Reviewer Written by Peter Moore – eSIM Content Writer

Our Verdict: eSIM4

eSIM4 Logo

eSIM4 stands out as the best eSIM for Bolivia. With an affordable package starting from just $8.98, it offers premium coverage on the Tigo network, one of Bolivia’s leading mobile providers. Whether you need reliable data for high-altitude treks in the Andes or a 30-day prepaid eSIM plan for a longer adventure in La Paz, eSIM4 delivers reliable 4G/LTE mobile data without the hassle of swapping a regular SIM or finding a local SIM vendor.

Why We Chose eSIM4

  • Excellent Value: Plans start at $8.98 for 1GB.
  • Reliable Coverage: Uses the strong Tigo network for consistent connectivity.
  • Instant Setup: Auto-connects on arrival with no store visits required.
  • Full Features: 24/7 support and optional app for calls and texts.
Get eSIM4 for Bolivia →

Quick Comparison: Best eSIMs for Bolivia

We compared the top eSIM providers offering service in South America, including Saily, Airalo, and Nomad, to help you find the perfect match for your Bolivian adventure. Avoid expensive roaming charges from your home carrier (like Google Fi or U.S. providers) with our top picks for a reliable eSIM and the best eSIM plans available.

Rank Provider Rating Starting Price Best For
1 ⭐ eSIM4 4.9/5 $8.98 Best Overall Value
2 Saily 4.9/5 $7.59 Security Features
3 Airalo 4.7/5 $8.50 Frequent Travelers
4 aloSIM 4.4/5 $6.50 Low Entry Price
5 Nomad 4.6/5 $8.00 Beginners
6 GigSky 4.4/5 $6.99 Cruise Travelers

Choosing the Right eSIM Plan for Bolivia

Bolivia offers incredible diversity, from the high-altitude capital of La Paz to the surreal salt flats of Uyuni. Your data usage needs will depend on your itinerary. Before you buy, consider these factors to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

Factor Details Why It Matters
Network Quality Look for providers using Tigo or Entel networks. Entel and Tigo offer the best coverage nationwide, especially in rural areas like the Salt Flats.
Data Needs Check the amount of data you need. Map navigation and video calls consume data quickly. Unlimited plans are great for peace of mind.
Trip Duration Match the plan validity (e.g., 7, 15, or 30 days) to your stay. Buying a 30-day plan for a 5-day trip wastes money. Flexible durations help you save.
Hotspot Check if tethering is allowed on unlimited plans. Essential if you need to connect laptops or share internet with travel companions.

Most modern smartphones are compatible with eSIM technology. Buying a digital SIM is easier than buying a SIM card at the airport and avoids the need for a long-term contract.

Top eSIM Providers for Bolivia: Reviews

We reviewed the leading eSIM providers for Bolivia based on price, coverage, and ease of use. Say goodbye to roaming fees and expensive airport SIM cards. Here are the detailed results of our analysis.

2

Saily

Security Focused

Rating
4.9/5
Coverage
Global
Support
Chat
Saily Banner

Saily is a fantastic option for travelers prioritizing digital safety in Bolivia. Developed by the team behind NordVPN, this travel eSIM comes with built-in security features. It offers reliable connectivity through top local network partners, ensuring you stay connected whether you’re in the city or exploring. The app includes simple instructions to download and manage your plan.

Coverage

Covering over 200 destinations, Saily offers solid network access in Bolivia. It partners with local providers to offer 3G, 4G, and LTE speeds depending on your location.

Data Plans

Saily provides 4 distinct plans for Bolivia, ranging from a 1GB starter to a 10GB option for heavier users, plus regional Latin American plans. Saily offers plans for several countries if you are on a multi-stop trip.

Price

Pricing is competitive, starting at $7.59 for a 1GB plan valid for 7 days.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $7.59
3 GB 30 Days $21.84
5 GB 30 Days $34.19
10 GB 30 Days $46.54

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Backed by Nord Security
  • User-friendly mobile app
  • Simple activation process

Cons

  • Data only, no native calls
  • Fewer plan variations
3

Airalo

Frequent Travelers

Rating
4.7/5
Network
Tigo
Price
$8.50+
Airalo Banner

Airalo remains a top choice for frequent flyers due to its polished app and reliability. In Bolivia, it partners with Tigo LTE to provide consistent coverage. It is an excellent choice if you plan to visit multiple countries in South America, thanks to its regional and global plan options which allow for easy top-up.

