Airalo gave me an easy, affordable way to stay connected throughout Mexico City without swapping SIM cards or risking roaming charges. I tested a 5GB Mexico eSIM for 30 days, using it for maps, WhatsApp, social media and even a video call from a hot-air balloon. Here’s how it performed.
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Mexico Airalo eSIM Review: Quick Summary
| At a glance | My experience |
|---|---|
| Plan tested | 5GB of data valid for 30 days |
| Price paid | £13.50 per person |
| Network used | TELCEL |
| Setup | Installed through the Airalo app before travelling and activated after landing |
| Coverage | Reliable throughout my Mexico City trip, including during a hot-air-balloon flight |
| Speed | Strong enough for maps, browsing, social media, WhatsApp and video calls |
| Best for | Travellers who want mobile data without buying a physical SIM or using expensive roaming |
| Things to know | It is data-only and requires an eSIM-compatible phone |
| Would I use Airalo again? | Yes. It was easy to install, worked reliably and lasted for my full trip |
| Discount code | IRISHTRAVELADDICT3 |
Staying connected abroad can make travelling so much easier, especially when you’re relying on maps, translation apps and social media. During a trip to Mexico City, I tested the Airalo eSIM as an alternative to pricey roaming charges and local SIM cards. Here’s how it performed, how easy it was to set up, and whether I’d recommend it for fellow travellers. Users can get money off their first Airalo eSIM using my exclusive discount code: IRISHTRAVELADDICT3
When I’m on the move, staying connected is an absolute must. Whether it’s for navigation, translation or sharing the latest travel moment on social media, having data at my fingertips makes the whole experience smoother. On my recent trip to Mexico City, I was on the lookout for a hassle-free way to stay connected, and that’s when the Airalo eSIM came to the rescue.
No more fiddling with physical SIM cards or worrying about expensive roaming charges.
Here’s how Airalo eSIM made my trip even better.
Read Next: 9 Brilliant Things to Do in Mexico City on a Budget (Plus One Bougie Treat)
Is Airalo eSIM Worth It in Mexico?
Based on my experience, yes. The eSIM was quick to install, connected within seconds after I landed and gave me reliable data throughout the trip. I used it constantly for Google Maps, WhatsApp, social media, browsing and even a video call from a hot-air balloon without experiencing a dead zone.
The main limitation is that the plan is data-only, so it does not include a traditional Mexican phone number for calls or texts. That was not an issue for me because I used WhatsApp and FaceTime instead.
For travellers who want to avoid physical SIM cards, airport kiosks and unpredictable roaming charges, Airalo was a genuinely convenient option and one I would use again.
What is Airalo eSIM?
Airalo is a global eSIM provider that lets you buy local or regional data plans for your phone without the need for a physical SIM card. You load the eSIM directly onto your device, and once it’s set up, you’re good to go. No more swapping SIMs at the airport or tracking down a dodgy kiosk in a foreign country.
The perks? No faff, no hidden fees and no extra gadgets. Just affordable data that works the second you need it.
Why I Went for Airalo eSIM in Mexico
I was already hunting for an eSIM for both me and my partner when a lovely DM from Airalo landed in my Instagram inbox. They offered me some credit to try their service during my trip, and obviously, I wasn’t going to say no.
We both grabbed the 5GB, 30-day plan for £13.50 each. I rinsed through every single megabyte, right up until my flight home. Perfect timing. My partner, on the other hand, had 1.9GB left. I’ll let you guess which one of us is addicted to social media.
Compared to the hassle of buying a local SIM or the daylight robbery of international roaming, Airalo was the easiest and most affordable option.
How Easy Was Airalo eSIM to Set Up?
Honestly? Stupidly easy.
1. Downloaded the Airalo eSIM app (Download on App Store or on Google Play)
2. Picked my Airalo eSIM plan (5GB for Mexico, £13.50)
3. Bought it through Airalo eSIM app
4. Installed the Airalo eSIM in a couple of taps
The biggest thing to remember is do not activate it until you land in Mexico. Get it all set up before you fly, and keep your regular SIM’s data roaming switched off when you’re switching to Airplane Mode. The moment you touch down, activate Airalo and you’re connected in seconds.
How Well Did Airalo eSIM Work in Mexico?
Flawlessly.
Airalo runs on TELCEL, Mexico’s biggest mobile network, which meant I had full coverage everywhere, even floating above the pyramids in a hot air balloon. Not a single dead zone, even in some quieter areas.
Speeds were solid. I could browse, stream and post without any lag. It’s data only, so no traditional calls or texts, but that’s what WhatsApp and FaceTime are for.
Is Airalo eSIM Worth the Money?
Absolutely.
I didn’t need to top up, but if I had, the app makes it effortless. There’s even an auto top-up feature so you never run out. Compared to the alternatives, like expensive roaming fees, slow hotel Wi-Fi or trying to find a local SIM, it’s a no-brainer.
Airalo eSIM Discount Code
You can get money off your first Airalo eSIM using my discount code: IRISHTRAVELADDICT3
What I Loved about Airalo eSIM (And a Couple of Things to Keep in Mind)
The Good Stuff:
✅ No physical SIM faff. Install and go
✅ Affordable data with no hidden fees
✅ Full coverage on one of Mexico’s best networks
✅ Easy top-ups if needed
The Small Print:
⚠️ Data only, so no traditional calls or texts
⚠️ Your phone needs to be eSIM compatible
Featured image supplied by Airalo.
Updated: 16 July 2026
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Looks so simple to use. Thanks for the discount too!