'How To Get The Best Deal' Guides

Saturday, December 21st 2024

"I'm a travel junkie who's hooked on deals from YYC." - Chris Myden


Business | Tagged Posts

2023
25
May
Roam Like Home or Talk and Text Only: Which is the Better Deal in Mexico City?

Question:

Profile picture of Mateo

Mateo

I am going to Mexico City for a month and Rogers will be $450 for roam like home for the month or $70 on a really crappy talk and text only plan.
Data is very important for me as I will need for day to day and my business.
Does anyone have suggestions on a better and cheaper alternative?

Humans say...

Profile picture of Clare

Clare

Buy a Mexican sim card?

Profile picture of Cheyenne

Cheyenne

Clare
Sorry, we're having trouble playing this video.
Learn more

Profile picture of Sam

Sam

Clare we spent a month in Mexico, got a sim from an oxxo and topped up once. Cost less than $100 for the entire trip.

Profile picture of Anne

Anne

Buy a local SIM card (telcel, movistar) it works great, they are cheap and prepaid data and voice. You can get one at an airport kiosk.

Profile picture of Ed

Ed

100% always buy a local card wherever you go....any option is better than what's offered by Canadian Telcos.

Profile picture of Faiza

Faiza

Can check airalo, however if you need a lot of data daily, buying a Mexican SIM card is probably going to be the better option

Profile picture of Bailey

Bailey

Esim is a great option if you only need data and your phone is compatible

Profile picture of Kuldip

Kuldip

Go to any OXXO and grab a telcel plan. Very good coverage and cheap!

Profile picture of Fernanda

Fernanda

Check the airalo app it may help you.

Profile picture of Hargun

Hargun

Hi! I’d suggest getting an e-sim. Its installed directly on your phone. You don’t need to buy anything physical so you can seamlessly continue to use your device while your Canadian SIM remains in there but is disabled.
I was in Latin America in Nov last year and got a plan through airalo for ~$50 CAD that lasted me the whole time. They have a good mix of plans with phone, data only, unlimited etc to hopefully suit your needs. It can be a a bit daunting or tedious to install the first time if one is not savvy but Do carefully follow the instructions and it’s very straightforward.
P.S. Mexico City is awesome! Hope you Have a great time

Profile picture of Deborah

Deborah

Hargun e-sin is not always reliable. There can be challenges, we have found.

Profile picture of Sarah

Sarah

Hargun I second using airalo! Used it across 3 continents with no issues!

Profile picture of Shellina

Shellina

Sarah I third it. Used airalo in Europe, North Africa and USA and paid 10% of what my Telco would have charged.

Profile picture of Michael

Michael

Sarah I forth it. Used airalo in Japan. And Nomad in Singapore. No problem.

Profile picture of Angie

Angie

Sarah I am currently in Mexico. airalo worked in Oaxaca City but not on the coast.

Profile picture of Anne

Anne

Hargun
thanks for the explanation! DM me a referral link so you can get something when I sign up.

Profile picture of Hargun

Hargun

Anne thanks - that’s so kind! DM sent

Profile picture of Adessa

Adessa

The app airalo will change your life

Profile picture of Kaitlin

Kaitlin

Adessa agreed! I use it for all my trips.

Profile picture of Karen

Karen

Adessa can you explain how it works pls? Never heard of it before.

Profile picture of Adessa

Adessa

it’s basically like purchasing an e-sim. you go on the app, select the country you’re traveling to, select the amount of data, and you pay. incredibly cheap and so easy to use. i use every time i’m outside of canada. the only thing is you can’t call so it’s just data

Profile picture of Andrew

Andrew

Adessa Can you call using data through whatsapp for example though?

Profile picture of Vince

Vince

Andrew yes

Profile picture of Mohit

Mohit

Adessa does it work in Uk and India?

Profile picture of Adessa

Adessa

Mohit I just checked and both countries are on there

Profile picture of Mohit

Mohit

Adessa thank you so much, sounds like moneysaver!

Profile picture of Leslie

Leslie

Adessa what is the app called

Profile picture of Denise

Denise

Mohit if your phone is compatible. Unfortunately mine is not

Profile picture of Lori

Lori

Adessa
I bought the e-sim card but couldn’t get it to work. Any help would be appreciated.

