Cellphones & Mobile Data in La Paz
Your phone will work in La Paz — but whether you roam on your US or Canadian plan, buy a Mexican SIM, or set up an eSIM depends on how long you're staying and how much you want to spend. This guide walks through each option clearly.
For US and Canadian Visitors (Short Stays)
Most US and Canadian carriers offer Mexico day passes or monthly add-ons that let you use your existing plan across the border. Before you travel, check your carrier's current Mexico policy — the options are much better than they were a few years ago.
If you're on a plan with free Mexico calling and data included (many T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T US plans now include this), you may not need to do anything at all.
T-Mobile — 30-Day Abroad Limit
T-Mobile may restrict or suspend service after approximately 30 continuous days abroad. If you're staying in La Paz longer than a month, plan to get a Mexican SIM or eSIM before your T-Mobile service is affected. Confirm the current policy with T-Mobile before departing.
For stays of a few weeks or less, checking your carrier's app before you leave is usually sufficient. Roaming plans are often the simplest path for short trips.
Getting a Mexican SIM (Longer Stays)
For stays over a month — or whenever roaming costs more than a local SIM — buying a Mexican prepaid SIM almost always saves money. La Paz has multiple places to buy one, and setup takes under 30 minutes.
Best — widest BCS coverage
Recommended first choice for most users. Best rural and highway coverage in BCS.
Good — urban + major highways
Good option for US AT&T customers. Solid urban coverage.
Decent — urban areas only
Weaker outside La Paz city limits. Fine for city stays.
Prices are approximate (early 2026). Verify current plans directly with each carrier.
Where to Buy a SIM in La Paz
- LAP Airport — Telcel and AT&T México kiosks in arrivals; convenient but limited plan selection
- OXXO convenience stores — widely available, stock Telcel and AT&T SIMs; staff can activate
- Carrier stores — best plan selection and assistance; Telcel and AT&T have stores in Centro and La Paz malls
- Shopping mall kiosks — Walmart and La Paz Plaza malls have carrier kiosks
Bring your passport
Mexican law requires ID to purchase a SIM. Most kiosks accept a passport for foreigners. Some may ask for a CURP (Mexican ID number) — if a kiosk turns you away, try a carrier store or a different OXXO location.
eSIM Options
If your phone supports eSIM (most phones from 2020 onward do), you have additional options:
- Telcel and AT&T México both support eSIM — check their current websites for activation instructions
- Google Fi (US-based) works well in Mexico with eSIM and has expat-friendly international policies
- International travel MVNOs (Airalo, Holafly, etc.) offer Mexico eSIM data plans purchasable online before you leave
- Your current US/Canadian carrier may offer eSIM activation with a Mexico data plan
Verify eSIM availability and unlocked status with your current carrier before purchasing a plan. Some US carriers lock eSIM to their network for a period after purchase.
Home Internet in La Paz
If you're staying longer-term and need home internet, Telmex Infinitum (fiber-optic) is the most widely available option. Alternatives include Izzi, Total Play, and AT&T/Telcel mobile data plans used as a fixed home connection.
Full details — including setup process, ISP comparison table, installation timeline, and what documents you'll need as a foreigner — are on the Telmex listing page.