Is it worth getting an eSIM for South America?
For a multi-country trip, definitely. A regional eSIM is the easiest way to stay online across South America, installed before you fly and connected the moment you land in any covered country, with no shops or paperwork at each border.
Roaming on your home plan is usually expensive, often $10 or more a day. Buying a local SIM in every country you visit means repeated queues, ID checks, and a new number each time. A regional eSIM avoids all of that, with one plan that follows you across the continent, from $7.99 with Saily or from $9 with Ubigi.
For a classic loop through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, or a longer journey from Colombia down to Patagonia, a regional eSIM is the smarter, simpler way to stay connected.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone that lets you activate a mobile plan without a physical card. You can install it before your flight by scanning a QR code or using a provider app, and your connection starts the moment you land.
Unlike a traditional SIM, there is nothing to swap or lose. Your data plan is stored directly on your device. Most recent phones support eSIMs, including any iPhone from XR and newer, Google Pixel 4 and later, and many Samsung and Xiaomi models.
For South America, a regional eSIM connects to local partner networks in each country it covers, so you stay online as you cross borders without changing anything.
Is eSIM available across South America?
Yes. eSIMs work throughout South America, and providers like Ubigi and Saily offer regional Latin America plans that cover multiple countries on one eSIM. You install it before you arrive, and your phone connects automatically to a partner network in each country. As long as your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, you are ready to go from the moment you land.
Which countries does a South America eSIM cover?
Both of our recommended providers sell regional Latin America plans that span the main South American destinations, so one eSIM keeps you online across your whole trip.
Typical coverage includes the most-visited countries:
- Argentina and Chile for Patagonia, Buenos Aires, and the Atacama
- Peru and Bolivia for Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the salt flats
- Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay for the north and the coast
- Brazil for Rio, Sao Paulo, and the Amazon
Saily's Latin America plan also extends into Central America and Mexico, which is handy if your trip continues north. Coverage and the exact country list can change, so check the live country list on the provider's site before buying. You can review current plans on the Ubigi and Saily sites.
Best eSIMs for South America in 2026
The best eSIM for South America depends on how you travel and how much data you need. Below are our two recommended providers, Ubigi and Saily, both offering reliable regional coverage, flexible plans, and quick online activation.
Ubigi: Best for reliable speeds and flexible regional plans
Ubigi is a great option if you value fast, stable data and clear pricing across the continent. Its regional Latin America plans connect to top local networks and offer fast 4G and 5G, with options to match any trip length and real-time usage tracking in the app.
Why Ubigi is good for South America:
- One regional eSIM works across multiple South American countries
- Flexible plans from small top-ups up to unlimited data
- Reliable data connection for work and travel
- Real-time usage tracking and easy top-ups in the app
- Supports tethering for laptops and tablets
- Discount code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first purchase
Ubigi pricing for South America
Regional plans start from $9 for 1GB, with 10GB for $39 and 25GB for $58 on a 30-day plan, plus unlimited options. You can top up or switch plans anytime. The full price list is in the summary table near the top of this guide.
Saily: Best for value and privacy
Saily comes from the team behind NordVPN, so its Latin America plan pairs affordable regional data with built-in security features, handy when you are hopping between public Wi-Fi networks across borders. It offers cheap entry data and a clean, easy-to-use app, making it a strong value pick for a multi-country trip.
Why Saily is good for South America:
- One Latin America plan covers South America plus Central America and Mexico
- Affordable data, from $7.99 for 1GB
- Built-in security features from the makers of NordVPN
- A clean app with ad and tracker blocking options
- Earn Saily credits back on purchases
- Discount code NOMADWISE10 for 10% off
Saily pricing for South America
The Latin America plan starts from $7.99 for 1GB, with 5GB for $31.99 and 10GB for $44.99 on a 30-day plan. The full price list is in the summary table above.
Both providers are reliable choices for South America, easy to install, and designed for multi-country travel. The right pick mainly depends on whether you prefer Ubigi's flexible plans and unlimited data or Saily's low prices and built-in privacy. If you are spending your whole trip in one country, a country-specific eSIM is often cheaper, so it can be worth checking both. Visit our South America eSIM directory for more options.
Customer support and ease of use
Good support helps when you are crossing borders in a new region. Ubigi manages everything through its app, with real-time usage tracking, easy top-ups, and a help centre for setup questions. Saily offers 24/7 chat support and a clear in-app help centre. Both install in just a few minutes, from purchase to connection.
eSIM coverage across South America
A regional eSIM gives you strong coverage in the cities and main travel routes across the continent, easing off in remote areas. Both Ubigi and Saily perform well in the destinations below.
Argentina and Chile
Buenos Aires, Santiago, and the main Patagonia gateways have strong city coverage, easing off on remote mountain and steppe routes.
Peru and Bolivia
Lima, Cusco, and La Paz have solid coverage in town and along the main tourist trails, with the odd gap at altitude and in the salt flats.
Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil
The major cities like Bogota, Quito, Rio, and Sao Paulo have fast, reliable coverage, a dependable base for remote work and navigation.
Remote regions
The Amazon, far Patagonia, and high-altitude routes have patchier coverage, so download offline maps before heading off the main trails.
How to choose the right eSIM for South America
Choosing the right eSIM for South America depends on how you travel and how you use your data. Start by checking that your phone supports eSIMs, then look at plans based on data, duration, and which countries you will visit.
Here is what to consider before buying your South America eSIM:
- Country coverage: Check the regional plan includes every country on your route; coverage lists can change.
- Phone compatibility: Most iPhones from XR and newer, Google Pixel 4 and later, and many Samsung and Xiaomi models support eSIMs.
- Data usage: Light users can stay connected with a few GB, while remote workers or streamers may prefer a large bundle or an unlimited plan.
- One country or many: For a single-country trip a local eSIM is usually cheaper; for a multi-country route a regional plan is simpler.
- Support options: Both offer chat support; pick whichever plan and price fits your trip best.
How to set up your eSIM for South America
Setting up a regional eSIM is quick and can be done entirely online. You can install it before your flight and activate the plan as soon as you arrive in your first country.
Step by step eSIM setup guide:
- Check compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIMs and is unlocked. Most recent iPhones, Google Pixel, and Samsung models are compatible.
- Choose a provider: Pick a regional option that covers your route, such as Ubigi or Saily.
- Buy your plan: Select your data package or duration online and complete the purchase.
- Install your eSIM: You will receive a QR code or app link. Scan it or follow the in-app setup instructions.
- Activate your plan: Turn on mobile data and select the new eSIM as your active plan once you land.
- Test your connection: Open a browser or map app to confirm you are online before leaving the airport Wi-Fi.
Most travellers complete the process in under five minutes. As you cross into the next covered country, your eSIM connects automatically with no extra steps.
Travel tip for South America
Staying connected is just one part of a smooth trip. For a longer, multi-country journey, make sure you are covered with reliable travel insurance too. See our guide to the best travel insurance for digital nomads for coverage details.
Final recommendation: which eSIM is best for South America?
Both Ubigi and Saily are reliable choices for staying connected across South America. The best option depends on your travel style and data needs.
Choose Ubigi if you want reliable speeds, flexible regional plans, and unlimited data options across the continent. It is ideal for digital nomads and remote workers on a multi-country route. Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first purchase.
Go for Saily if you want low prices and built-in privacy from the NordVPN team, on a plan that also extends into Central America and Mexico. Use code NOMADWISE10 for 10% off.
If you are still unsure, both options work reliably across South America, so you can be confident with either.