Coverage

With Tigo as the partner network, Airalo offers broad coverage across Bolivian cities like Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Sucre.

Data Plans

Airalo offers 4 specific plans for Bolivia, from 1GB to 5GB. They also offer a “Discover+ Global” plan that includes calls and texts.

Price

Plans start at $8.50 for 1GB.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $8.50
2 GB 15 Days $16.50
3 GB 30 Days $23.00
5 GB 30 Days $36.00

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Reliable Tigo LTE network
  • Option for calls/texts with Global plan
  • Easy installation flow

Cons

  • Slightly pricier than others
  • Smaller data caps on local plans
4

aloSIM

Budget Friendly

Rating
4.4/5
Network
Tigo
Support
Chat
aloSIM Banner

aloSIM is the most budget-friendly option on our list for smaller data packages. Through their sister app Hushed, they also offer calls and texts capabilities. It connects to the reliable Tigo network in Bolivia, ensuring good coverage.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $6.50
2 GB 15 Days $12.00
3 GB 30 Days $17.50
5 GB 30 Days $28.50
10 GB 30 Days $37.00
20 GB 30 Days $45.00

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lowest starting price ($6.50)
  • Good range of data options
  • Hushed app integration for calls

Cons

  • No unlimited plans
  • Separate app needed for calls
5

Nomad

Beginner Friendly

Rating
4.6/5
Coverage
Viva/Tigo
Support
In-App
Nomad Banner

Nomad is known for its sleek app interface and ease of use, making it ideal for first-time eSIM users. By partnering with both Viva and Tigo, it provides good connectivity options in Bolivia. Note that Nomad typically offers data plans only, meaning no voice calls are included.

Coverage

Nomad leverages two local networks (Viva and Tigo), offering decent redundancy for travelers moving between regions.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $8.00
3 GB 30 Days $19.00
5 GB 30 Days $19.00
10 GB 30 Days $29.00

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Great user interface
  • Partners with Viva and Tigo
  • Good price for 10GB plan

Cons

  • Ticket-based support
  • No voice calls
6

GigSky

Free Trial

Rating
4.4/5
Specialty
Multi-Net
GigSky Banner

GigSky partners with Entel, Viva, and Tigo, giving it excellent coverage options across Bolivia. It is unique in offering a free 100MB trial plan so you can verify coverage before committing. GigSky offers plans for your smartphone and also works on your compatible tablet. They also feature offshore plans for cruise travelers.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
100 MB 7 Days FREE
1 GB 7 Days $6.99
3 GB 15 Days $13.99
5 GB 30 Days $21.19
10 GB 30 Days $37.19

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Access to 3 networks (Entel/Viva/Tigo)
  • Free 100MB trial
  • Offshore/Cruise plans available

Cons

  • Unlimited plans slow down
  • Data only

How Do I Know If My Phone Is Compatible?

Most modern smartphones released in the last few years support eSIM technology. This includes iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. Android devices are also widely supported.

To be sure your device is compatible, check your device settings for an “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan” option, or consult our detailed full list of compatible devices below.

Check Compatibility List →

Can I Make Phone Calls with My eSIM?

Most travel eSIMs for Bolivia are data-only, meaning they do not provide a local phone number. You can still use standard VoIP apps like WhatsApp (very popular in Bolivia), FaceTime, or Messenger to contact friends and family, provided they have the same app and an internet connection.

A Smarter Way to Call with Yabb

While standard apps are great for chatting with friends, they often fail when you need to call a hotel, book a tour in La Paz, or contact a driver on a landline. Yabb solves this by allowing you to make high-quality voice calls to any mobile or landline number worldwide using your eSIM data. It works just like a regular phone call without the recipient needing an app, and it avoids the massive roaming fees charged by your home carrier.

