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6 Best Travel Cards for Mexico

Getting an international travel card before you travel to Mexico can make it cheaper and more convenient when you spend in Mexican Peso. You'll be able to easily top up your card in USD before you leave the US, to convert seamlessly to MXN for secure and flexible spending and withdrawals.

This guide walks through our picks of the best travel cards available for anyone from the US heading to Mexico, like Wise or Revolut. We'll walk through a head to head comparison, and a detailed look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.

prepaid travel card mexico

6 best travel money cards for Mexico:

Let's kick off our roundup of the best travel cards for Mexico with a head to head comparison on important features. Here's an overview of the providers we've picked to look at, for customers looking for ways to spend conveniently overseas when travelling from the US:

Wise travel card

Each of the international travel cards we’ve picked out have their own features and fees, which may mean they suit different customer needs. Keep reading to learn more about the features, advantages and disadvantages of each - plus a look at how to order the travel card of your choice before you head off to Mexico.

Wise travel card

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to order a Wise travel card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in Mexico. Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies, so you can top up in USD easily from your bank or using your card. Whenever you travel, to Mexico or beyond, you’ll have the option to convert to the currency you need in advance if it’s supported for holding a balance, or simply let the card do the conversion at the point of payment.

In either case you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees whenever you spend in MXN, plus some free ATM withdrawals every month - perfect if you’re looking for easy ways to arrange your travel cash.

Wise travel card

Wise features

Wise travel card pros and cons.

  • Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate
  • Spend seamlessly in MXN when you travel
  • Some free ATM withdrawals every month, for those times only cash will do
  • Ways to receive payments to your Wise account conveniently
  • Manage your account and card from your phone
  • 9 USD delivery fee for your first card
  • ATM fees apply once you've exhausted your monthly free withdrawals
  • Physical cards may take 14 - 21 days to arrive

How to apply for a Wise card

Here’s how to apply for a Wise account and order a Wise  travel card in the US:

Open the Wise app or desktop site

Select Register and confirm you want to open a personal account

Register with your email, Facebook, Apple or Google ID

Upload your ID document to complete the verification step

Tap the Cards tab to order your card

Pay the one time 9 USD fee, confirm your mailing address, and your card will be on the way, and should arrive in 14 - 21 days

Revolut travel card

Choose a Revolut account, from the Standard plan which has no monthly fee, to higher tier options which have monthly charges but unlock extra features and benefits. All accounts come with a smart Revolut card you can use in Mexico, with some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion monthly, depending on the plan you pick. Use your Revolut account to hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and get extras like account options for under 18s, budgeting tools and more.

Revolut travel card

Revolut features

Revolut travel card pros and cons.

  • Pick the Revolut account plan that suits your spending needs
  • Hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and spend in 150 countries
  • Accounts come with different card types, depending on which you select
  • All accounts have some no fee currency exchange and some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly
  • Some account tiers have travel perks like complimentary or discounted lounge access
  • You need to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee to get all account features
  • Delivery fees may apply for your travel card
  • Fair usage limits apply once you exhaust your currency conversion and ATM no fee allowances
  • Out of hours currency conversion has additional fees

How to apply for a Revolut card

Set up your Revolut account before you leave the US and order your travel card. Here’s how:

Download and open the Revolut app

Register by adding your personal and contact information

Follow the prompts to confirm your address and order your card

Pay any required delivery fee - costs depend on your account type

Chime travel card

Use your Chime account and card to spend in Mexico with no foreign transaction fee. You’ll just need to load a balance in USD and then the money is converted to MXN instantly with the Visa rate whenever you spend or make a withdrawal. There’s a fee to make an ATM withdrawal out of network, which sits at 2.5 USD, but there are very few other costs to worry about. Plus you can get lots of extra services from Chime if you need them, such as ways to save.

Chime travel card

Chime features

Chime travel card pros and cons.

  • No Chime foreign transaction fees
  • No ongoing charges for your account
  • Lots of extra products and services if you need them
  • Easy ways to manage your money online and in app
  • Virtual cards available
  • You'll need to inform Chime you're traveling to use your card abroad
  • Low ATM limits
  • Cards take 7 - 10 days to arrive by mail

How to apply for a Chime card

Here’s how to apply for a Chime account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Chime website or download the app

Click Get started and add your personal details

Add a balance

Your card will be delivered in the mail and you can use your virtual card instantly

Monzo travel card

Monzo cards can be ordered easily in the US and used for spending in Mexico and globally. Monzo accounts are designed for holding USD only - but you can spend in MXN and pretty much any other currency easily, with no foreign transaction fee. Your funds are just converted using the network exchange rate whenever you pay or make a withdrawal.

Monzo doesn’t usually apply ATM fees, but it’s worth knowing that the operator of the specific ATM you pick may have their own costs you’ll need to check out.

Monzo travel card

Monzo features

Monzo travel card pros and cons.

  • Good selection of services available
  • No foreign transaction fee to pay
  • No Monzo ATM fee to pay
  • Manage your card from your phone conveniently
  • Deposits are FDIC protected
  • You can't hold a foreign currency balance
  • ATM operators might apply their own fees

How to apply for a Monzo card

Here’s how to apply for a Monzo account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Monzo website or download the app

Click Get Sign up and add your personal details

Check and confirm your mailing address and your card will be delivered in the mail

Netspend travel card

Netspend has a selection of prepaid debit cards you can use for spending securely in Mexico. While these cards don’t usually let you hold a balance in MXN, they’re popular with travelers as they’re not linked to your regular checking account. That increases security overseas - plus, Netspend offers virtual cards you can use to hide your physical card details from retailers if you want to.

The options with Netspend vary a lot depending on the card you pick. Usually you can top up digitally or in cash in USD and then spend overseas with a fixed foreign transaction fee applying every time you spend in a foreign currency. You’ll be able to view the terms and conditions of your specific card - including the fees - online, by entering the code you’ll find when your card is sent to you.

Netspend travel card

Netspend features

Netspend travel card pros and cons.

  • Large selection of different card options depending on your needs
  • Some cards have no overseas ATM fees
  • Prepaid card which is secure to use overseas
  • Manage your account in app
  • Change from one card plan to another if you need to
  • You may pay a monthly fee for your card
  • Some cards have foreign transaction fees for all overseas use, which can be around 4%
  • Selection of fees apply depending on the card you pick

How to apply for a Netspend card

Here’s how to apply for a Netspend account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Netspend website

Click Apply now

Complete the details, following the onscreen prompts

Get verified

Your card will arrive by mail - add a balance and activate it to get started

PayPal travel card

PayPal has a debit card you can link to your PayPal balance account, to spend in Mexico as well as locally, in person and online. One advantage of PayPal is that there are lots of easy ways to add money in USD - but bear in mind that when you spend in MXN you’ll likely pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%. ATM fees apply when you make out of network withdrawals, too, which can push up the costs depending on how you use your card.

PayPal travel cards aren’t connected to your checking account which makes them a handy and secure way to spend, particularly if you already have a PayPal balance account.

PayPal travel card

PayPal features

Paypal travel card pros and cons.

  • Globally accepted card
  • Easy ways to top up your PayPal balance including cash and check
  • Popular and reliable provider
  • Use your card for spending online easily as well
  • 2.5 USD fee for out of network ATM withdrawals
  • 2.5% fee when you spend in a foreign currency
  • Other charges may apply depending on how you fund and use your account

How to apply for a PayPal card

Here’s how to apply for a PayPal account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the PayPal website or download the app

Click Get Sign up or log into your existing account

Add your personal details to create an account, or tap Request a card if you already have a PayPal account

Follow the prompts to order your card

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card is a card you can use for secure and convenient payments and withdrawals overseas.

You can use a travel money card to tap and pay in stores and restaurants, with a wallet like Apple Pay, or to make ATM withdrawals so you'll always have a bit of cash in your pocket when you travel.

Although there are lots of different travel money cards on the market, all of which are unique, one similarity you'll spot is that the features and fees have always been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees for common international transactions like ATM withdrawals.

Travel money cards also offer distinct benefits when it comes to security. Your travel money card isn't linked to your United States Dollar everyday account, so even if you were unlucky and had your card stolen, your primary bank account remains secure.

Travel money vs prepaid card vs travel credit card

It's helpful to know that you'll be able to pick from several different types of travel cards, depending on your priorities and preferences. Travel cards commonly include:

  • Travel debit cards
  • Travel prepaid cards
  • Travel credit cards

They all have distinct benefits when you head off to Mexico or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently.

Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card. These cards are usually flexible and cheap to use. You'll be able to manage your account and card through an app or on the web.

Travel credit cards are different and may suit different customer needs. As with any other credit card, you may need to pay an annual fee or interest and penalties depending on how you manage your account - but you could also earn extra rewards when spending in a foreign currency, or travel benefits like free insurance for example. Generally using a travel credit card can be more expensive compared to a debit or prepaid card - but it does let you spread out the costs of your travel across several months if you'd like to and don't mind paying interest to do so.

What is a prepaid travel money card best for?

Let's take a look at the advantages of using a prepaid travel money card for travellers going to Mexico. While each travel card is a little different, you'll usually find some or all of the following benefits:

  • Hold and exchange foreign currencies - allowing you to lock in exchange rates and set a travel budget before you leave
  • Convenient for spending in person and through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, as well as for cash withdrawals
  • You may find you get a better exchange rate compared to your bank - and you'll usually be able to avoid any foreign transaction fee, too
  • Travel cards are secure as they're not linked to your everyday USD account - and because you can make ATM withdrawals when you need to, you can also avoid carrying too much cash at once

Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates.

How to choose the best travel card for Mexico

We've picked out 6 great travel cards available in the US - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task. Some things to consider when picking a travel card for Mexico include:

  • What exchange rates does the card use? Choosing one with the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually a smart plan
  • What fees are unavoidable? For example, ATM charges or top up fees for your preferred top up methods
  • Does the card support a good range of currencies? Getting a card which allows you to hold and spend in MXN can give you the most flexibility, but it's also a good idea to pick a card with lots of currency options, so you can use it again in future, too
  • Are there any other charges? Check in particular for foreign transaction fees, local ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account close fees

Ultimately the right card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What makes a good travel card for Mexico

The best travel debit card for Mexico really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money.

Overall, it pays to look for a card which lets you minimise fees and access favourable exchange rates - ideally the mid-market rate. While currency exchange rates do change all the time, the mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use as it’s the one available to banks when trading on wholesale markets. Getting this rate, with transparent conversion fees, makes it easier to compare costs and see exactly what you’re paying when you spend in MXN.

