Complete Guide: Best Latin America eSIM Providers

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.

1. Airalo: Perfect for travelers looking for short-term and long-term options. (My pick)
2. Holafly: Great options, including unlimited data plans.
3. 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:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to Network and Internet
3. Go to SIMS
4. Click on Add more
5. Choose Download a SIM instead.
6. Click on next.
7. Scan the QR code.
8. Name the eSIM.
9. Pick the eSIM to provide data.
10. 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

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:

1. Create an account on Airalo.
2. Download the app or use the desktop version.
3. Choose the South American plan.
4. Install your eSIM.
5. 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.

Pros:

• 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.

Cons:

• 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

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:

1. Pick the Latin American plan.
2. You’ll receive an email with your eSIM.
3. 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.

Pros:

• 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.

Cons:

• 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

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:

1. Pick a data plan.
2. Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
3. 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.

Pros:

• Plans are available in 100+ countries.
• Regional and global plans are available.
• The website is very modern.
• Unlimited data plans in some destinations.

Cons:

• 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

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:

1. Purchase a plan.
2. 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.

Pros:

• Prepaid traditional SIM cards and eSIM plans are available.
• Offers eSIM plans from different carriers, so you have more options to choose from.

Cons:

• The website is a bit more old-school but still very easy to use.

SimsOptions Offer

There are no offers at the moment.

BNESIM

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:

1. Pick a plan.
2. Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information and email.
3. Install your eSIM by scanning the QR code.
4. 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:

• Argentina
• Chile
• Colombia
• Brazil
• Bolivia

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.

Pros:

• Coverage in 200+ countries.
• Plans without expirations are available.
• Discounts on monthly data plans.
• Offers local and regional plans.

Cons:

• 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:

1. Pick a plan.
2. Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information, name, address, and email.
3. Install your eSIM by scanning the QR code.
4. 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.

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

• 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.

Pros:

• Coverage in 190+ countries.
• Many countries and regional plans offer multiple networks, which means you’ll get access to better Internet during your travels.
• Offers local and regional plans.

Cons:

• 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