One eSIM for the whole trip: Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Ecuador. This is what to expect at the borders and where the signal holds, so you can plan the days that need a download first.
At the border
Land crossings in South America are usually quick for tourists: a passport, a stamp and a walk or a short bus ride between two posts. The eSIM needs none of it, because it is already installed; on the other side your phone simply finds a partner network and shows its name.
Two popular routes cross into Bolivia, which the plan does not cover: the road from Puno to Copacabana, and the tours from San Pedro de Atacama that end at the Uyuni salt flats. Save maps, tickets and bookings for those days before you leave the last covered town.
Where the signal stops
- Iguazú Falls. The falls span the border between Argentina and Brazil, both covered, so the eSIM works on either side.
- Patagonia. Torres del Paine in Chile and El Chaltén in Argentina are covered, but there is no mobile signal on their trails, so download the route before the trailhead.
- The Galápagos. Ecuador is covered, and phones work around Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and Puerto Villamil, but on a cruise the signal goes as soon as you leave port.
- The Amazon. Lodges reached only by boat or plane often have no signal at all: download everything before you fly.
When you land
Keep the QR code where you can open it without a connection, printed or on a second device. The QR code shows on your order page seconds after payment, so bookmark that page or save the code before you leave it.
Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi (install the eSIM), then switch its line on after landing and choose it for mobile data (switch it on after landing). If it does not connect at a border, go through the checks in order.
Good to know
- Roaming. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line only, and keep it off on your usual SIM so your home carrier cannot charge you.
- Border days. Carry your passport somewhere dry and keep a screenshot of the next booking, because some crossings have no signal.
- One country only. Staying in Brazil? The Brazil eSIM is a Brazilian line on a page of its own.
