Best eSIM For Latin America

Find the Best eSIM for South America and Beyond

Our Top Pick: eSIM4

For travelers exploring South America, eSIM4 is our number one recommendation. It provides extensive coverage across major destinations, competitive prepay pricing, and flexible eSIM plans designed for various trip lengths. Unlike some competitors like Holafly which offers unlimited data but often restricts hotspot usage, eSIM4 provides balanced data packages that support tethering, allowing you to keep all your devices connected.

How To Make Phone Calls with Your eSIM

Most travel eSIMs like eSIM4 provide data-only plans. Here are your options for making calls to stay connected:

Internet-Based Apps

You can use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype over your esim data plans. These work well for calling other app users, though you won’t be able to reach local businesses, landlines, or people who don’t have the same app installed.

Voice-Enabled eSIMs

Some eSIMs offer voice calling with a dedicated local number, though these are less common and typically cost more than data only plans. You will need to manage Dual SIM settings and will receive a foreign number that may be difficult to share with contacts.

Using Yabb with Your eSIM

Yabb (owned by eSIM4) is a calling app designed to work with your eSIM data plan. Simply download the app and you can:

Available on iPhone App Store and Google Play, Yabb integrates with your eSIM4 data to provide calling functionality without needing a voice enabled eSIM or relying on the other party having specific apps installed.

How To Send Text Messages

Sending text messages internationally is easy with eSIM, and if you are using eSIM4, you have the option to use Yabb for SMS messaging as well. Most esim providers offer data only plans, but Yabb provides a dedicated SMS service that works perfectly with your travel eSIM setup.

Yabb SMS Messaging Service

Yabb allows you to send and receive text messages to 200+ countries, making it ideal for staying in touch with family and friends while you are using data from your eSIM in Latin America. Here is what you need to know:

When you are travelling in Latin America with an eSIM4 data plan, having Yabb SMS as a backup ensures you can always reach out to friends, family, or make important reservations via text message.

Why Use an eSIM vs SIM Card?

Using an eSIM in Latin America offers unparalleled convenience. You can avoid the language barrier at local shops when trying to get the esim, skip the queues at the airport, and have your connection ready the moment you land. eSIM packages are diverse and cater to all needs.

It is also more secure than physical sims, which can be lost or damaged. Plus, you can keep your home carrier SIM active for receiving important OTPs while using the digital sim card for affordable data, effectively turning your phone into a Dual SIM device. eSIMs offer a seamless way to access data and internet without the bulk.

Setting Up Your Latin America eSIM

The transition to digital SIM technology has streamlined connectivity for travelers, offering flexibility and eliminating the fear of lost physical cards. Getting started is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes.

First, select a reputable network provider like eSIM4 and purchase data plans that cover your specific destinations or the entire region. Once the transaction is complete, you will typically receive a QR code via email or instructions to activate via an app.

Simply scan this code within your smartphone’s “Mobile Data” or “Cellular” settings to install the profile directly into your smartphone. If you encounter any difficulties during the activation process, support teams are available to guide you through the steps to activate your plan. Don’t forget to turn on your esim and enable data roaming for the new profile upon arrival to ensure immediate access.

Essential Usage Tips & eSIM Plans

To ensure a smooth experience while traveling across the continent, here are three critical factors to keep in mind regarding your eSIM usage. eSIMs generally work seamlessly, but preparation is key.

Check Device Compatibility

Before buying a plan, verify that your smartphone is eSIM capable and carrier unlocked. Most modern devices, including iPhone models from the XR onwards and recent Samsung Galaxy flagship models, support this technology.

Conserve Mobile Data

Even with a generous data allowance or unlimited data plan, it is wise to manage your usage efficiently and know how much data you have left. Consider downloading offline maps (via Google Maps or similar apps) while on Wi-Fi before you head out. You can also disable “Background App Refresh” for non-essential apps to prevent them from draining your data without your knowledge.

Prioritize Wi-Fi for Heavy Tasks

While your eSIM keeps you connected on the go, reserve bandwidth heavy activities for hotel or café Wi-Fi. Streaming high definition video, backing up photos to the cloud, or downloading large files should be done over Wi-Fi to preserve your high speed mobile data for navigation and communication. If you have connection issues, you can usually troubleshoot settings or, in rare cases, request to reinstall or get a refund depending on the provider’s policy. Sometimes you may need to manually select the network if automatic selection fails. Always check if there are any additional charges, though prepaid eSIM’s usually avoid this.

How We Ranked These eSIM Providers

While many reviews rely on simple speed tests that only reflect a single moment in time, our approach is built on rigorous industry analysis. Our team of telecommunications experts audits the technical specifications that average users might miss but definitely feel in real world performance. We look under the hood to see how the connection is delivered, not just if it connects.