Prepaid SIM Cards in Guatemala Complete Guide

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Prepaid SIM Cards in Guatemala

Staying connected in Guatemala is easy and affordable thanks to its competitive mobile market. Whether you are traveling to Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Flores, or Guatemala City, the country’s two major operators — Tigo and Claro (which now includes the former Movistar network) — offer reliable prepaid SIM cards, unlimited social-media packages, large data bundles, and tourist-friendly plans. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy a SIM card in Guatemala, including prices, coverage, best operator comparisons, biometric registration rules, unlimited packages, and where to buy SIMs.

Basics: How Prepaid SIM Cards Work in Guatemala

Prepaid SIM cards in Guatemala are the most popular option for short-term visitors because of:

  • Low prices
  • Fast activations
  • Large data bundles
  • Social-media unlimited plans
  • Wide availability

You only need:

  • Unlocked smartphone
  • Passport (required for SIM registration)

Official Websites of Guatemalan Mobile Operators

OperatorWebsite
Tigo Guatemalahttps://www.tigo.com.gt
Claro Guatemalahttps://www.claro.com.gt

Both websites allow customers to check offers, recharge, activate plans, and download mobile apps.

Availability & Where to Buy SIM Cards in Guatemala

You can buy prepaid SIM cards at:

  • Official Tigo or Claro stores
  • Convenience stores (Super24, Pronto, La Torre)
  • Shopping malls
  • Street kiosks
  • Airports (prices usually higher)
  • Phone repair & accessory shops
  • Local markets

The best place for tourists: official operator stores, because:

  • Registration is done correctly
  • Plans are activated instantly
  • SIM price is lower

Network Frequencies in Guatemala

Understanding frequencies helps ensure your phone is compatible.

TechnologyFrequency
2G850 / 900 / 1900 MHz
3G (UMTS)850 / 1900 MHz
4G/LTE850 MHz (Band 5), 1900 MHz (Band 2)

Most international smartphones (Samsung, iPhone, Xiaomi, Pixel) work without issues.

Coverage & Internet Speed

Tigo Coverage

  • Considered the best coverage nationwide
  • Strong 4G in Guatemala City, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Cobán, Petén, and tourist areas
  • More towers in rural and mountain regions

Claro Coverage

  • Excellent 4G in major cities
  • Slightly weaker than Tigo in rural zones
  • Former Movistar network integrated into Claro

Internet Speeds

  • Average 4G speeds: 10–35 Mbps
  • In cities: up to 50 Mbps
  • Rural areas: 3G or slower

For travelers moving between cities and remote tourism zones, Tigo is the best choice.

At a Glance Comparison: Tigo vs Claro

FeatureTigo GuatemalaClaro Guatemala
Coverage★★★★★ Best nationwide★★★★☆ Very good in cities
SpeedFast & stable 4GGood 4G, occasional drops
PricesAffordableVery affordable
Social UnlimitedGoodExcellent (more options)
Tourist friendlinessExcellentExcellent
eSIMVia third-party providersVia third-party providers

Best for tourists:

  • Tigo, if you need strong coverage everywhere
  • Claro, if you want more social-media bundles

Biometric SIM Card Registration

Guatemala legally requires:

  • Passport for SIM registration
  • Full name + passport number added to operator’s records

Registration takes 2–5 minutes at the store.
Street sellers may not complete registration properly — avoid buying from unverified vendors.

Device Registration (IMEI)

Tourists do not need full IMEI registration unless staying long-term.
Phones from abroad work instantly once the SIM is activated.

Mobile Apps (Official)

OperatorApp NameDownload Links
Tigo GuatemalaMi Tigo AppGoogle Play / App Store
Claro GuatemalaMi Claro AppGoogle Play / App Store

Apps allow:

  • Top-ups
  • Package activation
  • Balance checking
  • Viewing remaining data

PREPAID SIM CARD PRICES IN GUATEMALA

ItemPrice (GTQ)Price (USD)
SIM Card (Tigo)10–25 GTQ$1–$3
SIM Card (Claro)10–25 GTQ$1–$3
Average Data Package30–100 GTQ$4–$13

TIGO GUATEMALA – Prepaid Plans

Unlimited Data Packages Tigo SIM

PriceData / Validity
10 GTQ450 MB + Unlimited WhatsApp (1 day)
15 GTQ1.5 GB + Unlimited WhatsApp (2 days)
20 GTQ2 GB + Unlimited WhatsApp (3 days)
35 GTQ4 GB + Unlimited Social + Calls (7 days)
60 GTQ6 GB + Unlimited Social (15 days)
150 GTQ12 GB + Unlimited Social + Calls (30 days)

Tigo Feature Packages (Combo Packs)

PriceBenefits
5 GTQ400 MB (1 day)
10 GTQ1 GB (2 days)
15 GTQ1.6 GB (3 days)
30 GTQ3.3–4.5 GB (7 days)
50 GTQ5–6.5 GB (15 days)
99–120 GTQ10–13 GB (30 days)

