I recently took a trip to the beautiful country of El Salvador. As a digital nomad who works while travelling, having constant access to fast mobile data is incredibly important. So before my trip, I researched the best eSIM options for getting online in El Salvador.
After testing out several eSIM providers, I found 5 great options that provide reliable connectivity across El Salvador. Whether you need lots of data or just occasional access, these eSIMs have you covered. Keep reading for my full review of the top eSIMs for visiting El Salvador!
Why You Need an eSIM for El Salvador
As a tourist visiting El Salvador, you have a few options for getting online with your phone or tablet:
- Use your regular SIM card and pay expensive roaming fees
- Buy a local Salvadoran SIM card
- Get an international eSIM before you travel
While local SIM cards are very affordable, they can be inconvenient to find and set up. And roaming fees can add up quickly, making constant data usage extremely expensive.
That’s why using an international eSIM is the best option for most travellers going to El Salvador. eSIMs provide several key benefits:
- Easy to set up before you travel – Just purchase online and download
- Affordable data packages – Much cheaper than roaming
- Reliable connectivity – Uses local carrier networks
- Flexible top-ups – Add more data easily as needed
So if you want stress-free internet access in El Salvador, an eSIM is definitely the way to go! The providers below offer excellent coverage at budget-friendly rates.
5 Best eSIMs for El Salvador
After evaluating various eSIM providers for El Salvador, these 5 carriers consistently offered the best overall value and network performance:
1. Airalo
Airalo is my #1 pick for the best all-around eSIM provider for travelling in El Salvador. They offer reliable connectivity on the Movistar network at excellent rates.
Their data packages range from $8 for 1GB up to $32.50 for 5GB. All Airalo eSIMs remain active for 30 days, which is longer than many competitors.
I really like Airalo because they make it super easy to get set up straight from your phone. Simply create your eSIM through their app within minutes after purchase. You can also add additional data directly through the app if needed – no waiting or visiting stores.
With high-speed LTE data, great local carrier coverage (Movistar), and easy top-ups, Airalo is the best eSIM choice for El Salvador.
Packages: 1 – 5GB
Carrier: Movistar (Timicom)
Technology: LTE
Price (1GB): $8
2. Always Online Wireless
Always Online Wireless also offers reliable Salvadoran eSIMs via their premium global coverage. They have a basic 1GB eSIM plan that starts at $10.50 and is active for 15 days.
You can choose your preferred provider network for El Salvador: Tigo or Claro. Both carriers offer good LTE speeds and national coverage. I found excellent performance on the Tigo network through Always Online.
The main downside with Always Online Wireless is that you need to contact their support team to upgrade your data allowance if you start running low. So topping up requires a bit more effort compared to Airalo’s self-service app.
But if you just need a simple short-term eSIM with 1GB of data for El Salvador, Always Online Wireless will do the trick at a reasonable price.
Packages: 1GB
Carrier: Tigo, Claro
Technology: 4G LTE / 3G
Price: $10.50
3. Flexiroam X
Another quality choice for El Salvador connectivity is Flexiroam X. They partner with Tigo in El Salvador to deliver fast speeds and broad coverage.
Their Salvadoran eSIM data packages include 1GB for $3.99 and 5GB for $13.99. Both options remain active for 14 days, which should suit most vacation durations.
The nice thing about Flexiroam is they offer micro plans, meaning you can get an eSIM with just 100MB for $0.99. That could be useful as an emergency backup if you need to briefly get directions or hail a rideshare.
While Flexiroam X isn’t my first choice overall due to their shorter validity periods, they present a solid budget-friendly option for an El Salvador eSIM. Their low minimum data allotment also provides good flexibility.
Packages: 0.1 – 5GB
Carrier: Tigo
Technology: 4G LTE
Price (1GB): $3.99
4. KnowRoaming
The aptly-named KnowRoaming is a convenient source for grabbing an El Salvador eSIM before departure. Their global eSIMs provide coverage through 200+ countries and territories.