Other features and benefits to look out for include low ATM withdrawal fees, complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access or emergency cash if your card is stolen. It’s also important to look into the security features of any travel card you might pick for Mexico. Look for a card which uses 2 factor authentication when accessing the account app, which allows you to set instant transaction notifications, and which has easy ways to freeze, unfreeze and cancel your card with your phone.

When you head off to Mexico you can expect to find you’ll be able to use your card - but not always. Some merchants still prefer cash payments - so choosing a card which is easy to pay with, but which also has simple and low cost ways to make ATM withdrawals should mean you’re covered no matter what happens

Ways to pay in Mexico

Cash and card payments - including contactless, mobile wallet, debit, credit and prepaid card payments - are the most popular ways to pay globally.

In Mexico card payments are common in most situations. You’ll be able to make Chip and PIN or contactless payments or use your favourite mobile wallet like Apple Pay to tap and pay on the go. It’s still worth having a little cash on you just in case - and for the odd situations where cash is more convenient, such as when tipping or buying a small item in a market.

Which countries use MXN?

You’ll find that MXN can only be used in Mexico. If you don’t travel to Mexico frequently it’s worth thinking carefully about how much to exchange so you’re not left with extra foreign currency after your trip. Or pick a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut which lets you leave your money in USD and convert at the point of payment with no penalty.

What should you be aware of when travelling to Mexico

You’re sure to have a great time in Mexico - but whenever you’re travelling abroad it's worth putting in a little advance thought to make sure everything is organised and your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Double check the latest entry requirements and visas - rules can change abruptly, so even if you’re been to Mexico before it’s worth looking up the most recent entry requirements so you don’t have any hassle on the border

2. Plan your currency exchange and payment methods - you can change USD to MXN before you travel to Mexico if you’d like to, but as card payments are common, and ATMs widely available, you can actually leave it until you arrive to get everything sorted as long as you have a travel money card. Top up your travel money card in USD and either exchange to MXN in advance or at the point of payment, and make ATM withdrawals whenever you need cash. Bear in mind that currency exchange at the airport will be expensive - so hold on until you reach Mexico to make an ATM withdrawal in MXN if you can.

3. Get clued up on any health or safety concerns - get travel insurance before you leave the US so you have peace of mind. It’s also worth reading up on any common scams or issues experienced by tourists. These tend to change over time, but may include things like rip off taxis or tour agents which don’t offer fair prices or adequate services.

Conclusion - Best travel cards for Mexico

Ultimately the best travel card for your trip to Mexico will depend on how you like to manage your money. Use this guide to get some insights into the most popular options out there, and to decide which may suit your specific needs.

FAQ - best travel cards for Mexico

When you use a travel money card you may find there’s an ATM withdrawal fee from your card issuer, and there may also be a cost applied by the ATM operator. Some of our travel cards - like the Wise and Revolut card options - have some no fee ATM withdrawals every month, which can help keep down costs.

Travel money cards may be debit, prepaid or credit cards. Which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Debit and prepaid cards are usually pretty cheap and secure to spend with, while credit cards may have higher fees but often come with extra perks like free travel insurance and extra reward points.

There’s no single best prepaid card for international use. Look out for one which supports a large range of currencies, with good exchange rates and low fees. This guide can help you compare some popular options, including Wise, Revolut and Monzo.

Yes, you can use your local debit card when you’re overseas. However, it’s common to find extra fees apply when spending in foreign currencies with a regular debit card. These can include foreign transaction fees and international ATM charges.

Usually having a selection of ways to pay - including a travel card, your credit or debit card, and some cash - is the best bet. That means that no matter what happens, you have an alternative payment method you can use conveniently.

Yes. Most travel debit cards have options to make ATM withdrawals. Check the fees that apply as card charges do vary a lot. Some cards have local and international fees on all withdrawals, while others like Wise and Revolut, let you make some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fee kicks in.

Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in Mexico.

The cards you see on this page are ordered as follows:

For card providers that publish their exchange rates on their website, we used their USD / MXN rate to calculate how much Mexican Peso you would receive when exchanging / spending $4,000 USD. The card provider offering the most MXN is displayed at the top, the next highest below that, and so on.

The rates were collected at 15:54:21 GMT on 19 February 2024.

Below this we display card providers for which we could not verify their exchange rates. These are displayed in alphabetical order.

Send international money transfer

More travel card guides.

MASTERCARD BENEFIT INQUIRIES

Within the U.S.: 1-800-Mastercard (1-800-627-8372) | Outside the U.S.: Mastercard Global Service Phone Numbers

Availability of insurance benefits on your card may vary by card issuer. Please refer to your issuing financial institution for complete insurance benefit coverage terms, conditions and exclusions.

*Card registration required. Certain exceptions apply. Click here for terms and conditions .

†Requirements may vary. See card packaging for details or contact card issuer.

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6 Best Travel Money Cards for Mexico - 2024

Claire Millard

If you’ve got an upcoming trip planned to Mexico, a dedicated travel money card can make spending and withdrawing Mexican pesos cheaper and more convenient. There are different types of travel money cards which support different customer needs, including travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards. The right one for you will depend on your personal preference and how you like to manage your money.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know, including a closer look at travel money card types, some great options to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose.

Wise - travel debit card for Mexico

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let's start with the Wise card, which is a flexible travel money debit card that allows you to hold and spend MXN and a selection of other currencies.

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 50+ currencies , and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in pounds and switch to MXN before you travel, so you know your travel money budget in advance - or just allow the card to automatically switch currencies when you spend. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.41%. Here are some of the pros and cons of the Wise travel money debit card, to help you decide if it’s right for you.

prepaid travel card mexico

Hold and exchange 50+ currencies alongside MXN

No fee to spend any currency you hold, low conversion fees from 0.41%

Mid market rate on all currency conversion

Some fee free ATM withdrawals every month

No ongoing fees and no interest to pay

7 GBP delivery fee

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card can be used just like your regular bank card, for payments online and in stores, and for cash withdrawals. The main difference you’ll see is that with a travel money card the features and fees available have been optimised for international use. Depending on the card you pick, that can mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you need to pay fewer fees. Some travel cards also have options to earn cashback and rewards when you use your card internationally.

6 travel money cards for Mexico compared

We’ll look at each of these card options in a little more detail in just a moment, but let’s start with an overview of how 6 top travel money cards for Mexico compare side by side:

As you can see, the features and fees of different travel money cards can vary widely. Generally travel debit cards can be convenient and cost effective to use, while travel credit cards often come with nice benefits like cashback or rewards - but do mean you might need to pay interest costs and late payment charges if you don’t clear your bill in full every month.

Travel debit cards often let you top up a linked account online or through an app, so you can set your budget and can’t spend more than you intend.

Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

UK customers can get a travel money card from either a regular bank or a specialist provider, which may be a travel debit card, travel prepaid card or a travel credit card. Let’s take a closer look at what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

1. Travel debit cards

2. Travel prepaid cards

3. Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and convert a currency balance in a selection of currencies, often including MXN. Travel debit cards can usually be topped up easily online and through an app, with the option to see your balance and get transaction notifications through your phone too. That makes it easier to keep on top of your money, even when you travel.

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

Wise is our best value travel money debit card for Mexico, which comes with a linked account you can use for holding MXN easily. There’s no fee to open a Wise account, and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.41% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM withdrawal fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

No fee to open a Wise account, no minimum balance requirement

7 GBP one time fee to get your Wise card

2 withdrawals, to 200 GBP value per month for free, then 0.5 GBP + 1.75%

Hold MXN and 50+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

wise-account-transfer-money.png

Travel debit card Option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers, so you can simply pick the account you prefer - from free Standard plans to the 12.99 GBP/month Metal plan. All Revolut accounts have linked cards, although exactly what type of card you get depends on your account tier. You can hold around 25 currencies including MXN, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance.

No fee to open a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade for up to 12.99 GBP/month

Card delivery fees may apply depending on your account tier

All accounts have some fee free currency conversion with 0.5% fair usage fees after that

Standard plan holders can withdraw 200 GBP (up to 5 withdrawals in total) per month for free

Hold MXN and around 25 other currencies

revolut-card.jpeg

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in Mexico

No interest costs or late payment fees

Real-time currency exchange options available

Digital top-up and account viewing features

Safe to use as they're not connected to your primary UK bank account

Issued on widely-used global payment networks

Transaction and currency conversion fees may apply

Cash back and rewards may not be available

How to choose the best travel debit card for Mexico?

The best travel debit card for Mexico really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money. If you’ll be travelling widely it makes sense to look for an account with mid-market currency exchange and a large selection of supported currencies as well as MXN, like Wise. Other providers like Revolut can also be a good pick, particularly if you’ll use your account very frequently and would prefer to pay a monthly fee to unlock lots of fee free transactions and extra perks.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in Mexico?  

Different providers set their own limits for card use. Limits may apply daily, weekly or monthly, and can apply to different types of transactions. You might find you have a limit to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make per day, for example, or the value of contactless payments - these limits are set for security and can sometimes be managed and changed in the provider’s app.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards

Prepaid travel cards can be ordered or collected from specialist providers - once you have a card you’ll just need to add funds in the supported currency of your choice. While prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely - not all cards support all currencies. MXN prepaid cards are pretty hard to come by, so you may find you pay a foreign transaction fee when you spend. However, a prepaid card can still be helpful from a security perspective, as it means you won’t need to use your regular bank card while you’re in Mexico.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Post Office

You can pick up a Post Office prepaid travel money card in a Post Office branch or order one online. You’ll then be able to top up in pounds or one of the 22 supported currencies. As MXN isn’t a supported currency you’ll pay a 3% foreign transaction fee to spend with your card in Mexico - however this card can still be a helpful choice because it means you can avoid using your regular bank card while overseas.

Hold and exchange 22 currencies (not including MXN)

No fee to spend a balance in a supported currency

3% foreign transaction fee when spending a currency you don’t hold on the card

Variable ATM withdrawal fees based on the currency you hold

No interest to pay

Illustration of the front and back of the Post Office prepaid travel card

Click here to read a full Post Office review

Prepaid travel card option 2: Monese

Monese accounts can be opened by UK residents to hold GBP, EUR and RON. There are several different types of accounts, from the Simple account which has no monthly fees, to fee paying account tiers which have more features. It’s free to spend a balance you hold - but as MXN isn’t a supported currency, you may find you pay a foreign transaction fee of 2% when you’re spending in Mexico. Foreign transaction fees may be waived for higher tier account holders.

Hold a balance in GBP, EUR or RON

Choose a free Simple account, or upgrade to an account with monthly fees

Foreign transaction fees of 2% may apply depending on your account tier

ATM withdrawal fees may apply, depending on the value of withdrawals and the account tier you hold

Track and spend Avios reward points within your account

iPhone with Monese app open on the homepage, alongside a white Monese debit card

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in Mexico

Manage your account, add more money or convert funds online or with an app

Accounts with no monthly fees are available

Selection of supported currencies, with no fee to spend a currency you hold

ATM withdrawals supported globally

Some accounts have extras like options to earn reward points

MXN may not be a supported currency

Transaction fees apply to most accounts

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for Mexico?

