Traveling to a foreign country often means having to get a local SIM card for seamless connectivity. Argentina is no different. With Movistar being a leading mobile network operator in the country, many opt for its prepaid SIM cards. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of using Movistar SIM cards in Argentina as tourists.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Movistar Argentina
- Founded in 1990 after the privatization of the state-owned telephone company ENTel.
- Full company name is Telefónica de Argentina S.A.. It is owned by Telefónica S.A. of Spain.
- Movistar provides mobile, fixed and internet services in Argentina. It is estimated to have over 26 million subscribers.
- Has the best nationwide 4G LTE coverage in Argentina, covering over 97% of the population.
- Owns and runs around 370 Movistar stores and has over 9,500 points of sale with authorized dealers and distribution partners across Argentina.
II. Why Movistar When You’re Exploring Argentina – Coverage and Speed
1. Movistar Network Coverage in Argentina
With over 97% population coverage, Movistar has the most extensive 4G LTE and 3G mobile network in Argentina. It covers all major cities, tourist destinations, highways, airports, stations and ports across the country’s different provinces. So tourists can stay conveniently connected through their trip within Argentina.
The 4G LTE network runs on frequency bands 2, 4, 7 and 28 giving good coverage and speed. 3G is available on 1900 and 850 MHz bands. 2G is present on 900 MHz band in areas without 4G/3G. Movistar uses largely HSPA, HSPA+ and LTE-A technology.
2. Movistar Argentina Speed
The Opensignal report found that the average 4G LTE download speeds on Movistar to be around 15.0Mbps, lower than the other competitors. The average 4G LTE upload speeds on Movistar were measured to be approximately 5.3Mbps.
Overall, Movistar demonstrated average mobile network experiences below its two main competitors Claro and Personal.
III. Movistar Connectivity Options for Travelers to Argentina
For short term visitors to Argentina, Movistar offers below mobile connectivity options:
- Prepaid SIM Card – Movistar prepaid SIM is the most popular option. It provides unlimited domestic calls, texts and mobile data. Can be purchased easily across Argentina.
- Tourist eSIM – Movistar provides prepaid tourist eSIM for Argentina primarily aimed at travelers from USA and Europe. Allows activation before arrival.
- Roaming SIM Card – Pick up a prepaid roaming SIM card from your home country network if they have a roaming partnership with Movistar Argentina. Less value compared to local prepaid SIM.
- International Roaming – Request roaming activation on your home SIM card. Generally, very expensive way to use mobile data abroad compared to other options.
IV. Best Movistar Argentina SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Their plans include popular options for both short-term tourists visiting Argentina as well as local residents looking for affordable monthly plans.
| Plan | Data | Call Minutes | Social Media Data | Duration | Price |
| Tourist (Week) | 2 GB | None | 1 GB | 7 days | $230 |
| Tourist (Month) | 3 GB | None | 1 GB | 30 days | $550 |
| SUPER | 1.5 GB | 60 minutes | None | 7 days | $240 |
| ULTRA | 2 GB | 80 minutes | None | 7 days | $265 |
| MES | 2 GB | 100 minutes | None | 30 days | $600 |
| D7GB | 2 GB | None | 1 GB | 7 days | $200 |
| 3GBD10 | 3 GB | None | 1 GB | 10 days | $300 |
| 3GBD30 | 3 GB | None | 1 GB | 30 days | $520 |
| 5GBD30 | 5 GB | None | 5 GB | 30 days | $660 |
Movistar’s data packages provide different amounts of high-speed data as well as call minutes and bonus social media data. Plans range from shorter validity periods of 1 week up to 1 month, with prices starting from as low as $230 for 2GB of data valid for 7 days.
Movistar also offers larger monthly data packages for users who want more long-term internet access during their stay in Argentina.
V. Does Movistar Support eSIM in Argentina?
Yes, Movistar launched eSIM support in Argentina in 2021. It provides prepaid tourist eSIM aimed mainly at travelers from the USA, UK, and Europe.
Not only Movistar eSIM, Claro also is a popular mobile operator with tourists. Consider getting a Claro eSIM from argentinaesim.com which offers diverse eSIM plans for any traveling goals. Some key advantages of argentinaesim.com include:
- Easy online purchase and instant delivery of the eSIM profile via email
- No need to wait for shipping or risk losing physical SIM cards
- Scan a QR code to easily install the eSIM on your compatible device
- Support provided via chat/email for installation assistance
- Plans start from 1GB up to 5GB of data with validities from 3 to 30 days
- Works throughout Argentina and provides coverage on Claro’s 4G/5G network
Find the best options for your trip below:
Plan that may interest you
VI. Where Can You Buy a Movistar Argentina SIM Card and eSIM?
1. Where to Buy Movistar Argentina SIM Cards
As the largest operator, you can easily find Movistar Argentina SIM cards at:
- Movistar company-owned stores
- Supermarkets like Carrefour, Coto, Jumbo, Disco etc.
- Convenience stores like kiosks and gas stations
- Authorized Movistar dealers and resellers across the country
Note: Remember to carry your passport as identification when buying any SIM card in Argentina.
