Staying connected during your trip to Argentina is essential for navigating the city, using transport services, booking restaurants, and sharing your experiences. Although WiFi is available in hotels and cafés, having your own mobile data gives you the freedom and security to move around without relying on public networks.
Fortunately, Argentina offers several accessible prepaid SIM card options for tourists, with flexible plans and good coverage in Buenos Aires and the main cities. This guide will help you choose the best option based on your budget and needs, explaining where to buy them, how to activate them, and which are the most reliable companies in the Argentine market.
Comparison of Mobile Phone Companies in Argentina
In the following sections, you will discover everything necessary to obtain your Argentine mobile line quickly and simply. We will present a detailed comparison of the country’s three main mobile phone companies: Claro, Movistar, and Personal, analysing their advantages, coverage, and service quality. You will learn about prepaid plans specifically designed for foreign visitors, with updated information on the amount of data available and the duration of each package.
The guide includes locations where you can purchase your SIM card as soon as you arrive at the airport or at strategic points in the city, along with the documentation requirements needed for the purchase. You will also find step-by-step instructions on how to activate your chip, configure the APN on your phone, and top up your credit when you need to.
Furthermore, we will explain the differences between buying at the airport versus doing so at shops in the city, evaluating which option offers the best value for money. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision and be connected from the exact moment you land in Buenos Aires.
Personal
Personal is the leading company in the Argentine market with the best national coverage, especially strong in Buenos Aires and tourist areas. It offers excellent 4G speed and stability in urban centres. Its prepaid plans are competitive, and the network rarely experiences signal drops in metropolitan areas.
Claro
Claro stands out for its more accessible prices and prepaid packages generous in data. It has good coverage in the Capital Federal and Greater Buenos Aires, although it may weaken in rural areas. Its mobile app facilitates top-ups and consumption monitoring, being very intuitive for tourists.
Movistar
Movistar offers a balance between price and quality, with solid coverage in the main tourist cities such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza. Its plans include additional benefits such as free access to social media without consuming data, ideal for travellers who want to share content constantly.
All three companies offer 4G technology in urban centres, although Personal leads slightly in download speed. For short stays in Buenos Aires, any of the three is reliable; for extensive trips through the interior, Personal offers greater peace of mind.
Prepaid Plans for Tourists
Personal Plans
All three operators offer prepaid packages ideal for tourists with different lengths of stay. Personal has the “Tourist” plan with 15 or 30-day options, which vary in the amount of data available depending on the traveller’s needs. These packages include unlimited calls within Argentina and the use of WhatsApp without consuming the plan’s data.
Claro Plans
Claro offers packages designed for short visits of one week and monthly plans for longer stays. Its top-ups are flexible, allowing users to add additional data easily at any time if the initial data runs out.
Movistar Plans
Movistar presents its “Tourist Prepaid” proposal with an intermediate validity of 20 days. Its main competitive advantage is the inclusion of unlimited social media (such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp), allowing the use of these apps not to deduct data from the main package purchased.
All plans include local call minutes and SMS messages. Prices vary according to current promotions, so it is advisable to check at the time of purchase. Most allow immediate activation and online top-up using an international credit card or cash at kiosks.
Where to Buy Your SIM Card in Argentina
Airports
At Ezeiza Airport, you will find official stands for the three operators in the international arrivals area, open 24 hours a day. Personal and Claro have shops right after you collect your luggage, before exiting to the public area. Prices are slightly higher than in the city, but you get the convenience of leaving connected immediately.
At Aeroparque Airport, there are Claro and Personal sales points in the main hall, open approximately from 8:00 to 20:00.
Local shops
In the city, the best options are the official shops located on: Avenida Santa Fe (Barrio Norte), Avenida Cabildo (Belgrano), Florida 100 (Microcentro), and Avenida Corrientes. You can also buy chips at authorised kiosks identified by operator signs, although the staff may not speak English.
Shopping Centres
Shopping centres such as Abasto Shopping, Alto Palermo, and Galerías Pacífico have shops for all three companies with English-speaking staff and better advice. You will need to present your original passport for any purchase.
Requirements to Buy a SIM Card in Argentina
To acquire a prepaid mobile line in Argentina, foreign tourists must present mandatory documentation according to local regulations. The main requirement is your valid original passport; photocopies or photos of the document are not accepted. Some shops also request proof of address in Argentina, which can be your hotel or Airbnb reservation.
