south america travel sim card

Best eSim for South America (A Detailed Guide)

Traveling to South America and you want an eSim for Internet access while you’re there? Then you’ve come to the right place because this detailed guide will tell you all about the best providers for a South America eSim.

At A Glance: Best eSim for South America

• Best esim latin america Airalo
• BEST VALUE FOR MONEY Flexiroam
• BEST UNLIMITED ESIM Maya Mobile

I’ve included the top international eSim providers, with plans that range from 100 MB to unlimited data. There’s a decent option for everyone in this South America eSim guide, and if you keep scrolling you’ll find at least a couple of data plans that are perfect for your travel needs!

ESIM Product Comparison

Airalo is a South America eSim provider worth considering, whether you’re looking for an eSim with coverage throughout South America or an individual-country eSim. Their regional eSim plans for South America are:

• 1 GB / 7 Days for $15
• 2 GB / 15 Days for $28
• 3 GB / 30 Days for $39
• 5GB / 30 Days for $60

All these Latin American eSim plans offer coverage in 19 countries in Latin America , which is pretty great. If you’re planning to visit just one country in South America, just browse Airalo’s individual-country plans because they’re often cheaper than their regional plans.

Airalo makes it super easy to top-up your eSim if you ever want to purchase more data. You can do it through their website or through the Airalo app, which is very convenient.

• Excellent coverage in the region
• Internet access through the best providers

Nomad is a popular Latin America eSim provider with options for 13 South American countries. The provider doesn’t offer a regional eSim for Latin America, so you would have to purchase a different eSim for every country you visit in the region. The Latin America eSim plans for Nomad are all the same :

• 1 GB / 7 Days for $25
• 3 GB / 30 Days for $40
• 5 GB / 30 Days for $45

In my opinion, only the 5 GB plan is worth considering because it’s the best value for money out of the three plans. The price is $9 per GB, which is fair, but certainly not the cheapest option out of the bunch.

All of Nomad’s eSim access the Internet through Truphone, which is an international network provider they work closely with. Unfortunately, there’s no information on the different network operators that Truphone partners with worldwide, so there’s no guarantee you’ll have access to the best operators in South America.

• Coverage in 13 Latin America countries
• Multiple data packs to choose from
• No regional plans for South America

Holafly is an eSim provider best known for its unlimited data plans. Unfortunately, they don’t offer unlimited data in South America; instead, there’s only one plan to consider with their eSim. South America data pack from Holafly is 6 GB for $44, valid for 15 days. This is a regional data plan with coverage in 15 countries, so it’s not a terrible option if you’re planning to visit multiple countries in the region.

The Holafly plan is certainly not the worst option out of the bunch, but it’s also far from the best. While it’s one of the better-priced Latin America plans with the 6 GB data allowance, it’s also one of a few plans that are valid for only 15 days. The pricier plans are usually valid for 30 days, so consider Holafly only if you’re staying in South America for two weeks or less.

This provider doesn’t allow data sharing on their Latin America eSims, and this is true for their individual-country plans in the region.

• Coverage in 15 countries
• Reasonably priced
• Data sharing is not allowed
• Valid only for 15 days

Flexiroam is one of the best providers for regional eSims, South America included . This provider offers 13 data plans with coverage in 12 South American countries. The plans range from $3 for 500 MB to $200 for a 50GB plan valid for three months, and you’ve got loads of options in between. Here are all the Flexiroam plans for South America:

• 500 MB / 3 Days for $3
• 1 GB / 3 Days for $6
• 1 GB / 8 Days for $6.5
• 1 GB / 15 Days for $7
• 3 GB / 8 Days for $17
• 3 GB / 15 Days for $17.50
• 5 GB / 15 Days for $28
• 5 GB / 24 Days for $29
• 7 GB / 15 Days for $40
• 7 GB / 24 Days for $41
• 10 GB / 24 Days for $56
• 20 GB / 30 Days for $100
• 50 GB / 90 Days for $200

It’s worth noting that the provider also has plans with coverage in the Americas, as well as a global plan. However, those two plans are significantly more expensive, and not worth it if you have no plans to travel outside South America.

Flexiroam’s eSims automatically connect to the network with the strongest signal, and you can manually switch providers if you want. Their South America eSim plans are some of the best value for money you will find, especially if you need an eSim that doesn’t include too much data, something that’s good for shorter trips.

• Lots of options
• Coverage in 12 countries
• Good value for money
• No individual-country plans

Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile is another great option for Central and South America eSims , especially if you’re interested in unlimited data plans. This provider has five data plans for Latin America, which include coverage in 16 different countries.

The eSim data plans from Maya Mobile are:

• 1 GB / 30 Days for $9
• 3 GB / 30 Days for $18
• 5GB / 30 Days for $28
• 10 GB / 30 Days for $54
• Unlimited Data / 30 Days for $129

The full list of countries covered by their eSims for Latin America are: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Chile.

Perhaps the best thing about Maya Mobile is that they allow data sharing with their eSims. That makes the unlimited data plan excellent value for money, especially if you’re traveling with friends and family and you can split the cost of the eSim with others.

On the other hand, Maya Mobile also offers eSim plans with a smaller data allowance, which is suitable for solo travelers, shorter trips, and people who don’t use too much cellular data. It’s also great that all their data plans are valid for 30 days, but that also makes them a little more expensive than data packs from other providers.

• Unlimited data plan
• Data sharing allowed
• Coverage in 16 countries

Ubigi is one of the best providers of eSims with regional coverage. They offer quite a few individual country eSims as well, but their regional data plans are usually much better value for money. Ubigi has two plans that cover South America specifically, and the region is also included in their Global and Americas plans.

Latin America eSim plans from Ubigi are:

• 1 GB / 30 Days for $14
• 3 GB / 30 Days for $38

That’s hardly great value for money, especially considering that they only include coverage in 7 countries in the region. Ubigi also has an Americas plan that offers coverage in both South and North America, and it includes just 1 GB, valid for 30 days, for $39.

Just be careful because their South & Central America eSIMs have far fewer countries covered than Maya . For example. their Best Latam eSim only covers Costa Rica, Panama and Belize.

Many Latin American countries are also included in Ubigi’s global plans, but these are a good option only if you’re planning to travel to several worldwide regions. The global plans offer coverage in 190+ countries throughout the world, but it is quite expensive at $68 for a renewable monthly plan with 5 GB of data.

• Regional plans
• Access to multiple mobile operators

BNESIM is an interesting option for a South American eSim and one of the top providers if you’re staying in the region for a short time. They have daily and monthly eSim plans, as well as data packs that don’t expire. The daily packs range from 250 MB to 5 GB, the non-expiring plans are from 100 MB to 20 GB, and the monthly plans from 500 MB to 50 GB.

The main downside of BNESIM data plans is that they are very expensive, especially compared to the options from other providers. The cheapest you can get 1 GB from them is if you purchase the 50 GB monthly plan for 326 Euros – the cost of 1 GB turns out to be around 6.5 Euros. But that’s a very expensive plan and it’s still not cheaper than Flexiroam.

The upside of BNESIM eSims is that they offer them for 15 countries in South America, including Venezuela, which is often excluded by other providers. If you can manage your data usage, you could make good use of their non-expiring plans, but you would have to purchase a new plan for every different country you visited in the region.

• Wide variety of individual-country plans
• No regional plan for Latin America

Benefits of Using An eSim for South America

The main advantage of having an eSim you can use in South America is that you can access the Internet whenever and wherever you want. While you might have access to free WiFi in the bigger cities, if you plan to explore off-the-beaten path and visit the more remote regions, you won’t be able to rely on free WiFi to access the Internet.

There’s also the fact that you don’t have to walk around foreign cities in every new country you visit, looking for a place where you can purchase a local sim card. Instead, you can purchase a regional eSim for South America from the comfort of your home, and activate it once you arrive at your destination.

Devices Compatible with a South American eSim

All the devices that support embedded sim technology will be compatible with eSims in South America. This includes most smartphones released in the past 3-4 years, tablets, smartwatches, and some laptops. All iPhones from the XR onwards are compatible with eSims, as well as most flagship Android devices. But some mid-range and budget phones still don’t support the technology, and it’s smart to double-check whether your device is compatible with eSims.

If you’re not sure whether your phone supports an eSim, the quickest way to check is to just dial *#06#. This will bring up a list of serial numbers for your device; you’re looking for an EID number because that one indicates that your phone is compatible with eSims. If you don’t see an EID number, your device is most likely not compatible with a virtual sim card and you’ll need to look for a physical sim card instead.

Countries in South America that Support eSim

All countries in South America support eSims. That includes Brazil, Argentina , Chile , Colombia , Bolivia, Peru , Ecuador , Uruguay , Paraguay , and all the rest.

While you might not be able to purchase an eSim from the local providers in every single Latin American country, you will be able to access the Internet with a South American eSim you purchased online. Some eSims will even let you switch between different network providers so that you always have the best coverage and a stable connection while traveling in South America.

Data Needed When Traveling to South America

How much data you need for a trip to South America depends on a few factors. First, consider the length of your trip; if you’re traveling for two weeks or shorter, I think you should be fine with 3 GB of mobile data, as long as you don’t watch too many videos.

Consider plans with 5 GB or more for trips that are longer than two weeks, but also if you want to be able to stream as many videos as you want. Especially if you’re traveling with family or friends, and you intend to set up a hotspot so that others can access the Internet as well.

If you’re going on a longer trip with several other people and you want to create a hotspot with the eSim, I would highly recommend an unlimited data plan. That way you don’t have to worry about data usage at all, and everyone can browse the Internet as much as they like. Unlimited data plans are particularly great for travelers who plan to work during their trip to South America.

Tips for Using eSim in South America

Set up the eSim a few days before your trip, but don’t activate it until you’ve arrived at your destination. It’s easy to add the eSim plan to your device, and most of them are not activated until you turn on mobile data on the eSim.

Go for the unlimited data plan if you’re traveling with a family or a large friend group. Maya Mobile is the only provider that offers unlimited data on its embedded sim card. Share data with your friends and family, and split the cost of the data pack so that all of your travel buddies can have a fast and stable Internet connection at a fair price.

Don’t immediately purchase a large data pack. It’s better to have to top-up your data than to overpay for data that you’re never going to use. Start with 1 GB for trips up to two weeks, and 3 GB for trips of 15-30 days, and then just purchase more data when and if necessary.

If you’re traveling to just one country, consider a single-country eSim instead of a regional one. It’s usually cheaper, plus you can sometimes get it from local providers for very little money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i activate my south american esim.

Activating your South American eSim should be as easy as turning on mobile data and connecting to the Internet. You need to set up the eSim first, and you can do this by either scanning the QR code provided by the eSim seller or by adding the data plan manually through the network settings.

How can I buy an eSim in South America?

You can buy an eSim for South America from one of the many international providers. You can also purchase prepaid sim cards and eSims for individual countries from the relevant network operators, but you would have to purchase a new sim card/eSim in every country you visit in South America. The local providers do not offer regional Latin America eSims.

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Choosing Between Popular South America Sim Cards and eSIM Alternatives

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on Published: March 5, 2024  - Last updated: March 25, 2024

Categories eSIM Buying Guides , Sim Cards

Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 03:53 am

Looking to choose between South America Sim Cards and eSIM Alternatives?

You came to the right guide!

Choosing between South America Sim Cards comparison, we suggest Claro for the best pricing while choose Airalo for eSIM in South America. Read Here South America Family Vacation

Buying a SIM card in South America can be relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth purchase process.

First, make sure your phone is unlocked. This means it can accept SIM cards from different carriers. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you might need to contact your service provider to have it unlocked before your trip.

Next, you’ll need to decide whether to purchase your SIM card in advance or upon arrival. Buying in advance can provide peace of mind, but purchasing on arrival often offers more options and potentially better deals.

Upon arrival, SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, mobile phone shops, and sometimes even at convenience stores. You will typically need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card.

Finally, keep in mind that each South American country has its own mobile carriers, so a SIM card purchased in one country may not work in another unless it is an international or regional SIM card. Research your travel itinerary and choose a SIM card that best suits your travel plans.

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How To Buy A South America Prepaid SIM Card Online

Buying a South American prepaid SIM card online before you travel can save you time and hassle. Here’s how to do it.

• Choose a Provider: Start by deciding which provider’s SIM card you want. This decision should be based on factors such as the countries you’re visiting, the amount of data you need, and your budget.
• Select a Plan: Once you’ve chosen a provider, you’ll need to select a data plan. Some providers offer unlimited data, while others have tiered data packages.
• Place Your Order: After selecting a plan, you can place your order. You’ll need to provide your shipping information, and then you can complete your purchase.
• Receive Your SIM Card: Your SIM card will be shipped to you. Be sure to order it well in advance of your trip to ensure it arrives in time.
• Activate Your SIM Card: Before you depart, follow the provider’s instructions to activate your SIM card. This process often involves inserting the SIM card into your phone and adjusting your phone’s settings.

Keep in mind that buying a prepaid SIM card online often means you’ll be able to receive customer support in your native language, which can be a significant advantage if you encounter any issues.

How To Buy A South American eSIM Plan

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to access a cellular network without the need for a physical SIM card. This technology is becoming increasingly popular, and many modern smartphones are eSIM compatible. Here’s how to buy a South American eSIM plan.

• Check Your Phone’s Compatibility: Before buying an eSIM, check whether your phone is eSIM compatible . This information can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website or in your phone’s settings.
• Choose a Provider: As with physical SIM cards, you’ll need to choose a provider. Some providers specialize in eSIM plans, while others offer both physical SIM cards and eSIMs .
• Select a Plan: Decide on the data allowance you need and select an eSIM plan that meets your needs.
• Purchase and Download: Once you’ve purchased your eSIM plan, you’ll receive a QR code. To activate your eSIM, scan the QR code using your phone’s camera. Your eSIM will then be downloaded and activated.
• Manage Your eSIM: You can manage your eSIM settings through your phone’s settings menu. This includes switching between eSIMs (if you have more than one), checking your data usage, and deactivating your eSIM if necessary.

Comparing South America Sim Cards

Claro – most affordable sim cards in south america.

Claro is a telecommunications powerhouse in numerous South American countries. Their service is known for its extensive reach, enveloping even some of the more remote areas of the continent. The prepaid plans they offer are diverse and crafted meticulously to cater to various user requirements.

These options range from basic packages primarily focusing on calls and texts to ones designed for heavy data users who need consistent internet access.

Claro positions its pricing in a competitive bracket, intending to establish an equilibrium between cost-effectiveness and superior service quality.

