Internet in Mexico 2026: Complete Connectivity Guide for Travelers & Nomads

Mexico is one of the best countries in the world for digital nomads and remote workers who need reliable internet — but only if you know where to go. In Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, you will find fiber connections hitting 100-200 Mbps, thriving coworking scenes, and cafes with WiFi fast enough for video calls. Step outside the major cities, though, and things get unpredictable fast. Beach towns like Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta hover around 20-50 Mbps on a good day, while rural areas and smaller pueblos can leave you staring at a loading spinner.

We spent over 4 months working remotely from Mexico — across 8 cities from CDMX to Tulum — testing mobile data, cafe WiFi, Airbnb connections, and coworking spaces. This guide covers everything you need to stay connected: the best eSIMs and local SIM options, where to find fast WiFi, which coworking spaces are worth your pesos, and city-by-city internet ratings so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Mexico Internet at a Glance

Detail	Info
Average Mobile Speed	25-60 Mbps (4G LTE)
5G Available	Limited — CDMX, Monterrey, Guadalajara
Main Carriers	Telcel, AT&T Mexico, Movistar
eSIM Supported	Yes
WiFi Quality	Good in cities, variable elsewhere
VPN Needed	Optional but recommended for public WiFi
Nomad Score	8/10
Monthly Data Cost	$11-30 USD

Mexico’s internet infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years, driven by competition among ISPs in major metro areas and government investment in expanding broadband. The country ranks 4th in Latin America for average download speeds, behind Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay. For most digital nomads, the big cities deliver everything you need — the key is knowing which neighborhoods and cities to target.

Best eSIM Options for Mexico

If you want data the moment you land at MEX, GDL, or CUN, an eSIM is the fastest way to get connected. No hunting for a SIM kiosk, no passport registration — just scan a QR code and you are online before you clear customs.

Airalo — Best Overall Value

Airalo is our top recommendation for Mexico eSIMs. Their Mexico plans run on the Telcel network (the largest and most reliable in the country), giving you excellent coverage in cities and reasonable coverage even in smaller towns.

Airalo Mexico plans:

• 1 GB / 7 days — $4.50
• 3 GB / 30 days — $11.00
• 5 GB / 30 days — $16.00
• 10 GB / 30 days — $26.00
• 20 GB / 30 days — $42.00

For a 1-2 week trip, the 3 GB plan is plenty for navigation, messaging, and light browsing. Remote workers doing video calls will want 5-10 GB, or pair Airalo data with cafe WiFi to stretch it further.

Get Airalo Mexico eSIM

Holafly — Best for Unlimited Data

Holafly is the go-to if you want unlimited data and do not want to think about rationing gigabytes. Their Mexico plans also use the Telcel network.

Holafly Mexico plans:

• 5 days unlimited — $19.00
• 7 days unlimited — $27.00
• 10 days unlimited — $34.00
• 15 days unlimited — $47.00
• 20 days unlimited — $54.00

Holafly is ideal for heavy data users — streaming, tethering to a laptop (where allowed), or working from locations without reliable WiFi. The daily cost drops significantly on longer plans.

Get Holafly Mexico eSIM

Saily — Best Budget Option

Saily, built by the team behind NordVPN, offers some of the most competitive Mexico eSIM pricing we have seen. Plans start lower than most competitors and include solid Telcel-network coverage.

Saily Mexico plans:

• 1 GB / 7 days — $3.99
• 3 GB / 30 days — $8.99
• 5 GB / 30 days — $13.99
• 10 GB / 30 days — $22.99

If you are on a tight budget or just need a backup data plan alongside cafe WiFi, Saily offers genuine savings without sacrificing network quality.

Get Saily Mexico eSIM

eSIM Comparison for Mexico

For a deeper dive on all the options, see our full best eSIM providers comparison.

Local SIM Cards in Mexico

If you are staying in Mexico for more than a couple of weeks, a local prepaid SIM card offers the best value — especially for heavy data use. Here is what you need to know.

Telcel (Best Coverage)

Telcel is Mexico’s dominant carrier, owned by América Móvil (Carlos Slim’s telecom empire). They control roughly 60% of the mobile market, and for good reason — their coverage is the most extensive, reaching rural areas where AT&T and Movistar do not.