Tigo Social-Media Apps Included

AppIncluded?
WhatsApp✔ Unlimited
Facebook✔ Unlimited
Instagram✔ Unlimited
TikTok✔ Some plans
Messenger✔
Twitter✔

Data-Only SIM Packages Tigo

PriceDataValidity
10 GTQ1 GB2 days
30 GTQ4.5 GB7 days
50 GTQ6.5 GB15 days
99 GTQ10 GB30 days

Prepaid Add-Ons (Data Only) Tigo

PriceAdd-OnValidity
5 GTQ400 MB1 day
10 GTQ1 GB2 days
15 GTQ1.6 GB3 days

CLARO (INCLUDING MOVISTAR) – Prepaid Plans

Unlimited Data Packages Claro

PriceBenefits
10 GTQ650 MB + Unlimited Social + Calls (1 day)
15 GTQ2 GB + Unlimited Social + Calls (2 days)
20 GTQ2.5 GB + Unlimited Social + Calls (3 days)
30 GTQ4 GB + Unlimited Social + Calls (7 days)
50 GTQ6 GB + Unlimited Social + Calls (15 days)
100 GTQ10 GB + Unlimited Social + Calls (30 days)

Claro Mobile Feature Packages

PriceData / Validity
5 GTQ300–500 MB (1 day)
15 GTQ1 GB (3 days)
30 GTQ2–3 GB (7 days)

Claro Social-Media Apps Included

AppUnlimited?
WhatsApp✔
Facebook✔
Instagram✔
TikTok✔
Snapchat✔
Twitter✔

Data-Only SIM Claro

PriceDataValidity
15 GTQ1 GB3 days
30 GTQ3 GB7 days
50 GTQ5 GB15 days
100 GTQ10 GB30 days

Claro Add-Ons (Data Only)

PriceAdd-OnValidity
5 GTQSocial-media unlimited1 day
15 GTQSocial unlimited3 days
30 GTQSocial unlimited7 days

MOVISTAR GUATEMALA (Now Integrated Into Claro)

Although Movistar stores may still appear in some areas, all packages now run on Claro’s network.

Below is the legacy Movistar pricing (still honored in some locations):

Movistar Unlimited Data

PriceData / SocialValidity
10 GTQ500 MB + Social1 day
20 GTQ2 GB + Social3 days
50 GTQ6 GB + Social15 days
100 GTQ10 GB + Social30 days

Feature Packages Movistar

PriceDataValidity
5 GTQ300 MB1 day
15 GTQ1 GB3 days
30 GTQ2 GB7 days

Movistar Data-Only SIM

PriceDataValidity
15 GTQ1 GB3 days
50 GTQ5 GB15 days

How to Check Your SIM Number

Tigo

Claro

Tourist SIM Cards

Guatemala does not have official “tourist-only” SIMs, but you can easily use:

  • Tigo prepaid SIM
  • Claro prepaid SIM

Both provide:

  • Low-cost internet
  • Unlimited social apps
  • Flexible durations

Digital eSIM Providers for Guatemala

Ideal for tourists who prefer instant activation.

Top eSIM options:

  • Airalo
  • Holafly
  • Nomad
  • SimOptions

Typical eSIM packages:

PriceDataValidity
$4–$61 GB7 days
$9–$123 GB15 days
$19–$225 GB30 days

Note: These are data-only, no local number.

Other Connectivity Options

  • Pocket WiFi (expensive, not recommended)
  • Public WiFi (slow and insecure)
  • Hotel WiFi (quality varies)

Best option for visitors: Tigo or Claro SIM + occasional top-ups.

Activation Process

  1. Insert SIM
  2. Provide passport for registration
  3. Restart phone
  4. Choose package (via USSD or app)
  5. Internet works instantly

Activation usually takes 2–3 minutes.

How to Check the Remaining Balance

Tigo

  • Dial: *256#
  • Or send “SALDO” to 256
  • Mi Tigo App

Claro

  • Dial: *5# or *264#
  • Mi Claro App

Helpline / Customer Support Numbers

OperatorHelpline
Tigo147-100 or 2428-0000
Claro147 or 2420-1414

How to Top-Up (Recarga) in Guatemala

“Tigo Money” and “Claro Recarga” are available everywhere:

  • Convenience stores
  • Supermarkets
  • Gas stations
  • Kiosks
  • Apps
  • Online banking

Say: “Quiero hacer una recarga”
Then give:

  • Your phone number
  • Amount to top up

Conclusion

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Guatemala is cheap, simple, and essential for smooth travel. Tigo offers the best national coverage and reliable 4G speeds, making it ideal for travelers exploring remote areas, while Claro provides excellent social-media unlimited plans and competitive combo packages. Whether you choose a physical SIM or a digital eSIM, staying connected in Guatemala is affordable and effortless.

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