2. Where to Buy Movistar Argentina eSIM
Movistar prepaid tourist eSIM for Argentina is primarily targeted at visitors from the USA, UK, and Europe. You can purchase it through the eSIM app:
- Providers’ app – Download the Movistar eSIM app on your phone. Create a profile and activate the Argentina eSIM pack.
The eSIM profile gets downloaded and activated on your device remotely. Being digital, you don’t get a physical SIM card.
VII. How to Activate Movistar Argentina SIM Cards
1. Where to Buy Movistar Argentina SIM Card
Activating your Movistar Argentina SIM card is quite easy:
- Purchase the SIM kit with a prepaid recharge option you like.
- Power off your device and insert the SIM in the tray.
- Power on the phone and install the Movistar Argentina app when prompted. Fill in the required details.
- You will get an SMS to set up a data bundle. Respond and your prepaid activation will be completed.
You get a local Argentina phone number. Start using mobile data and calling straightaway. Follow onscreen process to check balance, recharge when required.
2. Where to Buy Movistar Argentina eSIM
To get a Movistar Argentina eSIM profile:
- Go to the Movistar eSIM website: https://www.movistar.com.ar/
- Select your plan – Prepago Turista preferred
- Input your email and Argentinian address (your hotel)
- Pay fully using an international credit/debit card
- Go to email and scan the QR code
Alternatively, eSIM provider can be purchased. You may also consider eSIM Argentina.
Your phone will receive the eSIM profile ready for activation. Simpler and safer than a real SIM card when traveling.
VIII. Movistar Argentina Call & SMS Rates
Movistar prepaid SIMs and eSIM come with following call and text rates:
- Calls to Argentine Numbers – Unlimited on net calls and texts nationwide are free.
- International Calls – From ARS 2 per minute for calls to USA, Canada. Higher rates for other countries.
- Incoming Calls – Free for calls received in Argentina.
- SMS to Argentina – Free to any mobile number on Movistar network.
- SMS Internationally – From ARS 5 per SMS sent abroad.
Check latest call and SMS rates before use as they can change frequently.
IX. Useful USSD Codes for Movistar Argentina SIM Cards
USSD codes let you check balance, packs and other info directly on Movistar Argentina SIM:
| USSD Code | Description |
| *611# | Check balance |
| *444# | Check balance |
| 2345 | Activate data packages |
| 1234 | Activate tourist packages |
| *10 | Activate the answering machine |
| #10 | Turn off the answering machine |
| *43 | Activate call waiting |
| #43 | Deactivate call waiting |
| *31 | Activate permanent hiding of your number when calling other phones |
Dial these codes directly on your phone dialer to quickly access account info. Works for both physical SIM and eSIM.
X. How to Top-up Movistar Argentina SIM Cards/eSIM
You can recharge your Movistar SIM in Argentina using:
- Vouchers – From Movistar stores and dealers selling top up vouchers in ARS currency. Scratch card has recharge PIN.
- Movistar App – Login to app and recharge using Argentine debit/credit card or PayPal.
- Agency banking – Deposit cash and get mobile voucher at agencies like Rapipago, Pagofacil, CobroExpress, etc.
- ATM – Some ATMs may allow topping up Movistar SIM using debit card.
When abroad you can ask friends/family in Argentina to help recharge through available methods. Automated options are best.
XI. Alternatives to Movistar Argentina SIM Cards
Some alternatives to Movistar you can consider in Argentina are:
1. Claro
Second biggest mobile network owned by América Móvil. Also has decent coverage and prepaid plans.
2. Personal
Owned by Telecom Argentina. Third largest operator with presence across Argentina.
3. Tuenti
Low cost virtual operator owned by Movistar. Offers cheaper packs than main brand. While others work fine, Movistar overall has the best coverage and speeds in most of Argentina making it ideal for tourists.
4. Buy eSIM from argentinaesim.com
Prepaid data plan for travelers visiting Argentina. Argentinaesim.com offers a hassle-free Argentina eSIM with high-speed data and coverage across the country. Plans starting from 1GB for $20.80 with validity between 3-30 days. eSIM provides 100% online activation and roaming at no additional cost.
XII. FAQs about Movistar Argentina SIM Cards
Does Movistar offer 5G in Argentina?
Movistar has launched 5G service limited to certain areas of Buenos Aires. But 5G coverage is still minimal, with 4G dominating service for now.
Are there any Movistar shops at airports in Argentina?
Yes, you will find dedicated Movistar stores at Buenos Aires, Cordoba and other major airports in Argentina making it easy to get a SIM upon arrival.
Is the Movistar network reliable in Argentina?
Generally, yes – Movistar together with Telefonica and Claro have reliable 4G LTE networks across major Argentine cities and most populated areas. Coverage may be more sporadic in remote regions. Check specific location coverage before relying on the network.
What happens if my Movistar SIM card is lost or stolen?
Contact Movistar immediately to report your SIM as lost or stolen. They can suspend service on that SIM and issue you a replacement for a small fee. Be sure to provide ID and other account details to verify your identity.
XIII. Final Words
A Movistar SIM card or eSIM are great connectivity options for tourists visiting Argentina. You get excellent coverage across the country with high speeds for internet. Prepaid plans are affordable with generous domestic data and unlimited talk time. Online recharges make it easy to top-up credit as required. With Movistar you can stay conveniently connected throughout your trip in Argentina.