There’s no single best travel prepaid card for Mexico - it’ll come down to your personal preference. If you hold a Monese Classic or Premium account already it’s good to know that the 2% foreign transaction fee is waived, which means you get the card network rate when you spend in Mexico. This may be cheaper than using your regular bank card. The Post Office card can also be an option if you’re simply looking for an alternative to your normal bank card when you’re in Mexico, plus you can get a card instantly by walking into a Post Office branch.

Is there a spending limit with a prepaid card in Mexico?

Different prepaid travel cards set their own limits for spending and withdrawals, which can vary between currencies. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

3. Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards typically offer some extra international features compared to regular credit cards, such as low or no foreign transaction fees or extra options to earn rewards when you’re abroad. In general, travel credit cards are safe and convenient but can be more expensive compared to using a debit card. Before you select the right card for you it’s important to check the fees, rates, eligibility rules and interest rates which apply, so you can make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Travel credit card option 1: Barclaycard Rewards Visa

With the Barclaycard Rewards Visa card, there are no international ATM or foreign transaction fees. Instead, your overseas expenses are converted to pounds at the Visa exchange rate and added to your monthly statement. To avoid fees and interest, you’ll need to repay your balance in full each month, but as a bonus you can earn cashback on your everyday expenditures.

No foreign transaction or foreign ATM fee

Earn cashback at 0.25% on spending

Protection on purchases over 100 GBP

International spending uses the Visa exchange rate

Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Halifax Clarity Mastercard

The Halifax Clarity Mastercard has a variable interest rate which you can see when you check your eligibility for the card. There’s no foreign transaction or foreign ATM fee to pay, and all currency conversion uses the Mastercard exchange rate.

Variable interest rates

Check your eligibility and order a card online easily

No foreign transaction fee

No ATM fee - but interest will accrue instantly when you make a withdrawal

Mastercard exchange rates apply

Pros and cons of using credit cards in Mexico

Spending more than 100 GBP covered by additional consumer protection

Option to pay for travel expenses over multiple months

Check card eligibility online without affecting your credit score

Potentially no foreign transaction or ATM fees

Network exchange rates usually apply, which are usually pretty fair

Interest charged if you don’t repay in full every month

Eligibility rules apply

How to choose the best travel credit card for Mexico?

The best travel credit card for Mexico will depend on your personal preferences. If you’re interested in earning rewards and cash back on your overseas spending, the Barclaycard Rewards Visa might be a good pick, as it has no foreign transaction fee and offers cashback on all spending. Whichever card you’re considering you’ll want to weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile.

If you’re planning to travel to Mexico you might want to pick a travel money card for while you’re away. Travel money cards have different features, and can be picked up via regular banks, online specialists and even the Post Office.

Not all travel cards support MXN, so you’ll need to check out the fees and features of a few to pick the right one for you. For example, you could opt for a low cost travel debit card which can hold a selection of currencies including MXN - like the Wise account. Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the Monese card which can be linked to either a fee free account or an account which has monthly fees in exchange for lower transaction charges. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees.

The UK market is well served for all types of travel money cards - use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

FAQ - Best travel cards for Mexico

You can usually make cash withdrawals with a credit card in Mexico at any ATM that supports your card network. You’ll often find that a fee applies, and you may start to accumulate interest on the withdrawn amount immediately. Travel money debit cards from providers like Wise and Revolut can be a lower cost option for cash withdrawals in MXN.

You can normally use your debit card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including in Mexico, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for Mexico.

Prepaid cards from reputable providers are safe to use at home and abroad. They aren’t linked to your main bank account which can offer extra peace of mind, and may also make it easier to manage your travel budget. However, you’ll need to check the card features and fees carefully to make sure you're getting the best match for your needs.

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Best ways to spend travel money in Mexico: Debit & prepaid cards

Learn more about the best card to use, if you should use a uk debit card and other ways to take spending money to mexico..

In this guide

Low cost travel money options for Mexico

How many mexican pesos do i need to bring, travel card, credit card or debit card, buying mexican pesos in the uk, where can i get money exchanged in mexico, using us dollars or mexican pesos in mexico, bottom line, frequently asked questions.

Planning a trip south of the border? Preparing your travel money options beforehand is the key to a stress-free holiday. Here you can compare prepaid travel cards, debit cards and credit cards to securely and conveniently access your money overseas. We cover what money you’ll need to use in Mexico, the types of cards to take to save on fees and insider tips on bringing and spending travel money in Mexico.

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Using a prepaid travel card.

Travel cards are generally a good way to take your funds overseas and spend in multiple currencies, but they’re not all suitable for use in Mexico:

  • Supported currencies. At the time of writing there are a few prepaid travel cards you can load with Mexican Pesos, including products from Wise and Travelex. Merchants in major tourist destinations like Tijuana, Cancun and Acapulco do accept U.S Dollars; however, this may not extend to card payments.
  • Currency conversion fees. If you’re using a prepaid travel card that charges currency conversion fees and doesn’t support Mexican Pesos, you’ll be charged a currency conversion fee. Travel card currency conversion fees are among the highest in the market. This fee alone makes it more cost effective to use another type of card in Mexico.

Using credit cards

A credit card can be a good option for financial security and emergency expenses on your trip to Mexico. There are some features and drawbacks that you’ll want to keep an eye on to ensure that you’re getting the most out of the credit card you choose:

  • Currency conversion fees. Unless you have a credit card that is designed for overseas use, you’re likely to be charged currency conversion fees (of around 3%) when you make a purchase in Mexican Pesos. Some merchants may accept US dollars, which are also supported across all British travel money cards.
  • ATM withdrawals. Cash advance and interest charges, ATM fees and currency conversion fees can wipe about £10 off your balance for every cash withdrawal. ATM withdrawals using credit are treated as a cash advance, so the transaction accrues interest right away and a cash advance fee is charged per transaction.
  • Emergency card replacement. Most Visa, Mastercard or American Express cards can be locked and replaced if lost or stolen. For example, Visa can arrange for emergency cash from a Western Union if you’re stuck in a tight spot while you wait for a replacement credit card from your bank.
  • Acceptance. Credit cards and other forms of plastic are widely accepted in Mexico. Keep in mind Visa and Mastercard are not accepted on buses, most taxis, tour guides, corner stores and taquerías. Look for a sign saying “No Tarjetas De Credito” or ask first if you want to find out whether you can use your card.

Can I use my debit card in Mexico?

Generally speaking, yes. Most shops, restaurants and bars accept debit cards from UK banks, however some smaller businesses may not accept them and it would be worth taking cash too.

Like a credit card, using a British debit card in Mexico has both benefits and drawbacks. Consider the following when comparing your options:

  • Currency conversion fees. Some British debit cards are designed to be used overseas, so they don’t charge currency conversion fees on foreign transactions. If you’re using your regular debit card, it’s likely that you’ll be charged a currency conversion fee of at least 3% per transaction when you make a purchase in Mexican Pesos.
  • ATM withdrawals. Look for a card that has an international ATM presence, as you might be able to use ATMs without being charged withdrawal fees.
  • EFTPOS card. You can use your EFTPOS card to make a cash withdrawal from an ATM in Mexico. Some ATMs take EFTPOS cards without a chip, but these ATMs can be few and far between. EFTPOS cards cannot be used over the counter; you need a Visa or Mastercard debit card to make purchases.

Paying with cash in Mexico

Dating back to Spanish colonisation, Mexican Pesos come in denominations of 10c, 20c, 50c, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $200, $500 and $1000. $20 is the lowest value banknote. MXN is the currency code for Mexican Pesos. Mexico uses the dollar sign ($) as the currency symbol.

Using a digital banking app

Digital banking apps like Revolut or N26 work in much the same way as conventional bank accounts do, coming with a debit card authorised by Visa or Mastercard which can be “topped up” from your mobile phone. The key advantage, though, is that they don’t charge withdrawal of transaction fees.

*Prices are approximate and are subject to change

The local currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso, and there are a few ways you can make purchases in Pesos in Mexico. Here we compare prepaid travel cards, credit cards and debit cards to help you determine which one is best for your trip down Mexico way. ATMs are widely available in Mexico and are compatible with debit cards, credit cards and prepaid travel cards. You can find an ATM at every bank, supermarkets, shopping centres and at hotels.

Travel money options for Mexico at a glance

This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.

mexico-banknotes

1 GBP is worth approximately 28 MXN according to Google Finance, which means you will be paying approximately £40 for a double room in a midrange hotel, £13 for a good dinner including drinks and £3 for a taxi ride in the city. Mexican Pesos are widely available at most currency exchange offices including Travelex and major banks. Exchanging at your local/member bank can be a good idea to avoid extra fees and charges.

Cash, ATMs and how to exchange money in Mexico

There are a number of places you can get cash exchanged in Mexico, including Banco de Mexico (the nations national bank) and at casa de cambios (exchange bureaus). You can visit a bank during business hours between Monday and Friday. British pound are a common international currency; however, you may only be able to change British pounds to Pesos at larger banks. You can also get money changed at bureaux de change and casa de cambio outlets. These exchange offices are common and they can offer the same rate, if not better, than banks. Some cases de cambio offices may only exchange US Dollars, so shop around to find out where you can get British pounds changed to Mexican Pesos.

You can use $USD in Mexico, especially in the major tourist spots, where some merchants give you the option of paying in MXN or USD. The vendor can give you an “over the counter exchange rate” between USD and MXN. The price of the goods can be inflated by as much as 30% if you pay with USD in Mexico as vendors generally use an exchange rate of $10MXN to $1USD. To make your money go further use Mexican Pesos.

There is no single best travel money strategy, as the right one will ultimately depend on where you’re travelling, how you’re spending your money and what you can afford. For example, if you’re going to be making a lot of cash withdrawals, consider a debit card with an ATM alliance or a prepaid card with low withdrawal fees over a credit card.

If you want a backup to make emergency or large purchases, a credit card could come in handy. Plus, you’ll always need cash to make everyday purchases. Withdrawing a substantial amount of cash for when you arrive can be an ideal option to ensure a smooth transition into your destination country. Make sure to organise more than one option so you always have a backup plan should something go wrong.

There are many ways you can take your cash to Mexico, but the best option will depend on how you’re spending your money and the features that you are after. Consider your financial situation, your travel plans and how you’ll be spending your money to determine which combination of travel money options is the right one for you.

What rate do I get when I make an ATM withdrawal?

