- Basic Information
- Official Websites
- Availability and Where to Buy
- Frequencies Used
- Coverage & Speed
- At a Glance Comparison
- Biometric User Registration
- Device Registration
- SIM Card Prices
- eSIM Availability
- Tigo Prepaid SIM
- Availability
- Data Feature Packages
- For Social Media
- Data-Only SIM
- Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons
- Claro Prepaid SIM
- Availability
- Data Feature Packages
- For Social Media
- Data-Only SIM
- Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons
- Movistar Prepaid SIM
- Availability
- Data Feature Packages
- For Social Media
- Data-Only SIM
- Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons
- Digicel Prepaid SIM
- Availability
- Data Feature Packages
- For Social Media
- Data-Only SIM
- Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons
- Tourist SIM in El Salvador
- Activation
- How to Check Balance
- Help Line Numbers
- Top-Up Options
- Conclusion
Staying connected while traveling through El Salvador is easy and affordable with a prepaid SIM card. Whether you’re exploring the beaches of El Tunco, visiting San Salvador, or hiking volcanoes, you’ll find reliable mobile networks offering fast 4G LTE and growing 5G coverage. This guide covers everything you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in El Salvador — from where to buy them, registration requirements, eSIM options, and the best plans from Tigo, Claro, Movistar, and Digicel.
Basic Information
- Country: El Salvador
- Main Mobile Operators: Tigo, Claro, Movistar, Digicel
- Network Technologies: 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, limited 5G in select areas
- Languages: Spanish
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- SIM Type: Standard, micro, nano, and eSIM (available for some providers)
Official Websites
- Tigo El Salvador: https://www.tigo.com.sv
- Claro El Salvador: https://www.claro.com.sv
- Movistar El Salvador: https://www.movistar.com.sv
- Digicel El Salvador: https://www.digicelgroup.com/sv/es.html
Availability and Where to Buy
You can buy prepaid SIM cards at:
- Official stores of each operator (Tigo, Claro, Movistar, Digicel)
- Airports, including San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport
- Shopping malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores
- Authorized resellers and kiosks
A passport is usually required for biometric user registration when purchasing a SIM.
Frequencies Used
| Network | 2G | 3G | 4G/LTE | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigo | 850, 1900 MHz | 850, 1900 MHz | 700, 1700 MHz (B4, B28) | Trials |
| Claro | 850, 1900 MHz | 850, 1900 MHz | 1700, 1900 MHz (B4) | Limited |
| Movistar | 850, 1900 MHz | 850, 1900 MHz | 1700 MHz (B4) | Testing |
| Digicel | 850, 1900 MHz | 850, 1900 MHz | 700, 1700 MHz (B4, B28) | Testing |
Tip: Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports these LTE bands for optimal coverage.
Coverage & Speed
- Tigo offers the widest coverage and fastest 4G LTE speeds, especially in urban and coastal regions.
- Claro has strong coverage nationwide, including many rural areas.
- Movistar covers most populated regions but may have limited rural reach.
- Digicel focuses on city coverage and popular travel areas.
Average download speeds range between 25–60 Mbps depending on the area.
At a Glance Comparison
| Provider | Coverage | 4G Speed | eSIM | Tourist SIM | App Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigo | Excellent | Fast | Yes | Yes | ✅ Mi Tigo |
| Claro | Very Good | Fast | Yes | Yes | ✅ Mi Claro |
| Movistar | Good | Moderate | No | Yes | ✅ Mi Movistar |
| Digicel | Moderate | Moderate | No | No | ✅ MyDigicel |
Biometric User Registration
According to El Salvador’s telecom regulations, prepaid SIM users must register their personal details and biometric data (fingerprint and photo). Bring your passport when purchasing a SIM card.
Device Registration
Visitors usually don’t need to register their devices unless staying long-term. However, ensure your phone is unlocked and GSM-compatible.
SIM Card Prices
- Tigo: around $2–$5 USD, includes small data bonus
- Claro: around $2–$4 USD, includes free WhatsApp
- Movistar: around $3–$5 USD
- Digicel: around $2 USD, with initial credit included
eSIM Availability
- Tigo and Claro offer eSIMs for prepaid and postpaid customers at official stores.