Amigo Sin Límite plans (prepaid):

• $100 MXN (~$5.50) — 3 GB data, 30 days, unlimited calls/SMS
• $150 MXN (~$8.25) — 4.5 GB data, 30 days, unlimited calls/SMS
• $200 MXN (~$11.00) — 6 GB data, 30 days, unlimited calls/SMS
• $300 MXN (~$16.50) — 10 GB data, 30 days, unlimited calls/SMS
• $500 MXN (~$27.50) — 18 GB data, 30 days, unlimited calls/SMS

These plans include social media data that does not count against your cap (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). This is a significant bonus since WhatsApp is effectively how all of Mexico communicates.

AT&T Mexico (Solid Alternative)

AT&T Mexico is the second-largest carrier. Their 4G LTE coverage is strong in cities but thinner in rural areas compared to Telcel. They often run promotions that beat Telcel on price.

AT&T Prepaid plans:

• $100 MXN (~$5.50) — 2.5 GB + 2.5 GB social media, 30 days
• $200 MXN (~$11.00) — 5 GB + 5 GB social media, 30 days
• $300 MXN (~$16.50) — 8 GB + 8 GB social media, 30 days

Movistar (Budget Pick)

Movistar is the smallest of the big three. Coverage is limited to urban areas, but their prices are the lowest. Only worth considering if you are staying exclusively in large cities.

Where to Buy a SIM Card

• OXXO convenience stores — Found literally everywhere in Mexico (there are over 20,000). Many sell Telcel and AT&T SIM cards with prepaid plans. Cheapest option. The staff can often help with activation.
• Carrier stores — Telcel and AT&T have branded stores in every major city and most shopping malls. Staff will set up everything for you.
• Airport kiosks — Available at MEX, CUN, GDL, and other international airports. Expect to pay 20-50% more than city prices.
• Walmart and Chedraui — Supermarkets carry SIM kits in the electronics section.

Registration requirements: As of 2025, Mexico requires passport or official ID for SIM card registration (Padrón Nacional de Usuarios de Telefonía Móvil). Bring your passport to any store and they will handle the registration. The process takes about 10 minutes.

WiFi and Broadband in Mexico

Home Internet / Airbnb Speeds

Mexico’s residential broadband has improved dramatically. The main ISPs are:

• Telmex/Infinitum — The legacy provider (also owned by América Móvil). Fiber plans from 100 Mbps to 500 Mbps, starting around 449 MXN ($25) per month. Widespread but can be inconsistent in older neighborhoods.
• izzi — Popular in CDMX and central Mexico. Fiber plans up to 1 Gbps. Starts around 399 MXN ($22) per month. Generally more reliable than Telmex in areas they serve.
• Totalplay — Premium ISP with the most consistent fiber performance. Plans from 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps, starting around 549 MXN ($30) per month. Best for remote workers who need reliability above all else.

Airbnb internet tips:

• Always ask the host for a Speedtest screenshot before booking
• Look for listings that specifically mention “fiber internet” or “high-speed WiFi”
• Neighborhoods in CDMX like Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco almost always have fiber
• Beach town Airbnbs are hit-or-miss — some have 80 Mbps fiber, others have 5 Mbps DSL
• Consider booking a few nights first to test the connection before committing to a month

Cafe WiFi

Cafe WiFi in Mexico is surprisingly solid in the right spots. Our experience across 8 cities:

• CDMX cafes — 15-40 Mbps average, many specialty coffee shops cater to laptop workers
• Playa del Carmen — 10-25 Mbps, more inconsistent, some cafes throttle after an hour
• Mérida — 10-30 Mbps, improving rapidly, good cafe culture
• Oaxaca — 8-20 Mbps, slower but functional for most work tasks
• Guadalajara — 15-35 Mbps, strong tech city with reliable cafe WiFi

Pro tip: Starbucks locations across Mexico consistently deliver 20-40 Mbps. Not the most authentic cafe experience, but a reliable fallback when you need a guaranteed connection.

Best Coworking Spaces in Mexico

Mexico’s coworking scene has exploded, especially in cities popular with digital nomads. Here are the standouts by city.

Mexico City (CDMX)

CDMX is the undisputed capital of coworking in Latin America. Hundreds of spaces cater to every budget and work style.