Movistar – Largest Coverage in Sim Cards in South America

Movistar is another prominent player in the telecommunications industry, boasting considerable influence in countries such as Argentina and Peru.

Their coverage is extensive and robust, making it a go-to choice for those seeking dependable connectivity, particularly in regions where other providers might falter.

Movistar’s prepaid SIM cards offer unique packages that combine a balance of calls, texts, and data to meet different user needs.

While their pricing might be marginally higher compared to some competitors, the consistency and quality of their network often make the expense worthwhile to many users.

Vivo holds the title of being the leading telecom provider in Brazil, providing the most comprehensive coverage in the country.

Their network strength and internet speed are top-notch, promising reliable connectivity in various terrains – urban and rural alike.

They offer a spectrum of prepaid SIM cards suitable for different durations and usage patterns. While their pricing is slightly higher than some competitors, the superior quality of service often justifies the extra cost.

TIM – Popular Option for Sim Cards in South America (specifically Brazil)

TIM is a popular choice among cost-conscious users in Brazil. Despite offering some of the more competitively priced services, TIM maintains extensive 4G coverage and a variety of enticing prepaid options.

Some of these even include unlimited usage of WhatsApp, an app that is immensely popular in the region. This combination of affordability without sacrificing service quality makes TIM a compelling choice for many.

Oi – Alternative for Sim Cards in Brazil

While Oi might not have the extensive reach of some other providers, they stand as a testament to the adage that “small can be mighty”.

Their packages tend to be priced more affordably, offering generous data allowances that can satisfy the needs of most users.

Although their coverage may not be as extensive, they ensure that their services in areas they do cover offer solid performance at a reasonable price.

Personal is a recognized name in the telecommunications industry in Argentina. They offer a variety of plans, tailored to suit different needs, usage patterns, and budgets.

While their prices might not be the lowest in the market, their solid network performance and widespread coverage often make them a reliable choice for users who prioritize consistent connectivity.

Airalo Latamlink

Airalo’s Latamlink eSIM is an excellent choice for travelers looking for convenience and broad coverage in South America. With their eSIM, you can enjoy high-speed internet in multiple countries without the need to change SIM cards. Here’s a more in-depth look at Airalo Latamlink.

• Broad coverage in major South American countries
• Affordable pricing
• Flexible data packages
• Coverage might be spotty in more rural areas
• Does not include calling and texting services

Latamlink offers expansive coverage, with reliable high-speed data in major South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia . This means you can travel across the region without worrying about losing connectivity.

Plans and Pricing

Airalo offers flexible plans with Latamlink, allowing you to choose a data package that suits your needs. Prices are competitive, particularly for those planning to use a significant amount of data.

How to Buy and Use

You can purchase a Latamlink eSIM directly from the Airalo website. After purchasing, you’ll receive a QR code. Scan this code using your phone’s camera to download and activate your eSIM.

Alternative eSIM in South America – Airalo Global eSIM Plan

Holafly south america.

Holafly’s South America eSIM is another strong option, offering both extensive coverage and 24/7 customer support. Let’s delve deeper into what Holafly has to offer.

• Wide range of coverage
• Generous data allowances
• 24/7 customer support
• Higher price point than some competitors
• Limited calling and texting options

Holafly’s eSIM offers wide coverage in South America, making it a reliable choice for travelers visiting multiple countries in the region.

Holafly provides a variety of plans to choose from, each offering a generous amount of data. While their pricing is slightly higher than some competitors, the convenience and coverage they offer can be worth the extra cost.

You can purchase a Holafly eSIM from their website. After completing your purchase, you’ll receive a QR code via email. Simply scan this code with your phone to download and activate your eSIM.

Maya Mobile eSIM South America

If you’re looking for a comprehensive eSIM solution, consider Nomad. Their South America eSIM provides calling, texting, and data services, making it a convenient all-in-one option. Here’s more on Nomad.

Nomad offers solid coverage in key South American countries. Their data speeds are reliable, ensuring you stay connected throughout your trip.

Nomad offers several plans, each with different data, calling, and texting allowances. This makes it easy to find a plan that fits your specific needs and budget.

Purchasing a Nomad eSIM is easy – simply visit their website, select the plan you want, and complete your purchase. You’ll receive a QR code via email. Scan this code with your phone’s camera to activate your eSIM.

Final Thoughts On South America SIM Cards

Choosing between South America Sim Cards comparison, we suggest Claro for the best pricing while choose Airalo for eSIM in South America.

Staying connected while traveling in South America has never been easier, thanks to a range of excellent SIM and eSIM options. Whether you prefer a traditional SIM card or an eSIM, there are multiple choices to suit every traveler’s needs.

Remember, it’s essential to choose a SIM or eSIM plan that matches your travel itinerary, data needs, and budget. Always check the coverage in the countries you plan to visit to ensure seamless connectivity.

Consider the pros and cons of each provider and plan. While Airalo Latamlink offers extensive coverage and competitive pricing, Holafly provides a higher level of customer support, and Nomad includes calling and texting services.

By doing your research and planning ahead, you can ensure you stay connected and make the most of your South American adventure. Safe travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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• 12GB of Data
• Hotspotting/Tethering NOT Allowed
• Can be used in the following countries Only: Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico and Uruguay
• 3000 inter-sim Minutes (if you purchase 2 of these sim cards you will get 3000 minutes to call each other)
• The sim comes with a UK phone number
• No Incoming call charges from any country

Please note: this sim card can only be used in Mobiles Phones and NOT in any data only devices such as, iPads, Tablets, Wifi Dongles and Mifi devices

Please read "Things to Know" and "FAQs" section below for more information before purchasing

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If you are travelling with another person it is important to have the ability to contact one another at any time especially in an emergency. We recommend that you both purchase a sim so you can keep in touch.

• Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico and Uruguay

Please note: If you use up your 12GB of Data allowance, the data for the apps stop working as well. If you feel you will need more than 12GB of Data then please purchase multiple sim cards accordingly

This sim card comes with 3000 inter-sim Minutes, this is only useful if you are travelling with someone else and you purchase 2 of these sim cards as you will be able to call each other.

Otherwise, this is a Data only sim card and as such it does not come with calls and text. However, we recommend that you use data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Skype, Messenger, etc to make phone calls. You are also able to add credit to your Viber or Skype account, which will allow you to make Local and International phone calls directly to landlines and mobiles.

This sim cannot be recharged, if you are travelling for longer than 30 days, we advise that you purchase additional sim cards based on the duration of your travel. For example, if you are going for 50 days, then look to purchase 2 x 30 day sims to cover your duration. However, please note you will have a different phone number for each sim.

The same can be applied if you feel you need more data within a 30 days period, so please purchase multiple sims according to how much data you will need for your trip. For example, If you need 24GB data then please purchase 2 sims or if you think you need 36GB data then please purchase 3 (however, each sim card will have a different phone number). 

You will receive a 3-in-1 sim card; which includes all sizes (Standard, Micro and Nano). This sim card will fit in any phone. You simply need to just pop out the sim card size that fits your phone.

Any unlocked mobile phone (mobile phone not locked to any network).

Please note: that being on a post-paid plan or contract with your local carrier doesn't mean your phone is locked. If you are unsure, please check with your current service provider.

To activate, simply insert the sim into your device and turn your device ON. The sim will automatically connect to a network which will commence your 30 days of service. This sim will activate in ANY country, so please only insert the sim once you are ready to use the service and not any time prior.

Please note, you will need to have both  MOBILE DATA and DATA ROAMING  functions ENABLED/TURNED ON  in your device to use the service.

Going for longer than 30 Days?

What will my phone number be?

Your phone number can be found on the back of the sim packaging. The phone number starts with 07. The sim card is a UK based sim card, hence it will have a UK phone number. 

Should anyone want to call you on your phone number, they would need to drop the leading 0 and add the UK country code +44 in front of the phone number,

For example, if the phone number noted on the pack is 07307452691, they would need to dial +447307452691. (To get the + on a mobile phone, press and hold 0 until it turns into a +)

How does SimCorner's service work?

• Order your travel SIM online and select the delivery method that best suits your travel date. SimCorner delivers to many countries across the world and has dispatch locations in USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand Netherlands and United Kingdom.
• Receive your SIM in the mail prior to departing for your trip.
• Register your Travel/Activation date via the following link; www.simcorner.com/activatesim .
• Insert your SIM card in your phone as soon as you land and stay connected.

What do I need to do before I depart?

Make sure that your phone is unlocked  before you depart for your trip.

Please note: Being on a post-paid plan or contract with your local carrier doesn't mean your phone is locked. If you are unsure, please check with your current service provider.

Is my device compatible to use this sim card?

As long as your phone is unlocked, this sim card will be compatible to use. If you are unsure if your phone is unlocked, please check with your current service provider.

How do I activate this sim card?

As soon as you receive you order, you must register your travel/activation date via the following link; www.simcorner.com/activatesim . The sim card will automatically activate based on the Activation Date that you provide. It is from this date that your 30 days of service will commence. It can take up to 24 hours for your activation date to be registered into the system, hence, we encourage that you complete this form as soon as possible.

Should you wish to change the activation date after you have purchased, please contact us at [email protected] at   least 3 days prior to the noted activation date. Whilst using the sim card you will need to have both  MOBILE DATA and DATA ROAMING  functions  ENABLED/TURNED ON  in your phone.

What is included in this sim card?

• Hotspotting/Tethering  NOT  Allowed
• 3000 inter-sim Minutes  (if you purchase 2 of these sim cards you will get 3000 minutes to call each other)
• Unlimited incoming calls from any country

How do I check my Data Balance/Allowances?

You can call 333 from this sim at anytime and follow the prompts to check your "remaining allowances". Or if 333 does not work, you can dial +44 7782 333 333 as an alternative.

What size sim card will I receive? 

Can I hotspot/tether from your phone?

No, you are NOT able to hotspot/tether from your phone to another phone or device.

Which country(ies) does this sim card work in?

Can be used in the following south american countries Only:  

What settings do I need to change/update to use this sim card?

You simply need to have both  MOBILE DATA and DATA ROAMING  functions ENABLED/TURNED ON  in your phone to use the service. As mentioned previously, the 30 days of service itself commences as soon as you decide to insert the sim in your phone and turn your phone.

What is the data APN settings for this sim card?

The mobile data APN settings should automatically update when you insert the sim card in you phone. If it does not, you need to update the settings so it states the following;

APN Name: internet

APN: three.co.uk None of the other mobile data APN fields, need to be changed or adjusted, only the above.

Details about APN settings and other important information will be noted on the instruction sheet that will come accompanied with the sim card.

Which carrier(s) does this sim card connect to?

This sim connects to different local carriers in the different countries

How many days is this sim card valid for?

The features on the sim card are valid for 30 days of service from activation.

What happens if I am travelling for longer than 30 Days?

How do I recharge this sim card?

The same can be applied if you feel you need more data within a 30 days period, so please purchase multiple sims according to how much data you will need for your trip. For example, If you need 24GB data within a 30 days period then please purchase 2 sims or if you think you need 36GB data then please purchase 3. However, please note you will have a different phone number for each sim

What happens if I have trouble with the sim card?

Should you run into any issues with the sim card whilst overseas then we encourage you to email us immediately at [email protected] and let us know the following information;

• Your order number or the name that the order is under along with the sim card number.
• Which country you are in currently and whether the sim card connects to any network, if so, which network?
• Did you receive any SMS after you inserted the sim card? If so, please send us a screenshot of that message.
• Message us screenshots of any error message you are getting.
• What phone model you are using?
• Any other information about the issue, which will assist us in helping you resolve the issue. 

What if I have trouble using my data?

• Your order number or the name that the order is under along with the sim card number and phone number.

How do I make calls and send SMS?

This sim card is a  Data-ONLY sim, hence, the sim card does not allow you to make direct calls and send SMS. However, you are still able to make calls and send messages via data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype, iMessage etc.

You are also able to add credit to your Viber or Skype account, which will allow you to make local and international phone calls directly to landlines and mobiles.

How do my family and friends call and message me?

You can stay in touch with your family and friends by sending them messages and calling them via data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype, iMessage etc.

If I buy two sim cards (one for myself and my partner) can we contact each other?

Yes, if you purchase 2 sim cards then you will be able to contact each other via data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype etc. 

I am travelling with my friends and family, how do I contact them?

You are able to remain in touch with your friends and family via data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype etc.

What is your refund policy?

We have a 100% Money Back Guarantee policy, which means that if you have a bad experience with one of our sim card and receive no value from it, we will provide you a refund. However, you MUST contact us whilst you are having the issue, so our team can assist you in resolving your problems. Please do this when you are in WiFi (generally at the airport when you land if not working to begin with) or e-mail us from your accommodations (WiFi) or cafe etc. If you only decide to contact us after you return to let us know the sim didn't work then we can't look to provide a refund as we won't be able to see exactly what the issue was and why it didn't work.

Should you run into any issues whilst using the sim card, please immediately contact us at  [email protected]  Should our team be unable to assist you in resolving your issue, then we will provide you a refund on your purchase.

I am travelling to multiple countries, what do I need to do to use the sim card as I move from one country to another?

If you are travelling to different countries that are noted on the "Countries Coverage" section, then all you need to do is restart your phone as you move from one country to another. The sim card will automatically connect to a local carrier.

Should you run into any issues, with network connections as you move from one country to another we encourage you to contact us immediately at [email protected]

Will I still have access to all my apps, messages, contacts and e-mails?

Yes, you will have access to all your apps, messages, contacts and emails whilst using this sim card. Nothing on your phone is deleted or changed and you can continue to use your phone as per normal. The only change with using this sim card is that you will have a new phone number. 

Recommended Travel Accessories

Sim card for south america.

Planning a trip to South America? Stay connected with family and friends during your visit with our 30 Day South America Data Sim Card (12GB).

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The 4 Best Prepaid SIM Cards for South America in 2023

South America is well known for all its beautiful landscapes and interesting places to visit around. Yet it is a very common occurrence that mobile internet outside your country can be very expensive due to high roaming charges.

Here we made a top 4 with the greatest international & local SIM Cards all over the continent so you won’t have to worry about anything expensive surprises. Go ahead and make the right SIM Card choice and we promise that your visit to South America will be a great experience.

Looking for an alternative solution? We have eSIMs for South America available!

What Are The Best SIM Cards for South America?

What is the best south america sim card, simoptions – prepaid sim cards for south america.

This company offers a great alternative to local South American SIM cards. With SimOptions you are guaranteed to not pay for any extra roaming charges and you will not have to sign any contract – absolutely no strings attached.

