HelloRoam offers prepaid eSIM data plans for South America from CA$14.34 and covers 185+ countries worldwide. Your eSIM connects to local 4G/5G networks the moment you land, ready to go. Set it up in under two minutes with a QR code before you fly. Keep your Bell, Rogers, or Telus number active on your primary SIM while your eSIM handles data.
- carrier networks
212+- network type
4G LTE with 5G in major cities- to activate
under 2 minutes
Last updated
e SIM South America data plans for Canadians
Great-value eSIM for South America, starting from CA$14.34. 4G/5G data on local partner networks in South America. Works on any carrier-unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone. Canadians visiting South America get the cheapest eSIM for South America available from HelloRoam starting at CA$14.34 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. Activate by QR at home before your flight and land ready to go. No physical card, no contract, and no roaming fees from Bell or Rogers.
South America eSIM with 4G LTE with 5G in major cities coverage
HelloRoam South America eSIM covers 20 countries and territories across South America, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. Canadian travellers crossing from Brazil to Argentina to Chile to Peru stay connected on one plan without buying a SIM at each border. Plans start from CA$14.34.
- Plans start at CA$14.34 with 4G LTE with 5G in major cities speeds
- Coverage from local networks
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs
- South America coverage across major cities
- Network
- 4G LTE with 5G in major cities
- Plans From
- CA$14.34
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Refund
- 180 days if unactivated
How to Set Up an eSIM in South America
Follow these steps to set up your eSIM on iPhone or Android. Works for any eSIM for international travel, no replacement SIM, no store visit.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with HelloRoam
Set up an eSIM on your Android with HelloRoam
- 1
Choose your plan and check out
Pick a data plan for your destination and complete checkout in the HelloRoam app or on the website.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code from your confirmation email to install your eSIM right away.
- 3
Ready to use on arrival
Your eSIM installs in minutes and activates the moment you land at your destination.
4Manage from the app
View usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs from the HelloRoam app.
Plans changed? No worries, we've got you covered.
Plans change, and that's okay. With HelloRoam, an eSIM that was never activated or scanned and used no data qualifies for a full refund within 180 days of purchase. No hassle.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam South America eSIM vs a travel SIM card or Bell, Rogers and Telus roaming
Comparing an eSIM vs a travel SIM card for South America? The eSIM skips the airport SIM shop. Rogers Roam Like Home, Bell Roam Better, and Telus Easy Roam add a fee for every day you roam. HelloRoam sells a prepaid eSIM for South America from CA$14.34, with a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
South America SIM card vs eSIM: which is the smarter choice for Canadian travellers?
A prepaid SIM card South America from a local carrier kiosk requires a separate purchase in each country you visit. HelloRoam delivers one plan via QR before you board from Canada and connects to Local network provider 4G/5G networks across the continent. Plans start at CA$14.34 with no roaming fees from Bell or Rogers.
A travel eSIM South America from HelloRoam covers major destinations including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia in one plan starting at CA$14.34. Local airport SIM cards vary by country and often require Spanish or Portuguese registration. HelloRoam activates at home before your flight with a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
A travel sim South America from HelloRoam covers multiple countries in one plan on Local network provider 4G/5G networks from CA$14.34. Local SIMs mean a new purchase and registration at every border. HelloRoam activates once from Canada by QR and stays connected across the continent.
Why Canadian Travellers Choose an e SIM for South America
24/7 live chat support
Need help at 2 AM in Tokyo or midnight in Cancun? HelloRoam support is available 24/7. Message us by live chat, WhatsApp, or email at help@helloroam.com. Mobile data problems don't wait for business hours, and neither do we.
Best Travel eSIM for South America
Get data at 4G/5G speeds the moment you land in South America. Skip roaming fees from Bell, Rogers, and Telus. HelloRoam connects you to local carrier networks in minutes, whether you're on holiday or working. Your connection starts before you clear customs.
Keep your Bell, Rogers, or Telus number
Keep your Bell, Rogers, or Telus number active for calls and texts. HelloRoam runs as a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible phone, so you never miss a call from home while travelling. Your cellular coverage for internet abroad runs on a separate line, so both SIMs work at the same time.
212+ carrier networks worldwide, connected in South America
HelloRoam eSIMs connect to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone joins a local partner 4G/5G network automatically, with no manual carrier selection needed. Speeds depend on the local network.
