Mexico City
SIM providers, plans, and activation tips.
You'll find that getting a local SIM card is essential for staying connected in Mexico City. Most newcomers opt for Telcel, which offers the best coverage across the city and the country, with plans starting at 200 MXN/month for 30GB of data. Watch out for unofficial SIM deals at the airport, as they can be scams. Instead, buy your SIM card at a convenience store like OXXO, where you can also top up your account easily. For heavy streamers, AT&T Mexico's unlimited data plan at 350 MXN/month is a good alternative. Today, head to an OXXO store in Roma Norte or Polanco to purchase a Telcel SIM card and get started with a reliable mobile data plan.
Ranked by contributor trust level and quality score.
Polanco · Experience date Apr 3, 2026
Switched to AT&T Mexico for unlimited data at 350 MXN/month. Slower than Telcel in some areas but no throttling. Good for Netflix and video calls. Buy at any AT&T store or Liverpool department store.
Roma Norte · Experience date Nov 27, 2025
On Telcel 30GB plan for 200 MXN/month. Best coverage in Mexico City and across the country. Buy at any OXXO with just your passport. Recharge at OXXO, 7-Eleven, or via the Mi Telcel app.
Insurgentes · Experience date Jan 1, 2026
International calling from Mexico: WhatsApp and Telegram calls (free over data/WiFi) are widely used. If you need traditional phone calls internationally: AT&T Mexico plans include US/Canada calling. Skype credits: work from Mexico for traditional landline/mobile calls at low rates. Google Voice: useful if you need to maintain a US number while in Mexico. VOIP alternatives: Rebtel, Vonage. From a Mexican SIM to a foreign landline: expensive without an international plan ($5–15 MXN/minute on standard rates). For expats working remotely: set up Google Meet, Zoom, or Teams for company calls — don't rely on native phone calls. Mexican area code (CDMX): 55 for landlines, mobile numbers start with 55 or 56.
Insurgentes · Experience date Mar 7, 2026
Running out of data in Mexico City is easily solved: walk to the nearest OXXO (typically within 2 minutes in any central CDMX neighbourhood). Top up: $100 MXN (about $5 USD) adds a day pass or a few GB depending on your plan. OXXO is open 24/7. The Mi Telcel app also allows top-up from any international Visa/Mastercard — useful if you're somewhere without an OXXO. Emergency data pass (Paquete de emergencia): Telcel lets you activate a small data pack via SMS even when your main plan has expired — text 'AYUDA' to 2727 to see options. AT&T Mexico: similar emergency top-up options via the My AT&T Mexico app. Plan ahead: set low data balance alerts in your carrier app.
Polanco · Experience date Jan 22, 2026
Mexican mobile plans are excellent value globally. AT&T Mexico 15GB unlimited social media: $299 MXN ($15 USD/month). Telcel 10GB + unlimited WhatsApp: $250 MXN ($12.50 USD). Compared to: UK (EE 15GB: £20/month), Canada (Rogers 15GB: $55 CAD/month), US (T-Mobile 15GB: $35 USD/month), Netherlands (KPN 15GB: €20/month). Mexico is among the cheapest mobile markets in the OECD. This affordability extends to home internet: Telmex Infinitum (Telcel's home ISP) offers 100 Mbps fibre for $380 MXN/month ($19 USD) — remarkable value. For digital nomads and remote workers: Mexico City's combination of low mobile costs and widespread coworking spaces makes it a very practical base.
Polanco · Experience date Jan 30, 2026
Movistar (Telefónica group) is Mexico's third operator. Plans: from $199 MXN/month with 5GB data, comparable pricing to AT&T. Coverage: adequate in Mexico City, but noticeably weaker than Telcel in outer colonias and when travelling to other states. Buy at Movistar stores or OXXO. eSIM: not widely available on Movistar Mexico. Best for: budget-conscious expats who stay in CDMX and don't need roaming. Movistar vs Telcel: Telcel's coverage advantage is significant — if in doubt, go Telcel. Movistar's Spanish customer support is reasonably accessible compared to Telcel's sometimes lengthy wait times.
Centro · Experience date Mar 24, 2026
Mexico City Airport (AICM) has unofficial taxi and service touts in the arrivals area — some offer 'cheap SIM deals' that are unofficial repackaged cards with hidden terms. Always buy SIM cards from: official Telcel kiosk (marked with official Telcel branding), AT&T store in the terminal, or wait and buy from OXXO once you're outside the airport perimeter. The legitimate carrier kiosks are clearly marked and staffed. If someone approaches you unsolicited offering a SIM or 'internet package' — decline. The official kiosks offer very reasonable rates and activation is done transparently in front of you. Your first priority leaving the airport: get an official Uber from the designated Uber pickup area (not airport taxis).
Insurgentes · Experience date Dec 14, 2025
AT&T Mexico (formerly Nextel) is the second major operator. Key advantage for expats from the US or Canada: unlimited calls to US and Canada are included in most AT&T Mexico plans. Plans: from $299 MXN/month with 10GB data and unlimited North American calling. Coverage: good in Mexico City and major cities, weaker than Telcel in rural areas. Buy at AT&T stores (Insurgentes, Perisur mall, major commercial centres). Excellent for: expats who call family or colleagues in the US or Canada frequently. eSIM: AT&T Mexico supports eSIM — activate online without visiting a store. If you work remotely with a US-based company and frequently call US numbers, AT&T Mexico is the obvious choice.