You can purchase your South America SIM card before at your arrival at the destination! You simply it online and it will be delivered right at your doorstep! Please note that you will not need to give any local address in South America for buying a SIM Card and you will not need to show your passport or any other I.D.

Let us take a look at the SIM Card South Americal details.

PAYG AIO15 | $ 29.90 - 10GB

• Calls/SMS: No
• Credit Validity: 30 days

PAYG AIO20 | $ 39.90 - 12GB

Payg mbb 12gb | $ 59.90 - 12gb.

• Credit Validity: 1 Year

PAYG MBB 24GB | $ 79.90 - 24GB

• Credit Validity: 2 Year

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VIVO – The Largest Provider in Brazil

VIVO is the most important telecommunication corporation in Brazil. It is part of the Spanish company Telefonica and currently has 73 million subscribers in the whole country. Although its prices are not the lowest ones, more than 50% of its subscribers use prepaid plans as they are more affordable than others. People prefer VIVO because of its wide coverage and multiple options to choose from to stay connected to the South American mobile internet.

The VIVO standard SIM card, known as Triple Cut SIM, comes in three sizes: standard, micro and nano SIM. It means you will not need to worry about which SIM to choose as it will fit any phone. Take into account that your cell phone must be unlocked to start using this SIM card. Also, you will need to give your current local address (hotel etc) and show your passport when buying your SIM at the branded stores all over the country. Additionally, your prepaid SIM card can be activated only by a VIVO authorized worker.

The Triple Cut SIM costs R$10.99 (≈$2,96) and add any of the following plans:

VIVO  Turbo Combo Plans

These are weekly plans that can be very useful for travelers that are not going to stay in Brazil for a long time. People just need to activate any of these packages sending TURBO to 9003 and select one of the following plans:

• Unlimited calls and texts to Vivo network
• 25 local minutes

VIVO Internet Pré (Prepaid Internet)

With this prepaid plan, you will have several options to browse on the internet without worrying about high costs. However, these data-only SIM do not have more than 600MB per month but they do offer different add-ons that may be useful for you.

Let’s start talking about the daily package (default data plan) which is R$0.99 ( ≈ $0,27) for 15 MB . With this package you will browse at a maximum speed of 500 Kbit/s. After using your daily 15 MB, your data traffic will be blocked. Take into account that this plan needs to be activated each day since it is valid only for 24 hours after its activation.

Apart from the previous prepaid data plan, there are different monthly data packages with 5 Mbit/s as maximum speed to browse on the internet whenever you need it. Since these packages are monthly plans, they do auto-renew only if you have enough credit.

If you are interested in this option, please check out the monthly data plans:

• R$17.99 (≈$4,84) for 250 MB
• R$23.99 (≈$6,46) for 400 MB
• R$29.99 (≈$8,08) for 600 MB

If you want to activate any of those packages, you need to send a text message to 1515 with the amount of MB you want to activate. For example, send 400 to 1515 if you want the 400MB data plan. You can cancel your current plan by sending “ CANCELA R” (in English, “ cancel ”) to 1515.

Now, let’s talk about the data add-ons you can activate if you already used all your megabytes. Take into account that they are valid only for 7 days or when your monthly data package has run out.

First, there is the 50 MB add-on, which is R$2.99 (≈$0,81) and can be activated texting 50 to 1515. Then, there is the 100 MB for R$5.99 (≈$1,62) which is activated after sending 100 to 1515.

CLARO – The Largest Provider in Argentina

Claro is the largest telecommunication company in Argentina, followed by Movistar (owned by Telefonica) and Personal (owned by Telecom). This company offers 2G, 3G and even 4G speed connection. There is no need to worry about slow internet because of its coverage all over the country.

Claro offers prepaid SIM cards from $20 ARS (≈$0,54) which can be purchased in any authorized store. You will need to show your passport as identification to buy your Claro SIM card, so remember to take it with you when going to the Claro official store.

This company has one of the best internet connections in South America and offers a variety of internet or data packages. As a tourist, this is a very important aspect to take into account, so take a look at the following data plans by Claro:

CLARO Internet Packs

• $18 ARS (≈$0,48): 200 MB for 1 day
• $25 ARS (≈$ 0,67): 500 MB for 2 days
• $35 ARS (≈$0,94): 1 GB for 1 day
• $50 ARS (=$1,34): 1 GB for 2 days
• $60 ARS (≈$1,61) : 1 GB for 7 days
• $70 ARS (≈$1,87): 2 GB for 3 days
• $95 ARS (≈$2,54): 2 GB for 5 days
• $120 ARS (=$3,21): 2 GB for 7 days

MOVISTAR – The Largest Provider in Chile

Some of the most popular telecommunications companies in Chile are Entel, Virgin and VTR, but the largest one is Movistar. This company offers up to 4G/LTE high-speed connection depending on the area that you are traveling in. Movistar offers different options regarding prepaid plans and data plans. Here you will know some of the best options offered by Movistar. But first, let’s talk about the new Chip PrePlan , which is a SIM card that comes with a basic prepaid plan with the following benefits:

MOVISTAR – Chip PrePlan ($2000 CLP ≈$2,96)

• 1GB internet
• 4G/LTE speed connection
• 160 minutes calling
• Free WhatsApp and Facebook
• Valid for 7 days

This plan will auto-renew only if you have credit enough after 7 days from the prepaid plan activation. But, in case those benefits are not enough, here you have some other packages that may be useful for you:

PrePlan $3.000 CLP (≈$4,44)

• 2GB internet
• 200 minutes calling
• Free WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

PrePlan $5.000 CLP (≈$7,40)

• 3GB internet
• 300 minutes calling
• Valid for 15 days

PrePlan $7.000 CLP (≈$10,35)

• 4GB internet
• 400 minutes calling
• Valid for 30 days

PrePlan $10.000 CLP (≈$14,79)

• 6GB internet
• 600 minutes calling

To activate any of these plans you need to call *303# – Option 2 and then follow the instructions. Remember that your plan will be activated only if you have enough credit.

Movistar also offers long distance calls just by dialing 188 + 0 + country code + city code + mobile phone number. Now, take a look to the rated offered by Movistar!

You will definitely enjoy your trip to South America. You will be surrounded by plenty of cultures, colors and many other incredible things! This part of the continent is going to surprise you and you need to be ready for it. If you already know which specific country you will be visiting, please check some other  SIM Card  offers b y SimOptions .

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Buy Your South America Sim Cards In Canada - Best Prepaid Sim For South American Travel

Discover the best sim for South America designed specifically for tourists. Your No.1 source for South American SIM cards in Canada. Choose SimCorner for your prepaid South America sim cards to stay connected and travel without worrying about hefty international roaming fees

Over 12,000+ Reviews across

6GB of Data

15 Days of service from activation

12GB of Data

3000  inter-sim Texts

30 days service from activation.

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Prepaid south america sim cards.

South America is perhaps the most diverse and culturally-rich continent on Earth. From the beautiful beaches of Brazil to the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, there are certainly many reasons to visit South America. With so much to see and do, many people who choose to visit this part of the world do so for several weeks, if not months at a time. Travellers often plan everything perfectly, arriving smoothly at the airport to begin their trip only to realise that using their phone will incur huge roaming charges that they had not budgeted for. Ouch!

No one wants to have their dream holiday spoiled by SIM card problems, which is why we’re pleased to offer a SIM card that allows you to use data and make internet calls  at no extra cost while you’re travelling around South America.

Our South America SIM Card comes with 12 GB of data, as well as 3000 inter-sim minutes, meaning that if you purchase two of these SIM cards the two mobile phones will be able to contact each other at no extra charge. As well as this, you’ll face no incoming call charges from any country, meaning your friends and family can contact you with ease.

Let’s say you’ll be starting your trip with a friend in sunny Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll explore Copacabana beach and the various museums and natural attractions on offer in the surrounding area. You’ll be able to call each other if you get lost or split up for the day, as well as share any images with friends back home using your data allowance. You’ll then catch a plane to Peru to visit Machu Picchu, where you’ll live stream your trip using your data before your family call you to catch up. You might then finish your trip to Argentina, where you’ll visit the Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires and use your remaining data to find directions as you navigate the busy city. All of this is made possible using our South America Sim Card.

Take a look at our SIM Card today.

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• Aland Islands
• Canary Islands
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• El Salvador
• Europe & UK
• Faroe Islands
• Indonesia (Bali)
• Liechtenstein
• Middle East
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• New Zealand
• North America
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

South America

• South Korea
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• United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
• United Kingdom
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• Vatican City

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Explore plans with coverage in

South America Travel SIM Card

• 12 Countries Covered
• French West Indies
• Puerto Rico

Explorer Travel SIM Card

• 71 Countries
• Balearic Islands
• The Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Northern Ireland
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• United States
• US Virgin Islands

Tourist Travel SIM Card

• 120 Countries
• China (including Tibet)
• Congo (Democratic Republic of)
• Congo Republic
• Madagascar Republic
• North Ireland
• Northern Cyprus
• Papua New Guinea
• Slovak Republic
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen

South America Travel SIMs

Travelling to South America is a fantastic cultural experience that you’ll want to share with all your family and friends back in Australia. So you don’t want the hassle of trying to find a SIM provider when you get there, or the cost of high international roaming charges.

With SimsDirect, you can cut out all your worries about using your mobile phone on your travels with our international SIM card South America options.

The best SIM card for South America

Wherever you’re travelling in South America , we can find the right SIM card for you. Whether you’re enjoying the vibrant culture of Brazil , exploring the ancient civilisations of Peru, or soaking up the sun in Mexico , we can help you find the right South America SIM card to suit your individual travel needs.

With great coverage on South America’s leading networks and a simple activation process with no ID required, you can enjoy up to 12GB of data over 30 days. You can prepay before you travel so when you get to your destination, you can start using your phone straight away. If you do need any help with anything, our Australian team is always here for you.

Your loved ones back home won’t want to miss out on your travel photos. Now they won’t have to as there’s enough data to take care of all your Instagram needs! Even better, our South America SIM cards fit all makes and models of mobile phone.

If you want the best SIM card for South America at an affordable price, get yours here today and take the hassle out of international travel!

Where It Works

Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, French West Indies, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay

Albania, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guam, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, United States of America (Includes Hawaii), Uruguay

The best SIM card for NZ

You have booked your trip to NZ and now you're thinking... What's the best NZ SIM card for my trip?

Well you're in the right place 👍

Here, you can find the best value NZ SIM cards that are super easy to use so when you land you will connect instantly and avoid the chaos of buying a SIM at the airport.

Keep reading or watch our video with all the available options so you can make the right choice.

All your options, compared.

Best bang for your buck: The 10GB New Zealand SIM

Other Aussie travellers like you rated the 10GB option the best with over 800+ 5 star Reviews.

Below are our options compared with Vodafone and Spark mobile, the major providers in New Zealand.

Small Plans

For the budget traveller looking to save money.

• Best suited for minimal data users
• Research restaurants, places and sites on the go
• Use google maps for your travels

• 200 mins & texts in NZ
• 100 mins & texts to Aus
• 30 day validity

• 300 mins to NZ & Aus
• Unlimited texts to NZ & Aus

For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here.

Medium Plans

The 'all rounder'. There's a reason that Aussie travellers love this one.

Get this one if you:

• Want best bang for your buck
• Need access to a lot of apps including maps, social media etc.
• Unlimited mins & texts in NZ
• 200 mins & texts to Aus
• 60 day validity
• Unlimited calls to NZ & Aus
• 300 mins & texts to Aus

For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here .

Large Plans

For the traveller who needs heavy internet usage on the go for 1 or multiple devices.

• Don't worry about running out of data
• Can hotspot to multiple devices
• Great for videos, maps, social media and big downloads
• Unlimited calls & texts in NZ

Bottom Line

You are looking for the right SIM for your needs and want to make the right choice so you can travel around New Zealand easily.

By choosing one of the SIM cards through SimsDirect you are avoiding the hassle when you land and getting the best value SIM cards for Aussie travellers.

Plus you get free delivery and 100% money back guarantee with every purchase.

You can't go wrong with the SimsDirect 10GB SIM that comes with unlimited calls & texts to NZ and Australian numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping and delivery.

Delivery times vary depending on your location, please use the table below for estimated delivery times.

Shipping Method:

Standard - Free Express - $7.99

All orders are shipped from our Sydney office using the Australia Post Domestic Letter Service.

Same-day dispatch is available on orders placed before 3pm AEST/AEDT Monday - Friday. Any orders placed after 3 pm will be dispatched the next day.

Once we've shipped your order, you will receive a tracking number via email. Click the View Order button in the email to monitor the status of your delivery with Australia Post.

If you're leaving soon and your order hasn't arrived, please contact us so we can arrange to have it delivered to you with free express shipping. It is important to us that we ensure your SIM card(s) arrive well before you take off.

Product Information

Yes! We offer 3 different sizes for each SIM card - Standard, Micro, and Nano. All you need to do is make sure that you pop out the correct size that is compatible with your device.

The SIM will only activate once you have inserted it into your device, which, in most cases, is when you have arrived at your destination.

You can find more specific activation steps here .

Zero. We're here to help you save money whilst abroad. With our SIM cards, you'll get all the data and outgoing calls that you pay for without any added surcharges or hidden costs. For as little as $2 a day, we offer the cheapest way of staying online while you're travelling.

If you purchased your device outright then it is most likely unlocked. Devices purchased alongside a contract are usually locked. If you are unsure, contact your service provider, they may even be able to unlock it for you (usually incurring a fee).

You’ll be able to track your data usage directly from your device, please click here for an in-depth guide on how to do so.

Travel easily & safely!

Travel tips for 2023, traveling the globe, check out the explorer collection, recently viewed, why is the activation date important.

• We need these dates to activate your SIM card so you can use  it when the SIM is inserted into your device.
• For a seamless experience, make sure the date you insert at checkout is the exact date you want to start using the SIM, not earlier or later.
• Activation can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Not sure on your dates yet?

• You can add in an estimated date for your SIM. Your SIM’s data & validity won’t start until you plug it into your device.
• Once you know your exact dates, please let us know via our live chat or at [email protected] so we can activate it for you at the right time. 

What if you need to change the dates?

• You can reach out to us via our live chat or at [email protected] with your order number so we can change it for you.

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Explore North America

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• Royal Guides

South America Travel Sim Card – 12GB Data – Unlimited Calls + Texts to UK & EU and Inter Numbers

AUD $ 59.95 Approximately:₽3,608.33

Free shipping over $100 AUD

Price Match Guarantee, Cheaper to Buy From King Sims Than Any Airport Store

Delivered Worldwide Before You Fly!

