A Complete Guide to Travellers SIM Cards in Argentina
Staying connected while traveling in Argentina is essential for navigating your surroundings, making important calls, and sharing your experiences with loved ones. Here’s a comprehensive guide to travelers’ SIM cards in Argentina, covering everything you need to know to stay connected during your trip.
Which SIM Card Providers Are Available in Argentina?
Argentina has three major mobile network operators:
- Claro: Claro is the largest and most popular provider, known for its wide coverage and reliable network.
- Movistar: Movistar is the second-largest provider, offering competitive prices and good coverage in urban areas.
- Personal: Personal is the third-largest provider, with a strong presence in rural areas and competitive data plans.
Where to Purchase SIM Cards in Argentina
SIM cards can be easily purchased at various locations in Argentina, including:
- Airports: Upon arrival at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires or other major airports, you’ll find SIM card kiosks operated by the major providers.
- Telecom Stores: Official telecom stores of Claro, Movistar, and Personal are widely available in cities and towns.
- Authorized Retailers: Many convenience stores, supermarkets, and kiosks sell SIM cards of all major providers.
How to Activate Your SIM Card
Activating your SIM card is a straightforward process:
- Insert the SIM card into your unlocked mobile phone.
- Power on your phone and wait for it to detect the network.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your passport details and complete the registration process.
- Purchase a starter pack or top up your SIM card with airtime using scratch cards or mobile banking apps.
Prepaid SIM Card Packages and Options
Each provider offers a variety of prepaid SIM card packages with different data allowances, call minutes, and SMS bundles. You can choose a package that suits your usage patterns and budget.
- Data Packages: Data packages provide a specific amount of data for a set period, typically ranging from 1GB to several GB.
- Voice Packages: Voice packages offer a certain number of call minutes, often with discounted rates for local and international calls.
- SMS Packages: SMS packages include a set number of SMS messages for a given period.
SIM Card Registration and KYC Requirements
Argentina requires all SIM card users to register their identity and provide valid documentation. This is part of a national initiative to combat fraud and enhance security.
- Passport or National ID: You’ll need to present a valid passport or national ID card for registration.
- Registration Form: Fill out a registration form with your personal details, including name, passport number, and address.
- Biometric Verification: Some providers may require biometric verification, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, for added security.
Tips for Using Your SIM Card in Argentina
- Check for Network Coverage: Before heading out, check the network coverage of your chosen provider in the areas you plan to visit.
- Top Up Regularly: Keep your SIM card balance topped up to avoid unexpected service interruptions.
- Use Data Wisely: Data charges can be expensive, so use data sparingly and consider using Wi-Fi whenever available.
- Purchase Local Packages: Local packages often offer better value and more affordable rates compared to roaming plans.
- Dial International Numbers Correctly: When making international calls, use the correct country code and area code to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Seek Help from Provider: If you encounter any issues with your SIM card or service, contact your provider’s customer service for assistance.
History of Argentina
Argentina, the country of South America, covering most of the southern portion of the continent. Argentina occupies an area more extensive than Mexico and the U.S. state of Texas combined. It encompasses immense plains, deserts, tundra, and forests, as well as tall mountains, rivers, and thousands of miles of ocean shoreline.
