Visiting Nicaragua soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Nicaragua SIM card.
In this guide, weâll explain where to buy a SIM card in Nicaragua in person and online. Weâll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Nicaragua. If you donât mind not having Internet, youâll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Spanish â you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Nicaragua.
Best SIM Card For Nicaragua
If youâre traveling in Nicaragua, we recommend using a SIM card from Claro, Tigo, or Airalo.
Iâll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!
How To Buy A SIM Card In Nicaragua
You can either buy a Nicaragua prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we donât recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you wonât necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so itâs essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, Iâd recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you wonât get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a Central American prepaid SIM card online.
Now, letâs take a look at the data plans offered by Claro and Tigo.
Claro Tourist SIM Cards
Claro offers several types of prepaid packages:
- 5.5 GB, valid for 7 days for NIO 110 ($3.01)
- 6 GB, valid for 7 days for NIO 130 ($3.56)
- 7 GB, valid for 15 days for NIO 200 ($5.47)
- 7.5 GB, valid for 15 days for NIO 230 ($6.30)
- 10 GB, valid for 15 days for NIO 300 ($8.21)
- 15 GB, valid for 30 days for NIO 600 ($16.42)
Tigo Tourist SIM Cards
Tigo has three different prepaid plans available:
- 3 GB, valid for 5 days for NIO 70 ($1.92)
- 5 GB, valid for 7 days for NIO 110 ($3.01)
- 6.2 GB, valid for 15 days for NIO 200 ($5.47)
Overall, we think Claro is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you canât find their store!
How To Buy A Nicaragua Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
Youâll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Prepaid South and Central America SIM Card works in 9 countries and gives you 12 GB of data for 30 days. Nicaragua is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Another option is to purchase a prepaid Central American SIM card on SimOptions.
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Nicaragua or, if youâre traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Central America.
How To Buy An eSIM For Nicaragua
eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards, itâs definitely one of the best options for getting data in Nicaragua.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it.
To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo.
Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Nicaragua.
Airalo Nicaragua
If you want to buy an eSIM for Nicaragua, you could purchase one on Airalo.
This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Central America and Nicaragua.
Iâve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.
Here are the options available:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $8.50
- 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $15.50
- 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $22
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $34
Hereâs an overview of the options available for Central 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
The options mentioned above are part of Latamlink and offer coverage in 19 countries, including Nicaragua.
Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that youâll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.
Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because youâre connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.
When you purchase the eSIM, youâll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.
Holafly Nicaragua
Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly. You can read our Holafly esim review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Hereâs an overview of their plans for Nicaragua:
- Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $27
- Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $34
- Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
- Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
- Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $54
- Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $79
Nomad Nicaragua
Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider. Hereâs an overview of the plans available for Nicaragua:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $20
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $48
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $54
Nomad also has Global, an eSIM plan for several countries worldwide. This plan offers coverage in Nicaragua.
Hereâs an overview:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $20
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $48
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $54
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Nicaragua
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Nicaragua or even an eSIM for your travels in Nicaragua is pretty straightforward.
Youâll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Central America without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a Central American plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Nicaragua if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you wonât need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
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