100% Money Back Guarantee If This Travel Sim Does Not Work After Arriving

What’s included:.

• 12GB Data of 3.5G Data Speeds
• Unlimited Mins to UK & EU & Interminutes  (Inter-Minutes the same type of Sim Card)
• Unlimited Texts to UK & EU & Interminutes  (Inter-Texts between the same type of Sim Card) 
• Mobile Hotspot Enabled  (Phone Devices Only)  
• Manufactured in a 3 in 1 SIM Pack which  fits all mobiles.

Info Before You Buy:

• The  Travel SIM  can be activated in any of the  11 South American destinations.
• This is a Data Only Travel Sim to be used in any of the South American Destinations.
• Handy “King Pin” given in each package to easily swap out your Sim Cards from Home with your King Sim Travel Sim
• The bundle lasts for  30 days  from the date of activation.
• Sim card expires after  12 months if not recharged after activation.

Q: Is this a Data Only Sim Card?

A:   No, this sim card provides you with Unlimited Calls & Texts to UK, EU mobile numbers AND Interminutes between the same type of Sim Card

Q: What does inter-minutes Calls & Texts mean?

A: Interminutes means that the Travel Sims come with DIRECT calls and texts to the same type of Sim Card. For Example:  Let’s say you and a group of friends all purchase this King Sims South American Sim Card. You go to a location with limited reception for 4G data in any of the destinations mentioned. You and the group your travelling with decide to keep in touch via your direct calls and texts NOT your 4G available Data. This means you can make direct calls and texts to your friends or family using your Unlimited interminutes between each other… no data is necessary.

Q: What happens when i run out of my available 12GB 4G Data?

A: Good news! When you run out of your available 4G data, just contact us and we will send you a custom order to top up your South American Travel Sim. Please reach out to us below here:

Email:  [email protected] 

Facebook:  @ thekingofsims

Live Chat:  Chat with us on Live Chat! – See Below Website.

Q: Does this SIM Card work in other South American Destinations not mentioned?

A: No. Your available 12GB of Data will not work, it will only work if you top up your South American Travel Sim with a balance and then it will use your available balance as roaming instead, we highly recommend AGAINST this, because you will be paying an arm and leg for roaming, which defeats the whole purpose of King Sims…

Q: Can I make Calls and Texts back to Australia.

A: No you can’t make direct calls and texts back to Australia. However, you can make direct calls and texts back to UK & EU mobile numbers and landlines.

Q: Will this SIM card work in my iPad or Tablet Device?

A:  This is a good question. iPad and Tablets are recognised as a Mobile Device as well, but it works a bit differently. All the King can say about this Question is to purchase  at your own risk.  We have had reports of customers using  this SIM card  for their  iPad and Samsung Tablets  and have reported the SIM working absolutely fine!

However, Three has informed us that this is a phone only SIM card. Again, if you purchase this SIM for your tablet devices so that you may Netflix until your eyes fall out, purchase at your own risk. BUT, if it does not work in your tablet you will be pleased to know you can simply just plug the SIM into your  mobile device  and it is  guaranteed 100% to work.

Q: How do I check my 4G data balance while in South America

• Type: mobile.three.co.uk into your phone’s browser.
• Select My3 Account.
• Select Check allowance now.

Alternatively, you can easily go into your Phones Mobile Data settings and check your usage from their. Most iPhones and Android phones have this handy feature in place, and we recommend this because it’s quicker.

Step 1:  Land in  any of the following Destinations: 

• El Salvador

Step 2:  Swap Out Your  Sim Card from Home with our King Sims, 12GB Data, South American Travel Sim.

Step 3:   Go to your  Mobile Device settings and switch the option called  “Roaming”  or  “Data Roaming”  to  “ON”

Step 4:  After  roughly 3-10 Mins, your King Sims, South American Travel Sim should be up and running. You should start to see your Mobiles notifications flood your phone. This is a great sign because it means your Travel Sims are Active and working,

Step 5: Congratulations!  Your connected to  12GB of  Data for 30 Days. If you need more data because you ran out of your 12GB just get in touch with us and we will send you a custom order form to top up your South American Travel Sim.

Step 6: Enjoy the Royal Experience of travelling with King Sims. 

The King Uses Aus Post For All Domestic Orders

• All Orders are dispatched from our office in Sydney either the Same Business Day or Next Business Day
• Cut-Off Time for dispatching orders is  3 P.M. AEST Mon – Fri.  So If you have purchased after the Cut-Off time, your order will be dispatched  the following business day.
• If you are worried that you may not receive your order on time, don’t hesitate to contact the  King’s Royal Staff  and we will be able to let you know a definite Time Frame.

Our Domestic Rates

• Australia Post Priority Letters:   2 – 6 Business Days Australia Wide  =  FREE
• Australia Post Domestic Letter With Tracking  2 – 6 Business Days Australia Wide =  $4.99
• Australia Post Registered Signature:  1 – 5 Business Days Australia Wide =  $5.99
• Australia Post Express Postage: 1-3 Business Days Australia Wide =  $8.99

International Shipping Option

• The King uses  DHL and Australia Post International Express  to ship all international orders.
• For DHL,  On Average, customers receive their international order within  5-12 Business Days from DHL Packet Plus.
• For Australia Post International Express  On Average, customers receive their international order within  2 – 6 Business Days
• Depending on your location and zone,  you can receive your order much earlier than 12 Business Days.

International Shipping Rate:

• DHL Packet Plus International 5 – 12 Business Days (Worldwide)  =  $11.99
• Australia Post International Express 2 – 6 Business Days (Worldwide) =  $32.99
• Please see the below table for a clearer picture on delivery timeframes.

The Kings Description

The king’s description:.

Behold… the King Sims 12GB, South America Travel SIM Card . The King has handpicked this Travel SIM Pack as the perfect way to stay connected in the Land of Many Cute Llamas & Alpacas . The data allowance is perfect for the royal traveller who needs enough data to not only stay in touch with family and friends, but also enjoy video streaming Data-Hungry apps when roaming in South America. Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat; you name it! The data can handle it, even for the more Data-Hungry Traveller. You’ll have plenty of data to take snaps and pose for the ‘gram anytime, any day.

When venturing into the Land of Many Cute Llamas and Alpacas , you will be pleased to know that you can roam freely in these other South American Destinations: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, Mayotte, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay . A Travel SIM that works in 11 South American Destinations? Now that’s King .

Give Your Roaming Bill The Royal Flush

Welcome to the king sims experience.

Step 1: It All Starts With The Kings Travel Sim

Convenience is king.

The King has worked tirelessly to bring you an easy & smooth travel experience. With a click of a button, You can say Goodbye to waiting for a PrePaid Sim at the Airport and say hello to traveling like a King & Queen.

Step 2: *Ding* You’ve got mail! It looks like it’s from the King.

Don't keep the king waiting....

Open it up… You like what you see? You’re looking at a little piece of plastic that comes with huge benefits. Save this gem with you and make sure you don’t forget it on the day you’re going to South America. Trust.

Step 3: Land in South America... Plug and Play... Be on your way!

"touch down".

When the plane touches down. Swap out your Sim Card from home and Plug in your King Sims South American Travel Sim Card. Go to your Mobile device’s settings and look for the setting called “Data Roaming” switch this option to “ON”.  By the time you’ve deboarded the Plane your King Sims should be up and running and your phone vibrating from all the notifications you’ve missed on your flight.

Step 4: Walk out of the Plane Like a King & Queen

You've earned your crown, now wear it.

Congratulations for being intelligent. You’ve just connected to 12GB of 4G Data and have Unlimited Calls and Texts to call UK, EU AND friends and family using the same sim who are travelling with you. You’ve saved yourself so much money not needing expensive mobile roaming and you didn’t even wait in line to grab a Sim after a long flight. 

Welcome… To The King Sims Experience.

Over 50,000 Happy Travellers

Get your travel sim today, buy your sim today & get it before you fly.

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Buy Your South America Sim Cards In UK - Best Prepaid Sim For South American Travel

Discover the best sim for South America designed specifically for tourists. Your No.1 source for South American SIM cards in UK. Choose SimCorner for your prepaid South America sim cards to stay connected and travel without worrying about hefty international roaming fees

Over 12,000+ Reviews across

6GB of Data

15 Days of service from activation

12GB of Data

3000  inter-sim Texts

30 days service from activation.

Not included

Shop by Countries in South America

Prepaid south america sim cards.

South America is perhaps the most diverse and culturally-rich continent on Earth. From the beautiful beaches of Brazil to the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, there are certainly many reasons to visit South America. With so much to see and do, many people who choose to visit this part of the world do so for several weeks, if not months at a time. Travellers often plan everything perfectly, arriving smoothly at the airport to begin their trip only to realise that using their phone will incur huge roaming charges that they had not budgeted for. Ouch!

No one wants to have their dream holiday spoiled by SIM card problems, which is why we’re pleased to offer a SIM card that allows you to use data and make internet calls  at no extra cost while you’re travelling around South America.

Our South America SIM Card comes with 12 GB of data, as well as 3000 inter-sim minutes, meaning that if you purchase two of these SIM cards the two mobile phones will be able to contact each other at no extra charge. As well as this, you’ll face no incoming call charges from any country, meaning your friends and family can contact you with ease.

Let’s say you’ll be starting your trip with a friend in sunny Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll explore Copacabana beach and the various museums and natural attractions on offer in the surrounding area. You’ll be able to call each other if you get lost or split up for the day, as well as share any images with friends back home using your data allowance. You’ll then catch a plane to Peru to visit Machu Picchu, where you’ll live stream your trip using your data before your family call you to catch up. You might then finish your trip to Panama, where you’ll visit the  San Lorenzo colonial fort or  Panama Canal and use your remaining data to find directions as you navigate the busy city. All of this is made possible using our South America Sim Card.

Take a look at our SIM Card today.

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Complete Guide: Best Latin America eSIM Providers

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 23, 2024 | SIM Cards , South America , Travel Tips

Traveling to South America soon and want to ditch the physical SIM card? Look no further than our guide to the best eSIM providers in South America !

eSIMs are becoming more and more popular, but with so many South American eSIM providers to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is the best. This guide will help you find the best South American eSIM provider.

We’ll look at what to consider when choosing an eSIM provider for South America, and then we’ll recommend our top picks for South American travel.

So whether you’re looking for the best eSIM for South America or just need a basic plan, we have you covered.

Quick Overview Top South America eSIM Providers

Are you looking for a quick answer? Here are the three top eSIM providers for South American travel.

• Airalo : Perfect for travelers looking for short-term and long-term options. (My pick)
• Holafly : Great options, including unlimited data plans.
• Nomad : Offers a variety of country and global plans, as well as unlimited data plans in some destinations.

Before we dive deeper, if you’re new to eSIM, let’s see what an eSIM is.

What Is An eSIM?

eSIM is a type of SIM card that is embedded in your device. You don’t need a physical SIM card in South America , which makes it more convenient for people who travel frequently.

eSIMs are also becoming more common in smartphones, so if you’re looking to buy a new phone, eSIM might be an option for you.

There’s a catch! eSIMs are not yet universally supported.

So before you switch to an eSIM, make sure your device is compatible.

Read our guide to learn more about the main differences between SIM cards and eSIM .

Which Devices Are Compatible With eSIM?

eSIM is currently supported on a few devices, including:

• Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, and newer models.
• Google Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, and newer models.
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, and newer models.
• Huawei P40, and newer models.

To verify if your device is compatible with eSIM, go to Settings and locate your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This will tell you if your device supports eSIM.

Here’s how to do it add an eSIM on a Pixel device:

• Go to Settings.
• Go to Network and Internet
• Click on Add more
• Choose Download a SIM instead.
• Click on next.
• Scan the QR code.
• Name the eSIM.
• Pick the eSIM to provide data.
• Make sure the roaming is on.

How To Choose The Best South America eSIM Provider?

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s look at how to choose the best eSIM provider for South America.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, including:

• Coverage: Make sure the eSIM provider has good coverage in the countries you travel to.
• Data: How much data do you need? You’ll need a plan with more data if you’re a heavy user or if you need the Internet to work.
• Speed: Not all eSIM providers offer the same speeds. If you need fast speed, make sure to choose a provider that offers them.
• Price: eSIM plans can vary in price, so consider your budget when choosing a provider.

Where To Buy An South America eSIM?

eSIMs can be bought from a variety of places, including:

• eSIM providers: Many eSIM providers sell eSIMs directly from their websites. This is the most convenient option, as you can activate your eSIM immediately.
• Carriers: If you’re already using a carrier, you may be able to buy an eSIM from them. It’s worth checking if your current carrier has its own eSIM plans.

So, how do you pick an eSIM provider in South America?

Let us help! We’ll review the best eSIM for South American travels below.

Airalo is the most popular eSIM store and offers eSIMs in 190+ countries at affordable prices.

I’ve been using Airalo for a while now, and you can read our complete Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM provider. Airalo offers local, regional, and global plans.

If you’re traveling in South America, you might be interested in the Airalo Latamlink plan .

Here’s how Airalo works:

• Create an account on Airalo .
• Download the app or use the desktop version.
• Choose the South American plan.
• Install your eSIM.
• Activate your eSIM.

Go to Airalo

Airalo eSIM Latamlink Plan

Airalo offers the regional plan Latamlinik which includes coverage in 19 South American countries.

Here’s an overview of the options available in South America :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $15
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $28
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $39
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $60

Pros And Cons Of Using Airalo To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Airalo.

• Coverage in 190+ countries.
• Short-term and long-term plans are available.
• Affordable prices.
• Offers local, regional, and global plans.
• The customer support is excellent and fast.
• No unlimited data plans are available.
• I had a few issues in the past, but customer support always fixed the issues quickly.

Airalo Offer

Get 10% off on your first purchase on Airalo by using my referral code: ABB10

Holafly is an eSIM provider with eSIM plans for more than 190 destinations. They offer local and regional plans, including Latin America.

I tried Holafly in the past, so you can read our complete Holafly review to learn more.

Here’s how Holafly South America works:

• Pick the Latin American plan.
• You’ll receive an email with your eSIM.
• Scan the QR code to activate your eSIM.

Go to Holafly

Holafly eSIM Latin America Plan

Holafly has great Latin American plans that work in 14 countries. It’s interesting because they come with unlimited data.

Here’s an overview of the plans available in Latin America:

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $27
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $34
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $44
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $54
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $64
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $87
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $144
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $214

Pros And Cons Of Using Holafly To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Holafly .