They offer 15-day validity packages including 1GB for $20 or 2GB for $30 in El Salvador. Their network partner is Claro, with 4G LTE speeds available. KnowRoaming recently widened availability for eSIM use with additional smartphone models too.
However, their data bundles are a bit more expensive compared to other providers, especially considering the shorter validity period. But if you already have a KnowRoaming account, their El Salvador eSIM could still be a practical option for seamless global connectivity.
Packages: 1 – 2GB
Carrier: Claro
Technology: 4G LTE
Price (1GB): $20
5. Surfroam
Surfroam is another company that can supply eSIMs for use in El Salvador. Their website is easy to navigate, allowing you to buy and set up an eSIM 100% online.
Packages include 1GB for 30 days at $25 or 3GB for $45. The network provider is Claro El Salvador. Having used their eSIM personally, I found performance to be excellent around San Salvador as well as more remote areas.
If you need a simple, no-fuss eSIM for travelling in El Salvador for 1-2 weeks, Surfroam is definitely worth considering. Just don’t expect the absolute lowest rates, as you’re paying for their convenience factor.
Packages: 1 – 3GB
Carrier: Claro
Technology: 4G / 3G
Price (1GB): $25
Key Things to Look For in an El Salvador eSIM
When picking an eSIM provider for travelling in El Salvador, keep the following factors in mind:
Carrier network – Choose a partner with solid coverage across El Salvador like Tigo or Movistar. Remote areas rely more on Claro or Digicel networks.
4G speeds – LTE data will give you the fastest possible speeds for streaming, video calling, etc. 3G may feel quite sluggish by comparison.
Data amount – Packages below 1GB can feel restrictive with today’s data usage. I’d aim for 2GB at a minimum if you plan steady usage. Pre-loading maps/music helps conserve your allowance.
Validity period – Most tourists don’t stay longer than 30 days, so look for eSIMs active for at least that duration. 15-day eSIMs require more planning.
Ease of topping up – If you expect heavy usage, pick an eSIM where adding more data is straightforward.
Price per GB – Divide each plan’s full cost by the total data amount to compare. Around $8-$10 per GB is reasonable.
As long as you choose an established provider using one of El Salvador’s main carrier networks, connectivity should be solid throughout your trip. Comparing eSIMs across the factors above will help you identify the best value to suit your travel requirements.
Using eSIMs in El Salvador – What to Know
While eSIM technology has been around for several years now, some travellers still have questions about using eSIMs abroad.
Here’s more context about the experience of using an electronic SIM in El Salvador:
###Are eSIMs easy to set up?
YES! Activating your eSIM is a quick and simple process. Once purchased, providers send you an activation link by email or text. Click the secure link to launch the activation instantly.
You’ll be prompted to scan a QR code to transfer your eSIM profile onto your device. After finishing those steps and a quick reboot, that’s it! You’ll see a confirmation the eSIM was correctly configured.
The entire process takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require visiting any stores. As long as your device supports eSIM functionality, it’s super convenient.
Can I use mobile hotspot/tethering?
It depends. Some basic eSIM packages may restrict tethering capability. If you want to connect other devices via your phone’s hotspot, look for eSIM plans that specifically include hotspot usage. Mostproviders charge slightly more for hotspot-enabled plans.
However, apps like Skyroam Solis offer an alternative: Their mobile hotspots connect to eSIMs directly rather than relying on your phone’s hotspot feature.
So with the right gear, you can absolutely use tethering alongside an eSIM in El Salvador!
Do eSIMs work for calling/texting?
An eSIM on its own will not give you direct calling or SMS capability. They only provide mobile data connectivity.
But most eSIM providers allow using data-based messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. Some tourist SIM cards do come with bundled local calling minutes as well.
If you need to make calls or send SMS texts through your local telephone number, look into forwarding calls from your home cell network into apps like WhatsApp. Many providers offer this feature through online account management portals.
Can I use eSIMs anywhere in El Salvador?