• WeWork (Roma Norte, Polanco, Reforma) — Multiple locations, 100+ Mbps, day passes from $350 MXN ($19). Reliable but corporate.
• Homework (Juárez) — Nomad favorite with a community feel. 80-120 Mbps, day passes $250 MXN ($14). Great events and networking.
• Selina (Roma Norte) — Hostel-cowork hybrid, 50-80 Mbps, day passes from $200 MXN ($11). Social atmosphere, good for solo nomads.
• Centraal (Condesa, Roma) — Local favorite, 60-100 Mbps, day passes $280 MXN ($15). Quieter and more focused.
• Public — Roma — Beautiful design-focused space, 100+ Mbps, day passes $300 MXN ($16). Great for creative professionals.

Playa del Carmen

• Nest Coworking — The original Playa coworking space. 40-60 Mbps, day passes from $250 MXN ($14). Rooftop terrace, strong community.
• Bunker Coworking — More professional environment. 50-80 Mbps, day passes from $200 MXN ($11). Air-conditioned and quiet.
• Selina (5th Ave) — Beach-town vibe, 30-50 Mbps, day passes from $180 MXN ($10). Good for mixing work and social.
• Terminal Cowork — Budget option with decent speeds. 30-50 Mbps, day passes from $150 MXN ($8).

Merida

• Conexion Coworking — Best in Merida, 60-80 Mbps, day passes from $200 MXN ($11). Colonial building, courtyard workspace.
• Koworking Merida — Modern space, 50-70 Mbps, day passes from $180 MXN ($10). Near the centro historico.
• CLOCK Cowork — Newer space, growing community, 50-80 Mbps, day passes from $170 MXN ($9).

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is Mexico’s tech capital — home to the “Mexican Silicon Valley” tech corridor. Coworking options are plentiful and high-quality.

• WeWork (Punto Sao Paulo) — Premium location, 100+ Mbps. Day passes from $350 MXN ($19).
• HackerGarage — Tech-focused community space. 80-120 Mbps, monthly from $2,000 MXN ($110). Popular with startups.
• Workspace Guadalajara — Multiple locations, 60-100 Mbps, day passes from $200 MXN ($11).

Oaxaca

• Coworking Oaxaca (El Punto) — The established choice, 40-60 Mbps, day passes from $180 MXN ($10). Lovely courtyard setting.
• Hive Oaxaca — Newer, 50-70 Mbps, day passes from $150 MXN ($8). Good AC (essential in Oaxaca’s heat).

VPN Recommendations for Mexico

Mexico does not have significant internet censorship — you can access any website or service freely. That said, we still recommend using a VPN in Mexico for two practical reasons:

1. Public WiFi security — Cafe, restaurant, and coworking WiFi networks in Mexico are often unsecured or use shared passwords. A VPN encrypts your traffic and protects sensitive data (banking, client work, passwords) from interception.
2. Accessing home content — If you want to watch Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or other streaming services from your home country, you will need a VPN. Mexico’s Netflix library is different from the US or UK catalog.

NordVPN — Best for Mexico

NordVPN has 50+ servers in Mexico (based in Mexico City) plus thousands across the Americas. We measured less than 5% speed reduction on Mexican connections, which is excellent. Their Threat Protection feature blocks malware and phishing on public WiFi.

Get NordVPN

Surfshark — Best Budget VPN

Surfshark is a strong alternative at a lower price point, and it supports unlimited simultaneous devices — great for nomads with a phone, laptop, and tablet. Mexico servers delivered 30-80 Mbps in our tests.

Get Surfshark

For a full breakdown, see our best VPN for travel guide.

City-by-City Internet Guide

Not all Mexican cities are created equal when it comes to connectivity. Here is our honest assessment after working from each one.

Mexico City (CDMX) — 9/10

The best internet in Mexico, period. CDMX is a global tech hub with fiber infrastructure across most colonias. Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, and Coyoacán all offer 100-200 Mbps residential fiber as standard. 5G is rolling out via Telcel in select areas.

• Typical Airbnb speed: 80-150 Mbps
• Cafe WiFi: 15-40 Mbps
• Mobile data (4G): 30-80 Mbps
• Power reliability: Very good (rare outages in central neighborhoods)
• Best neighborhoods for nomads: Roma Norte, Condesa, Coyoacán, Juárez, Narvarte

CDMX also shares time zones with US Central (CT year-round, though Mexico no longer observes daylight saving). This makes it ideal for remote workers with US-based teams or clients — no early mornings or late nights.