Is using an atm in mexico safe, what do i need to prepare before leaving for mexico.

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buying a prepaid visa travel card in Mexico? - Cancun Forum

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buying a prepaid visa travel card in Mexico?

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' class=

I saw some in Wallmart here, but wanted to know where is the best place to buy a travel card that can ideally let me load it with USD or PESOS to use when I am visiting other countries? I know some other stores provide them also, would like to get some first hand advice or local advice..

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There are no places that I know of where Mexico offers prepaid Visa or MasterCard like the States have. You can purchase s Bluebird American Express card and transfer funds from your American account to your Amex instantly. I use it frequently to avoid fees associated with the 3% Visa and MasterCard apply with each foreign purchase. Good luck. I hope this helps a little.

I've also seen prepaid cards you can purchase in Chedraui.

I do know that Wal-Mart here will not accept a prepaid Wal-Mart card purchased outside the country and I'm guessing some merchants might be hesitant to accept any card from another country that doesn't have your name imprinted on it.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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What to know about prepaid travel credit cards

Prepaid travel cards are one more way to access cash while traveling the globe

Published: December 15, 2022

Allie Johnson

Author: Allie Johnson

Dan Rafter

Author: Dan Rafter

Brady Porche

Editor: Brady Porche

Kaitlyn Tang

Reviewer: Kaitlyn Tang

Why trust us?

Prepaid travel cards can make it easy to access cash while you’re traveling abroad, but remember that convenience comes with limitations.

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Please review our list of best credit cards , or use our CardMatch™ tool to find cards matched to your needs.

Finally ready to take your next international trip? Whether it’s a business meeting in Brussels or a foodie’s tour of Florence, you might consider packing a prepaid travel card for your trip.

Prepaid travel cards let you access cash in your destination’s local currency without the risk of using your debit card. They also let you avoid the high fees of credit card cash advances or the hassles of scrounging up traveler’s checks before you depart.

But, be careful — despite the convenience of prepaid travel cards, they come with their own set of fees and limitations (most notably ATM withdrawal and purchase amount caps that could put a damper on your vacation).

“A prepaid travel card is one tool in a diverse travel wallet,” said Julie Hall, internal communications manager for Hilton Grand Vacations and former public relations manager for AAA, in a previous interview. “It’s one of the most convenient ways to get money while traveling.”

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about prepaid travel cards — from how they work to the pros and cons of using them for your travels.

  • How do prepaid travel cards work?

Prepaid travel cards work much like general-purpose prepaid cards, except that they typically offer special features and perks designed for travel — which can vary based on the issuing bank.

In general, to use a prepaid travel card, you purchase the card and simultaneously load it with the funds you want to spend on your trip, up to the maximum amount allowed on the card. (For example, the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® , a general prepaid card, allows a maximum balance of $15,000.)

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can use your prepaid card to make purchases directly (much like you would with a debit card). You can also use it at an ATM to get cash in that destination’s currency.

Depending on the card issuer, you’ll be able to log in to a mobile app or your online account to check the balance, review your purchases and see any any account charges.

  • What are the benefits of a prepaid travel card?

Why not just take cash, your credit cards and your debit card the next time you travel to an international destination? Why would you also take a prepaid credit card?

If you lose your card, thieves only have access to the loaded cash

If a thief gains access to your prepaid card abroad, they’ll only have access to whatever funds are loaded onto the card (unlike debit cards, which can provide thieves access to your bank account, or credit cards, which a thief can charge up to a certain limit).

Further, the network through which a prepaid card is offered may provide a zero liability policy , though, overall, prepaid cards don’t offer the same breadth of protections as debit and credit cards (think chargebacks and fraud alerts).

More convenient than traveler’s checks

Prepaid travel cards also provide more convenience than, say, traveler’s checks (which, yes, still exist). Getting traveler’s checks before you go can be a hassle, and you might also be surprised at how many retailers across the globe no longer accept them. As a result, prepaid cards are often a better option than these paper checks.

  • What are the drawbacks of a prepaid travel card?

Like most financial products, prepaid travel cards come with pros and cons. Here are some of the drawbacks of using one:

Foreign transaction fees, among others

Travelers should be wary of the fees connected to prepaid cards, as they can add up to a lot of money during an international trip. Many prepaid cards carry foreign transaction fees. Today, it’s far easier to find credit cards with no foreign transaction fees than to find prepaid cards without them.

Further, prepaid travel cards may also charge a card purchase fee, ATM withdrawal fee, higher foreign ATM withdrawal fee, inactivity fee and a fee to get any remaining balance back by check.

No help for your credit score

If you charge restaurant meals, souvenirs and tickets to a traditional credit card and pay your bill on time, your three-digit credit score will receive a boost. This doesn’t happen with purchases you make with prepaid travel cards, because your prepaid card activity isn’t reported to the national credit bureaus .

If you don’t keep track, you could run out of funds

If you’re used to swiping a credit card without much thought, there’s a chance a prepaid card could leave you high and dry when you go to make a purchase. Just be sure to keep tabs on the amount of money you’ve loaded — and spent — on your card.

Prepaid travel card tips

Prepaid travel cards do come with some potential hurdles. Here are some tips for avoiding the most common downsides of these cards:

  • Check the fees associated with your card (or potential card): Prepaid cards can charge fees that existing debit and credit card holders aren’t used to, so it’s important to read the fine print before swiping. For example, the Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card charges a $5.95 inactivity fee per month after the card has been idle for 90 days.
  • Verify the card will work at your destination: Double-check with your issuer that your prepaid card will be accepted where you’re traveling. Even a card that’s designed for international travel might not work in specific locations due to restrictions from U.S. trade sanctions.
  • Know the limits: Prepaid travel cards typically have limits that could throw a wrench into your trip if you don’t understand them ahead of time. For example, some cards can have a daily reload limit as low as $500 (or as high as $7,500, in the case of the Netspend Visa card). Again: Be sure to read through your card’s fine print before embarking.
  • Avoid holds at all costs: In a sense, prepaid travel cards work like debit cards. Be sure to avoid using a prepaid travel card to reserve a hotel room or a rental car, which can trigger a hold that could tie up hundreds of dollars of your cash for a week or longer. Instead, use a credit card to reserve these items, then use your prepaid card to pay the final charges.

Should you use a travel credit card instead?

If the drawbacks of a prepaid travel card outweigh the benefits, you might be better off signing up for a travel credit card  or using one you already have as your primary payment method while traveling.

Travel credit cards almost always have zero fraud liability, which can set your mind at ease in the event your card is lost or stolen . They also let you earn rewards for your spending, and many offer purchase and trip protection and have no foreign transaction fees. Some even offer perks such as access to airport lounges where you can get complimentary food and drink. And, depending on your credit limit, you may have more spending power with a credit card than a prepaid card.

That said, they can also have pitfalls. Not all travel credit cards are accepted in all countries. For example, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express and Discover have a smaller international presence. And, depending on your location, some merchants may require chip-and-pin cards or may not accept payment cards at all.

It’s advisable to carry a few different payment methods with you (credit, debit and prepaid) when traveling, along with some local cash. Also, notify your credit card company about your travel plans, lest they flag your card as stolen and cancel it.

Bottom line

A prepaid travel card doesn’t come without downsides, but if you want an easy way to access cash in your destination’s currency — and want a quick way to pay merchants once you arrive at your international destination — the ease of using them might make your trip a less stressful one.

Editorial Disclaimer

The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

Allie Johnson is an award-winning freelance writer covering personal finance, business and lifestyle. She loves tracking down tips, tricks and cautionary tales about credit cards and money.

Dan Rafter has covered personal finance for more than 15 years for publications ranging from The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune to Wise Bread, HSH.com and MoneyRates.com. His work has also appeared online at the Motley Fool, Fox Business, Huffington Post, Christian Science Monitor and Time.

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Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Mexico in 2024

prepaid travel card mexico

Are you planning your trip to Mexico and looking for the best way to stay connected with an e-sim card? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an e-sim card when traveling to Mexico including a comparison of the best Mexico e-sim cards in 2024.

Don’t waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an e-sim card for Mexico on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2024, including all specifications per tourist e-sim card.

This guide will show you where and when to order an e-sim card for Mexico, answer all your FAQ’s about e-sim cards, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for Mexico and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for traveling to Mexico online.

Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger . That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.

In 2022 I visited 62 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used throughout the last 2 years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards to stay connected when traveling abroad. On my latest trip to Mexico I tested the below recommended Mexico e-sim cards for tourists.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

You can also find a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Mexico in 2024  for those who don't have an e-sim compatible phone.

Traveltomtom also wrote specific and in-depth guides for buying e-sim cards in: Singapore ,  Philippines ,  Malaysia , New Zealand , Australia , Hong Kong , China , Indonesia , Thailand , Asia , Turkey , Egypt , Dubai , Europe , United Kingdom , Italy , USA , international e-sim cards and many more.

you may also like...

20 Best Places to Visit in Mexico in 2024

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination.

First I will make a Mexico e-sim card comparison then I will explain how e-sim cards work, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G, data speed, answer some FAQ about e-sim cards, show you the difference between e-sim cards for tourists and local prepaid sim cards in Mexico and tell everything else you need to know about using e-sim cards when traveling to Mexico. 

Let me start with giving you my e-sim card recommendation for Mexico in 2024. These are my favorite e-sim cards for traveling to Mexico in 2024.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom came to the conclusion that an Airalo e-sim card is the best one for traveling to Mexico. This has to do with the mobile data network the Airalo e-sim card is using. More info below.

best esim card for mexico

1. Airalo e-sim card for $24.5 USD

  • 10 GB data-only e-sim
  • Operates on the Movistar, AT&T and Telcel network
  • Valid in Mexico only
  • Valid for 30 days
  • $2.45 USD per Gigabyte

One of the reasons I recommend an Airalo e-sim card for traveling to Mexico is that they operate on the Telcel mobile data network.

For my research about the best Mexico prepaid sim cards for tourists I also compared all the 4G/5G data networks of the mobile internet operators in Mexico and I found out that the 4G/5G network coverage of AT&T and Movistar is very weak compared to Telcel.

This Airalo Mexico e-sim card deal is only valid until 1 February 2024. Airalo has a 50% offer on this e-sim card plan at the moment, which makes it a super easy choice to order an Airalo e-sim card for your trip to Mexico . Lets hope they continue this 50% off on Airalo e-sim cards for Mexico.

So for traveling in Mexico Traveltomtom always recommends a prepaid or e-sim card from Telcel over any other mobile internet provider.

For example some of the Nomad e-sim cards for Mexico turn out to be great e-sim deals as well however, the Nomad e-sim cards operate on the AT&T and the Movistar network.

