage is not counted against your data allowance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED: <\/strong>Want to learn more about SIM cards in Mexico? Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/3787\">my Mexico SIM card buying guide<\/a> with up-to-date and detailed information regarding prices and packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">United States<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/seattle-2426307_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Seattle, USA\" class=\"wp-image-2290\" style=\"width:768px;height:512px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/seattle-2426307_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Seattle, USA\" class=\"wp-image-2290 lazyload\" style=\"width:768px;height:512px\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" loading=\"lazy\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The United States has four major carriers: AT&amp;T, T-Mobile,\nSprint, and Verizon. T-Mobile will be the most interesting for most travelers\nunless you are going to remote areas or states, then AT&amp;T will do well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless you have a compatible phone that works with Verizon&rsquo;s network, I would avoid them (especially if you do not have a CMDA-compatible phone, which is almost every phone in the world). Sprint has the smallest network of the four and does not offer voice calls over 4G\/LTE, meaning that you will not receive calls if you have a none-Sprint phone &ndash; not useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most phones will not be able to take advantage of the 4G\/LTE\nnetwork in the United States because they use different bands and frequencies\nin the US than in other countries. If you manage to see 4G\/LTE on your phone, your\nphone may be lying to you (or you are lucky &ndash; it is often the former, based on\nmy experiences). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I was traveling around the US for 1.5 months back in 2015,\nI went with H2O Wireless, which is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on\nAT&amp;T&rsquo;s network. As it has been more than four years, I used them, my\nrecollection of their service is not the best. However, I do know that I was\nnot too pleased with the service I got for the money I spent. Nowadays, data\npackages start at $20 for 1 GB, which is high compared to other countries in\nthe world. Not only was it expensive, but the speeds were questionable, and the\ncoverage was not impressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My partner, however, used T-Mobile earlier in 2019 and was\nhappy with it. My partner traveled in California (San Francisco, Los Angeles,\nand Mobile Alabama &ndash; even by bus between Los Angeles and San Francisco) and did\nnot complain about coverage, while I was struggling with having some sort of\ncoverage while roaming on AT&amp;T&rsquo;s network with my Danish provider, Tre Danmark\n(3 Denmark), who offered free roaming in the US (although my connection was\nmuch better when roaming on T-Mobile in Dallas, Texas).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I understand that as a roamer, I get a lower priority on\nAT&amp;T&rsquo;s network than actual customers, but it was remarkable to see the considerable\ndifference between roaming on AT&amp;T in Los Angeles and T-Mobile in Dallas.\nAs my partner has great first-hand experience with T-Mobile, and many travelers\nvow that T-Mobile did them well, I would highly recommend getting a T-Mobile\nSIM card while in the US. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do note that all four major networks have many MVNO (for\nexample, AT&amp;T has H2O Wireless, Cricket Wireless, and Net10, while T-Mobile\nhas Metro, GoSmart Mobile, and SimpleMobile), I recommend sticking with the carriers\nthemselves because they have a proven track record with travelers. You may end\nup with whacky service with an MVNO like me while paying first-class prices for\nthem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that out of the way, let&rsquo;s see what options we have\nwith T-Mobile and AT&amp;T.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">T-Mobile US<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Tmobile-logo.jpg\" alt=\"T-Mobile Logo\" class=\"wp-image-3660\" style=\"width:512px;height:171px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Tmobile-logo.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Tmobile-logo-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Tmobile-logo-768x256.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Tmobile-logo.jpg.webp\" alt=\"T-Mobile Logo\" class=\"wp-image-3660 lazyload\" style=\"width:512px;height:171px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Tmobile-logo.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Tmobile-logo-300x100.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Tmobile-logo-768x256.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Tmobile-logo.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You can buy a T-Mobile activation kit in T-Mobile stores,\nauthorized dealers, or many other stores like Best Buy. Buying a SIM card in a\nT-Mobile store will cost you $10 (plus local taxes &ndash; remember, taxes are\ncalculated at the time of purchase and are not calculated within the listed\nprice). Other stores may charge you much more for these SIM cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some travelers report that buying a SIM card on eBay or\nAmazon may save you money. Sometimes, T-Mobile has promos where they sell SIM\ncards for $1, which get bought in bulk and resold on online marketplaces. Either\nway, be careful with buying SIM cards online because inactivated SIM cards will\nnot work unless it comes with a prepaid plan activation code. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can take advantage of T-Mobile monthly packs, which come\nwith the following allowance: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>2 GB for $10<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6 GB for $25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10 GB for $40<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>14 GB for $55<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>18 GB for $70<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>22 GB for $85<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These monthly packs are valid for 30 and renew automatically\n(although the renewal will fail if you do not have enough credit) &ndash; remember,\ntaxes are not included in the price. If you go over your allowance, your speed\nwill be reduced to &ldquo;up to 2G speeds&rdquo;, which I assume is 128 kbps. All I can say\nis that the speed is insufferably slow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>T-Mobile used to sell tourist plans, but they have been discontinued,\nand visitors who are interested in them can buy a tourist SIM card from Ultra\nMobile, one of T-Mobile&rsquo;s MNVOs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultra Mobile\nTourist SIM Card <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find the Ultra Mobile tourist SIM card in some\nT-Mobile stores, or T-Mobile Preferred retail stores around the country. The\nSIM card comes with 1000 domestic minutes, 100 minutes to 80 countries, unlimited\ninternational texting (this includes domestic texting as well), and unlimited\ndata, of which 2 GB on 4G\/LTE speeds, which are all valid for 21 days for $30 &ndash;\nnot a bad deal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AT&amp;T<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg\" alt=\"AT&amp;T Logo\" class=\"wp-image-3629\" style=\"width:150px;height:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg.webp\" alt=\"AT&amp;T Logo\" class=\"wp-image-3629 lazyload\" style=\"width:150px;height:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo-150x150.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/ATT-logo.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-11\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>AT&amp;T is the biggest (GSM) provider in the United States and\nprovides nationwide coverage. AT&amp;T does not have a 2G network anymore. This\nshould not be a problem for most travelers unless you are traveling with a &ldquo;dumb\nphone.&rdquo; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can buy an AT&amp;T Prepaid SIM card kit for $20\n(pre-tax) in AT&amp;T stores. It will cost you $10 if you order it online (and\nship it to a US address), or stores like Best Buy, Target, or Walmart. Some stores\nor kiosks will charge you more because they can. Other stores will waive the\nfee if you top the card up immediately at the store &ndash; it is worth asking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can buy the following AT&amp;T prepaid plans. Do note\nthat these plans are monthly packages valid for 30 days that can be\nautomatically renewed. If you choose the auto-pay option, you could pay $5 to $10\nless per month than the listed price below. However, if you are staying in the\nUS for less than a month, you cannot take advantage of the deal. I am not sure\nif you can use foreign details to sign up for auto-pay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Unlimited calls and SMS within the US with no\ndata (or 250 MB for $5) for $30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlimited calls and SMS within the US with 1 GB\nin the US (after full usage, unlimited data at 128 kbps) for $35<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlimited calls and SMS within the US, to Canada\nand Mexico with 8 GB for in the US, Canada, and Mexico (after full usage, unlimited\ndata at 128 kbps) for $50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlimited calls and SMS within the US, to Canada\nand Mexico with unlimited data for in the US, Canada, and Mexico (although your\nconnection will be deprioritized during network congestion, video streaming at\nmax 1.5 Mbps and no hotspot use) for $65<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlimited calls and SMS within the US, to Canada\nand Mexico with 8 unlimited for in the US, Canada, and Mexico (22 before your\nconnection will be deprioritized during network congestion and max 10 GB for hotspot\nuse in the US before throttled to 128 kbps) for $85<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also buy the following AT&amp;T data-only plans: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>10 GB for $50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>15 GB for $70<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, when buying these plans at an AT&amp;T store, do not say that you want to use it for a phone but for a tablet instead. These data-only plans, also known as Data Connect, are advertised for tablets, and the sales rep may refuse to sell you these plans if you tell them you want to use them for your phone, even though they work on phones too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED: <\/strong>Want to learn more about SIM cards in the United States? Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wvdo\">my United States SIM card buying guide<\/a> with up-to-date and detailed information regarding prices and packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That is it, your ultimate guide to buying a SIM card in North America. Getting a SIM card in this region is straightforward compared to other regions where you have to register yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the downside, data is relatively expensive in Canada and the United States, especially when looking at other regions in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Either way, using local SIM cards will often be cheaper than roaming with your provider, so it is worth it if you want to be connected when exploring North America.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although North America consists of only three countries, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, it is a vast continent. Canada is the second-largest country in the world by size, while the US is the fourth-largest. Unlike Europe, where you can drive through various countries within a day, it can take you a few days go &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2328,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,46,53,68],"tags":[1000159,1000161],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2285"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2285"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2285\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2182744,"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2285\/revisions\/2182744"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phonetravelwiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}