Data alerts before you run out
HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low on a fixed plan, so you can top up or buy a new plan in time. If your plan supports top-ups, add data from the app before it expires, with no need to reinstall your eSIM or visit a store. Adding a new prepaid data package takes under a minute from your account dashboard.
Local 4G/5G speeds
Your South America eSIM connects to local 4G/5G networks. Your phone joins a local HelloRoam partner network for navigation, streaming, and video calls. Speeds depend on the local network and your location. Local data makes a real difference when you're finding your way around a new city or video calling family back home.
Regional and global eSIM plans
Travelling to multiple countries? HelloRoam regional eSIM plans cover many countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and more in one purchase. Fixed data plans in every destination, and unlimited plans in most. One account, no SIM swaps. A single international data plan with cross-border wireless connectivity saves you the hassle of buying a new prepaid data package at every border.
Free hotspot and data sharing in South America
Share your South America eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your cell phone's built-in hotspot. No extra fees, no setup needed. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Turning your phone into a mobile Wi-Fi hub means everyone on your trip gets internet abroad from the same prepaid data package.
HelloRoam vs Rogers, Bell, Telus, and Other eSIM Providers for South America
See how HelloRoam compares with Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily, and Ubigi for your trip. The table covers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs, data overage charges, and instant QR code delivery.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |  Feature available |  Feature not available |  Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
What Is an eSIM? How eSIM Works in South America
An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your cell phone. There is no plastic chip and no SIM tray to deal with. Scan a QR code to activate your eSIM in under 2 minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid data plan for South America travel with no airport SIM shop, no replacement SIM card, and no carrier contract. Canadians travelling from Pearson or Vancouver International can set everything up before their flight and arrive connected. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get started. setup guide
eSIM Coverage Guide for Canadians Travelling South America
South America's mobile landscape ranges from excellent 4G in major coastal cities to no signal at all in the Amazon basin, Atacama Desert, and Patagonian wilderness. Understanding where coverage works and where it ends is critical for safe travel planning.
Brazil is South America's largest market. Claro, Vivo (Telefonica), and TIM Brasil serve the country. Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and all coastal capitals have strong 4G and growing 5G. The Amazon rainforest covering the north has almost no coverage.
Argentina has solid 4G in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Mendoza through Claro, Movistar, and Personal. Patagonian towns like Bariloche and Ushuaia have 4G in the town centres. The vast Patagonian steppe between towns and the end-of-the-world roads south of Ushuaia have no coverage.
Chile connects via Entel, Movistar Chile, and Claro in Santiago and northern regions. The Atacama Desert towns of San Pedro de Atacama have reasonable coverage. Torres del Paine national park has no coverage inside the park itself, with coverage limited to Puerto Natales town.
Peru has 4G in Lima and Cusco. Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) has 4G. The Inca Trail and highland trekking routes have no coverage. Amazon jungle areas have very limited signal.
Colombia has excellent 4G in Bogota, Medellin, and Cali. Medellin's cable car system has coverage. The Coffee Region and Caribbean coast are well-served for tourism.
A HelloRoam South America regional eSIM switches carriers automatically as you cross borders, so your Buenos Aires coverage transitions smoothly to Uruguayan carriers crossing the Rio de la Plata.
- One plan covers 20 countries with automatic border switching
- Major coastal cities have strong 4G and growing 5G
- Amazon basin, Atacama Desert, and Patagonian wilderness have no coverage
- Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) has 4G coverage
- Patagonian towns like Bariloche and Ushuaia have 4G in town centres
- Download offline maps before any trekking, wilderness, or adventure travel
- GSMA Mobile Economy Latin America 2025;
- Ookla Speedtest LATAM 2025
eSIM Travel Tips for South America
Download Offline Maps Before Any Trekking Route
Patagonian trekking (Torres del Paine W Trek, El Chalten), Inca Trail hiking, Bolivian altiplano, and Amazon jungle routes all have no mobile coverage. Download offline maps for every trekking segment before you leave the last town with signal. GPS works without data for offline navigation. Save emergency contact details and accommodation addresses offline.
Buenos Aires and Rio Are Exceptionally Well-Connected
Buenos Aires's Palermo, San Telmo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero neighbourhoods all have strong Claro and Personal 4G. Rio de Janeiro's Ipanema, Copacabana, and Centro are well-served by Claro and Vivo. Both cities support navigation, messaging, and streaming throughout their main tourist areas.