If you are not planning to go off the beaten path and are going to stick to the common tourist destinations in Mexico then an e-sim card from Nomad or SimOptions will also do the job.

Is Mexico one of your stops on a trip to Asia or around the world then you can also look into getting an e-sim card for world travelers . There are a bunch of e-sim cards that cover multiple countries.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for Mexico or in general before using an e-sim card.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards for tourists only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: e-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly. 

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to Mexico.

However, you can still order a sim card for Mexico on the internet before your trip. Find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024 .

Comparison of the best e-sim cards for Mexico

Buying an e-sim card on arrival in Mexico is unfortunately still not possible at the international airports of for example Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, etc. and neither in phone stores anywhere in Mexico.

None of the mobile internet providers in Mexico provide e-sim cards for tourists. They only sell prepaid physical sim cards for tourists.

Luckily there are multiple e-sim providers on the internet that sell Mexico e-sim cards for tourists. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Mexico from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators. 

Here are 3 trusted e-sim card providers and they sell great e-sim card plans for Mexico. They are tested and reviewed multiple times by Traveltomtom: 

Nowadays, you can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions is the only e-sim provider that also offers international prepaid sim cards for Mexico . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards that will be delivered to your door step before your trip and it is plug and play when you arrive in Mexico.

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for Mexico.

SimOptions is a reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist e-sim card for Mexico through SimOptions is done fast and easy.

Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

SimOptions has their own e-sim card plans as well as international e-sim card plans. For Mexico they only sell international e-sim cards. These e-sim cards are valid in multiple countries and not only in Mexico.

three hk international esim cards for mexico

The Three HK (Hong Kong) international e-sim cards are valid in 93 countries around the world:

  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD

Unfortunately SimOptions does not specify on which network in Mexico the Three HK e-sim cards use operate in Mexico. On top of that users have reported that with these HK e-sim cards they had problems using TikTok, as per Hong Kong regulations TikTok is banned and blocked.

The good thing about the Three HK international e-sim cards is that they come with a Hong Kong phone number starting with +852. This means incoming phone calls and sms are supported. These e-sim cards do not come with calling credit, so outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

Click here to order a Three HK international e-sim card via SimOptions .

SimOptions has more international e-sim cards for Mexico.

simoptions international esim cards for mexico

Check out the following 2 international e-sim cards from AIS and Orange.

  • 6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90 USD
  • 10 GB data for 14 days = $39.90 USD

All the SimOptions e-sim plans for Mexico are pretty expensive compared to Nomad and Airalo and therefore it is not Traveltomtom's first pick. The best value Mexico e-sim card deal from SimOptions is the Orange Holiday World eSIM with 10 GB data for $39.90 USD which comes down to $3.99 USD per Gigabyte.

Click here to order any of the above SimOptions e-sim cards for Mexico .

Unfortunately SimOptions doesn’t specify exactly which mobile network operator in Mexico they use and the international e-sim cards from SimOptions are not 5G ready, so the max data speed on these Mexico e-sim cards  is 4G/LTE.

The validity of these e-sim cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the e-sim card, even if you are not in Mexico. For more info check the SimOptions website . 

Lately I have been recommending Nomad e-sim cards a lot as they have really great deals for a lot of countries. The Nomad e-sim card plans for Mexico are not bad at all. In fact some are even better value deals than the Airalo e-sim cards.

Still Traveltomtom considers Airalo as the best e-sim card for traveling to Mexico. That is because the Nomad e-sim cards operate on the 4G/LTE mobile data network of AT&T and Movistar and unfortunately not on Telcel.

However, if you travel to just the standard amazing places to visit in Mexico then you are ok with a Nomad e-sim card. An e-sim card that uses the Telcel network is recommended for those going off the beaten path in Mexico.

nomad esim cards for mexico

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Mexico: 

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $7 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $29 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Mexico from Nomad .

The Nomad website is a little less user friendly for finding the best e-sim cards for traveling to Mexico. You can't see all e-sim card deals in one overview, you have to click a little here and there.

As you can see above the prices for Nomad Mexico e-sim cards aren't bad at all compared to SimOptions and Airalo. The best value e-sim card for Mexico from Nomad is the one with 10 GB data for $29 USD,  which comes down to $2.9 USD per Gigabyte.

nomad esim card specifications

The Nomad e-sim cards are from eSIM Go and they are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. They operate on the LTE/4G network of AT&T and Movistar.

The Nomad Mexico e-sim cards have to be installed on your phone within 30 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Mexico. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website . 

Airalo is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an e-sim card. 

Why using Airalo? When it comes to Mexico e-sim cards Airalo has the best e-sim card plans and in contrary to Nomad and SimOptions they operate on the best mobile data network in Mexico: Telcel.

Therefore Traveltomtom recommends Airalo as the best e-sim cards for Mexico.

airalo esim cards for mexico

Here are the Airalo data-only e-sim card plans for Mexico for 2024: 

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $8 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $15 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $32.5 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.5 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Mexico from Airalo .

The Airalo e-sim cards for Mexico are from Chorro Fon and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of AT&T, Movistar and Telcel. Unfortunately the Airalo Chorro Fon e-sim cards for Mexico are not 5G ready yet.

The best value e-sim card from Airalo gives you 10 GB data for $24.5 USD, which comes down to $2.45 USD per Gigabyte. Which is right now the best value e-sim card for Mexico as well.

In the most popular places to visit in Mexico you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is pretty good these days. There is in fact still very little 5G in Mexico.

For more info about the best 4G/5G mobile data network in Mexico check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for Mexico in 2024 , including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.

All the Airalo e-sim cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo e-sim card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website .

What is the cheapest e-sim card for Mexico?

cheapest esim cards for mexico

The cheapest e-sim card for Mexico is an e-sim card from Nomad for just $7 USD , it will give you 1 GB data for 7 days. Airalo offers the same e-sim card plan but charges $8 USD. These e-sims are only valid in Mexico and do not support calling and texting. 

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Mexico

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes. 

The most important reason to get an e-sim card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Mexico without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless. 

One of the best things about arriving in Mexico with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Mexico, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Mexico so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Overseas data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you in pretty  much every amazing tourist destinations in Mexico there is 4G/LTE available.

And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how affordable the e-sim cards for Mexico are.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: “Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Mexico.

Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends. 

Where to buy an e-sim card for Mexico? 

You can buy an e-sim card for Mexico on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for Mexico. Traveltomtom compared 6 e-sim card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones ( SimOptions , Airalo and Nomad ) are the best e-sim card providers in 2024.

When buying an e-sim card for Mexico through one of the above recommended e-sim providers you only need your email address and the e-sim card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in Mexico

There are 3 main mobile internet provider in Mexico: AT&T, Movistar and Telcel. Unfortunately as per January 2024 none of the mobile internet operators in Mexico offer e-sim cards for tourists. They only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Mexico in 2024  click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Mexico, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network. In that comparison you will clearly see the difference in network strength between AT&T, Movistar and Telcel.

Flying into Mexico and landing at Mexico City Airport then you can buy a tourist sim card for Mexico on arrival at the airport. Click on the link to read Traveltomtom's complete guide on where to buy a local prepaid sim card at Mexico City Airport .

At the international airports in Mexico you will find several sim card shops and phone stores that sell all kind of tourist sim cards. If you can't see any phone shops you can try your luck at the convenient stores. They randomly charge you something but if you are lucky they help you set up the sim card.

But as mentioned before the sim cards shops and convenient stores in Mexico only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists, no e-sims.

When to order/activate an e-sim card for Mexico?

You can order an e-sim card for Mexico pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of departure to Mexico or before. You will need a stable internet connection to instal your e-sim card. Pretty much all the international airports in Mexico have free public WiFi which works ok most of the time, so you could use that to install your e-sim card.

Just make sure it is a stable internet connection. Therefore just to make sure Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your e-sim card in your home country. 

My personal advice is to instal your tourist e-sim card for Mexico before you get into the plane, because then as soon as the plane lands you will be connected to the internet without any problems. 

How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Mexico 5 times and traveled all around the country. Check out my list of the best places to visit in Mexico .

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code. 

When you order an e-sim card plan for Mexico you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Mexico e-sim card. 

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR contains all the information about your Mexico e-sim card. 

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur. 

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for Mexico 

Here are some general tips and FAQ’s for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Mexico e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Mexico. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone. 

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Mexico or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Mexico and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support e-sim cards. 

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for Mexico recommended above ( SimOptions , Airalo and Nomad ) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Mexico.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider as well. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Mexico e-sim cards, only RECOMMENDS you to use e-sim cards for your next trip to Mexico.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Mexico e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to Mexico. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Mexico e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and e-sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with a Mexico e-sim card?

No, unfortunately all the tourist e-sim cards for Mexico available on the internet do NOT include calling and texting. The e-sim cards from SimOptions , Airalo and Nomad  are data-only e-sim cards and any outgoing calls/sms are not supported. 

If you buy a prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival in Mexico in a store or at the airport then you get (unlimited) calling and texting included.

Most hotels, restaurants and tour companies in Mexico have WhatsApp services, so you can easily give them a call through WhatsApp. There is no direct need for local calling minutes. 

Does a Mexico e-sim card come with a phone number?

No, most of the Mexico e-sim cards that you can buy on the internet do not come with a phone number, which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms.

There is one exception and that is the Three HK international e-sim card that you can order via SimOptions . This e-sim comes with a Hong Kong phone number starting with +852.

Local prepaid sim cards that you can buy once you arrive in Mexico offer incoming and outgoing calling and texting.

In the above Mexico e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card.

Can I use 5G on an Mexico e-sim card?

No, unfortunately none of the by Traveltomtom recommended e-sim cards for Mexico are 5G ready. Which means the max data speed on all e-sims is 4G/LTE. That said, AT&T and Movistar do barely offer 5G anyway and the 5G network from Telcel is also still fairly small. There is not much 5G in Mexico anyway.

Are there e-sim cards for Mexico with unlimited data?

None of the by Traveltomtom recommended Mexico e-sim cards for tourists include unlimited data.

Even if you would come across e-sim card providers that offer e-sim cards for Mexico with unlimited data then make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed. Mostly the data speed is capped after you used X amount of Gigabytes. 

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). 

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Mexico e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading! 

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend e-sim cards for Mexico with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite e-sim card. However, what is then the point of an e-sim with unlimited data is what you have to ask yourself.

An  Airalo e-sim card for $24.5 USD  gives you 10 GB data which for most travelers is more than enough for their trip to Mexico. IF this is not enough you can also order 2 e-sim cards and after one is done, you instal the second one.

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Mexico in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are e-sim cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico?

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Mexico, but what is the best way?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Mexico:

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.  

In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. 