Profile picture of Jodi

Jodi

Lori contact airalo. They’re very helpful

Profile picture of Lori

Lori

Jodi Djng thanks

Profile picture of Adessa

Adessa

Lori they have a visual run through that’s helpful
Sorry, we're having trouble playing this video.
Learn more

Profile picture of Ana

Ana

Adessa thank you so much for posting this!

Profile picture of Natalie

Natalie

Adessa agreed!

Profile picture of Carley

Carley

Adessa THANK YOU

Profile picture of Patti

Patti

Buy a Telecel sim amigo plan for 200 pesos

Profile picture of Rae

Rae

Patti This! Exactly what I do when I go to Mexico.

Profile picture of Amanda

Amanda

airalo! Used it for Thailand and it worked great

Profile picture of Gillian

Gillian

Amanda Paiva seconding airalo: it’s an esim platform. So you can purchase SIM cards from different providers wherever you are in the world. And it’s easy to top up/install.

Profile picture of Tarek

Tarek

Definitely buy a Mexican sim.. is soo cheap and very good data ...
You can find lots of shops selling that around this street: Eje
Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas
Which is a very busy street with lots of street market shops walking from Zocalo
There was a center I remember with multiple telecom shops....
Should be around $10 -$15 for the month

Profile picture of Holly

Holly

Order a SIM card on Amazon 30.00 unlimited data

Profile picture of Neha

Neha

use an e-sim like airalo it will save you so much money. It comes with instructions of how to log into your phone to use data for super cheap worldwide. Use my code for a sign up credit: NEHA7341
Enjoy!

Profile picture of Dianne

Dianne

Mexican sim. I used telcel and hd great coverage and data and it is sooo cheap

Profile picture of Danielle

Danielle

Dianne - I’ve never gotten a foreign sim. Does it give you a new number? How do you access your accounts/apps that require two factor authentication by texting a code to your phone number if you have a new number while there? Sorry for the silly question!

Profile picture of Ryan

Ryan

airalo

Profile picture of Victoria

Victoria

We paid $30 Cdn for a Mx SIM card in Feb that lasted us a month. Obv more data u use, more it costs, but Bell wanted $15/day for roaming!!!

Profile picture of Laura

Laura

airalo eSim, cheaper than roaming charges

Profile picture of Alex

Alex

Buy a Mexican Sim, either telcel or AT&T. You can buy at the airport or once you're in the city.

Profile picture of Kim

Kim

Alex can you make calls with this as well as data? Thank you !

Profile picture of Alex

Alex

Kim domestic calls yes, not sure about international.

Profile picture of Eric

Eric

Rogers caps at 20 days in a month so it would be $300 not $450. Also you only pay for the days that you actually use.

Profile picture of Paco

Paco

Eric still ridiculously expensive

Profile picture of Gayle

Gayle

Eric where did you get that info? I was in the US for 6 weeks and I got billed over $600!!! Please share a link so I can follow up with Rogers.

Profile picture of Eric

Eric

Gayle
6 weeks is more than one billing cycle.
https://www.rogers.com/mobility/roaming?ecid=PS_R0050_R_WIR_Apr_20_ALW_R5SJQC&s_kwcid=AL!5244!3!524646088790!e!!g!!rogers%20roam&gclid=CjwKCAjw0ZiiBhBKEiwA4PT9zw7FbxUcjQ-sjfcjyN9vLHEEMsn5aeNoKOgHdHMdIMTCnVd9SJi6ShoCQlcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Profile picture of Mateo

Mateo

Eric $300 + $150 from my regular monthly bill

Profile picture of Richard

Richard

Get a SIM card from telcel… you can load data etc whenever you want from recharge.com

Profile picture of Alif

Alif

airalo!!!

Profile picture of Mei

Mei

Hi there
airalo Esim card is very cheap way to consume data outside the country. Check it out. I used it when i am outside Canada.

Profile picture of Mei

Mei

If you’re happened to use it. Make sure you remove Roger’s sim card or don’t pick any call from your cell phone or No forwarded number as well. Rogers will charge you roaming $12

Profile picture of Elaine

Elaine

airalo!