Playa del Carmen — 7/10

The most popular beach-town base for digital nomads in Mexico. Internet has improved significantly but still lags behind CDMX. Fiber is available in many central areas, but some neighborhoods still rely on slower cable or DSL connections.

• Typical Airbnb speed: 30-80 Mbps (verify before booking)
• Cafe WiFi: 10-25 Mbps
• Mobile data (4G): 20-50 Mbps
• Power reliability: Fair (occasional outages during storms)
• Best areas for nomads: Centro (near 5th Ave), Playacar, Ejidal

Playa’s main advantage is lifestyle — beach access, affordable living, and a large nomad community. If you need rock-solid internet for bandwidth-heavy work, have a backup plan (mobile hotspot or coworking space).

Merida — 7.5/10

Merida is quickly becoming a top nomad destination. It is safer, cheaper, and less touristy than Playa del Carmen, with improving internet infrastructure. The centro historico and northern neighborhoods have the best connectivity.

• Typical Airbnb speed: 40-100 Mbps
• Cafe WiFi: 10-30 Mbps
• Mobile data (4G): 20-40 Mbps
• Power reliability: Good
• Best areas for nomads: Centro, Garcia Gineres, Montejo

Guadalajara — 8.5/10

Mexico’s tech capital delivers on connectivity. The “Mexican Silicon Valley” (Zapopan tech corridor) has attracted major companies like Intel, IBM, and Oracle, driving infrastructure investment across the metro area.

• Typical Airbnb speed: 80-200 Mbps
• Cafe WiFi: 15-35 Mbps
• Mobile data (4G/5G): 30-80 Mbps
• Power reliability: Very good
• Best areas for nomads: Chapultepec, Americana, Providencia, Zapopan

Guadalajara is underrated among nomads. Lower cost of living than CDMX, excellent food scene, and some of the fastest internet in the country.

Oaxaca City — 6.5/10

Oaxaca is beloved for its culture, food, and artisan scene. Internet is workable but not as consistently fast as the bigger cities. The centro historico is the best-connected area.

• Typical Airbnb speed: 20-60 Mbps
• Cafe WiFi: 8-20 Mbps
• Mobile data (4G): 15-35 Mbps
• Power reliability: Fair (outages during rainy season)
• Best areas for nomads: Centro, Jalatlaco, Reforma

Oaxaca works well for nomads who do not need to be on video calls all day. For writing, design, async work, and lighter internet tasks, it is a wonderful base.

Puerto Vallarta — 7/10

PV has better infrastructure than most beach towns thanks to its long history as a major resort destination. The Romantic Zone and Marina Vallarta areas have the most reliable connections.

• Typical Airbnb speed: 30-80 Mbps
• Cafe WiFi: 10-25 Mbps
• Mobile data (4G): 20-50 Mbps
• Power reliability: Fair
• Best areas for nomads: Romantic Zone, Marina Vallarta, Versalles

San Miguel de Allende — 6/10

Charming colonial city popular with expats and retirees. Internet exists but is noticeably slower than the bigger cities. Fiber is available in some areas but coverage is patchy.

• Typical Airbnb speed: 15-50 Mbps
• Cafe WiFi: 8-15 Mbps
• Mobile data (4G): 15-30 Mbps
• Power reliability: Fair
• Best areas for nomads: Centro, near the Jardín

Tulum — 5.5/10

Tulum is beautiful but has the worst internet infrastructure of any popular nomad destination in Mexico. The beach hotel zone is particularly bad — many properties rely on satellite or slow DSL. The town (pueblo) side is somewhat better.

• Typical Airbnb speed: 10-30 Mbps (pueblo), 5-15 Mbps (beach zone)
• Cafe WiFi: 5-15 Mbps
• Mobile data (4G): 15-30 Mbps
• Power reliability: Poor (frequent outages, especially beach zone)
• Best areas for nomads: Tulum Pueblo (not the beach zone)

If you choose Tulum, budget for a coworking space and carry a mobile hotspot as backup. Do not expect to take reliable video calls from your beach cabana.

Digital Nomad Tips for Mexico

Visa and Legal Status

Most nationalities get a 180-day tourist visa (FMM) on arrival — no application needed. This is one of the most generous tourist visa windows in the world. For stays beyond 6 months, look into the Temporary Resident Visa, which requires proof of income (roughly $2,500 USD/month or $43,000 in savings).