Mexico prepaid sim cards for tourists offer bigger data plans than tourist e-sim cards you order online. In fact local prepaid sim cards with data are fairly cheap for tourists in Mexico. For around $10 USD you get a physical sim card plan with unlimited social media and 3 GB data.

However, a local prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Mexico in a phone store or at the airport but NOT on the internet. 

Another big difference is that local prepaid sim cards have the advantage that they come with a local phone number and mostly with calling minutes and sms bundles. That means incoming and outgoing calls are supported.

More info about the best Mexico sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Mexico in 2024 . 

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Mexico. Some of them are great for Mexico as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting Mexico you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom’s list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2024 .

international prepaid sim cards for mexico

As I mentioned before SimOptions also sells physical prepaid sim cards for traveling internationally.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your door step before your trip to Mexico. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground in Mexico and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Mexico directly online via SimOptions .

As explained throughout the article there are two different e-sim cards:

  • E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
  • E-sim cards that you buy in Mexico in a mobile internet provider store

However, as of January 2024 the mobile internet providers in Mexico do not offer e-sim cards for tourists. They only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists in Mexico.

On arrival at the International Airports in Mexico the sim card stores only sells physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an e-sim card on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Mexico.

You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Mexico. As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

When we compare the prices for Mexico e-sim cards with the prices for local prepaid sim cards in Mexico, it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are much more affordable as you get many more Gigabytes for the same price.

In fact, for around $10 USD you can already get a prepaid sim card with unlimited social media and 3 GB data for 1 month. For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards for Mexico in 2024 . 

But local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Mexico on arrival in a sim card shop or at the airport and a tourist e-sim card for Mexico can be bought in 2 minutes on the internet before your trip to Mexico. 

Remember that some of the e-sim cards for Mexico also go down to only $2.45 USD per Gigabyte as well. 

After a long flight you just want to get to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. With e-sim cards you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.

For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best e-sim cards for Mexico in the comparison above.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for Mexico. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid Mexico sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best e-sim card for your trip to Mexico were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card for Mexico right away.

If you still have any questions about e-sim cards then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Mexico!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for Mexico are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

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The Best Prepaid SIM Card for Mexico in 2023

Tourism in Mexico is one of the most important economic activities in the world. With 39.9 million visitors in 2017, is the first tourist destination for foreigners within Latin America, and is placed in sixth place worldwide in terms of arrivals of international tourists. 

This country has everything, from beautiful beaches, an amazing nightlife to a very rich culture. You can visit places like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Acapulco and Cancun. If you are thinking about making Mexico your next travel destination, you will need to get a prepaid SIM card to stay connected wherever you go. Here we will show you the best SIM cards for Mexico.

Looking for an alternative solution? We have eSIMs for Mexico available!

What Are The Top SIM Cards Offers for Mexico?

What is the best sim card for mexico, at&t mexico .

To start, we have this American company that is considered the world’s largest telecommunication company and the largest provider of mobile telephone services. They are headquartered in Dallas Texas, and they are also in Mexico City. If you are going to travel to Mexico, you can go without issues and get one of their prepaid SIM cards. The first thing that you need to know is that you can get a SIM card for free through their website. Then you will have two options for plans. One is the AT&T Unlimited & More Premium and the other is AT&T Unlimited & More. With these plans, you will get unlimited calls and texts in the United States, México, and Canada.

Here you have more information:

Unlimited Data + Talk + Text | $ 79.90 - 30GB

  • Calls/SMS: Yes
  • Credit Validity: 30 days

T – Mobile – Deutsche Telekom AG 

This company is a brand of Deutsche Telekom AG, a German telecommunications company worldwide recognized. The good news for you is that they also provide international services, so you will be able to use your phone without problems with one of their prepaid SIM cards.

You can buy their prepaid SIM card online, for only $10 and then you will need a data plan or package that will let you have data, calls, and texts. Here are the available options for Mexico and Canada:

Prepaid SIM - 50GB | $ 69.90 - 5GB

  • Credit Validity: 15 days

Are you interested in getting one of these prepaid SIM cards in Mexico? Find out more about it below.

Are you looking for travel inspiration? Follow us on Instagram!

Movistar – A trademark of Telefonica

This company has been operating in the country since 1995, offering services of fixed and mobile telephone, fixed and mobile internet and television. To get one of their prepaid SIM cards, you can directly to one of their stores when arriving in Mexico. Their stores are located throughout the country. The cost of the SIM card called Chip Movistar is only MXN $60, and when activated you can enjoy 1400 MB for browsing and unlimited access to social networks (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat), for 15 days. Also, if you recharge MXN $60, you will receive an additional pack of 3000 MB to browse and 1000 MB to consume on Netflix and YouTube. 

Movistar has a lot of packages and services depending on your needs. Here we describe them: 

Prepaid packages with unlimited data available for social media and more:

Prepaid 3000 MB | MXN$ 200 ($10.25) – 3000 MB

  • Data: 3000 MB + 1000 MB (Netflix and YouTube)
  • Calls: Unlimited
  • SMS: Unlimited
  • Unlimited: (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat)

Prepaid 2100 MB | MXN$ 150 ($7.69) – 2100 MB

  • Data: 2100 MB 
  • Credit Validity: 28 days

Prepaid 1400 MB | MXN$ 100 ($5.12) – 1400 MB

  • Data: 1400 MB 

Prepaid 500 MB | MXN$ 50 ($2.56) – 500 MB

  • Data: 500 MB + 1000 MB (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat) 
  • Credit Validity: 7 days
  • Unlimited: WhatsApp.

Prepaid 300 MB | MXN$ 30 ($1.54) – 300 MB

  • Data: 300 MB + 200 MB (Facebook and Twitter)
  • Credit Validity: 3 days

The unlimited calls and texts in the packages above are valid for any company in these North American countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Data packages for YouTube and Netflix:

Package 3000 MB | MXN$ 50 ($2.56) – 3000 MB

  • Data: 3000 MB 

Package 2000 MB | MXN$ 30 ($1.54) – 2000 MB

  • Data: 2000 MB 

Package 1000 MB | MXN$ 20 ($1.02) – 1000 MB

  • Data: 1000 MB 
  • Credit Validity: 1 days

Package 500 MB | MXN$ 10 ($0.51) – 500 MB

  • Data: 500 MB 

To activate any of these plans call #100#.

Packages for unlimited calls and texts to Mexico, the United States, and Canada:

Prepaid 10 | MXN$ 10 ($0.51)

  • Credit Validity: 1 day

Prepaid 20 | MXN$ 20 ($1.02)

  • Credit Validity: 2 days

Prepaid 30 | MXN$ 30 ($1.54)

Prepaid 40 | mxn$ 40 ($2.05).

  • Credit Validity: 4 days

Prepaid 50 | MXN$ 50 ($2.56)

  • Credit Validity: 5 days

If you want to activate a plan call #100#.

Are you interested in buying a Movistar SIM card for your travel to Mexico? Visit their website and find more information.

Telcel – A part of America Móvil

This is a leading company of wireless telecommunications in Mexico with almost 30 years of experience offering mobile telephony services. It currently has 75 million users. Telcel could be the ideal company you are looking for if you travel to Mexico. To acquire one of your SIM cards you can do it in one of their stores or through their website. This SIM card has a cost of MXN $0.99 and comes in three formats: Standard, Micro, and Nano.  

Below you will find the details of packages and services that are available for you:

Telcel Max Without Limit 5000 | MXN$ 499 ($25.57) – 5000 MB

  • Data: 5000 MB + 5000 MB
  • Credit Validity: 31 days
  • Unlimited: WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and UBER.
  • Claro Video: Subscription without cost. 

Additional services:

Internet per time Package | MXN$ 15 ($0.07)

  • Data: Unlimited
  • Credit Validity: 2 hours

More Megabytes Package 10000 | MXN$ 599 ($30.69)

  • Data: 10000 MB

More Megabytes Package 5000 | MXN$ 349 ($17.88)

More megabytes package 2000 | mxn$ 149 ($7.64).

  • Data: 2000 MB + 2000 MB

More Megabytes Package 1000 | MXN$ 99 ($5.07)

  • Data: 1000 MB + 1000 MB

More Megabytes Package 500 | MXN$ 49 ($2.51)

Here you have the additional charges:

  • Voice mailbox: MXN $1.19 ($0.061)  (Cost for message recovery call)
  • Calls to 01 800 numbers being in México: MXN $0.98 ($0.05)
  • MMS: MXN $2.08 ($0.11)
  • Rescatel Integral*: MXN $32.33 ($1.66)
  • Rescatel Plus*: MXN $23.28 ($1.19)
  • Additional KB: MXN $ 0.000244 ($0.000013)
  • *Insurance for tariff clients that includes specialized medical assistance.

If you are thinking about buying a SIM card for your trip to Mexico, find more information about Telcel on their website.

We showed you the main telecommunications companies that work in Mexico, which are AT&T, Movistar, Telcel and T-Mobile, and the details about each of the prepaid SIM cards that they have available for you. So now you have all the information needed to choose the best prepaid SIM card that best fits your needs on your stay in Mexico.

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foreign currency banknote cash

How to Get Mexican Pesos in the USA Without Huge Fees

prepaid travel card mexico

A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Preparing for your travels to Mexico? You may be wondering whether you should prepare some Mexican Pesos in cash prior to your departure, or if its cheaper to simple use your cards in Mexico after arrival.

In this guide, we will explore the best overall place to get Mexican Pesos online in the USA, which is with a travel money card like Revolut or Wise . If you'd like to simply withdraw Mexican Pesos in cash from an ATM in Mexico, we will explain how to do so without incurring unnecessary fees.

We'll cover the costs, and the pros and cons, involved for each method. By understanding your options and their fees up front, you can enjoy the peace of mind that you're getting the best deal for your situation.

We highly recommend Revolut 's travel debit card to buy Mexican Pesos in the USA cheaply. Revolut is a multi-currency account that allows you to hold and exchange US Dollars, Mexican Pesos, and over 30 other foreign currencies at industry-low, transparent fees and exchange rates. Best of all, you can easily do this online or straight from the app!

The Best Places to Buy Mexican Pesos in the USA

  • 01. Mexican Peso travel money card scroll down
  • 02. ATMs abroad via travel debit card scroll down
  • 03. Online foreign currency exchange scroll down
  • 04. Traditional banks scroll down
  • 05. Money changer kiosks scroll down
  • 06. Airport kiosks scroll down
  • 07. Summary: Where to buy Mexican Pesos in the USA scroll down

1. Mexican Peso Travel Money Card

Travel money cards are prepaid debit cards that let you hold the local currency of your destination (MXN) so that ATMs and point-of-sale devices treat you like a local card holder. Simply top up your card balance in US Dollars and convert those balances to Mexican Pesos. Then use your card to pay with peace of mind like a local.