Iguazu Falls Has Coverage on Both Sides
Iguazu Falls is accessible from both Argentina (Puerto Iguazu) and Brazil (Foz do Iguacu). Both towns and the main falls viewing areas have 4G coverage. The parks themselves at the Argentina and Brazil entrances have coverage in the main walking circuits but less in remote sections.
Torres del Paine Requires Complete Offline Preparation
Torres del Paine national park in Chilean Patagonia has no mobile coverage inside park boundaries. Puerto Natales town, 90 km from the park, has coverage. Download offline maps of the entire W Trek or O Circuit before leaving Puerto Natales. Have all trail information, refuge locations, and emergency contacts saved offline before entering the park.
Altitude Can Affect Network Performance
High-altitude destinations in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina operate at elevations above 3,000 metres. Network signals at high altitude are not inherently weaker, but fewer towers are deployed in thin-population mountain areas. Cusco (3,400m) has good 4G. The Bolivian altiplano has patchy coverage. Lake Titicaca's Peruvian shore has coverage in Puno.
Install Before Leaving Canada
Install your HelloRoam South America eSIM at home in Canada over Wi-Fi before your trip. Once installed, your eSIM connects to Claro, Movistar, or the local carrier the moment you land. No airport Wi-Fi or local SIM card purchase required on arrival.
Emergency Numbers in South America
Emergency numbers vary across South America. Brazil: 190 police, 192 ambulance. Argentina: 911. Chile: 133 police, 131 ambulance. Peru: 105 police, 106 fire. Colombia: 112. Bolivia: 110 police, 118 ambulance. Research the correct numbers for every country you visit and save them before you travel.
Network Coverage Across South America
South America's mobile coverage is dominated by two pan-regional operators, Claro (America Movil) and Movistar (Telefonica), with TIM Brasil and national carriers rounding out coverage in specific markets.
Brazil is the continent's largest market. Claro, Vivo (Telefonica), and TIM Brasil have dense urban networks in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Salvador, Fortaleza, and all coastal capitals. Sao Paulo and Rio have growing 5G rollouts. The Amazon basin north of Manaus is essentially uncovered, representing one of the world's largest coverage gaps on any continent.
Argentina's Claro, Movistar, and Personal compete in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Mendoza with strong 4G. Patagonian cities including Bariloche, Neuquen, Comodoro Rivadavia, and Ushuaia have 4G in their town centres. The legendary Ruta 40 highway through Patagonia has coverage in towns but long stretches of nothingness between them.
Chile's Entel and Movistar provide strong 4G in Santiago, Valparaiso, and the northern Atacama cities. The Lake District (Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas) has reasonable coverage. Southern Patagonia including Punta Arenas has coverage in towns.
Peru's Claro and Movistar cover Lima and Cusco well. The Inca Trail and highland rural areas have no coverage. Amazon river town infrastructure is limited.
Colombia has excellent urban 4G in Bogota, Medellin, and Cali through Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. Medellin's innovative public cable car transport system has coverage throughout. The Coffee Region highlands and Caribbean coast towns are well-served.
- Claro (América Móvil)
- Movistar (Telefónica)
- TIM (Brazil)
- Entel (Chile/Peru)
- Personal (Argentina)
Regional eSIM vs Local SIMs vs Canadian Carrier Add-Ons for South America
For multi-country South America trips, a regional eSIM removes the need to buy a SIM at each country border.
| Category | HelloRoam Regional South America eSIM Recommended | Individual country SIMs | Carrier roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From CA$14.34 total | — | — |
| Details | One plan covers 20 countries. Buy before leaving Canada. Connects to a local partner network automatically at each border. No SIM shopping at each airport. Consistent cost across the whole trip. | Local SIMs are available at airports in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia but take time to purchase and register. Most require passport registration. Switching SIMs across a 5-country South America circuit adds significant friction to your travel. | Canadian carrier day passes make a 3-week multi-country South America trip very expensive in roaming fees. A circuit of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru at 5 days per country generates significant daily charges on top of an already substantial travel budget. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best Times for Canadians to Visit South America
South America spans both hemispheres, so travel seasons vary significantly by destination. Southern South America (Argentina, Chile, Patagonia) has its summer from December through March when Patagonia trekking trails are open and weather is most favourable. Canadians often visit Patagonia during the Canadian winter.
