Getting a Reliable Wi-Fi Hotspot Anywhere in Mexico

Since we work online, a reliable internet connection in Mexico is an absolute necessity. We have had mixed results with several carriers, and public wi-fi spots and internet cafes can work in a pinch, but none of those solutions is ideal. We want a hotspot that will fit in our pocket and travel WITH us, and that will work all over Mexico and Central America. Thankfully, technology has caught up with demand, and now a few providers have decided to fill in the gap.

Here are a few solutions that work: 

International Hotspots That Work in Mexico

As we become more dependent on reliable wi-fi and internet service, we looked for options that would allow us to connect anywhere we travelled in Mexico. There are two major options right now:

TEP Wireless: Unlimited useage for $8 per day under the frequent traveler program. You can rent or purchase the device. We thought it was cheap enough to buy it, since the device itself only costs $124. The data is unlimited, and you can connect up to 5 devices. The hotspot also works in other countries, but we plan to use it primarily in Mexico. 

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The other option is the Keepgo, which is a metered hotspot similar to the Karma hotspot device (which we also own). The Keepgo works all over Europe as well as the Americas, but the data rate is rather pricey at $39 per Gig. This device also costs $129. There is also a sim-only option. The benefit of this device is that you can travel practically anywhere and never have to change the Sim card. The drawback is that the data is expensive if you plan to use it for more than just checking emails and surfing the web. ​

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U.S. Cellular Plans that Work in Mexico

Cellular Service in Mexico without Roaming: T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless (a regional carrier owned by At&T) both offer affordable plans that work in Mexico without additional roaming charges. We can't comment on T-Mobile's coverage, but we recently did switch our cellular plans from Verizon to Cricket in order to get a cheaper plan that would also allow us to use the phone in Mexico with no added roaming charges. There are a few caveats:

The Cricket plans that include Mexico include calling to both mobile and landline numbers in Mexico. The plans starts at $50/mo, and allow you to take your Cricket phone with you to Mexico and use it like for calls and texts. However, primary usage must be in U.S. And calls and texts while in Mexico cannot exceed 50% of total usage, or service may be terminated. The coverage in Mexico is provided by Telcel or iUsaCell. 

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Next Stop: Cabo!

We head to Cabo San Lucas and beautiful San Jose del Cabo in July, so we'll update everyone on how well our devices work down there. 

All my best, 
​Manny