User-friendly fintech apps like Revolut and Wise far and away offer superior rates when compared to banks and bureau de change kiosks. Since you can download the apps and use their virtual cards directly onto your smartphone, we also consider them to be more convenient. Compare the in more detail with our in-depth prepaid travel card guide .

Revolut Account

Revolut charges no foreign transaction fees on the first $1,000 spent per month and no ATM fees on the first $1,000 per month, although fair use limits and weekend surcharges may apply. This ATM policy is far more generous than other competitors such as  Wise ,  Monzo , and  Monese . If you're in a rush, you'll still be able to access  Revolut's instant virtual card  from the app and add it Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other third-party digital wallets.

Go to Revolut ❯

  • Trust & Credibility 8.9
  • Service & Quality 7.9
  • Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
  • Customer Satisfaction 9.4

Wise Multi-Currency Account

Unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and  foreign ATMs , Wise is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your dollars into euros (and 51 other currencies) with them. The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with  Wise . Instead, they charge an industry-low commission fee, which ranges from 0.35% to 2.85%.

Go to Wise ❯

  • Trust & Credibility 9.3
  • Service & Quality 8.9
  • Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
  • Customer Satisfaction 9.6

2. ATMs Abroad Using a Debit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees

We recommend getting Mexican Pesos in cash from ATMs with debit cards because credit cards with charge you cash advance fees and high APR on ATM withdrawals. Plus, debit cards will use exchange rates set by your card network (like Visa and Mastercard ), which are near the mid-market rate.

Foreign transaction fees are fixed percentage fees (usually around 2.5%) that card issuers will tack on to the purchase price. These fees pile up when you travel and spend internationally, which is why you should always travel with a card that waives foreign transaction fees .

Travel Tip: Read more about the 5 best debit cards that waives international transaction fees .

Always Pay in the Local Currency

  • When the point-of-sale machine or ATM in Mexico ask you to "Pay in MXN" or "Pay in USD", always opt to pay in the local currency: Pay in MXN.

Learn more about dynamic currency conversions .

3. Online Foreign Currency Exchange

Online foreign currency exchange services are convenient and can be reasonably priced if you order a few weeks in advance. Take note to not pay with a credit card because your card provider will treat it like a cash advance, which will incur fixed fees and APR costs. When you order Mexican Pesos in cash online, foreign exchange service providers will charge you two kinds of fees:

  • Exchange Rate Margin:  Providers apply an exchange rate that is poorer than the true  "mid-market" exchange rate . They keep the difference, called an  exchange rate margin .
  • Commission Fee:  This  fee  is usually a percentage of the amount converted, which is charged for the service provided.

In-Person Cash Pick-Up

Most services allow you to visit a local branch in your neighborhood to pick up your cash. This is usually a no-cost service.

Home Delivery

For added convenience, you can pay a delivery fee to have the money sent to your designated address on a set date and time.

4. Traditional Banks

Despite commonly heard advice, banks and credit unions are outdated currency exchange providers. Many banks offer foreign exchange services online, but you may need to be a client of the bank. You can pay by cash, card, or with your existing account balances.

For illustration, we found that Bank of America was converting €1,000 EUR into $1010.60 USD even though the  mid-market exchange rate  was at €1,000 EUR = $1,063.60 USD*. That's a markup worth $53.

*Exchange rates recorded on 22 September 2023 12:55 CEST.

We generally recommend against getting Mexican Pesos from your traditional bank or credit union.

5. Money Changer Kiosks

Money changers generally charge high exchange rate margins, like banks and online foreign exchange services. We tend to treat these providers in the same category as airport bureau de change. Even if they advertise "no commission," you will still incur the hidden cost of the exchange rate margin.

While these kiosks may be conveniently located in cities and tourist attractions, we recommend going to bank ATM instead, using a prepaid travel card or a debit card that waives foreign transaction fees .

6. Airport Bureau de Change Kiosks

While bureaux de change at airports in the USA may be convenient for last-second exchanges, they charge huge exchange rate margins and hefty commission fees. They should be avoided at all costs.

If you need cash for your trip to Mexico, we recommend that you withdraw cash from an ATM abroad, using a prepaid travel card or a debit card that waives foreign transaction fees .

Summary: How to Get Mexican Pesos in the USA

Each method to get Mexican Pesos in the USA will have its conveniences and drawbacks depending on your situation.

Here is a summary of the best places to buy MXN with USD:

  • Prepaid Travel Money Card: Compare the best travel money cards .
  • ATM with Debit Card: The top 5 that waive foreign transaction fees .
  • Online Foreign Currency Exchange Service: Learn about travel money .
  • Traditional Banks: Explore bank currency exchange .
  • Money Changer Kiosks: Find the best way to spend money abroad .
  • Airport Bureau de Change: Use ATMs abroad as better alternatives .

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get Mexican Pesos in the USA

We generally only recommend getting Mexican Pesos in the USA if you open a free multi-currency account from Revolut or Wise . If you want Mexican Pesos while in Mexico, then it is best to simply get cash from an ATM there.

You can use any of the 6 methods included in this article. We recommend travel money card, which let you hold MXN via a multi-currency account and spend them with a card.

Yes, you can exchange for Mexican Pesos at a bank in the USA. However, it is generally expensive because they may charge commission fees and very high exchange rate margins.

  • Open an account with Revolut or Wise ;
  • Access your account online by desktop or by smartphone;
  • Top up USD onto the multi-currency account;
  • Convert the USD to MXN using their industry-low rates.

It depends on your method. If you want to get Mexican Pesos in the USA, then we recommend you open an account with a multi-currency account like Revolut or Wise . If you want Mexican Pesos while in Mexico, then its best to get cash from an ATM.

Currency exchange rates are constantly in flux due to market fluctuations. This is why we recommend multi-currency account like Revolut or Wise . They have features that let you lock in a desired exchange rate, which will trigger a conversion if met by the mid-market rate.

Learn More About Where to Best Buy Foreign Currency in the USA

prepaid travel card mexico

Find the Best Places to Buy Other Foreign Currencies in the USA

Why trust monito.

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Driving to Mexico? Make Sure You Have the Right Car Insurance

Isabel Contreras

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Spring break is just around the corner, and many Americans will soon flock to Mexico’s white sand beaches and bustling cities to enjoy their time off. But those opting for a road trip will need to sort out their car insurance coverage first. Mexico legally requires all drivers, including American tourists, to have liability insurance , and failing to purchase enough insurance could land drivers in jail should they cause an accident.

Standard U.S. auto insurance policies won’t cover drivers south of the border, so it’s vital to purchase Mexican car insurance before making the trip.

Liability car insurance is crucial when driving in Mexico

Many large U.S. insurance companies partner with Mexican insurers to offer Mexican car insurance to their customers. Plans are flexible, starting at a single day of coverage and going for as long as a year. Another option is to purchase insurance from a U.S. broker that specializes in Mexican car insurance.

Mexico requires drivers to hold 100,000 Mexican pesos (around $5,800) for bodily injury and death liability coverage and 50,000 Mexican pesos (around $2,900) for property liability damage. If you're caught driving in Mexico without this minimum coverage, you may face a fine of at least $200. If you cause an accident while driving uninsured in Mexico and cannot pay for the damages you caused, you could face jail time. That’s because in Mexico, all car accidents are considered criminal offenses, not just civil matters.

“If you don't have insurance and you cause an accident, you can be held by the authorities,” says Geoff Hill, vice president of business development at Baja Bound, a California-based agency that specializes in Mexican auto insurance. “If you're at fault, they will hold you until you can come up with the money to pay for the damage you [caused]. If you had insurance, you wouldn't be on the hook for that.”

Oscar Arrieta, an Allstate insurance agent in El Paso, Texas, stresses the importance of having strong liability coverage above all other protection while driving in Mexico. The country’s liability insurance requirements are likely not enough to protect you and your finances if you cause an accident. “To me, protecting your vehicle is secondary,” he says. “It’s [about] the damage you create.”

Arrieta recommends a policy that has at least a $300,000 combined single limit, which is one larger liability limit to cover both bodily injury and property damage. Baja Bound only sells policies that start at that $300,000 limit and go up to $500,000 in liability coverage.

Other types of car insurance coverage worth having in Mexico

Because there’s a possibility that a car accident could land you in jail, many Mexican insurance policies include legal assistance coverage. This benefit can help you find and pay for an attorney and post bail, up to your policy’s limit.

Mexican insurers also typically offer hands-on support at the scene of an accident. If you’re in a car accident, an adjuster from your insurance company will arrive at the accident to examine the scene and determine how to proceed with other drivers’ insurers. That’s a big difference from how things work in the U.S. , where adjusters won’t get involved until later.

To drive with peace of mind, it might be wise to consider strengthening your Mexican car insurance policy by purchasing medical payments coverage, which pays for the cost of treating your and your passengers’ injuries after an accident.

Even though it’s legally required, only a small portion of drivers in Mexico have car insurance, according to Mexico’s National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services. And those who do might only satisfy the $2,900 property damage liability coverage requirement.

That is why you should also consider buying physical damage coverage and theft coverage which, combined, offer similar coverage to collision and comprehensive insurance in Mexico. These cover the cost of repairing or replacing your own car after it's stolen or damaged in various situations, up to its current market value. Some U.S. insurance companies offer limited insurance coverage in Mexico, as long as you're within a certain distance of the border, so check with your insurer to see if damage to your vehicle is covered in Mexico.

But no matter what, if you’re driving in Mexico, it is crucial to purchase liability insurance coverage at the very least — even if your insurer will cover damage to your car while driving in Mexico.

Mexican rental car insurance

If you’re planning to rent a vehicle for your trip, the best move will be to do so once you’re in Mexico. Many U.S. rental companies restrict or prohibit their cars from being driven into Mexico. The coverage options available at Mexican rental counters will all comply with the local minimum requirements, so that will be one less thing to worry about when your only concern should be finding the best taquería in town.

On a similar note...

Free car insurance comparison

Instantly compare top auto insurance companies.

prepaid travel card mexico

Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone

Learn about the options and benefits for using eSIM while traveling abroad.

Learn about the benefits of traveling with eSIM

eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.

With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail.

You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home and another eSIM for the place you're visiting.

You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active simply by changing your selections in Settings. This might be helpful if you travel regularly to the same places.

What you need

An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later

A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM

Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network*

If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling internationally

Learn more about eSIM on iPhone

eSIM on iPhone isn’t offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao . For travelers visiting China mainland who wish to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by many worldwide service providers .

Roam internationally with your existing carrier

Carriers might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees.

Alternatively, your carrier might offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use at your destination.