Andes destinations (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia) are best visited during their dry season from May through October. The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu has year-round tourism but drier weather from May through September.
Brazil's Rio de Janeiro and northeast coast are best from April through October when rain is less frequent. The Amazon is accessible year-round but the high-water season (November through May) allows boat access to different areas than low-water season.
Colombia is generally good year-round with two dry seasons: December through March and July through August. Cartagena on the Caribbean coast is popular with Canadian winter travellers.
Explore Countries in South America
Brazil
From $2
Explore Brazil with HelloRoam eSIM data covering Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and major cities.
TIM 5G covers Sao Paulo and Rio. Coverage gets sparse in the Amazon, so save maps offline.
Argentina
From $4
HelloRoam covers Argentina with eSIM data for Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Patagonia. Connect instantly.
Movistar 4G covers Buenos Aires and major cities. Coverage drops in Patagonia and the Andes.
Bolivia
From $8
HelloRoam gives you mobile data in Bolivia covering La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz.
Tigo 4G covers major Bolivian cities. Signal weakens on the Altiplano and drops in the Amazon.
Chile
From $4
HelloRoam provides eSIM data across Chile, from Santiago and Valparaiso to Patagonia.
WOM 5G covers Santiago and Valparaiso. Coverage thins in the Atacama and Patagonia.
Colombia
From $3
Get HelloRoam eSIM data in Colombia for Medellin, Bogota, and Cartagena. No SIM card needed.
Movistar 5G covers Bogota, Medellin, and Cali. Coverage drops in the Amazon jungle.
Costa Rica
From $6
HelloRoam keeps you connected in Costa Rica, covering San Jose and popular beach towns.
Claro 4G covers Costa Rica. Signal drops in Osa Peninsula and remote national parks.
Ecuador
From $4
Get HelloRoam eSIM data in Ecuador covering Quito, Guayaquil, and the Galapagos region.
Movistar 4G covers Quito and Guayaquil. The Galapagos have very limited connectivity.
El Salvador
From $4
HelloRoam keeps you online in El Salvador with eSIM data for San Salvador and La Libertad.
Claro 4G covers San Salvador. Coverage is reasonable on the Pan-American Highway.
Guadeloupe
From $1
HelloRoam provides eSIM data for Guadeloupe. Get online in Pointe-a-Pitre and across the islands.
Orange 5G covers Guadeloupe. Pointe-a-Pitre is well covered. Nature Reserve trails drop signal.
Guatemala
From $4
HelloRoam gives you eSIM data in Guatemala for Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan.
Claro 4G covers Guatemala City and Antigua. Signal is limited near Tikal jungle.
Honduras
From $3
Stay connected in Honduras with HelloRoam eSIM data for Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.
Claro 4G covers Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Bay Islands and mountains have limited signal.
Martinique
From $3
Nicaragua
From $3
Stay connected in Nicaragua with HelloRoam eSIM data for Managua, Granada, and Leon.
Claro 4G covers Managua and Leon. Coverage drops along the Caribbean coast communities.
Panama
From $6
HelloRoam offers Panama eSIM plans for Panama City, Bocas del Toro, and the canal zone.
Movistar 4G covers Panama City. Signal drops in the Darien Gap and indigenous territories.
Paraguay
From $5
Get HelloRoam eSIM data in Paraguay for Asuncion and Ciudad del Este. Connect right away.
Claro 4G covers Asuncion. Coverage thins in the Gran Chaco to the west.
Peru
From $3
HelloRoam keeps you connected in Peru with eSIM data for Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu areas.
Claro 4G covers Lima and Cusco. Signal drops on the Inca Trail. Download offline maps.
Puerto Rico
From $3
HelloRoam gives you eSIM data in Puerto Rico for San Juan, Ponce, and the island beaches.
Claro 5G covers San Juan. Remote El Yunque rainforest areas have limited signal.
Saint-Barthélemy
From $5
Saint Martin
From $1
Uruguay
From $6
Get HelloRoam eSIM data in Uruguay for Montevideo and Punta del Este. Connect on arrival.
Claro 4G covers Montevideo and main cities. Coverage is solid along the Atlantic coast.
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Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.
40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam
Cat
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.
Ilona
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
metulker
Hard to set up but help was good
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Reuben
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Angeline
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.
Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer
South America eSIM Questions Answered
How much does a South America SIM card plan cost for Canadians covering multiple countries?
The cheapest eSIM South America from HelloRoam starts at CA$14.34 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. HelloRoam delivers the QR to your inbox so you activate before boarding from Canada. No contract and no credit check required on any plan.
Does a South America data plan cover Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia together?
The cheapest eSIM for South America from HelloRoam covers all major countries on Local network provider 4G/5G networks from CA$14.34. HelloRoam delivers the QR to your inbox so you activate before boarding from Canada. No contract and no credit check required on any plan.
What is the best eSIM for South America for Canadians?
HelloRoam is the best eSIM for South America for travellers departing from Toronto Pearson YYZ, Vancouver YVR, Montreal YUL, Calgary YYC, or Ottawa YOW, with plans from CA$14.34 on 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. You connect to local 4G/5G partner networks, and speeds depend on the local network. You also get a refund within 180 days on eSIMs you never activate, and 24/7 live chat support in your own language. Bell Roam Better costs CAD 13 a day in the US and CAD 16 a day elsewhere, plus taxes. Rogers Roam Like Home costs CAD 16 a day in the US and CAD 18 a day elsewhere, plus taxes. HelloRoam costs far less for most trips. For travellers who want real savings on mobile data, it is the practical choice over a carrier roaming plan.
How much does a South America eSIM cost compared to Bell or Rogers roaming?
HelloRoam eSIM plans for South America start from CA$14.34 as a one-time prepaid purchase. Bell Roam Better costs CAD 13 a day in the US and CAD 16 a day internationally. Rogers Roam Like Home costs CAD 16 a day in the US and CAD 18 a day elsewhere. Telus Easy Roam costs CAD 16 a day in the US and CAD 18 a day internationally. All three add taxes on top. Ten days on Bell Roam Better in the US adds CAD 130, plus taxes, to your monthly bill. HelloRoam fixed plans have no daily billing cycle and no overage fees. When you compare a prepaid data package from HelloRoam against a daily carrier roaming plan, the savings on a two-week trip are significant.
Which networks does HelloRoam eSIM connect to in South America?
HelloRoam eSIM in South America connects to local 4G/5G partner networks. Your phone picks a partner network automatically when you arrive. Coverage depends on the local network: major cities, airports, and highways usually have service, while rural or remote areas may have limited coverage. HelloRoam partners with 212+ carrier networks globally. You use a local network without paying Bell, Rogers, or Telus daily roaming rates, and speeds depend on that network. That gives you mobile data for maps, messaging, and streaming throughout your trip.
How do I set up a HelloRoam eSIM before leaving a Canadian airport?
Setting up your HelloRoam eSIM before departure takes three steps. First, choose your plan at helloroam.com or in the app and complete checkout. Second, scan the QR code from your confirmation email in Settings under Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan. Third, your eSIM installs in under 2 minutes. Buy and install at home or at Toronto Pearson YYZ, Vancouver YVR, Montreal YUL, Calgary YYC, or Ottawa YOW using the free airport Wi-Fi before your flight boards.
Does my iPhone work with a South America eSIM if I am on Bell, Rogers, or Telus?
iPhone XS and all newer models work with HelloRoam eSIM in South America as long as your device is carrier-unlocked. iPhones purchased directly from Apple are unlocked by default. To confirm, check Settings under General, then About, then Carrier Lock. Once confirmed, scan the QR code in Settings under Cellular, then Add eSIM, and your Canadian number stays active on dual SIM while HelloRoam handles travel data.
Does a HelloRoam South America eSIM work in every country on its list?
A HelloRoam South America regional eSIM works across 20 countries and territories on one plan, from Brazil to Argentina to Chile to Peru. Your phone switches to a local partner network automatically at each border. Coverage quality varies by country and urban versus wilderness areas.
Is there eSIM coverage in Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires has excellent Claro, Movistar, and Personal 4G coverage throughout the city. Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, and Puerto Madero all have strong signal. La Boca and all main tourist areas are well-served. Buenos Aires supports streaming, navigation, and messaging without any issues.
Does the South America eSIM work in Brazil?
Brazil is covered by Claro, Vivo, and TIM Brasil. Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Salvador, and all coastal capitals have strong 4G. The Amazon basin has almost no coverage. Download offline maps before any Amazon river or jungle travel.