Mexico does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but the 180-day FMM effectively serves the same purpose. Technically, working remotely on a tourist visa occupies a legal gray area, but enforcement is non-existent for remote workers earning income abroad.

Time Zone Advantage

Mexico operates primarily on Central Time (UTC-6), with some western states on Mountain and Pacific time. For remote workers serving US clients:

• CST overlaps perfectly with Chicago, Dallas, Houston — zero scheduling friction
• 1 hour behind New York/Miami — easy overlap for East Coast teams
• 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles — still very manageable

This time zone alignment is one of Mexico’s biggest advantages over Southeast Asia or Europe for US-based remote workers. No 3 AM standups, no “sorry, that meeting is at midnight for me.”

Cost of Connectivity

Monthly connectivity budget for a digital nomad in Mexico:

Expense	Cost (MXN)	Cost (USD)
Telcel 10 GB prepaid	$300	$16.50
Airbnb with fast WiFi	Included in rent	—
Coworking (10 day passes)	$2,000-3,000	$110-165
VPN subscription (monthly)	$220	$12
Total (with coworking)	$2,520-3,520	$139-194
Total (without coworking)	$520	$29

If your Airbnb has reliable fiber, you can get by on under $30/month for connectivity. Adding coworking for social connection and a guaranteed fast backup brings it up to $140-195 — still extremely affordable by global standards.

Best CDMX Neighborhoods for Remote Work

If you are heading to Mexico City, which we strongly recommend for first-time Mexico nomads, here is where to base yourself:

• Roma Norte — The nomad epicenter. Dense cafe culture, multiple coworking spaces, fast fiber in nearly every building. Walking distance to everything. Expect to pay $800-1,500 USD/month for a furnished apartment.
• Condesa — Adjacent to Roma, slightly quieter and greener (Parque México). Similar internet quality. $900-1,600 USD/month.
• Coyoacán — Bohemian, cheaper, excellent food markets. Slightly farther from the Roma/Condesa hub. $600-1,000 USD/month. Fiber available but not universal.
• Juárez — Between Roma and Reforma. Rapidly gentrifying with good cafe options. $700-1,200 USD/month.
• Narvarte — Local neighborhood with excellent value. Fast internet, authentic CDMX vibe, fewer tourists. $500-900 USD/month.

Travel Insurance

Before you head to Mexico, make sure you have proper travel medical insurance. Mexico’s private healthcare is affordable and high-quality, but costs add up without coverage.

SafetyWing offers Nomad Insurance starting at $45/month with continuous coverage — you do not need to specify travel dates. Their plans cover Mexico and include a US add-on for border runs.

Our Testing Methodology

This guide is based on 4 months of remote work across Mexico between October 2025 and February 2026. We tested connectivity in 8 cities using the following approach:

• Speed tests: 150+ tests using Speedtest by Ookla and Fast.com across mobile data, cafe WiFi, Airbnb broadband, and coworking spaces
• Real-world work tests: Video calls (Zoom, Google Meet), large file uploads, and screen-sharing sessions
• Mobile coverage mapping: Walking and driving tests with Telcel and AT&T eSIMs in each city, including suburban and peripheral areas
• Coworking space visits: In-person visits to 20+ coworking spaces, testing speeds at different times of day

Prices in this guide reflect February 2026 rates. Mexican carrier plans and ISP pricing change frequently — we will update this guide quarterly. Exchange rates use approximately 18.2 MXN per USD.

Final Verdict: Is Mexico Good for Digital Nomads?

Yes — Mexico is one of the best countries in the world for digital nomads, especially if you base yourself in Mexico City or Guadalajara. The combination of fast internet, affordable cost of living, favorable time zones for US clients, vibrant culture, and excellent food makes it hard to beat.

The main thing to watch is location choice. Not every pretty beach town delivers reliable connectivity. If internet is critical to your work, prioritize CDMX, Guadalajara, or Monterrey. If you want a beach lifestyle, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta are workable with the right Airbnb and a coworking backup plan.

Start with an eSIM from Airalo or Holafly to have data from day one, grab a local Telcel SIM for longer stays, and you will have everything you need to work productively from Mexico.