At the airport, the process is more flexible and they generally only require the passport. At shops in the city, they may additionally ask for a contact telephone number, which can be your foreign number.
Important: Since 2020, Argentina has implemented a biometric registry for mobile lines, so at some points of sale, they will take a photograph and scan your passport. This process is standard and mandatory to prevent fraud.
Those under 18 cannot register lines in their name. If you buy at authorised kiosks, ensure they issue an official receipt with the activation details. Always keep the original packaging of the SIM card, which includes your line number and PUK code for unlocking.
How to Activate and Configure Your SIM Card in Argentina
Chip activation
Once you have your SIM card, the activation process is quite simple. First, ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with international networks. Insert the chip into your device, turn it on, and wait between 5 and 15 minutes for the line to activate automatically. You will receive a welcome text message that will include your new Argentine number. If after this time you do not receive a signal, you can call *611 from your line to request assistance, or go to the point of sale where you purchased the chip.
APN configuration
APN (Access Point Name) configuration generally occurs automatically on modern smartphones. However, if you notice that you do not have access to mobile data, you will need to configure it manually. Go to your phone’s settings, look for the “Mobile Networks” or “Connections” section, and then “Access Point Names”. Create a new APN with your operator’s data: for Personal use, datos.personal.com; for Claro, enter igprs.claro.com.ar, and for Movistar use internet.gprs.unifon.com.ar. Save the configuration and restart your device.
Top-up methods
To top up your credit, you have several convenient options. The most traditional way is to buy physical top-up cards at kiosks, supermarkets, petrol stations, or newsagents, available in various denominations. After scratching off the card’s code, dial it on your phone using the format indicated in the instructions. Alternatively, you can download the official My Personal, My Claro, or My Movistar apps, which allow online top-ups with an international credit card instantly. Top-ups are credited immediately, and you will receive an SMS confirmation with your new available balance.
Useful Apps and Additional Services from Your Provider
Benefits of the applications
Each Argentine mobile company offers free mobile apps that facilitate the management of your prepaid line. My Personal, My Claro, and My Movistar allow you to check your balance in real-time, see the remaining data consumption, top up credit with an international card, and purchase additional packages without the need for complicated codes.
These apps include useful complementary services for tourists: geolocation of nearby shops, exclusive promotions, and the ability to share data with other devices via hotspot. You can also activate roaming packages if you plan to travel to neighbouring countries like Uruguay, Chile, or Brazil, generally with preferential rates.
Notable additional services
Personal offers “Personal Pay” for mobile payments in shops, Claro includes free cloud storage, and Movistar provides free access to music and video platforms on certain plans. All allow you to temporarily block your line in case of theft from the same application, protecting your balance and personal data until you get a replacement.
Having a local SIM card in Argentina will completely transform your travel experience, giving you independence, security, and instant access to information when you need it most. The acquisition process is simple, prices are accessible compared to other international options, and coverage in Buenos Aires and the main tourist cities is excellent.
Whether you choose Personal for its superior coverage, Claro for its competitive prices, or Movistar for its benefits on social media, any of the three options will keep you connected during your stay. Invest a few minutes upon arrival to get your chip, and you will enjoy the peace of mind of having maps, transport apps, constant communication, and access to emergencies always available.
Remember to download your operator’s app, save the assistance numbers, and activate your line correctly. With your Argentine SIM card ready, you will be prepared to explore the country without connectivity worries. Welcome to Argentina and enjoy your trip fully connected!
You might also enjoy these guide
Nail Salons in Buenos Aires
Show off impeccable hands and feet thanks to these nail salons! In this guide, we show you the best places in the city to enhance the beauty of your nails and feel radiant, with a circuit of premium nail salons in Buenos Aires that will leave you breathless. From...
Tango Classes in Buenos Aires
Immerse yourself fully in the vibrant porteño culture and discover where to take the best tango classes in Buenos Aires. Designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced, dare to feel the passion of this famous dance. Can you imagine gliding across the dance floor...
Pharmacies in Buenos Aires
Need medicines, cosmetics or a 24-hour pharmacy in Buenos Aires? The city offers a variety of options for you, with pharmacy branches in Buenos Aires open around the clock. From different chains present in various parts of the city to specialised sites for specific...
Gyms in Palermo
We know holidays are essential, but training time is non-negotiable. The vibrant Palermo neighbourhood is your best ally for staying in shape during your stay, as it brings together a wide range of options. Our guide takes you through CrossFit boxes, yoga studios and...