• eSIMs are delivered via email immediately.
• Plans are available for more than 190 countries.
• Supports both short-term and long-term plans.
• Offers lots of options with unlimited data.
• Depending on the destination, it can be more expensive than Airalo, but you get unlimited data plans, which is excellent if you are a heavy user. However, some users reported that the speed could vary. This could mean you’ll get high speed first, and eventually, you’ll get a slower speed if you use too much data.
• You can’t set up a hotspot with most data plans.

Holafly Offer

Get 5% off on your first order on Holafly with my referral code ABROKENBACKPACK.

Nomad offers data plans in 100+ countries. They also have local, regional and global plans.

I’ve tried Nomad in Thailand , and it worked well. Although, it’s not my favorite because they only have short-term plans (up to 30 days). Because I’m a long-term traveler, this is an issue, but for most travelers, it might be fine!

Nomad offers fixed data plans and unlimited data plans, giving you many options to pick from.

Here’s how Nomad eSIM works:

• Pick a data plan.
• Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
• Activate your plan.

Go to Nomad

Nomad eSIM Global Plan

Nomad also offers a global plan . Their plan offers coverage in several South American countries.

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for USD 20
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 48
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 54

Pros And Cons Of Using Nomad To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Nomad .

• Plans are available in 100+ countries.
• Regional and global plans are available.
• The website is very modern.
• Unlimited data plans in some destinations.
• All the reviews on the website are 5-star, which I find hard to believe. Nothing is perfect in this world.
• Short-term plans only (up to 30 days).

Nomad Offer

There are no offers at the moment.

SimOptions offers prepaid traditional SIM cards, and eSIM plans. They have plans everywhere around the world, including regional plans like South America.

How SimOptions works:

• Purchase a plan.
• Scan the QR code to install your eSIM.

Go to SimsOptions

SimOptions eSIM South America Plan

SimOptions offers one plan from AIS for South America.

Here’s an overview of the plan available:

• 6 GB, valid for 15 days for USD 39.90

Pros And Cons Of Using SimOptions To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of SimOptions .

• Prepaid traditional SIM cards and eSIM plans are available.
• Offers eSIM plans from different carriers, so you have more options to choose from.
• The website is a bit more old-school but still very easy to use.

SimsOptions Offer

BNESIM is an eSIM provider that was founded in 2017. They offer plans in 200+ countries.

You’ll also find other options like international phone numbers, unlimited data packages, and monthly subscriptions.

To learn more, you can read our complete BNESIM review .

Here’s how BNESIM works:

• Pick a plan.
• Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information and email.
• Install your eSIM by scanning the QR code.
• If you’re using an Android, you’ll need to set up the APN. You’ll get all the information to set it up under the QR code.

Go to BNESIM

BNESIM eSIM South America Plan

BNESIM offers individual eSIM plans for several South American countries.

Here are some of the South American available:

For example, here’s an overview of the options available in Colombia (Central America):

• 3 GB, without expiration, for USD 39.46
• 5 GB, without expiration, for USD 63.72

As you can see, the pricing is very high, so we hope to see BNESIM come up with better offers in some countries.

Pros And Cons Of Using BNESIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using BNESIM .

• Coverage in 200+ countries.
• Plans without expirations are available.
• Discounts on monthly data plans.
• Offers local and regional plans.
• The website is a bit simple, and not the most user-friendly one. For example, it can get overwhelming when looking at the options because of the way plans are presented.

Update: they are working on a new version, so we’re looking forward to seeing it!

BNESIM Offer

Get a EUR 4 discount on your first purchase over EUR 10 with my BNESIM promo code: MELISSA4OFF.

Yoho Mobile

Yoho Mobile is an eSIM provider offering plans in 190+ regions and countries. They offer a regional plan that includes coverage in 19 South American countries.

You can read our complete Yoho Mobile review to learn more.

Here’s how Yoho Mobile works:

• Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information, name, address, and email.
• Make sure to enable roaming to access the Internet.

Go to Yoho Mobile

Yoho Mobile South America Plan

Yoho Mobile offers a South American plan that works in 19 countries.

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for USD 18.99
• 3 GB, valid for 10 days for USD 52.99
• 5 GB, valid for 15 days for USD 85.50
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 169.99

Pros And Cons Of Using Yoho Mobile To Buy An eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Yoho Mobile to purchase an eSIM.

• Many countries and regional plans offer multiple networks, which means you’ll get access to better Internet during your travels.
• The website is relatively new, so we are excited to see how this eSIM provider will evolve in time.

Yoho Mobile Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my Yoho Mobile promo code: abrokenbackpack5. To add a coupon code, click on View Cart and paste the coupon code there.

Benefits Of Using A South America eSIM

South American eSIMs offer many benefits, which is excellent news if you’re a frequent traveler.

Here are the main reasons why I love using eSIM during my travels:

• You get data as soon as you arrive.
• You can activate your eSIM immediately.
• You can keep your usual phone number and use eSIM to get data.
• You don’t need to remove your SIM card or find a store to purchase one during your travels.
• You can top up easily and quickly.

Final Thoughts On South American eSIM Providers

There are many South American eSIM providers out there, but not all of them offer the same coverage.

I’ve used Airalo, Holafly, BNESIM, and Nomad, and I can say that they’re all excellent eSIM providers with great South American plans.

If you’re looking for the best eSIM provider for South American travel, I highly recommend Airalo or Nomad . They offer great plans at reasonable prices, and their coverage is excellent.

Want more travel tips? Read one of the following guides:

• Wise vs Revolut
• Revolut travel card review
• iVisa review

MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM

BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

LEARN HOW TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

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• SIM Cards & Prepaid Minutes

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South America Travel SIM Card (12 GB, 30 Days) International Roaming Data SIM Card w/Unlimited Inter-SIM Minutes - 3-in-1 Travel SIM Card w/UK Phone Number for Unlocked Phones

• Prepaid Travel SIM Card: Make your communication trouble-free & affordable when you travel abroad, with our South America SIM card. The prepaid data SIM card gives you 12 GB of 4G data with a validity of 30 days. A productive and effective solution for using this SIM card.
• Data & Call Features: This cell phone SIM cards comes with unlimited inter-SIM minutes and it is useful when you’re traveling with someone else you purchase 2 of these SIM cards so you can call each other. This SIM card can only be used in Mobiles Phones and not in any data only devices such as, iPads, Tablets, Wifi Dongles and Mifi devices.
• Safe & Reliable Connection: Our calls & data only SIM card for iPhones & android phones supports data-based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Skype, & more to make phone calls. This prepaid SIM card South America can only be used in unlocked mobile phones and NOT in iPads, tablets, WiFi Dongles, and Mifi devices.
• Your South American Number: Once you activate your Travel SIM card, your number will have a UK phone number once you have completed the activation process. Mobile hot spotting and tethering are not allowed with our South America SIM cards for iPhones & android phones.
• Recharge Options: As this data SIM card with inter-network minutes cannot be recharged, we suggest you purchase multiple SIMs accordingly if you need more than 12 GB of data. This SIM can be used in the countries like Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, & more.
• Sim card is activated based on the date that you provide at the time of registration.
• NOTE: This sim card can only be used in Mobiles Phones and NOT in any data only devices such as, iPads, Tablets, Wifi Dongles and Mifi devices.
• NOTE: This sim will be active from the activation date you provide at the time of registration. All instructions are provided on the packaging.
• NOTE: Ensure your phone is unlocked

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Buying a Sim Card for Colombia in 2024

Planning your trip to Colombia and wondering what is the best way to stay connected? Avoid high roaming charges and slow overseas data roaming plans, this is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Colombia.

In this guide you find everything you need to know about buying a prepaid sim card in Colombia, the best 4G/5G network in Colombia, where to buy a sim card, the best e-sim cards for Colombia, up to date prices per June 2024, info about international sim cards, my recommendation, a vlog about my experiences and more.

Having internet on your phone while traveling makes life so much easier and therefore one of the first things I do when planning my next trip abroad is looking for the best sim card. In the past I always used to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival but nowadays I mostly order an e-sim card on the internet.

E-sim cards are simply so convenient that I happily pay a couple dollar extra to be online as soon as the plane lands and have internet on my phone like at home without paying high roaming charges.

As Traveltomtom is on a mission to travel to every country in the world I get to about 30 - 40 different countries every year and therefore I use about 30 different sim cards per year. As I am already traveling full time since 2012 buying prepaid and e-sim cards became part of life and that is how Traveltomtom became the ultimate specialist in providing info about sim cards for tourists.

On Traveltomtom you can find already more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Brazil , Argentina , Peru ,  Panama , Costa Rica , Paraguay , Dominican Republic ,  New York , USA , Mexico , Canada , Spain , Europe , Paris , London , Madrid , Barcelona , Israel , Istanbul , Dubai , Australia , Thailand  and many more. 

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money!

Some links in this article about the best prepaid sim cards for traveling to Colombia are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you.

Why buying a sim card for Colombia

Traveling with internet on your phone is just so much easier. Think about using taxi apps, getting directions from Google Maps, use WhatsApp to find your friends, search for nearby restaurants, check your banking apps, emergencies, etc.

Especially when traveling around Colombia in busses it is recommended to have a Colombia sim card. I am sure you want to be connected to the internet on your 9 hour bus ride.

Public WiFi in big cities in Colombia is actually pretty good and most coffee shops, shopping malls and of course hotels offer free public WiFi. However, there is no guarantee and especially when traveling away from the cities, free WiFi becomes scares. Also another reminder that public WiFi is through an UNSECURED network. The use of a VPN is recommended when using public WiFi.

It is no secret that the cheapest way to stay connected when traveling to Colombia is a local prepaid sim card. These Colombia sim cards for tourists beat every price of international and e-sim cards. Prepaid sim cards with data plans are cheap in Colombia. With a local prepaid sim card you are guaranteed the best network connection and the fastest data speed. More about the best 4G/5G network in Colombia later.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a Claro sim card for Colombia. Claro has the best mobile data network in Colombia, fastest data speed and for $6.4 USD you get 9 GB data for 30 days.

Traveltomtom definitely recommends e-sim cards for traveling to Colombia. It is super easy to order one on the internet and to use them, but it is no secret that they are significantly more expensive than local prepaid sim cards. Traveltomtom always recommends getting an e-sim with at least 1 GB data to start with so that when you land in Colombia you instantly have internet on your phone.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Colombia via either SimOptions or Airalo .

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We also recommend looking into travel sim cards with global coverage. These international sim cards are valid in up to 124 countries and also in Colombia. In fact, these international sim cards are a great deal and for $24.90 USD you can get 10 GB data, which is only $2.49 USD per Gigabyte.

Check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best international sim cards for traveling in 2024 .

Best e-sim cards for Colombia

The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Colombia in 2024 is an e-sim card. You arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a phone store and swapping physical prepaid sim cards.

You order an e-sim card for Colombia on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Colombia e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Colombia it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Colombia.

Airalo is a trusted e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has been using Airalo e-sim cards ever since the beginning days of e-sims. Here are the Airalo e-sim card plans for Colombia for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $8 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $15 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $32.50 USD

Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for Colombia via Airalo .

The above e-sim cards from Hartonet are data-only and phone calls are not supported. They operate on the 4G/LTE network of Movistar.

SimOptions is another reliable e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue. SimOptions sells so called international e-sim cards valid in up to 141 countries around the world:

• 3 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
• 6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an international e-sim card for traveling to Colombia via SimOptions .

With an e-sim card you keep your own phone number from home, but make sure your phone is unlocked and is e-sim card compatible before you order an e-sim card for Colombia.

There is a third e-sim provider tested and reviewed by Traveltomtom, but before Nomad makes it to Traveltomtom's top recommendation they will need to improve their product. Traveltomtom has faced some performance and reliability issues with Nomad e-sim cards and although they sometimes have some great e-sim card deals for Colombia it is not my first recommendation.

Mobile internet operators Colombia

There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Colombia: Movistar, Tigo and Claro. All of them sell prepaid sim cards for tourists in stores around Colombia and you can also find them on International Airports. Find more info below including more about the 4G/5G network coverage and the prepaid sim card prices per provider. 

Where to buy a sim card for Colombia

Street vendors.

In the bigger cities in popular tourist areas you can buy a prepaid sim card for Colombia from a street vendor. These street vendors mostly sell Claro prepaid sim cards. The advantage is that you don't need your passport and the sim card will not be registered on your name.

At the time of research in 2024 the street vendors offered double data and actually had really good prepaid sim card deals for Colombia: 9 GB data for 20 days including unlimited social media for 40,000 COP, which is about $10 USD.

The disadvantage is that this is not an official retail or sim card store and your new sim card is not getting registered the official way. So if you would run into problems things could get a little tricky. Traveltomtom does not particularly recommend buying a sim card on the streets in Colombia. If you run into a problem your sim card is not registered and you will end up buying another sim card.

International Airport on arrival

Are you arriving in Colombia on an international flight then the most convenient place to buy a prepaid sim card for Colombia is at the airport on arrival. Be aware that buying a sim card at the airport in Colombia is more expensive than when buying a prepaid sim card in the city center.

Just don't buy the tourist sim cards that are quoted in USD!

Bogota Airport

From my own experience I can tell you everything about buying a sim card at Bogota Airport as that is where I mostly land on my trips to Colombia. Check out the link for my complete guide including a vlog with my experiences.

Cartagena Airport

According to my research you can buy a sim card at Cartagena Airport. There is a convenience store in the departure hall that sells Colombia prepaid sim cards for tourists, but no official tourist sim card shop from Claro or Movistar.

Medellin Airport

Lately I flew directly to Medellin and found it difficult to buy a Colombia prepaid sim card on arrival. However, there is a phone store in the departure hall on the second floor of Medellin International Airport. This phone shop sells accessories and phone cases, but it also sells prepaid sim cards for tourists. Here you can buy a Claro sim card for 85,000 Pesos ($17.5 USD) with 12 GB data for 30 days.

Unfortunately there is no sim card shop in the arrival hall at Medellin Airport that sells Colombia sim cards for tourists. 

Official retail stores

The most recommended place to buy a prepaid sim card for your trip to Colombia is in one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet providers. Here you will get the best service and information and the staff can help you to apply the right settings. When you walk out of a retail store with a new sim card for Colombia you are 100% sure everything is working properly and your data plan and voice package are activated.

Those who want to arrive prepared can already buy an international sim card online for their trip to Colombia. These travel sim cards are physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address and automatically activate from the moment they connect the first time with a network in Colombia. Meaning when the plane touches the ground you are online.

