Whether you’re visiting Honduras’s stunning Caribbean coastline, exploring ancient Mayan ruins at Copán, or navigating the vibrant streets of Tegucigalpa, staying connected is essential. This guide provides everything you need to know about choosing and using a prepaid SIM or eSIM in Honduras, helping you find the right balance of coverage, data, and convenience.
The Basics: Mobile Networks in Honduras
Honduras’s mobile market is dominated by two major operators, who together hold about 99% of the market share:
- Tigo Honduras (Millicom) leads the market with an approximate 60% market share and is recognized for its extensive network coverage.
- Claro Honduras (América Móvil) follows with about 39% share and is recognized for its competitive data packages.
A third, state-owned operator, Hondutel, holds less than 1% of the market and is not a practical option for most visitors.
As a tourist, you can only purchase prepaid plans from Tigo or Claro. Contract-based postpaid plans require local residency and financial documentation. National 4G LTE coverage now reaches over 80% of the population, with median download speeds exceeding 35 Mbps in covered areas. However, 5G is not commercially available as of late 2025.
Network Frequencies and Technology
Understanding network bands can help you check your phone’s compatibility.
| Network | 2G Bands | 3G/UMTS Bands | 4G/LTE Bands | 5G Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigo Honduras | 850/1900 MHz | 850/1900 MHz | 700 (B28), 1700 (B4), 1900 (B2) | Not yet launched |
| Claro Honduras | 850/1900 MHz | 850/1900 MHz | 700 (B28), 1700 (B4), 1900 (B2) | Not yet launched |
Note: Most modern smartphones from North America and Europe support these bands. Always ensure your device is unlocked before traveling.
Where and How to Buy a SIM Card
You have two main options: purchase a physical prepaid SIM card after arrival or set up a digital eSIM before you travel.
Buying a Physical SIM Card in Honduras
You can buy a SIM card from official brand stores, convenience stores, and larger gas stations. For the best service and immediate activation, visiting an official Tigo or Claro store is highly recommended.
Availability at Airports:
- Tegucigalpa (TGU) Airport: A convenience store sells Claro SIM cards for about 150 Lempira ($6), but they do not offer activation services. English proficiency may be limited.
- San Pedro Sula (SAP) Airport: As of the latest reports, there are no dedicated telecom kiosks or reliable resellers.
What You Need: Bring your passport. Honduran law requires all SIM cards to be registered to a user’s identity at the point of purchase.
Buying a Digital eSIM Before You Travel
For maximum convenience, consider an eSIM. It’s a digital SIM installed directly on a compatible phone, allowing you to connect to a local network immediately upon arrival. You can purchase one online before your trip from global providers.
At a Glance: Tigo vs. Claro
For quick comparison, here is a summary of the two main operators.
| Feature | Tigo Honduras | Claro Honduras |
|---|---|---|
| Market Share | ~60% | ~39% |
| SIM Card Price | ~50 Lempira ($2) | ~50 Lempira ($2) |
| Initial Credit | Usually none | Often includes initial data & minutes |
| Key Strength | Extensive rural coverage | Strong data packages & urban speeds |
| Tourist Recommendation | Good for travel outside major cities | Excellent for data-centric use in populated areas |
Deep Dive: Prepaid Plans and Packages
Here’s a detailed look at the prepaid offerings from each provider. Plans and promotions change frequently, so check the operators’ official websites or ask in-store for the latest deals.
Tigo Honduras Prepaid Plans
A Tigo SIM card costs about 50 Lempira (L.50 / ~$2) and typically comes without initial credit. You must purchase a top-up package (“recarga“) immediately for service.
Tigo Popular Data “Super Recarga” Packages:
| Top-Up Amount | Data Allowance | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| L. 25 (~$1) | 1.2 GB | 1 Day |
| L. 50 (~$2) | 4.5 GB | 3 Days |
| L. 100 (~$4) | 8.5 GB | 7 Days |
Note: These packages often include unlimited WhatsApp and calls/SMS to other Tigo numbers in Honduras.
Tigo Feature Packages:
Tigo offers various weekly and monthly “Paquetigos” that bundle data, calls, and social media access. They also provide unlimited data packages suitable for heavy users.
Claro Honduras Prepaid Plans
A Claro SIM card also costs around L.50 (~$2) but often includes a starter bonus (e.g., 200 MB of data and 75 minutes/SMS valid for 30 days).
Claro Popular “SuperPack Internet” Bundles:
| Top-Up Amount | Data Allowance | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| L. 100 (~$4) | 10 GB | 7 Days |
| L. 150 (~$6) | Unlimited Data + Calls (to Claro) | 5 Days |
Claro Mobile Data Feature Packages:
Claro is known for its “SuperPack” all-inclusive bundles, which offer unlimited minutes and SMS on the Claro network, credit for other networks, and unlimited access to select social media apps.
The Modern Alternative: Digital eSIM Providers
If your phone supports eSIM technology (most newer iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy models do), this is often the most hassle-free option. You can buy, install, and activate a plan before you even board your flight.
Top eSIM Providers for Honduras
| Provider | Sample Plan (from) | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | $9.90 for 1-day Unlimited | Truly unlimited data | Users who stream heavily |
| Airalo | $4.50 for 1GB/3 days | Large variety of fixed & unlimited plans | Flexible, budget-conscious travelers |
| Nomad | $4.50 for 1GB/7 days | Connects to Claro’s 4G/5G network | Those prioritizing network speed |
| aloSIM | $4.50 for 1GB/7 days | Includes a free international phone number | Users who need a temporary number |
| Ubigi | $5 for 1GB/7 days | Pay-as-you-go top-ups | Short trips or low-data users |
Important Note: Most eSIMs for Honduras are data-only. For local calls and SMS, you would need to use internet-based services like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime.
Registration, Activation, and Top-Up
Mandatory Biometric & User Registration
Honduran law requires mandatory registration for all prepaid SIM cards. This is done at the point of sale when you show your passport. There is no separate process for tourists.
SIM Activation and Checking Your Number
- Activation: For physical SIMs, the store clerk will handle activation. For eSIMs, follow the provider’s activation guide, which usually involves scanning a QR code.
- Finding Your Number: For Claro, dial
*120#and press call. For Tigo, try*111#or check in your phone’s settings under “SIM status.”
How to Top Up Your Balance (“Recargar”)
You can add credit easily at:
- Official Stores: Tigo or Claro stores.
- Retail Chains: Convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies (look for signs saying “Recargas”).
- Online: Via the operator’s official app or website, or through international top-up services like BOSS Revolution.
Checking Your Remaining Balance
- Claro: Dial
*120#from your Claro phone. - Tigo: Dial
*111#or similar USSD code (confirm in-store). - eSIM: Check directly within the provider’s app (e.g., Airalo, Nomad app).
Conclusion
- Device Compatibility: Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports the local network bands.
- Coverage Realities: While 4G coverage is good in cities and major towns, expect slower speeds or only 3G/2G in remote rural and mountainous areas.
- Power Considerations: Occasional electricity outages can affect network tower uptime, so having a small power bank is wise.
- Recommendation: For most tourists, choosing between Tigo and Claro is a toss-up, as their coverage and quality are very similar. Your choice may come down to the specific data package that best fits your needs at the time of purchase.
Final Verdict
For sheer convenience, purchasing an eSIM before arrival is unbeatable. For the lowest possible cost, buying a local Claro or Tigo SIM card at an official store after arrival is the winner. Whichever path you choose, you’ll be able to navigate, translate, and share your Honduran adventures with ease.
Official Operator Websites:
- Tigo Honduras: www.tigo.hn
- Claro Honduras: www.claro.hn