Profile picture of Cheryl

Cheryl

I’m in Mexico now, so what you do is a soon as you land you go to a telcel store when you do that and put the new Sim card in it will ask if you want to keep your whatsapp current phone number and of course you do hopefully you have whatsapp, if not, install it. So what will happen is your regular phone will dial out as a Mexican number and you can use it to GPS anywhere along with any messages. However, if somebody replies back to you, it will charge them money. What’s up will continue to be used as a Canadian phone number and for phone calls to your family and friends at home if you prefer to do that however, you making calls to Canada will not be chargeable unless people call you back on that number if you’re unsure what I’m saying please send me a PM.

Profile picture of Mateo

Mateo

Cheryl thank you so much for the detailed run through.

Profile picture of Stephani

Stephani

telcel SIM on arrival

Profile picture of Nick

Nick

Buy the SIM card in Mexico. It’s very cheap

Profile picture of Tee

Tee

airalo, feel free to use referral code to save $3 USD, I’ve used in Asia, Europe and currently in Mykonos
TARANT3450

Profile picture of Tim

Tim

If your phone isn't new enough for an esim, buy a sim card at the airport. $20

Profile picture of Sonia

Sonia

Get a SIM card when you get there

Profile picture of David

David

Mexicosimcard.com I’ve used in the past works well

Profile picture of Renata

Renata

I just used Airolo in Mexico City but found it a bit inconsistent.

Profile picture of Debbie

Debbie

Go to jethromobile.com
They have some good plans for very cheap. We used in states. You can call them toll free and they can set you up. Either buy from them or order the card from Amazon. Same price. And you can set a time for it to kick in so you can get all set up here first. Really easy.

Profile picture of Gregory

Gregory

I spent a month in Mexico - used Holafly $64 USD unlimited data. https://esim.holafly.com/esim-mexico/

Profile picture of Taylor

Taylor

Depending on your phone model, eSIM is probably the way to go. You can buy in advance and you don’t need to physically do anything to your phone. Will be a lot cheaper, too.

Profile picture of Mike

Mike

https://esimdb.com/
My phone doesn't support esim so I ordered https://esim.me/

Profile picture of Tyne

Tyne

Just buy a sim when you arrive.

Profile picture of Vanessa

Vanessa

You can buy a chip from telcel in DF it’s wayyy cheaper than anything you’ll find

Profile picture of Pnina

Pnina

We always buying sim card

Profile picture of Maria

Maria

Mateo go to an at&t store. I always buy a SIM card with text, talk and internet. I remove and keep safe my Canadian SIM card. The plans from at&t include unlimited social: Instagram, whatsapp, Facebook, etc
My whatsapp remains with my Canadian number while i use any overseas SIM card , like Italy or uk.
These are the prepaid plans:
https://www.att.com.mx/att-mas
Do not get telcel. A total rip off.
I’ve used at&t many times.
And for international calls I use the Yola app.

Profile picture of Deborah

Deborah

Yes. My daughter lives there. When you arrive, simply walk into any corner store (eg OXXO) and buy a SIM card, SO cheap there, you’ll be all set! There are several articles about this if you Google it. https://www.traveloffpath.com/sim-card-mexico/

Profile picture of Maria

Maria

Mateo prices are in pesos of course

Profile picture of Annie

Annie

I used an esim when I traveled to Japan, Thailand and Korea. Was able to pick one that worked in all these places from Mobimatter instead of buying 3 different ones for each location. Please feel free to use my referral code
Use the code GLYMM23182 to receive 50% cashback (up to $5) on your first purchase!
Download the app:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mobimatter/id1478409175
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details...
Or visit the website: https://mobimatter.com

Profile picture of Zuzana

Zuzana

Get a local Sim card asap when you get there.

Profile picture of Esskay

Esskay

I was in Mexico (Cabo) for 3 weeks this year, working remotely and I used airalo. It worked really well in conjunction with wifi. I didn’t need calling as I use VOIP (Teams). I paid about $40CAD and it was enough for my needs because of very good wifi.
I didn’t want to get a Mexico sim even though it would’ve been cheaper because I wanted to be able to use my iCloud easily. I’ve had issues in the past where the imsg and icloud get messed up when you change sims so I opted to pay more for ease.
I left my cellular on with roaming off so I could see who was calling me on my phone and I’d return the call via VOIP. I did get charged for three random days of roam like home but Virgin (my provider) waived those fees when I got back.