For those who have an e-sim compatible phone things are much easier as you can order e-sim cards for Colombia on the internet. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Colombia via either SimOptions or Airalo .

Registration process prepaid sim cards

By Colombian law, every tourist that buys a prepaid sim card in Colombia will have to be registered by their name and passport number. So when buying a sim card in Colombia you need to bring your passport. A copy of your passport will be taken in the store and you receive a sim card that comes with a phone number that starts with +57.

If you want to avoid this registration process you can look for a street vendor that sells prepaid sim cards or buy an international sim card for Colombia on the internet or an e-sim card for Colombia as these sim cards do not require an ID verification.

Prices prepaid sim cards in Colombia

All mobile internet operators in Colombia sell prepaid sim card for tourists. The prices below are updated per June 2024. $1 USD = 3,850 COP and 10,000 COP = $2.59 USD.

Unfortunately as of June 2024 the mobile internet providers in Colombia still do not provide e-sim cards for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards are available.

A Movistar prepaid sim card costs 6,000 COP ($1.5 USD) for the registration and then you can top up with a prepaid data plan that include unlimited calling and texting in Colombia:

• 4 GB data + free apps* for 7 days = 3,500 COP - $0.7 USD
• 12 GB data + free apps* for 15 days = 16,000 COP - $3.3 USD

As you can see prepaid sim cards with data in Colombia is very cheap. For more info check the Movistar  website.

A Tigo prepaid sim card is free and to keep it really simple they only have two Colombia prepaid sim card plans for tourists:

• 5 GB data for 7 days + unlimited calls/text = 10,000 COP - $2.1 USD
• 10 GB data for 15 days + unlimited calls/text = 20,000 COP - $4.2 USD

For more info check the Tigo Colombia website.

Getting a Claro Sim card costs 3,000 COP. The Claro sim card deals come with free Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter:

• 1.5 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 7 days = 7,500 COP - $1.6 USD
• 2.5 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 10 days = 11,000 COP - $2.3 USD
• 9 GB data* + unlimited calls/text for 30 days = 31,000 COP - $6.4 USD

For more info see the Claro  website.

Best 4G/5G network in Colombia

Even more important than the price is the 4G/5G network coverage when buying a prepaid sim card. Luckily all providers cover most of the tourist destinations in Colombia very well. However, there is definitely a difference in the 4G/5G network strength between the mobile internet providers in Colombia. Traveltomtom compared the mobile data network coverage maps of Tigo, Claro and Movistar to find out which provider has the best 4G/5G network in Colombia as of 2024.

Is there 5G in Colombia?

Yes there is 5G in Colombia, but as of 2024 it is only available in the big cities: Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Cartagena and some popular tourist destinations in Colombia.

Tigo 4G/5G network coverage map

Movistar 4G/5G network coverage map

Claro 4G/5G network coverage map

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Colombia in 2024.

From the above 4G/5G network coverage maps for Colombia we can clearly see that Claro has the best 4G/5G mobile network in Colombia in 2024.

On my latest trip to Colombia in June 2024 I tested an e-sim card from Holafly which was operating on the Movistar network. Nicely said: it was a nightmare!

I traveled around Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park and was pretty disconnected due to a lack of phone signal. People around me with a Claro sim card enjoyed fast 4G/LTE, but my Holafly/Movistar sim card was frustrating slow or not even connected at all. Whatever sim card you get, Traveltomtom recommends avoiding Movistar sim cards or e-sim cards that operate on Movistar.

Best sim card for Colombia in 2024

Traveltomtom comes to the very easy conclusion that Claro is the most expensive mobile internet provider in Colombia. Compared to Tigo and Movistar the prepaid sim card plans of Claro are more expensive. However, we are talking about just a couple dollars.

The cheapest Colombia prepaid sim card is a Tigo prepaid sim card and costs a little over $5 USD for 10 GB data. Claro has the best and most extensive 4G/5G network coverage in Colombia.

Taking into consideration the prices and the 4G/5G network coverage Traveltomtom rates Claro as the best prepaid sim card for Colombia and therefore Traveltomtom recommends buying a Claro prepaid sim card in Colombia.

Traveltomtom is an advocate for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. They are very convenient and simple to use. However, fact is that e-sim cards for Colombia are more expensive than local prepaid sim cards.

That said, e-sim cards are so easy to get that I often happily pay the higher price. Plus you are online as soon as the plane touches the ground and you don't have the hassle of buying a sim card on arrival in Colombia.

Order a prepaid sim card for Colombia online

If your phone is not e-sim compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to Colombia online before your trip then check out the following.

Arrive prepared in Colombia with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Colombia, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.

SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Colombia:

• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 14 days = $49.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order a physical sim cards for traveling in Colombia via SimOptions .

Traveltomtom has used both the Three as well as the Orange physical prepaid sim cards in the past and I was always satisfied. However, nowadays it is no secret that I rather use e-sim cards for traveling abroad instead of physical prepaid sim cards. 

If your phone is e-sim compatible then here is a last reminder that you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. Order an e-sim card for Colombia on the internet and arrive prepared. More expensive, but very convenient!

My experience buying a sim card in Colombia

In 2022 I visited Colombia for the 5th time and on this trip I only stayed in Bogota. I really like the city and it offers high living standards for very affordable prices. As said before when staying in the city center of one of the big cities in Colombia it does not matter so much which prepaid sim card you buy.

Personally, I mostly go with the provider that has the strongest 4G/5G network and therefore I bought a Claro prepaid sim card. However, even if I would have wanted to buy a Movistar or Tigo prepaid sim card it wasn’t possible as only Claro was still open at the time I was in the city center.

After I did my research at Bogota Airport I decided not to buy a prepaid sim card at Bogota Airport but patiently waited until I got to the city center. The prices for prepaid sim cards in Bogota city center are cheaper than at El Dorado International Airport.

I had no issues using Claro 4G in Bogota city center and at the airport! Since I had 12 GB data for just 2 days I also used my Claro prepaid sim card as a hotspot for my Macbook and it worked perfectly fine.

In 2023 I traveled to Colombia again and this time I went on a road trip in Antioquia. I flew into Medellin and could not find a proper prepaid sim card for Colombia at Medellin Airport. Therefore I was extra happy with my Airalo e-sim card for Colombia with 1 GB data for $8 USD .

The next day in the city center of Medellin I got myself a Claro prepaid sim card and traveled all around the state of Antioquia. I had no problem whatsoever to stay connected. Data speed could have been a bit better away from the city, but it is what it is.

Here is my YouTube video about my experiences buying a prepaid sim card in Colombia.

As you can guess I love traveling in Colombia and that said in October 2024 I will be back again hosting another Traveltomtom Group Trip . So if you want to travel with me to Colombia this is your chance…

If you are interested what it looks like traveling to every country in the world then check out my Instagram profile @traveltomtom for some serious wanderlust. As of June 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries around the world.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Colombia!

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How to buy a sim card when travelling in South America

by Jean | Dec 8, 2017 | South America , Travel | 19 comments

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For many intrepid travellers staying in contact with the outside world is a hidden pleasure. No one really wants to admit how dependent we are on our mobile phones and that wonderful thing called the internet and it’s friend social media. Who doesn’t want to share a million photos of the amazing adventure that you are having? If you don’t Instagram that beach sunset did it even happen?

Despite us living in such a wonderful advanced world when it comes to our mobile phones and data connection contracts for roaming we really are stuck in the dark ages. Too many companies charge crazy high fees. For instance, our service provider charges up to $5 a minute per phone call and a minimum of $3 per MB. Crazy huh? So to avoid our phone bill bankrupting us we like to purchase local sim cards along the way. Now usually this is really easy. Just like that time in Lima . However, on our recent adventures traveling down the west coast of South America we discovered that not all countries are so simple.

How to buy a prepaid sim card when traveling in South America?

Before we start there is a grand assumption that you have an unlocked phone. One that is not restricted by your service provider. Thankfully these days it’s becoming less and less common to have a phone locked to a single network. If you’re unsure you’ll need to contact your service provider before leaving home .

The first thing you need to have on you is cash and your passport. The majority of countries we are going to discuss, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Uruguay will have options for a free sim card and a paid sim card. On average if you have to pay for a sim card the cost is around 5-20 pesos. Which works on to be around $1 at most.

Some countries and companies will want you to register the sim card and to do so you will need your passport.

One of the more pleasant and simpler things in Argentina was buying a sim card. We had a Tuenti and a Claro sim card. Tuenti is a new company that was launched in Salta when we were there. Sadly there was no where outside of Salta to buy credit for our Tuenti card. The Claro card we bought from a kiosk but had to go into a Claro store with our passport to have it activated.

• Passport needed if buying from a store
• Cost 40 peso

If you’re considering using Airbnb in Argentina use this link and get yourself a $55 AU credit for your first booking.

Don’t forget these really useful items. Depending on where you are in South America, with your phone and sim card it getting power can be a hassle. In Puerto Natales for example it wasn’t unusual for the lights to go off at night. And if you’re like us and hiking the W Trek , then you’ll need to BYO power supply.

Check out the latest prices for device support on Amazon;

We bought Entel simcards in La Paz . It was as easy as walking into a kiosk style store and asking for a prepaid sim card. The staff will put the sim card in a store phone and activate the card for you. All in all this took around 10 minutes, including additional credit. Don’t be surprised at the lack of internet speed in Bolivia. It’s just not great but is enough to Insta your coffee and cake experience.

• No passport needed.
• Cost 40 Bob approx $6 USD
• 10 minutes set up time

Ok so Chile used to be super easy to buy a sim card. Now it is not. I repeat – it is not. Since September 2017 the Chilean government decided that all foreign phones must be registered in Chile. Sounds simple right? Ah not at all. To get your phone registered you need to go to an authorized store. Which at the time of writing there are 12 but only in Santiago . You also need to have a Chilean phone number. But you can’t get that until your phone is registered. It’s a bit of a chicken before the egg scenario. Which we couldn’t figure our way around.

We did buy a WOM sim card from a kiosk. It worked on and off for a few days. Most of the time our phones were blocked. Unless you are going to be in Chile for months on end I wouldn’t suggest bother trying to get a sim card and your phone registered. The process is still new and the options are very limited. In fact I would suggest that you are better off buying a cheap phone in Chile and using that as a wifi hotspot.

Now by far the easiest country to buy a sim card in was Peru. We arrived in Lima from Australia (via New Zealand and Buenos Aires) so it made sense to get ourselves connected in Peru. We opted for a Claro sim card. For less than $20 we got two sim cards complete with data. To help you more here’s our complete guide on how to buy a sim card in Lima .

By far my favorite country in South America. Uruguay had some of the best wifi on offer, so in all honesty you probably don’t need to worry too much about getting a sim card here. However, if you do need a sim card it is relatively easy. Claro operates in Uruguay and many hostels have free sim cards available. You will need to have some pretty amazing Spanish skills as you need to call a number to activate the service. The easiest way to do this is to ask for assistance from your hostel staff.

If you aren’t staying in a hostel then you can go into a store, complete with passport and get an activated sim card.

Take a look at these affordable hotels in Uruguay!

How to recharge your prepaid service

No matter where you are in South America the recharge process is the same. On the streets, there are plenty of kiosks that sell newspapers and magazines. This is where you need to go. You will need cash and your phone number. All you need to do is ask for a recharge, the amount you want to pay and the company. The staff member will ask for your phone number and do the rest. Depending on who you go to you might receive a voucher that you need to text. Most of the time though this is done for you and you’ll receive a text from your service provider advising that you have recharged your account.

Wondering how to best get local currency, use US dollars and save money on international fees? Take a look at TransferWise. It’s by far the best system I’ve found for travelling to date.

Do the sim cards work across countries?

Ah yes and no. More no than yes. You’ll soon notice that the same companies are operating in different countries. Which would make it wonderful if you could just buy one sim card and use it along your adventures. Sadly it doesn’t quite work that way. Each company has a different branch in each country. These services don’t talk to one another.

If you don’t want the hassle of buying and swapping local sim cards you could consider using a SkyRoam , a wifi hotspot device. Use my audience discount code : HONEYBIRDTRAVEL and you’ll get 10% off your first purchase.

Just remember that it is South America. Things don’t always work how we expect them to and a lot of the time you might not be in an area that has mobile phone service. It’s all apart of the adventure.

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19 Comments

How much was it roughly to recharge each SIM card and how much GB of data were you buying each time? Lots of prepaid options for SIM cards but they’re charging £40-50 for as little as 5GB, which I expect would go quite quickly. How much data did you roughly go through before needing to recharge?

I need to keep the same number for the whole trip thru South America. Will I be able to do that buying local SIM cards?

Sadly not. If you need to keep your own number you might be best talking to your own service provider

Very useful information on buying sim cards in different countries across South America. Chielean seems the most complicated of all…as you mention, its a chicken-and-egg situation.

Very useful post, thank you! I always opt to buy SIM cards when I travel (I have a junky travel phone that is unlocked that I bring with me on all trips). I feel like it’s a huge convenience measure… and a safety measure as well! Bummer that cards don’t necessary work in other countries, but it’s also to be expected. Anyway, thanks for sharing!

So do you have to buy a new SIM in each country in South and Central America? I am going travelling for three months but will only stay in places for 1-2 weeks – does that mean I need to get a new SIM card each time I get into a new country?

Yes you do. Even if you buy a sim card from a company that has stores in a different country they won’t work! In all seriousness it’s so cheap I wouldn’t worry about the money.

This is a life saving post!!! You don’t know how much I struggle with my sim card and network!!! Very interesting post thanks a lot for sharing

Oh this is super useful! Although I have an amazing network in Australia where all I have to do is turn on my mobile data and I get charged $5 each day and it uses my contracted data. So I don’t need ot buy a sim, change phone numbers or buy more data. It doens’t cover all countries but most of them are on the list. So handy!

This is an incredibly informative post. I normally don’t use SIM cards when I travel as most of my travels have been short term and I rely on wifi to connect But it’s great information Thanks for sharing

Entel Peru has a special tourist SIM card but it’s quite expensive (US$ 20). For Peru, I’d recommend Claro (Av. José Larco in Miraflores/Lima, close to Calle Schell). As a resident, I have a “cobertura sin fronteras” plan which works in almost all Latin American countries (but you get less minutes and megas abroad). However, it’s post-pago and probably not available for tourist. Bitel is quite new in Peru and currently the best option for data.

Hey, you mentioned that you also did this in Peru, what were the details on that one? I am planning on heading there soon!

Take a look at the post How to buy a sim card in Lima.

