Will My Phone Work in Mexico 2023? A Guide to Stay Connected

“Will my phone work in Mexico?” – if this is a question on your mind, then you’re in the right place! Mexico is a breathtaking destination with so much to offer and staying connected is a crucial part of your travel experience.

As a seasoned traveler who frequently visits Mexico, both personally and with family, I have had the opportunity to experience the coverage offered by all of the three major carriers in the United States.

In this comprehensive guide, I will cover international roaming, local carriers, and budget-friendly options to ensure that you stay connected and fully immersed in the beauty of Mexico. Regardless of whether you are with a T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T phone, this guide will equip you with all the necessary information to maintain connectivity and make the most of your Mexican adventure.

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Will My Phone Work in Mexico?

Whether your phone will work in Mexico largely depends on the type of phone you have and your carrier. If you have an unlocked phone, you can use a local SIM card in Mexico and enjoy local rates for calls and data usage. 

However, if your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you can opt for international roaming. Depending on the terms of your current phone plan with the carrier, you may be able to use your phone in Mexico for free or at an extra cost.  

Major Phone Networks in the United States

Here we’ll cover the major US phone networks – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile – and help you better understand whether your phone will work in Mexico with these carriers.

AT&T: Will My Phone Work in Mexico with AT&T?

AT&T is one of the largest telecommunication companies in the US and offers a range of international roaming options for its customers traveling to Mexico. 

If you’re on AT&T Unlimited Data Plan, your AT&T phone will work in Mexico in the same way it does in the U.S. AT&T’s network is also available in Mexico, so you’ll have the convenience of using the same network while traveling. However, network speeds may be slower outside of the U.S. and may only reach as low as 2G.

Unlike T-Mobile which states that your U.S phone plan is not intended for international, AT&T doesn’t really care if you use your phone in Mexico for an extended period of time.

In other words, if you’re planning a long trip to Mexico, you won’t have to worry about using your phone more in Mexico than in the U.S. There is no rule controlling the usage of your phone in either country and AT&T does not impose any restrictions on how much you use your phone in Mexico. 

T-Mobile: Will My Phone Work in Mexico with T-Mobile?

With T-Mobile, there’s no need for any setup or roaming charges, and your phone will most likely work right away as soon as you arrive.

T-Mobile’s program “Mobile Without Borders” offers up to 5GB of high-speed data (or your plan’s maximum data allotment) at no extra cost on select plans, including MAX, Magenta, ONE, Simple Choice, Business Unlimited, and more.

For those on other plans, this feature can be added for an additional fee. However, if you are not eligible for Mobile Without Borders, other roaming options in Canada and Mexico may be available through a different plan or feature on your account. For instance, T-Mobile Essentials provides data in Canada and Mexico at speeds of up to 128kbps, with no added cost.

T-Mobile’s network coverage and speeds can vary depending on your location. In some rural areas, coverage may be limited, and speeds may be slower than in more urban areas. To improve its speed, you can opt for a premium add-on. For my plan it was $5/day, but the extra cost varies depending on the plan you have. 

Verizon: Will my Verizon phone work in Mexico?

Yes, your Verizon phone can be used in Mexico with international roaming enabled through TravelPass.

TravelPass allows you to use your existing Verizon service, including unlimited text and data, while you’re in Mexico. Keep in mind that there is a daily fee associated with using TravelPass, which is around $5 USD per day. However, this fee is reasonable and there’s no long-term commitment required. 

Adding TravelPass to your plan is easy. You can do it online through the Verizon website or using the Verizon app, or simply by texting “Travel” to 4004. 

Local Carriers – Mexican Mobile Network Providers

Mexico has several major carriers that offer mobile services, including Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T.

Telcel is the largest carrier in Mexico, providing services to over 80 million subscribers. It offers a wide range of plans, including prepaid and postpaid options, with competitive pricing and good network coverage across the country. Telcel has a strong 4G LTE network and is continuously expanding its coverage.

Movistar is a subsidiary of Telefonica, operating in Spain and in many Latin American countries. It offers a variety of plans for both personal and business use, including postpaid and prepaid options, and its network covers most of the country.

AT&T has its subsidiary in Mexco called AT&T Mexico. AT&T offers a range of plans, and has good network coverage in most cities and tourist destinations in Mexico. AT&T has a strong 4G LTE network and is known for its high-quality services.

Lost Connection? Here is What to Do

Traveling to a foreign country can be an exciting adventure, but what to do when your phone doesn’t work? Whether it’s due to a lack of coverage, an expired plan, or simply a dead battery, it’s essential to know what to do in case of an emergency. Here are some tips to help you cope with losing connection in Mexico.

1. Purchase a local sim card: If your phone is unlocked, you can easily pick one up at the airport or a nearby phone store, but to save time, it’s best to purchase one online before your trip.

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2. Write down important information: Before leaving home, write down important information such as your hotel’s address, the phone numbers of your travel companions, and any emergency contacts. Keep this information in a safe place, such as your wallet, in case of an emergency.

3. Find free Wi-Fi hotspots: Many cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions offer free Wi-Fi, which you can use to communicate with friends and family back home, or to access online maps and travel information.

4. Invest in a map: In case of an emergency, it’s important to know your way around the city. Invest in a physical map of the area, or consider downloading an offline map to your phone before leaving the hotel.

5. Learn some basic Spanish: Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be extremely helpful in navigating the city and communicating with locals. Try to learn the most important phrases, such as “Where is the nearest hospital? (Donde esta el hospital mas cercano)” and “Can you call a taxi for me (Puedes por favor llamar un taxi para mí)?”

Will My Phone Work in Mexico FAQs