Internet Providers:
- Claro
- Movistar
CLARO DATA PACKAGES:
One of the most variant and offer able data packages are provided by the Claro internet
service provider. It has packages of data starting from 200MB to 2GB. The structure of the internet packages and their prices as follows:
- 200MB costs $5 with a net duration of 24 hours and the activation code for the same is ‘200M1D’
- 500MB costs $35 with a net duration of 2 days and the activation code for the same is ‘500M2D’
- 1GB costs $45 with a net duration of 24 hours and the activation code for the same is ‘1GB1D’
- 2GB costs $190 with a net duration of 15 days and the activation code for the same is ‘2GB15D’
MOVISTAR DATA PACKAGES:
MOVISTAR provides internet data packages from 200MB to 2GB in which some of the recharges includes local described calls. The structure of their data packages including prices, local calls,
data provided, and activation are as follows:
- 200MB costs $20 with a net duration of 1 day and the activation code for the same is ‘D1MB’
- 1GB costs $30 with a net duration of 1 day and the activation code for the same is ‘D1GB’
- 2GB costs $90 with a net duration of 5 days and the activation code for the same is ‘D5GB’
- 1GB costs $100 with a net duration of 7 days, talk time of 40 minutes and the activation code for the same is ‘PLUS’
- 5GB costs $120 with a net duration of 7 days, talk time of 60 minutes and the activation code for the same is ‘SUPER’
- 2GB costs $180 with a net duration of 7 days, talk time of 80 minutes and the activation code for the same is ‘EXTRA’
- 2GB costs $330 with a net duration of 30 days, talk time of 100 minutes and the activation code for the same is ‘MES’
PERSONAL DATA PACKAGES:
In the country, the personal Data Packages also come in the same range as that of CLARO and MOVISTAR and the data packages range from 200MB TO 2GB. The various packages are described as below:
- 200MB costs $25 with a net duration of 1 day and the activation code for the same is ‘INET1D’
- 1GB costs $35 with a net duration of 1 day and the activation code for the same is ‘1GX1D’
- 500MB costs $50 with a net duration of 3 days and the activation code for the same is ‘INET3D’
- 2GB costs $75 with a net duration of 3 days and the activation code for the same is ‘2GX3D’
- 2GB costs $290 with a net duration of 30 days and the activation code for the same is ‘2GX30D’
In Argentina, mobile data traffic will grow 8-fold from 2016 to 2021, a compound annual growth rate of 53. In 2017, about 74.3 percent of the Argentinean population accessed the internet, a considerable increase when compared to only seven percent in 2000.
Claro Data Packages
| Data | Time | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 MB | 24 hours | $ 25 | 200M1D |
| 500 MB | 2 days | $ 35 | 500M2D |
| 1 GB | 24 hours | $ 45 | 1GB1D |
| 1 GB | 7 days | $ 70 | 1GB7D |
| 2 GB | 3 days | $ 80 | 2GB3D |
| 2 GB | 5 days | $ 110 | 2GB5D |
| 2 GB | 7 days | $ 140 | 2GB7D |
| 2 GB | 10 days | $ 170 | 2GB10D |
| 2 GB | 15 days | $ 190 | 2GB15D |
Movistar Data Packages
| Data | Time | Voice | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 MB | 1 day | $ 20 | D1MB | |
| 1 GB | $ 30 | D1GB | ||
| 2 GB | $ 35 | only by
app | ||
| 2 GB | 2 days | $ 40 | ||
| 2 GB | 3 days | $ 70 | D3GB | |
| 2 GB | 5 days | $ 90 | D5GB | |
| 2 GB | 7 days | $ 120 | D7GB | |
| 200 MB | 7 days | 5 mins | $ 60 | SEMANA |
| 500 MB | 20 mins | $ 80 | EXTRA | |
| 1 GB | 40 mins | $ 100 | PLUS | |
| 1.5 GB | 60 mins | $ 120 | SUPER | |
| 2 GB | 80 mins | $ 180 | ULTRA | |
| 2 GB | 30 days | 100 mins | $ 330 | MES |
Personal Data Packages
| Data | Time | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 MB | 1 day | $ 25 | INET1D |
| 1 GB | $ 35 | 1GX1D | |
| 500 MB | 3 days | $ 50 | INET3D |
| 2 GB | $ 75 | 2GX3D | |
| 2 GB | 7 days | $ 120 | 2GX7D |
| 2 GB | 30 days | $ 290 | 2GX30D |
References:
https://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/south-america/argentina/sim-card-argentina
https://www.phonetravelwiz.com/buying-a-sim-card-in-argentina-guide/
Hello, I’m Herman C. Miller, the founder of InternetPKG.com, your ultimate destination for all things Mobile Internet and Telecommunication Services. With a BSc in Telecommunication Services and over 6 years at AT&T, my passion for the industry led to this platform. At InternetPKG.com, we prioritize keeping you informed with the latest package offers, ensuring our content stays current. Our team, including a dedicated Internet Package and Mobile Data Plans Researcher, tirelessly researches emerging trends, identifies market opportunities, and provides expert product recommendations.