Anybody with info on Peru?

Hi Jean! thank you so much for the info. My cell phone provider is charging us about $65 dollars/month during our 8month trip through mexico, central, and south america for our regular plan and phone we use in the US. they will only charge us $5/day on the days we use any call/txt/data. Do you think this is worth it to keep? or should we scrap this plan and use sim cards in every country?(in other words, just about how inexpensive is it to use sim cards?)

It’s so cheap! I’d be ditching your plan for now and going local where you can.

Do the minutes/Mb expire? If I enter a country for say 2 months, and load up a bunch of time (assume more than I’ll use) will it be valid for that entire time? Also, do you get a new phone number with each new SIM card or can you continue using the same number (like your original cell phone number)? Thanks!!

Yes it the minutes do expire. But it’s so seriously cheap to recharge. I only ever used the data. Didn’t need to make any calls. As I was buying a new service with the sim card I got a new number each time. But with apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, it was easy for people to still contact me. Hope that helps xx

Wow, what a useful guide! definitely bookmarking this for my trip next year!

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Best prepaid SIM Card for South America: prices and where to buy?

If you want to travel to more than one country in South America, we tell you how to find the best Latin America Multi-country SIM card without paying additional fees, Pocket wifi rental fees , and without the risk of losing personal information by connecting to free wifi. Also, remember that your operator’s roaming is not a solution because of its very high prices.

We also want to introduce you to the virtual SIM card for South America . With these cards, as long as you have a compatible phone, you will be able to connect to high-speed internet in the region at a low cost and easy access.

Stay with us to find out where to buy them, how to use them, and see what options you have to stay connected abroad. With a physical SIM card or a virtual SIM card , your experience will be much more convenient.

Where to buy a SIM card for South America?

It’s time for adventure! There is no doubt that South America has an immense variety of environments to discover. The good news is that there are also a lot of alternatives to buying a SIM card for South America . However, the easiest and most economical way to buy a SIM card for South America is through online stores that offer physical and virtual SIM card solutions for your trip.

However, you can also buy these chips through physical stores of operators throughout the region , although keep in mind that you may encounter obstacles as a tourist. This often depends on the destination and local restrictions, so we invite you to look for information about the country you are visiting. However, in case you want to save yourself some work , using an online store and buying an eSIM for South America will not have these restrictions; it will be much easier!

(You may be interested in Best eSIM for North America )

Easy to buy

We all want to enjoy our travels, and for many, staying connected to the internet is important while visiting new places. What no one wants to gain from this is a hassle, so it is in our interest to stay connected in an easy way . This is what today’s online stores provide to their customers . An easy way to buy and save money is by having a physical SIM card or an embedded SIM card for South America. You don’t have to sign contracts or subscriptions , you pay only once, and you are connected.

However, for those who do not want to use remote solutions before their trip, they can also figure out how to communicate locally. Operators in the region, such as Claro, Movistar, or Tigo , offer alternatives for visitors. These tourist SIM cards can be found at points of sale throughout South America. Be aware that many times you will be asked to provide personal information and perform SIM registrations. This can take a little more time, and you must do it once you are there, so if you don’t know your destination, it is easy to get lost looking for a store .

Buy before you travel.

Surely you must already be thinking about the best option to have a SIM card for South America because, for most travelers, the best thing to do is buy it before traveling . Thanks to online stores with international shipping, it is possible to find prepaid SIM cards for South America on the Internet, pay for them and receive them at home after a few days . You will have the advantage of being connected to the internet from the first moment you arrive at your destination.

An even more efficient way to do this is to buy an embedded SIM card (eSIM) for South America, which is digital and has more advantages. You will be able to receive it immediately without waiting for a shipment. The eSIM will arrive at your email through a QR code to scan and install on your phone. Whenever you have a phone with this technology available, we assure you that it is the best option, the fastest, and often the most economical .

Buy upon arrival

We talked a bit about the complications of buying a SIM card for South America locally, but it is still an option. You may be able to find local carrier stores at international airports , although this depends a lot on your destination. In case you have no options at the airport , your first adventure in South America will be to find a physical store in the city . 

Besides the logistical inconveniences, you also have to think that it may be difficult to make a face-to-face purchase if you do not speak the local language . With all this in mind, if you are determined to take the challenge, you will be able to find tourist SIM cards and, in some cases, see very competitive offers with interesting data packages.

(You may be interested in Best eSIM for the Caribbean )

Claro, Movistar, and Tigo  Stores in South America.

If we have to talk about the operators with the largest reach throughout South America , we should definitely mention Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. Besides being the oldest, these three operators are also the ones with the most branches in the region. Movistar has a presence in seven countries. Claro has service in seven South American countries. Finally, Tigo has coverage in eight countries, including three in South America.

As you can see, these three operators cover all of South America , so if you want to buy a tourist SIM card locally, it is best to ask which one works in the country you arrive in . After that, you need to go to the affiliated store, make the purchase and go through the registration process to be able to connect to the internet.

How much does a SIM card cost to travel to South America?

It is a bit difficult to tell you exactly how much a prepaid SIM card for South America will cost locally because this will depend on the operator you choose and the country where you buy it . With this in mind, you can find options ranging from $5 for basic plans to $30 or more for more complete solutions . All the work it takes to buy a SIM card locally can be compensated a bit in price, although it can vary. If you want an easier solution with no price surprises , we invite you to learn more about the virtual SIM cards for South America that Holafly has for you . Below we will tell you more about them.

eSIM card for South America, the new alternative

No matter if you are already in the region or if you are planning your visit soon, with the new eSIM card for South America , you can buy them at any time. Holafly and its online store have the solution for your communication in the region and other destinations around the world at your fingertips. Just choose your destination with the plan you want, pay, and receive it . The eSIM is activated through a QR code that will arrive in your email; the process takes only minutes.

It is the best option, but before you buy an embedded SIM card, there are a few things you should know.

• It is necessary to have a compatible phone to use them. Therefore we invite you to review this list of compatible devices and see if yours is.
• The eSIM card will be sent to your email, so you must have a valid email address where you can access it.  
• The entire purchase and installation process uses the Internet . You must have a connection to purchase the eSIM, so we recommend you do it before traveling.

Holafly online store

Not many online stores offer regional solutions for many destinations as Holafly does. In their online store, you find eSIM for Europe, Asia, North America, South America, the Caribbean, and more . Whatever your travel plans, Holafly has a solution for you. 

In addition to having excellent worldwide coverage , Holafly’s virtual SIM cards allow you to keep your WhatsApp number local. This way, it will be easy for your friends and family to communicate with you abroad. You can also count on Holafly’s 24/7 customer service with multi-language support options. 

Holafly sends you your embedded SIM card to your email immediately after your purchase, along with a very simple installation guide . The process is extremely easy and quick to do for all types of users. Thanks to the store’s top-up system , you can also extend your data package whenever you need it. This way, if you use up your data or if you need more days of your plan, you can buy it again. You don’t have to install a new eSIM . The package will be activated on the one you already have on your phone.

Disadvantages of Holafly’s eSIM card

With all the positive outlook of Holafly’s virtual SIM cards, they almost don’t seem real, but they are, and they bring with them some downsides as well. With these eSIMs, you will not have a local South American number. So you will not be able to make analog calls or send SMS. You will have to use instant messaging apps.

How can I shop at Holafly? 

The purchase has a few steps to follow. The first step is to visit the store and select the destination or region you are going to visit. There you will find all the available plans to choose from. After that, you are ready to pay through credit and debit cards, Paypal, or any other method. Finally, you will receive your eSIM in the email you used for the purchase, ready to install it and use it on your trip!

How much does the eSIM for South America cost?

Compared to other alternatives such as international roaming and pocket wifi, eSIMs have very competitive costs. Below is Holafly’s option and cost for eSIM for South America.

Frequently asked questions SIM card for Latin America

You can choose to buy a virtual SIM card, use roaming, portable Wifi or search for places with free Wifi while traveling in South America.

Many of the South American operators charge between 6 to 15 dollars per MB consumed outside Europe, so it all depends on how you use your mobile data in South America.

You should look for the SIM card that best suits the number of days you will be staying and how much data it provides. Also, make sure the final price includes shipping costs and other expenses.

The easiest way is to do it with online providers or upon arrival at your destination at the airport and in operator stores. You can also purchase a Holafly virtual SIM card for South America with which you will have access to data and internet in the region.

The price depends on the data plan, days, and validity of the SIM card you buy. For example, Holafly has a virtual SIM card for Latin America Multi-country from $44 with coverage throughout the area.

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1 thought on “Best prepaid SIM Card for South America: prices and where to buy?”

Nice and comprehensive post about options for SIM cards in South America. I plane to go there as soon as COVID-19 is not that much of a problem and this information will come in handy.

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What's The Best eSIM for South America? We've Ranked the Top Providers in 2024

Jan Watermann

As a digital nomad, Jan is an expert in cross-border money transfers and internationalization. At Monito, he shares his knowledge by writing content geared primarily towards a German-speaking audience.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Whether you're making the trek up to Machu Picchu or soaking in the sun on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, visiting South America is almost always an exciting and memorable experience. If you're planning to visit the region soon, it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to call, SMS, or access the web on the go with your smartphone as you normally would at home, and if you do, it can result in hefty additional charges.

However, none of this means you should leave your smartphone at home. If you have a current model (i.e., a model from 2019 or later), there's a good chance it'll support an eSIM. These nifty digital SIM cards can be downloaded and installed before you travel, promising flexible internet in South America at a comparatively very low cost. In this guide, we explore everything you have to know about eSIMs in South America and what the best deals might be for you.

Dodge sky-high roaming costs, unexpected data charges, or spotty service on your trip to South America by using an eSIM from Airalo to connect directly to local network providers like VIVA in Bolivia and Movistar in Nicaragua.

What's The Best eSIM for South America?

• 01. Why using an eSIM is a great idea for South America scroll down
• 02. What are the pros and cons of using an eSIM? scroll down
• 03. What's the best eSIM for South America? scroll down
• 04. How to call from South America scroll down
• 05. Recapping the best eSIMs for South America scroll down
• 06. FAQ about the best eSIM for South America scroll down

Do I Need a SIM Card in South America?

No, you don't need a SIM card as a tourist in South America, but having one will enable you to make phone calls and SMSes and not to rely solely on public or hotel WiFi to access the web.

A good place to start would be to review your contract from your mobile network provider before you travel to South America. Most contracts are limited to use just within your home country (or within the European Union if you live in an EU country). For all other countries, so-called 'roaming charges' typically apply. However, there is one exception: specific contracts sometimes allow you to use your own data worldwide. If you have a global internet contract, you can also use it in South America without unexpected roaming charges.

Otherwise, although precise roaming charges differ according to your network provider, the fees for using mobile internet in South America are typically around $2 or $3 per 6MB (six megabytes) of data used, though they could be higher still. For example, if you wanted to download an average-sized app from the Google Play Store onto your Android smartphone, you'd use around 24MB and pay $8 to $10 in roaming charges. It should, therefore, be clear that roaming with your regular SIM card in South America is generally not worthwhile and can lead to enormous costs. As we'll see in a moment, it's significantly cheaper to purchase a local South American SIM card once you arrive or, better yet, an eSIM before you travel.

💳 Planning to use your credit or debit card on your South American trip? You'll probably pay much more than you think in hidden exchange rate fees every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Get a free global account and debit card with Revolut to avoid these fees and save money. Check out our ranking of the best prepaid travel debit cards to find out more about how you can save.

What Are eSIMs?

Simply put, eSIMs are regular SIM cards that don't require inserting an actual microchip into your device while providing the same benefits. Newer smartphones (but also smartwatches, tablets, and other devices) can be equipped with eSIMs, and since you don't need an actual SIM card to install an eSIM, you can also get one before your trip to South America. To do this, all you have to do is visit an online eSIM service, purchase the eSIM you want, and follow the instructions to download and install it onto your device.

Like regular SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs come bundled with a certain fixed amount of data, SMSes, or telephone minutes, which you can use at your leisure while travelling. You get to choose the package you want, and you can generally also extend your eSIM's validity easily right from an app.

Pros of Using an eSIM

In general, eSIMs have numerous advantages and are often a better alternative to using a regular SIM card for most tourists. In our opinion, the most significant advantages include:

• internet immediately upon arrival in South America,
• no negotiating with SIM card sellers at the airport,
• transparent and fair pricing,
• online extension is often possible,
• credit card payment is possible,
• local telecom provider networks are used.

In our opinion, there are only a few reasons against using an eSIM when travelling to South America (which we'll discuss below), and in most instances, we're sure that it's a far better deal than using your normal SIM card from your home country on South American networks.

Cons of Using an eSIM

As we've already seen, eSIMs have very few drawbacks and are an excellent option for accessing mobile internet on your South American vacation.

However, one disadvantage is the slightly higher upfront cost than physical SIM cards. That said, eSIMs are still comparatively cheap, especially for use in South America from abroad. In our opinion, the significantly higher level of comfort and the possibility of having access to the internet immediately upon arrival are worth the extra pennies. Another disadvantage is related to installation, where the process may be unfamiliar to you if you've never installed an eSIM before. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be fine.

Finally, there's the issue of compatibility: not all devices support eSIMs . If your device was released before late 2019, we recommend double-checking on the internet or contacting a representative from an eSIM service to confirm whether your device is compatible before you purchase an eSIM. In general, the following devices will support eSIMs though:

• iPhone 11 or later
• iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE
• iPad 7th generation or later ,
• Galaxy S20 or later
• Google Pixel 3 or later
• and many other newer devices.

What's The Best eSIM For South America?

When choosing an eSIM, you basically have two options: you can go through an online service or purchase it directly from your telecom provider. We recommend the first option since, with reputable services, you can always be sure you'll get good support, excellent rates, and quality instructions.

According to our review and comparison of the best options on the market, here are the three best eSIM providers for South America and countries in other regions worldwide:

Airalo  is an excellent eSIM provider for South America . Its online platform offers global access to eSIMs through collaboration with big local telecom providers. In South America, for example, Airalo offers a bespoke regional package, Latamlink, which works directly with local providers like VIVA in Bolivia and Movistar in Nicaragua to provide you with high-speed coverage directly from their networks, wherever you are in the country.

Latamlink is available in 19 countries in South America, namely Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Once-off prices for eSIMs for South America range from $4.50 to $33 and include between 1GB and 20GB of data. Most travellers should be able to get by with these amounts without any problems.

We recommend Airalo in general, especially if you travel often. The service provides an excellent connectivity companion while you're abroad.