  • Standard Apps: Use WhatsApp for free app-to-app calls.
  • Yabb Advantage: Call real phone numbers (hotels/tours) that don’t have apps.
  • Zero Roaming: Avoid expensive per-minute voice charges from your home provider.
Learn More About Yabb Calling →

Can I Send Text Messages with My eSIM?

Need to send a quick text to a friend or confirm a booking? Yabb allows you to send and receive global SMS messages using your eSIM data.

Global Messaging

Unlike apps that require both parties to be online, Yabb lets you send real SMS texts to any mobile phone, ensuring your message gets through.

Key Features

  • Pay As You Go: Purchase credits only when needed.
  • Two-Way: Receive replies directly within the app.
  • Global Reach: Works across Bolivia and worldwide.
Learn More About Yabb SMS →

How to Activate an eSIM in Bolivia

Getting online in Bolivia is straightforward. Follow these steps to activate your eSIM.

  1. Buy Online: Purchase your data plan from eSIM4 before your flight.
  2. Scan QR Code: You’ll receive a QR code via email. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan it.
  3. Connect: Upon arrival in Bolivia, turn on the eSIM line and enable “Data Roaming”. You will connect to the local network (usually Tigo or Entel) automatically.

Essential Tips for Using eSIMs in Bolivia

To ensure a smooth experience while traveling across the country, here are three critical factors to keep in mind regarding your eSIM usage.

Check Coverage in Remote Areas

While coverage in cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz is excellent, signals can drop in remote areas such as the Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) or the Amazon basin. Download offline maps via Google Maps before heading into these regions.

Conserve Mobile Data

Data usage can be higher than expected when sharing photos of your trip. Consider using Wi-Fi at your hostel or hotel for heavy uploads. You can also disable “Background App Refresh” for non-essential apps.

Prioritize Wi-Fi for Heavy Tasks

While your eSIM keeps you connected on the go, reserve bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming for hotel Wi-Fi to preserve your mobile data for navigation. Always double-check your data settings to ensure you don’t run out.

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.

Our Technical Evaluation Criteria

  • Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 Network Access: We analyze the backend agreements to see if the eSIM connects to premium Tier 1 networks (like Entel or Tigo) with priority access, or if it is relegated to a congested Tier 2 roaming partner. This determines if your data slows down in crowded areas.
  • Latency & Routing Stats: Speed isn’t everything; responsiveness is key. We evaluate the data routing paths (latency) to ensure your traffic isn’t being routed halfway around the world before reaching the internet, which causes lag in video calls and maps.
  • Carrier Aggregation Support: We check if the eSIM profile supports carrier aggregation – a technology that allows your phone to connect to multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This technical feature, often missing in budget SIMs, is crucial for maintaining high speeds in dense urban environments.
  • Fair Usage Policy (FUP) Analysis: We scrutinize the fine print of unlimited data plans to identify hidden throttling thresholds, ensuring our top picks offer genuine high-speed data that meets the demands of modern travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which eSIM is best for Bolivia?

eSIM4 is our top recommendation for the best eSIM for Bolivia in 2026. It offers the best combination of competitive prices, reliable Tigo coverage, and responsive support.

Do I need a physical SIM card in Bolivia?

No. If your phone supports eSIM, a digital plan is often cheaper and more convenient. You avoid the hassle of finding a store and swapping tiny physical SIM cards.

Does it work on smartwatches?

Most travel e-sim providers do not support smartwatches directly. You typically need to tether your watch to your phone’s connection.

Can I keep my WhatsApp number?

Yes. Your WhatsApp will continue to work with your original number. It simply uses the data in Bolivia from your eSIM to send messages.

Does eSIM4 work in Salar de Uyuni?

Yes, coverage is generally available in the main tourist areas around Uyuni via the Tigo or Entel networks, though signals can be weaker in very remote parts of the salt flats. Ensure a stable internet connection before you surf the web in these remote zones.

How fast is the internet speed?

In major cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz, you can expect fast 4G/LTE speeds, and occasionally 5G depending on the area. In more rural areas, the connection may switch to 3G.

Can I get a local phone number?

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. However, aloSIM offers a local phone number option through a partner app if voice calls are essential for you.