Mexico is a leading destination for expatriates and travelers and staying connected while enjoying this Latin American country is important for many people. One question that often pops up is whether Verizon, one of Americaโs largest wireless carriers, works in Mexico.
In todayโs article, we will use the opportunity to highlight everything you need to know about Verizonโs availability in Mexico. Our article will answer all your questions, from coverage to the cost and fees associated with using Verizon in Mexico.
Whether youโre planning to visit Mexico or you are an expatriate living there, todayโs guide will feature information that will help you decide whether or not Verizon is a good option for staying connected in Mexico.
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Coverage and availability of Verizon in Mexico
If youโre wondering whether Verizon works in Mexico, the answer is a resounding yes. But there is a catch. Verizon currently has a roaming agreement with one of Mexicoโs leading telecom carriers. To this end, Verizon can provide its services within Mexico.
That said, keep in mind that Verizonโs coverage in Mexico is pretty limited. While Verizonโs coverage is mostly available in major cities and tourist areas, it is somewhat limited in rural areas.
If you plan to use Verizon while visiting Mexico, keep in mind that you can explore a few different options. The first option is to use your Verizon phone as you always have and pay any applicable roaming fees. However, itโs important to add that roaming can be a tad expensive, especially for data usage.
Another option you can opt for is to buy a local SIM card in Mexico, which can be used in your Verizon phone. Most times, the local sim card you get in Mexico is compatible with your Verizon phone.
Also, if you want a more cost-effective option, taking the second option is the smart thing to do, and thatโs because youโll be able to take advantage of local rates for data, calls, and texts.
Itโs always a brilliant idea to reach out to Verizon about their coverage in Mexico before leaving for the country. While this will clear any confusion, youโll also know the applicable charges. Also, you can look up the Verizon coverage map to determine whether their service is available in Mexico.
What are the costs and fees of using Verizon in Mexico?
To be honest, using Verizon in Mexico can be a tad expensive, especially regarding data usage. Just so you know, Verizon charges roaming fees for data, text, and calls while youโre in Mexico. The not-so-cool thing is that these fees are added to your normal monthly bill. Here is an overview of the current roaming fees Verizon charges customers visiting Mexico.
- Verizon call charges $1.99 per minute.
- $0.50 per text, whether youโre sending or receiving.
- Verizon data plans charges customers $10.24 per 100 MB.
Also, keep in mind that these fees can vary slightly. So itโs best to reach out to Verizon to get the most up-to-date fees regarding using Verizon in Mexico.
If you think the fees charged by Verizon for roaming in Mexico are exorbitant, consider buying a local SIM to stay connected while in Mexico. This is a lot more cost-effective than roaming.
What are the pros and cons of using Verizon in Mexico?
Still on the fence and undecided about using Verizon in Mexico? Read our pros and cons to learn more.
Pros
- Verizon has a strategic partnership with one of Mexicoโs wireless carriers. Thanks to this partnership, Verizon can offer roaming services to customers visiting Mexico.
- Verizonโs coverage is available in popular cities and tourist destinations in Mexico.
Cons
- Verizonโs coverage is pretty limited in remote areas of Mexico
- Roaming fees for text, calls and data are quite expensive.
Looking at the pros and cons we have highlighted, itโs left for you to decide whether or not using Verizon in Mexico is a good move.
If Verizon is your primary provider and you intend to stay connected while visiting Mexico, paying the roaming fees isnโt such a bad move, especially if you are interested in something youโre a bit familiar with.
On the flip side, if you donโt intend to spend an insane amount of money to stay connected while in Mexico, you can purchase a local SIM card in Mexico. This option is more cost-effective.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to use my Verizon phone in Mexico?
Wondering whether you can use your Verizon phone in Mexico? Well, the answer is yes. And thatโs possible because Verizon has a roaming agreement with one of Mexicoโs leading wireless carriers.
That said, keep in mind that Verizonโs coverage in Mexico is limited to major cities and tourist locations. On top of that, Verizonโs roaming fees for data, texts, and calls can be quite expensive.
If you need more clarifications, feel free to contact Verizon for more insight on their roaming services in Mexico.
Will my current Verizon plan work effectively in Mexico?
To be honest, it depends on the specific plan you are currently using. While some Verizon plans to support international roaming at no extra cost, others may include extra fees for using Verizon in Mexico.
Itโs always a good idea to talk to Verizon representatives about which plan you should use while in Mexico.
Is it expensive to use Verizon in Mexico?
Using Verizon in Mexico is a bit expensive. And yes, these fees are usually added to your regular monthly phone bills. Here is a list of current fees charged by Verizon for customers visiting Mexico.
- For calls, you get to pay $1.99 per minute
- For data, Verizon charges $10.24 per 100 MB
- For text, the company charges $0.50 per message.
Itโs important to add that these fees change now and then, so please reach out to Verizon to get an idea of the current fees for using Verizon in Mexico.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Verizon customers can use their phones while visiting Mexico. This is possible because of Verizonโs strategic partnership with one of Mexicoโs leading wireless carriers. Also, note that Verizonโs coverage in Mexico is most popular in big cities and tourist areas.