SIM Card and eSIM in El Salvador: Complete Guide for Tourists

📱 Stay Connected in El Salvador

Having mobile internet in El Salvador greatly facilitates your trip: GPS navigation, transport booking, translation, searches... This guide explains how to get a local SIM card or an eSIM at the best price.

Good news: Mobile plans in El Salvador are among the cheapest in Central America!

🏢 The 4 Mobile Operators

1. Claro ⭐ (Recommended)

• Market share: Leader (~31%)
• Coverage: Best national coverage and fastest speeds
• Network: 4G/LTE on 1900 MHz
• Advantage: Works in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica too (roaming included in some plans)

2. Tigo

• Market share: 3rd operator
• Coverage: Best 4G/LTE coverage (more extensive than Claro)
• Network: 4G/LTE on 850 and 1900 MHz
• Advantage: Calls to USA/Canada included in plans

3. Movistar

• Market share: 2nd operator
• Coverage: Good, competitive prices
• Network: 4G/LTE on 850 and 1900 MHz
• Advantage: "Sin Fronteras" option for roaming in Central and Latin America

4. Digicel

• Market share: Smallest operator
• Coverage: Weakest, no real 4G (HSPA+ only)
• Network: 3G on 900 MHz only
• Advantage: Very affordable plans, available at the airport

Verdict: Claro offers the best balance of coverage/speed. Tigo has the best 4G coverage. Avoid Digicel if you leave big cities.

🛒 Where to Buy a SIM Card

At San Salvador Airport (SAL)

• Digicel: Kiosk available (only operator present as of February 2025)
• Advantage: Convenient if heading straight to the beach
• Disadvantage: Limited choice, Digicel has the weakest coverage

In the City (Recommended)

• Official stores: Claro, Tigo, Movistar in shopping malls (e.g., Centro Comercial Galerias in San Salvador)
• San Salvador historic center: Street vendors for Tigo and Claro, immediate activation
• Mini-marts and grocery stores: Everywhere in the country
• Gas stations: Available on the roads

Important: Ask for SIM activation before paying. Do not leave without verifying it works!

Required Documents

Present your passport for registration. Activation is done on-site in a few minutes.

💰 Prepaid Plan Prices (2025)

Claro - Superpack

Tigo

Movistar

Digicel

SIM card price: $1 to $5 depending on operator and promotion. Often free with plan purchase.

🔄 How to Recharge

• Shops and mini-marts: Give your number and desired amount
• Recharge cards: Scratch the code and dial the indicated number
• Online: Via official operator websites (international credit card)
• Apps: Mi Claro, Mi Tigo, etc.

Useful codes:

• Claro: Recharge *106*CODE# | Balance: SMS "SALDO" to 72536
• Tigo: Check number *627#

📲 eSIM: The Practical Alternative

If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, etc.), it is the easiest solution: online purchase, instant activation via QR code, no need to find a store.

eSIM Advantages

• ✅ Purchase and activate before departure
• ✅ No airport queue
• ✅ No physical SIM card swap
• ✅ Keep your home number on the physical SIM
• ✅ Connected upon landing

Disadvantages

• ❌ Sometimes more expensive than local SIMs
• ❌ Data only (no regular calls/SMS)
• ❌ Requires compatible, unlocked phone

eSIM Provider Comparison (2025)

Jetpac ⭐ (Best Price)

• 1 GB / 7 days: $1 (!)
• Cheapest on the market

Airalo (Reliable)

• 1 GB / 7 days: $6-8
• 3 GB / 30 days: $16
• 5 GB / 30 days: $26
• 20 GB / 365 days: $66
• Network: Movistar 4G
• Promo code: TOMTOM3 (-$3)

Holafly (Unlimited Data)

• 5 days unlimited: ~$27
• 7 days unlimited: ~$34
• 10 days unlimited: ~$37
• 15 days unlimited: ~$47
• Network: Digicel/Tigo
• ⚠️ Hotspot (tethering) not supported

SimOptions

• 1 GB / 7 days: $4.90
• Good value for money

Other Options

• Nomad, Ubigi, Yesim, Gohub: Reliable alternatives with different plans

Central America eSIM

If visiting multiple countries, regional eSIMs cover: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama. Convenient to avoid changing plans at each border.

📶 Network Coverage

Well-Covered Areas (4G)

• San Salvador and surroundings
• Santa Ana
• Pacific Coast (El Tunco, El Zonte, La Libertad)
• Ruta de las Flores
• Main roads

Areas with Limited Coverage

• Mountains and volcanoes (intermittent signal)
• Isolated rural areas
• National parks (El Imposible, Montecristo)

Tip: Download your Google Maps in offline mode before going hiking.

💡 Practical Tips

Before Departure

• Verify your phone is unlocked (accepts any SIM card)
• For eSIMs: check your device compatibility
• Download WhatsApp (main communication method in El Salvador)

On Site

• Plans often include unlimited social media (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
• WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants
• Prefer messaging apps for calls (WhatsApp, Telegram) rather than regular calls

Save Your Data

• Disable automatic updates
• Use WiFi to download heavy content
• Take advantage of "unlimited" social media included in plans

❓ FAQ

What is the SIM validity period?

Generally 30 days for all operators. After 90 days without recharge, the number may be deactivated.

Can I keep my home country SIM active?

Yes! With a dual SIM phone or eSIM-compatible device, you can use your regular SIM for calls/SMS and the Salvadoran SIM for mobile data.

Does international roaming work?

El Salvador is generally not covered by standard roaming plans (European, American, etc.). Check with your operator, but expect high fees. A local SIM or eSIM remains the most economical solution.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

It is easier, but not essential. In official stores, simply show what you want. Street vendors rarely speak English.

📊 Summary: Which Option to Choose?

Our recommendation: For most travelers, a Claro or Tigo SIM card at $7-10 offers the best value. If you prefer simplicity, go for an Airalo eSIM activated before departure.