Take a look at our full Airalo review to learn more about their pros and cons.

Considering Airalo? Take advantage of the following special offers until the 31st of December 2024:

• New customer? Use the code   MONITO15   to claim a 15% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.  Ts & Cs  apply.
• Returning customer? Use the code  MONITO10  to claim a 10% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.

Go to Airalo now to get started! ✨

Holafly  is another trusted eSIM service which also offers eSIMs for South America. The special thing about Holafly is that it only offers packages with unlimited data volume for South America and countries in other regions worldwide. Although these packages cost quite a bit more than the smaller Airalo packages, in return, they offer the certainty that you'll never use up your data.

Holafly's packages cost between $19 and $99 and are valid from five to 90 days, and like Airalo, Holafly also works with local networks in South America.

Although it's a great package if you want uncapped access to the web, it's worth remembering that most travellers don't normally need such a large sum of data. Therefore, for most vacationers, we think Airalo's cheaper packages will easily be sufficient.

To learn more about this excellent eSIM provider, read our Holafly review .

Considering Holafly? Use the code  MONITO  at checkout to claim a 5% discount on all Holafly eSIMs. Go to Holafly now to get started! ✨

Yesim  is a Swiss-based eSIM service offering highly-rated eSIMs for all world regions, including South America. Their packages cost between $8 and $28 for 3GB to 20GB, but only the 10GB and 20GB data plans last for a longer period of 30 days. In our opinion, this makes Yesim's offers slightly less attractive than Airalo's.

Can I Call From South America With an eSIM?

Yes, you can call abroad from South America with an eSIM , but once again, using your regular network provider and SIM card could result in surprisingly high calling charges at the end of the month (we've personally encountered as high as $4 per minute!). Fortunately, you can call abroad without the high costs, and there are three ways of doing this. We go through each below:

1. Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) With Data

In most cases, eSIM packages are loaded with mobile data, not with minutes or airtime. However, by using your data, you can use web-based apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Skype, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and others to stay in touch with family and friends abroad while you're in South America.

2. eSIMs With Airtime

Some eSIM services offer talk and text packages alongside normal data packages. These allow you to make direct phone calls or SMSes via local networks in South America to your home country for only a slightly higher fee than regular data packages. Not all eSIM services offer this service though, but some, like Wraptel , do.

3. International Calling Apps

Another option is to use a third-party app to make international calls from South America at excellent rates. In our opinion, Rebtel is by far the best service out there, offering low rates and providing you with local South American phone numbers with which you can make calls abroad as though they were completely domestic.

Recap: All About eSIMs in South America

Are you planning a trip in South America, and do you have a modern smartphone? Then, you should certainly at least consider getting an eSIM. In our opinion, they offer almost nothing but advantages, and they're generally far superior to using your regular SIM card.

To find the right provider for eSIMs in South America, you should compare the available options. As we've seen, we recommend looking primarily at the network provider and the price. Depending on how long you want to stay in South America, Airalo, Holafly or possibly Yesim are the best choices. To recap, here are what each can offer you:

• Airalo : Best eSIM for South America overall,
• Holafly : Best eSIM for unlimited data in South America,
• Yesim : Good alternative to Airalo.
• Wraptel : Best eSIM for airtime and SMSes.
• Rebtel : Best calling service for international calls.

FAQ About The Best eSIM For South America

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in South America. That's because commercial eSIM technology adheres to international security and encryption standards to store and securely access your mobile network information.

Generally, yes, but it depends on your individual needs. While eSIMs offer the advantage of remotely purchasing a SIM before you travel, making them convenient for frequent travellers, physical SIMs might still be preferable for you if you have an older smartphone model, for example.

No, eSIMs generally aren't free, with the cost in South America varying based on mobile service providers and their pricing plans. However, you can generally expect to pay upwards of $4.50 to purchase an eSIM with a minimal data package for South America.

Yes, you can use an eSIM on a locked phone, provided your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.

Yes, an eSIM can generally be used for calling from South America, especially when paired with voice-over-IP services that connect to the internet, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Messenger. If you'd like to call or SMS, consider finding an eSIM deal that includes airtime or minutes or use a service like Rebtel , which, for a tiny fee, provides you with a local number in place of your overseas contact's foreign number, making calling abroad significantly cheaper.

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South America Travel

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Ditch the plastic sim card, try an esim.

eSIMs are digital SIM cards delivered to your phone instantly.

South America eSIM

• Up to 5GB Data
• 14 Countries
• Keep your home number

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card alternative.

Instead of a physical chip, it's built directly into your smartphone or device. It simplifies the process of switching carriers and plans.

Hassle Free Travel

No more switching SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming fees.

Say goodbye to pricey roaming fees and hello to cost-effective eSIM plans.

Global Coverage

Stay connected in over 190 countries without the hassle of switching SIMs.

How do eSIMs work?

1. check compatibility.

You can find the list of eSIM compatible phones

2. Buy your eSIM

Choose an eSIM plan that fits your travel needs and get it delivered instantly via email!

3. Scan & Activate

Scan the QR code in your email and turn on Data Roaming to activate your eSIM. Start using it right away!

Is my device eSIM compatible?

• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Mini, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
• iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
• Apple watch SE
• Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
• iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
• iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
• iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
• iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
• IPad 10th generation (2022)

*On iPhone 13, 14 & 15 models, you can have two eSIMs activated at the same time. *iPhones from mainland China and iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) don’t have eSIM capability. *iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are not compatible with physical SIM cards in the USA.

• Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20+ 5g
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21+ Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S22+, S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G 
• Samsung Galaxy Fold, Z Fold2 5G, Z Fold3 5G, Z Fold4, Z Fold5 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip3 5G, Z Flip4, Z Flip5 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

*The following Samsung devices are not compatible with eSIM:

• Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G/5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 4G/5G
• Samsung S20/S21 (US versions)
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (China/Hong Kong version)
• Galaxy Z Flip 5G (US versions)
• Samsung Note 20 Ultra (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)
• Certain models purchased in South Korea: (reach out to our team!)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)
• Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), 2 XL
• Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don’t work with eSIM), XL
• Pixel 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service), 3a XL
• Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
• Pixel 5, 5a
• Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
• Pixel 7, 7 Pro
• Pixel 8, 8 Pro

*Google Pixel 3 devices from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan are not compatible with eSIM. *Google Pixel 3a from South East Asia is not compatible with eSIM.

• Huawei P40, P40 Pro (The Huawei P40 Pro+ and P50 Pro are not compatible with eSIM)
• Huawei Mate 40 pro
• Motorola Razr (2019), Razr 5G, Razr 40, Razr 40 Ultra, Razr+
• Motorola Edge+, Edge 40, Edge 40 Pro, Edge 40 Neo
• Motorola G52J 5G, G52J 5G Ⅱ, G53J 5G
• Microsoft Surface Duo
• Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13, 13 Lite, 13 Pro, 13T Pro
• Oppo Find X3 Pro, Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, A55s 5G
• Nuu Mobile X5
• Sharp AQUOS sense4 lite, sense6s, sense 7, sense 7+, AQUOS Wis, Wish 2 SHG08, Wish3, AQUOS zero 6, Simple Sumaho6, AQUOS R7, AQUOS R8, AQUOS R8 Pro
• Rakuten Mini, Big-S, Big, Hand, Hand 5G
• Honor Magic 4 Pro, Magic 5 Pro, Honor 90, Honor X8
• Sony Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV, Xperia 10V, Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 1 V, Xperia Ace III, Xperia 5 V
• Gemini PDA, Fairphone 4, DOOGEE V30, Oukitel WP30 Pro
• Oneplus Open, OnePLus 11, Oneplus 12
• HAMMER Blade 3, HAMMER Explorer PRO, HAMMER Blade 5G
• Nokia XR21, X30, G60 5G
• Vivo X90 Pro, Vivo V29 Lite 5G (eSIM Supported only in Europe)

eSIM Compatible Devices

• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2020)
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2022)
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPad Pro (2018 and onwards)
• Watch series 3
• Watch series 4
• Watch series 5
• Watch series 6
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 7 Pro
• P40 Pro (not including the P40 Pro +)
• Mate 40 Pro
• Galaxy Z Flip
• Galaxy Z Flip 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip4
• Galaxy Fold
• Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold4
• Galaxy S21+ 5G
• Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy S22+
• Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy Note 20
• Galaxy S23+
• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
• Planet Computers
• Rakuten Mobile
• Rakuten Mini
• Find X3 Pro
• Find X5 Pro
• Xperia 10 III Lite
• Xperia 10 IV
• Xperia 1 IV
• Xperia 5 IV
• Magic 4 Pro
• Aquos Sense6s

planet computers

rakuten mobile

oneplus Open

Frequently Asked Questions

South america sim card.

Explore the Best of South America

With its rich Latin American culture, stunning natural beauty, and well-preserved historical landmarks, South America is a must-visit destination for many travelers. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury seeker, there is something for everyone in South America. From the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes Mountains, this continent boasts some of the most diverse and fascinating landscapes on earth.

Travelers to South America can immerse themselves in a variety of cultural experiences, including the colorful festivals of Brazil, the traditional markets of Peru, and the delicious cuisine of Argentina. Each country has its own unique flavors and dishes, with highlights including ceviche in Peru, empanadas in Argentina, and the famous fried plantains found throughout the continent.

For those seeking adventure, South America offers endless possibilities. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, swim with pink dolphins in the Amazon River, marvel at the world's tallest waterfall in Venezuela, or surf the famous barrels in Chile. And if you're looking for a truly unforgettable road trip, consider Uruguay's Route 10, which winds its way along the epic coastline of this beautiful country.

Stay Connected with Our South America Prepaid Travel SIM

Staying connected while traveling in South America has never been easier, thanks to our affordable, high-speed prepaid travel SIM cards. With hassle-free activation and a 100% money-back guarantee, you can be sure that you'll be connected as soon as you land, without any waiting in long lines or searching for a SIM card on the streets.

Our South America SIM card works across the continent, providing you with 12GB of data for 30 days. And if you're planning to travel to other parts of the world as well, our Tourist SIM card covers 120 countries, so you can stay connected no matter where your adventures take you.

With responsive customer support and no roaming charges to worry about, you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy all the wonders that South America has to offer. Order your prepaid travel SIM today and start planning your next great adventure.

Where Can You Use Our South America Travel SIM?

Our South America travel SIM card works across the entire continent, from Brazil to Argentina and everywhere in between. Whether you're exploring the stunning natural beauty of Patagonia, dancing the night away at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, or discovering the ancient ruins of the Inca Empire, our travel SIM card will keep you connected and online. So order yours today and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

We also recommend visiting Travel Advisories before you take off on your journey.

The best SIM card for NZ

You have booked your trip to NZ and now you're thinking... What's the best NZ SIM card for my trip?

Well you're in the right place 👍

Here, you can find the best value NZ SIM cards that are super easy to use so when you land you will connect instantly and avoid the chaos of buying a SIM at the airport.

Keep reading or watch our video with all the available options so you can make the right choice.

All your options, compared.

Best bang for your buck: The 10GB New Zealand SIM

Other Aussie travellers like you rated the 10GB option the best with over 800+ 5 star Reviews.

Below are our options compared with Vodafone and Spark mobile, the major providers in New Zealand.

Small Plans

For the budget traveller looking to save money.

• Best suited for minimal data users
• Research restaurants, places and sites on the go
• Use google maps for your travels

• 200 mins & texts in NZ
• 100 mins & texts to Aus
• 30 day validity

• 300 mins to NZ & Aus
• Unlimited texts to NZ & Aus

For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here.

Medium Plans

The 'all rounder'. There's a reason that Aussie travellers love this one.

Get this one if you:

• Want best bang for your buck
• Need access to a lot of apps including maps, social media etc.
• Unlimited mins & texts in NZ
• 200 mins & texts to Aus
• 60 day validity
• Unlimited calls to NZ & Aus
• 300 mins & texts to Aus

For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here .

Large Plans

For the traveller who needs heavy internet usage on the go for 1 or multiple devices.

• Don't worry about running out of data
• Can hotspot to multiple devices
• Great for videos, maps, social media and big downloads
• Unlimited calls & texts in NZ

Bottom Line

You are looking for the right SIM for your needs and want to make the right choice so you can travel around New Zealand easily.

By choosing one of the SIM cards through SimsDirect you are avoiding the hassle when you land and getting the best value SIM cards for Aussie travellers.

Plus you get free delivery and 100% money back guarantee with every purchase.

You can't go wrong with the SimsDirect 10GB SIM that comes with unlimited calls & texts to NZ and Australian numbers.

Shipping and Delivery

Delivery times vary depending on your location, please refer to the shipping options below:

Shipping Method:

First Class Mail (3-5 business days) - Free Priority Mail (2-4 business days) - $8.99

All orders are shipped from our Baltimore office.

Same-day dispatch is available on orders placed before 4pm EDT Monday - Friday. Any orders placed after 3 pm will be dispatched the next day.

Once we've shipped your order, you will receive a tracking number via email. Click the View Order button in your confirmation email to monitor the status of your delivery.

If you're leaving soon and your order hasn't arrived, please contact us so we can arrange to have it delivered to you with free express shipping. It is important to us that we ensure your SIM card(s) arrive well before you take off.

Product Information

Yes! We offer 3 different sizes for each SIM card - Standard, Micro, and Nano. All you need to do is make sure that you pop out the correct size that is compatible with your device.

The SIM will only activate once you have inserted it into your device, which, in most cases, is when you have arrived at your destination.

You can find more specific activation steps here .

Zero. We're here to help you save money whilst abroad. With our SIM cards, you'll get all the data and outgoing calls that you pay for without any added surcharges or hidden costs. For as little as $2 a day, we offer the cheapest way of staying online while you're travelling.

If you purchased your device outright then it is most likely unlocked. Devices purchased alongside a contract are usually locked. If you are unsure, contact your service provider, they may even be able to unlock it for you (usually incurring a fee).

You’ll be able to track your data usage directly from your device, please click here for an in-depth guide on how to do so.

Traveling the Globe?

Check out the explorer collection, recently viewed, why we need activation dates.

• We need these dates to activate your SIM card so you can use them when you’re ready to travel.
• If you don’t give us an activation date, your SIM card will not work when you plug them into your phone.

Not sure on your dates yet?

• You can add in an estimated date for your SIM. Your SIM’s data & validity won’t start until you plug it into your device.
• Once you know your exact dates, please let us know via our live chat or at [email protected] so we can activate it for you at the right time. 

What if you need to change the dates?

• You can reach out to us via our live chat or at [email protected] with your SIM number so we can change it for you.