International roaming with an eSIM works the same as roaming with a physical SIM.

Your carrier might offer the ability to digitally manage your eSIM plan and add more data as needed.

To learn more, contact your carrier.

Learn more about cellular data roaming options for traveling internationally

Purchase an eSIM from a local carrier in the country or region you're visiting

Find carriers around the world that support eSIM on iPhone .

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier, it can be used only by that carrier. You can add multiple eSIMs and plans through that carrier. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is unlocked, "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Carrier Lock. Learn how to unlock iPhone for use with a different carrier .

Many carriers offer prepaid plan options that you can purchase from the carriers' websites or apps before you arrive, or in person after arrival, through a carrier kiosk at the airport, carrier store, or other location. Carriers will provide steps to activate your eSIM digitally, like with a QR code or carrier app. Depending on local regulations, you might be asked to show identification (like your passport) to purchase. These prepaid carrier options might offer more affordable local plans for data, voice, and text. Check with individual carriers for details.

In addition to purchasing a prepaid eSIM plan, you might wish to get a postpaid account if you plan to be in another place for an extended time.Carriers around the world that support eSIM offer postpaid plans. Depending on the country or region, you might need proof of local residency, an established local bank account, or credit card.

On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you can use two eSIMs at the same time . Carrier fees might apply. Contact your carrier for information.

Purchase a prepaid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider

Many worldwide service providers offer prepaid data plans . These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries and regions when you travel. Carriers offer plans that differ by the amount of data and duration. You can also purchase a plan before you travel.

Apps that offer data only eSIM plans are available on the App Store on your iPhone .

While you're abroad, you can use a data-only eSIM as your secondary line and have two active eSIM plans on supported iPhone models.

The capabilities on your primary line will continue to work when you add a data-only eSIM for cellular data. For example, you might keep your primary line for your home and set up a data-only eSIM plan as your secondary line while traveling.

To choose your data line, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. You can continue to use FaceTime, iMessage, and other apps to make VoIP calls or send messages while you're traveling.

You can also turn data roaming on and off on your home line in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Carrier fees might apply.

If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States but will use it while living in a different country or region

You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model or later that you purchased in the United States with over 400 carriers in 100 markets worldwide that support eSIM on iPhone . Contact your carrier to confirm that they support eSIM on your cellular plan. Also, check iPhone cellular band support for country compatibility.

Many worldwide service providers also offer prepaid eSIM data plans for long-term use in countries and regions across the world.

* iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM-only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.

prepaid travel card mexico

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Find what’s been asked and answered by Apple customers.

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Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.

Demand for Pringles is so high, the manufacturer has to build more factories in Asia to keep up: ‘We’re selling every can of Pringles we can make’

prepaid travel card mexico

Kellanova can’t keep up with Pringles demand from hungry snackers across the globe.

“We’re selling every can of Pringles we can make,” Chief Executive Officer Steve Cahillane said Tuesday in Chicago. He spoke at an event downtown hosted by the Executives’ Club of Chicago. “We’re opening new factories in Asia and Mexico even as we speak.” 

Cahillane said the company wants to invest in high-growth brands such as Pringles. Kellanova needs the fried potato crisps to gain market share after it spun off its North American  cereal business  last year in an effort to focus on categories such as snacking and frozen foods.

Kellanova also can sell more products overseas, especially in African countries, according to Cahillane. The company has a noodles business in Nigeria that generates nearly $1 billion in sales, he said.

“Africa is, to me, the continent of this century and probably the next century,” he said. “We made a big bet in Africa.”

Legacy food companies have been trying to lure shoppers with different meal  occasions , along with more snacks. Kellanova, based in Chicago, owns brands including Cheez-It, RXBAR and Eggo frozen waffles. 

However, the company’s North American business has been under pressure as consumers stretch their dollars, cut food waste and switch to private label amid persistent inflation. In the latest quarter, the company’s volumes dropped more than 6% in North America, while also declining in Europe.

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IMAGES

  1. The ideal gift for everyone debuts in Mexico: Vanilla® Visa, Global Prepaid

    prepaid travel card mexico

  2. The ideal gift for everyone debuts in Mexico: Vanilla® Visa, Global

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  3. Buying a Sim Card in Mexico in 2022

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  4. AT&T Prepaid Travel SIM Card Unlimited Call, Text and Data for 45 days

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  5. Mexico Tourist Card 101 (and how to get one online)

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  6. Top 10 Pre Paid Travel Cards

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VIDEO

  1. Renewing my Mexican Visa and getting a work visa

  2. WORK FROM HOME: High Life Travel Engine & Prepaid Packages! MASSIVE Savings on bookings. #trending

COMMENTS

  1. Prepaid Cards For Traveling In Mexico: Finding The Best One

    The best credit card for traveling to Mexico is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Its rewards rate on travel purchases is high, as is the fee for international transactions. If you spend $4,000 in the first three months, you will also receive an initial bonus of 7,500 miles.

  2. Best Travel Money Card for Mexico

    The Travelex money card is a popular choice, as you can use it to make contactless payments. It doesn't add any extra ATM fees and will replace your card if you lose it. Purchase your Mexican Nuevo Peso in advance to get the best rates. A prepaid currency card is one of the best options and you can also withdraw Peso cash.

  3. Travel money Mexico 2024: How to pay & how much to bring

    Credit cards, debit cards, prepaid travel cards and cash are all accepted in Mexico. Outside of a few purchases like transportation fare or local shops, a credit card will be your best bet for everyday purchases. A card that waives foreign transaction fees like most travel credit cards can help you save on extraneous fees.

  4. 6 Best Travel Cards for Mexico

    Travel debit cards; Travel prepaid cards; Travel credit cards; They all have distinct benefits when you head off to Mexico or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently. Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card.

  5. 11 Best Prepaid Cards to Use Abroad (March 2024)

    Here are four of the best and most widely available prepaid travel cards available in the U.S., along with their primary features: 1. Discover® Cashback Debit. at the issuer's secure website. EXPERT'S RATING. ★★★★★. 4.9. OVERALL RATING.

  6. Prepaid Travel Card by Mastercard

    Prepaid Travel Card by Mastercard | Reloadable Travel Cards. MASTERCARD BENEFIT INQUIRIES. Within the U.S.: 1-800-Mastercard (1-800-627-8372) | Outside the U.S.: Mastercard Global Service Phone Numbers. Availability of insurance benefits on your card may vary by card issuer. Please refer to your issuing financial institution for complete ...

  7. The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for Mexico

    Travel debit card Option 1: Wise. Wise is our best value travel money debit card for Mexico, which comes with a linked account you can use for holding MXN easily. There's no fee to open a Wise account, and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge.

  8. Best ways to spend travel money in Mexico: Debit & prepaid cards

    The local currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso, and there are a few ways you can make purchases in Pesos in Mexico. Here we compare prepaid travel cards, credit cards and debit cards to help you determine which one is best for your trip down Mexico way. ATMs are widely available in Mexico and are compatible with debit cards, credit cards and ...

  9. 5 Best Prepaid Debit Cards For Vacations (Feb. 2024)

    Best Prepaid Cards For Domestic Vacations. Prepaid cards are accepted where most debit and credit cards are, so they're an easy option to utilize when you're traveling. If you're planning a vacation within the country, these prepaid debit cards are the best options to choose from. 1. Brink's Armored™ Account. at Netspend's secure ...

  10. Prepaid travel money cards: Lock in the best rates

    Top-pick prepaid travel cards. Top prepaid travel cards. Revolut - top rates on weekdays. Wise - top rates with low fees. EasyFX - zero overseas ATM fees. Top cards for under-18s to use abroad. HyperJar - fee-free spending, can't use ATMs. Nationwide - fee-free spending & withdrawals. GoHenry - free for two months + £5 cashback.

  11. buying a prepaid visa travel card in Mexico?

    Save. There are no places that I know of where Mexico offers prepaid Visa or MasterCard like the States have. You can purchase s Bluebird American Express card and transfer funds from your American account to your Amex instantly. I use it frequently to avoid fees associated with the 3% Visa and MasterCard apply with each foreign purchase.

  12. Prepaid travel cards pros and cons

    Prepaid travel cards work much like general-purpose prepaid cards, except that they typically offer special features and perks designed for travel — which can vary based on the issuing bank. In general, to use a prepaid travel card, you purchase the card and simultaneously load it with the funds you want to spend on your trip, up to the ...

  13. Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for Mexico in 2024

    Airalo is a reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used them in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the Airalo e-sim card plans for Mexico in 2024: 1 GB data for 7 days = $8 USD. 2 GB data for 15 days = $15 USD. 3 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD. 5 GB data for 30 days = $32.5 USD.

  14. Everything you need to know about purchasing a Mexican sim card

    A Mexico sim card usually costs $5 USD including an activation fee. They will also ask you to top it up before purchasing. $10 USD unlimited data is usually enough as an initial top-up. Oxxo, the Mexican convenience store is also the best place to buy your Mexico sim card. It's easy to locate and is all over the country however, in states ...

  15. Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Mexico in 2024

    The best value e-sim card from Airalo gives you 10 GB data for $24.5 USD, which comes down to $2.45 USD per Gigabyte. Which is right now the best value e-sim card for Mexico as well. In the most popular places to visit in Mexico you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is pretty good these days.

  16. The 7 Best Prepaid SIM Cards for Mexico in 2023

    Stay connected with America's fastest network provider AT&T. With the Prepaid SIM Card for Mexico you can enjoy unlimited data with endless entertainment. Data: 30GB. Calls/SMS: Yes. Credit Validity: 30 days. Only $ 79.90.

  17. How to Get Mexican Pesos in the USA Without Huge Fees

    Prepaid Travel Money Card: Compare the best travel money cards. ATM with Debit Card: The top 5 that waive foreign transaction fees. Online Foreign Currency Exchange Service: Learn about travel money. Traditional Banks: Explore bank currency exchange. Money Changer Kiosks: Find the best way to spend money abroad.

  18. Driving to Mexico? Make Sure You Have the Right Car Insurance

    Mexico requires drivers to hold 100,000 Mexican pesos (around $5,800) for bodily injury and death liability coverage and 50,000 Mexican pesos (around $2,900) for property liability damage.

  19. Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone

    Purchase a prepaid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider. Many worldwide service providers offer prepaid data plans. These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries and regions when you travel. Carriers offer plans that differ by the amount of data and duration. You can also purchase a plan before you travel.

  20. 'Selling every can of Pringles we can make': Pringles demand surge

    Best Hotel Credit Cards; Best Prepaid Debit Cards; Best Secured Credit Cards; Best Travel Credit Cards; Best 0% APR Credit Cards ... "We're opening new factories in Asia and Mexico even as we ...