- Movistar and Digicel currently offer only physical SIMs.
- You can also buy international eSIMs for El Salvador via platforms like Airalo or Nomad.
Tigo Prepaid SIM
Availability
Tigo SIM cards are widely available across El Salvador — in airports, stores, and shopping malls.
Data Feature Packages
| Package | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 500 MB | 1 day | $1 |
| Weekly | 2 GB | 7 days | $3 |
| Monthly | 10 GB | 30 days | $10 |
For Social Media
Tigo offers unlimited WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok access on select bundles.
Data-Only SIM
Available for routers, tablets, and hotspots with various data tiers.
Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons
Users can top up via Mi Tigo app, online, or at Tigo centers. Add-ons include:
- Social media bundles
- Extra data packs (1–10 GB)
- Unlimited night data options
Claro Prepaid SIM
Availability
Claro SIMs are easy to find in stores, malls, and official shops nationwide.
Data Feature Packages
| Package | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 500 MB | 1 day | $1 |
| Weekly | 2.5 GB | 7 days | $3 |
| Monthly | 12 GB | 30 days | $10 |
For Social Media
Includes free WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram on selected bundles.
Data-Only SIM
Available for data use only (modems/tablets).
Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons
Claro’s Mi Claro app allows plan management, recharges, and add-ons such as:
- Extra data (500 MB to 10 GB)
- Social media passes
- International roaming bundles
Movistar Prepaid SIM
Availability
Sold at Movistar stores, authorized resellers, and malls.
Data Feature Packages
| Package | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 400 MB | 1 day | $1 |
| Weekly | 1.5 GB | 7 days | $2.50 |
| Monthly | 8 GB | 30 days | $9 |
For Social Media
Offers unlimited Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter in many prepaid plans.
Data-Only SIM
Available in major cities for tablets and routers.
Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons
Can be managed via Mi Movistar app. Add-ons include:
- Social bundles
- Night data packs
- Extra high-speed data extensions
Digicel Prepaid SIM
Availability
Digicel SIMs are available at Digicel stores and partner outlets across cities.
Data Feature Packages
| Package | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 350 MB | 1 day | $1 |
| Weekly | 2 GB | 7 days | $3 |
| Monthly | 10 GB | 30 days | $9 |
For Social Media
Includes free WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram in many bundles.
Data-Only SIM
Designed for modems or mobile routers with affordable packages.
Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons
Manage plans via MyDigicel app — users can buy:
- Social media-only passes
- Additional data packs
- Music and video streaming bundles
Tourist SIM in El Salvador
Tourist SIMs are available from Tigo and Claro kiosks at San Salvador International Airport.
Typical offers include:
- 5–10 GB data
- Unlimited social apps
- Validity: 7–30 days
- Price: $10–$20 USD
These SIMs activate instantly with passport registration
Activation
Insert the SIM, restart your device, and follow the on-screen setup. Some networks may require dialing a short USSD code (*123#) to activate.
How to Check Balance
| Provider | Balance Check Code |
|---|---|
| Tigo | *725# |
| Claro | *103# |
| Movistar | *102# |
| Digicel | *120# |
Help Line Numbers
| Provider | Customer Care |
|---|---|
| Tigo | 800 0000 |
| Claro | 2250 5555 |
| Movistar | 2243 5000 |
| Digicel | 145 |
Top-Up Options
You can top up:
- At convenience stores and supermarkets
- Online via official apps or websites
- With prepaid recharge cards (available everywhere)
Conclusion
Getting a prepaid SIM in El Salvador is simple and cost-effective. Tigo leads in coverage and speed, Claro is a strong nationwide competitor, while Movistar and Digicel provide good value plans. For travelers, a Tourist SIM or eSIM from Tigo or Claro offers seamless connectivity and plenty of data for social media and navigation.
Whether you need data for maps, social apps, or video streaming, El Salvador’s mobile operators ensure you stay connected affordably across the country.