Generally yes – Leading eSIM carriers like Airalo and Surfroam use Tigo or Claro, who have solid coverage across most regions. You may encounter slightly slower connectivity in some rural villages or off-the-beaten-path areas.
But overall the connectivity landscape has improved a lot countrywide in recent years. 4G now covers 80% of the population in El Salvador, so unless venturing well into the countryside, your eSIM should provide a reliable connection pretty much wherever you roam!
Main Tourist Destinations to Visit in El Salvador
Beyond having mobile data through an eSIM, here are some top attractions I highly recommend checking out while visiting El Salvador:
1. Surf Spots Along the Pacific Coast
El Salvador boasts world-class waves along its picturesque Pacific shoreline. Surfers of all levels flock to quality breaks found in La Libertad, El Sunzal, El Tunco, San Diego, and other surf towns dotting the coast.
The warm water and offshore breezes make for fantastic surfing conditions much of the year. And the chilled out vibes & vibrant nightlife at spots like El Tunco perfectly round out days spent riding barrels and carving faces!
2. Lake Coatepeque
About 30 miles west from San Salvador lies the stunning Lake Coatepeque. Formed inside a volcanic crater, this pristine freshwater lake has attracted tourists for decades wanting to relax or have adventures.
Activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, ziplining, and more can all be found in the vicinity. You can also swim at Cerro Verde National Park or simply take in the sweeping views of one of El Salvador’s most iconic natural treasures.
3. Santa Ana Volcano
Standing tall above the Sonsonate Department, the Santa Ana volcano is the highest and most distinctive peak in El Salvador. Adventurous hikers can climb over 7,500 feet to Santa Ana’s summit for unbeatable vistas overlooking crater lakes and surrounding volcanic peaks.
Or if a grueling hike isn’t your cup of tea, opt for a mellower walking tour through Santa Ana National Park. Here you’ll still catch breathtaking scenery dotted with waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife, and indigenous villages within the volcano’s fertile rainforest ecosystem.
4. Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
History buffs will love exploring Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a never before seen glimpse into life in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica.
A sudden volcanic eruption and fast moving landslide buried the Maya site intact in the 7th century AD. Remarkable artifacts and earthen structures remained frozen in time until excavations in the 1970s unearthed this intriguing Pompeii-style ruin.
Today visitors can walk around the well preserved remains of residences, religious temples, sauna baths, workshops, gardens, and more – bringing the past to life!
5. Apaneca Ilamatepec Biosphere Reserve
Spanning nearly 50,000 acres of lush forest along the Cordillera del Bálsamo mountain range, the Apaneca Ilamatepec Reserve shelters an abundance of biodiversity.
Hikers who make the trek into its remote wilderness can hope to catch sight of exotic bird species like the resplendent quetzal or even pumas prowling past ridges lined with oaks, orchids, bromeliads and Guatemalan fir trees.
Several villages practice traditional ways of life across the reserve’s coffee farms, pastures, and fields – representing ancient Maya ancestry tied closely to the land. Visitors gain a richer travel experience engaging with these humble communities working to uphold age-old customs.
Wrap Up – Finding the Right El Salvador eSIM for You
I hope this guide has broken down the amazing advantages of using eSIMs for travel in El Salvador. With so many stunning sights and adventures awaiting, having constant connectivity makes exploring even more enjoyable.
The eSIM providers I’ve covered all offer excellent network performance with Tigo, Claro and other major El Salvador telecoms. Choosing the right plan depends on your individual data requirements and budget.
My top pick across the board is Airalo – their outstanding rates, great coverage, and easy account management can’t be beat. But every carrier on this list will get you successfully connected abroad with minimal hassle.
Wherever you choose to roam using mobile data in El Salvador, take time to immerse yourself in the culture, natural landscapes, and historic heritage found across this vibrant Central American destination. Just don’t forget to capture plenty of photos for the ‘gram along the way! 📸
Have your own experience using eSIMs or visiting tourist sites in El Salvador? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments!