Profile picture of Khatija

Khatija

Get airalo - available everywhere and you don’t need a physical sim. It’s an e-sim which you “download” onto your phone! Amazingly easy to set up and budget friendly

Profile picture of John

John

Check out Jethro mobile awesome

Profile picture of Justin

Justin

I don't know about Mexico but I'd look at getting a sim when you get there. it's what I do whenever I go to Europe. It's a little more expensive but I sometimes grab one in the airport when I land

Profile picture of Marlene

Marlene

I live in Mazatlan Mexico for 6 months of the years. I purchase a SIM card from telcel that costs me about $14CA/month, $200MX/month for almost an unlimited plan - I bought the card a number of years ago so apologies, I don't remember the costs when I bought it. A friend tops up my MX SIM just a day or 2 before I leave Canada, I exchange my Canadian SIM with my Mexican one & I am set to go!

Profile picture of Megan

Megan

Bell has a plan with unlimited talk to canada for $15 a day

Profile picture of Klassen

Klassen

Megan multiply that x 30.

Profile picture of Megan

Megan

Klassen yes its pretty reasonable if you are working on the phone during the day. I use this all the time when traveling

Profile picture of Wendy

Wendy

Buy a local SIM card. You’ll probably pay $20

Profile picture of Steve

Steve

Get a SIM card!
Super cheap. I was there a week ago. Beautiful city!

Profile picture of Marsha

Marsha

Canadian telecom is trash, get a local SIM or an ESim

Profile picture of Katie

Katie

Do you need to keep your number? If not, just buy a Mexican SIM they are super cheap.

Profile picture of Deanne

Deanne

airalo eSIM and enable Rogers wifi calling. Worked great in CDMX. However make sure you disable data roaming and roam like home with Rogers before you go. Otherwise you may have random RLH charges when you get back. Rogers will reverse but such a hassle.

Profile picture of Patti

Patti

Deanne Are you saying to keep your phone on airplane mode?

Profile picture of Jodi

Jodi

Patti no

Profile picture of Manuel

Manuel

If your phone is unlocked get a plan down there

Profile picture of Sandy

Sandy

Preorder a SIM card on Amazon. Switch on the plane

Profile picture of Ann

Ann

airalo worked great when in UK . Never have to remove your SIM card. Esim. And very reasonable

Profile picture of CerSe

CerSe

You can buy a telcel sim card and pay as you go. This is the cheapest way to keep you connected. US and Canada unlimited free calls and text. Just make sure your phone is unlocked worldwide. All Social network is for free for 1 month for only 15 CAD.

Profile picture of Klassen

Klassen

Virgin Mobile has a data roaming plan for Mexico that's $80 for the month. It worked perfectly for me in PV this past January.

Profile picture of Oren

Oren

Get an American friend with google fi phone plan. Literally $20 USD for talk text unlimited data Canada US Mexico if you have 3-4 numbers. Get added onto someone's plan

Profile picture of David

David

If you have an E Sim capable phone check out Airlo. We use it whenever we travel. Only data but you can download a voip app for calls

Profile picture of Angie

Angie

David Can you recommend an app for calls?

Profile picture of David

David

Angie we use mobile voip. You have to put in $5 but calls are usually free or only penny’s a minute

Profile picture of Drew

Drew

You can get sim card through Amazon. telcel is the company and they are pretty cheap.

Profile picture of Rachel

Rachel

Get a Mexican SIM card.

Profile picture of Michelle

Michelle

In the CDMX airport there is a store that sells phone accessories and sim cards. Just head up the elevator after you arrive before you exit the airport and they will switch out your sim for you.
You can get lots of data for $20-$50CAN for a month depending on how much you need. Then you can also use it to call an uber from the airport to take you easily to where you're staying.
I do this every time we visit.

Profile picture of MaryKath

MaryKath

Buy a telcel SIM card. Then add the Amigo without Limits package. 200 pesos for 30 days. There are other packages for fewer days. The only downside is you have a Mexican phone number. We were in the Yucatan. I am going on the assumption you can do the same in Mexico City
https://www.telcel.com/.../paqu.../paquetes-amigo-sin-limite

Profile picture of Carol

Carol

Buy a local SIM card. Here in Portugal it cost me 20 euros for one month. 5 gigs of data which is more than enough

Profile picture of Deborah

Deborah

Be sure to keep your phone on airplane mode and check it with every update and full charge. Rogers will keep trying to bill you. I had to yell at them to get charges reversed.
Mexican SIM form oxxo is the way to go.m

Profile picture of Andrea

Andrea

airalo Simm card (esim)

Profile picture of Jacquely

Jacquely

Airilo

Profile picture of Ivan

Ivan

just get a sim there lol

Profile picture of Karie

Karie

airalo e-sim

Profile picture of See

See

Agata Majerski
airalo (esimcard). Great because it works right at landing. Does not work on all phones (check if your phone accepts esim cards).
Or physical simcard purchased on Amazon or locally at destination.

Profile picture of Jodi

Jodi

Check out airalo. If you use this code we both get $3 off. JODEA3430

Profile picture of Rick

Rick

Get a local SIM card much more value for alot less

Profile picture of Laura

Laura

I did an Esim for my trip to California. It was about $35 for a week. But I recommend adding it to your phone before you land because I needed data to order an uber at the airport. I used Wi-Fi in the building to order it but once I stepped outside it disconnected.

Profile picture of Dee

Dee

telcel SIM CARD! Grab it at the OXXO when you get to town.

Profile picture of Dan

Dan

airalo. No voice calling but data is available. Pretty reasonable.

Profile picture of Carl

Carl

Local esim

Profile picture of Kateryna

Kateryna

Bought a sim right at the airport, worked perfectly fine

Profile picture of Mila

Mila

Rogers Roam Like Home will be $300
15.00 per day x maximum of 20 days per billing cycle

Profile picture of Eduard

Eduard

Where will you be staying? Won't they have free Internet?

Profile picture of Michelle

Michelle

telcel

Profile picture of Helmut

Helmut

Try fonus works in Canada USA AND MEXICO 31 USD unlimited everything

Profile picture of Rosalie

Rosalie

Buy a SIM card there

Profile picture of Leonardo

Leonardo

Use e-sims like airalo. Alternatively just buy a local SIM card.

Profile picture of Stef

Stef

airalo e-sim! It’s a lifesaver!

Profile picture of Galant

Galant

keepgo SIM

Profile picture of Rob

Rob

Buy a SIM card at the airport in Mexico when you land. Or just use wifi at hotel only.

Profile picture of Kareema

Kareema

airalo is the best and we use it often! In Colombia, for a week, $8 for 1gb.


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Alternative to Rogers Roam Like Home for Mexico City

Are you planning a trip to Mexico City and looking for a better and cheaper alternative to Rogers Roam Like Home? Data is important for your day-to-day activities and business, so it's crucial to find a plan that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

One option to consider is purchasing a local SIM card in Mexico City. This can often be a more cost-effective solution compared to using your Canadian phone plan abroad. You can typically find SIM cards with data plans at convenience stores, airports, or mobile phone shops in Mexico City.

Another alternative is to look into international SIM card providers that offer affordable data plans for travelers. Companies like TravelSim, OneSimCard, or KnowRoaming provide options for data, talk, and text at competitive rates for various destinations, including Mexico City.

Before making a decision, be sure to compare the costs and benefits of each option to determine which one best suits your needs. Consider factors such as data limits, coverage areas, and any additional fees that may apply.

Ultimately, finding a better and cheaper alternative to Rogers Roam Like Home for Mexico City will depend on your specific usage requirements and budget. Take the time to research and explore different options to ensure you stay connected without overspending.

Safe travels and enjoy your time in Mexico City!



2018
20
May
Should I extend my business trip to Singapore by 3 days or go to Hong Kong for a stopover?

Read more



2018
13
March
Wondering Where to Stay in Montreal for a Conference at Palais des congrès?

Read more



2017
20
August
Should you tip the sole owner/guide of a small tour company in the U.K.?

Read more



2015
9
December
Is the Union to Pearson train fare worth the price?

Read more



2015
16
February
Wondering which credit card offers the best rewards for free flights?

Read more



2014
29
October
How many stamps are in your passport from the past year?

Read more



   










Join the Facebook Group!
    What happens when over 500,000 Canadians...

    * crowdsource the best travel deals

    * offer up their unbiased travel advice?

      Join the group for your city and find out!



(click 'Join Group', at the top-right, when you arrive)



Follow the deals on Twitter!
      Follow Twitter for the latest deals and       updates from your city...



(click 'Follow', when you arrive)




Follow the deals with RSS!
      Follow the deals from your city with your      favorite RSS reader...