Chile’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago is the country’s largest airport and the main travel hub in South America. As a foreign visitor here, having working cell service is key for ground transportation, map access, and on-the-go communication. This guide will outline where you can conveniently buy a SIM card at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, highlight the main carriers and available plans, provide tips on what to prepare in advance, total Overview of eSIM options and answers to some frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
I. Where To Buy A SIM Card At Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport
There are several locations to purchase SIM cards at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport from major Chilean providers including Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro. Opening hours vary but there are options 24/7.
1. Entel Store
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Location: International Arrivals, Terminal 1
- Service: Selling Entel/Movistar SIM cards
- Payment method: Cash, Credit
This Entel store is located right near the immigration and baggage claim area on the first floor of Terminal 1, this store sells SIM cards for both the Entel and Movistar networks. Plans range from 1GB data-only plans to monthly plans with rich calling, texting, and data features. Customer service representatives speak English and can help you choose the best plan based on your needs.
2. Movistar Store
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Location: Between gates B7-B8, Terminal 1
- Service: Selling Movistar SIM cards
- Payment method: Credit, cash
At the departure area of Domestic Terminal 1, this official Movistar store sells SIM cards that include travel data packages and monthly plans. Representatives usually speak good English. It has 24-hour service but is in such a secure location that it cannot be accessed upon immediate arrival.
3. Kiosk WOM
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- International Arrivals 1st Floor, Terminal 1
- Domestic departure via Gate B11, Terminal 1
- Service: Sell WOM SIM
- Payment method: Cash, Credit
WOM operates two small self-service kiosks selling their SIM chips. The plans they offer include daily and weekly data for travelers. Payment is made in cash only. The venues are all small stands so queues can get longer during peak times.
💡 Entel store may be the most convenient choice for newly arrived travelers needing connections. WOM kiosks offer another option but with more limited payment and language support. Long-term travelers may also want to consider stores that have passed departure security checks
Get more insights on our guide Buying SIM card at Chile airports: The Definitive Guide
II. SIM Card Options & Costs At Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport
There are many options for SIM cards at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport:
| Operators | Prepaid Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Messages | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
| Entel | Tourist SIM | $29 | 5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days | $29 |
| Entel | Prepaid SIM 1 | $5 | 500MB | 50 mins | 50 | 7 days | $5 |
| Entel | Prepaid SIM 2 | $10 | 1GB | 200 mins | 200 | 14 days | $10 |
| Movistar | Prepaid SIM | $15 | 1.5GB | 100 mins | 100 | 7 days | $15 |
| Movistar | Budget SIM | $5 | 500MB | 20 mins | 20 | 3 days | $5 |
| Movistar | Data SIM | $10 | 3GB | - | - | 7 days | $10 |
| Claro | Prepaid SIM | $10 | 500MB | 20 mins | 20 | 3 days | $10 |
| Claro | Prepaid SIM+ | $20 | 2GB | 60 mins | 60 | 7 days | $20 |
| WOM | Tourist SIM | $25 | 3GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days | $25 |
| WOM | Prepaid SIM | $10 | 1GB | 40 mins | 40 | 7 days | $10 |
- You can purchase a SIM card from counters at Santiago International Airport after security screening at the arrivals area.
- The prices listed are the upfront cost for a 15-day prepaid plan with data limits listed.
- Entel and WOM are the cheapest at $10 for 1GB.
- Movistar and Claro are a bit more at $15-20 but offer around 5GB and 4GB of data.
- Plans that only include data, calls, and SMS are available at an additional charge. Credits can be loaded online.
- You will need your passport to activate your SIM at airport kiosks. There is no contract involved.
- Entel and WOM offer the best value but coverage from all operators is generally good nationwide.
In short, buying a SIM Card at Arturo Merino Benitez is very convenient so you can consider it.
Are you planning to travel to Santiago - Chile soon? Check our article How To Buy A SIM Card In Santiago: Tips from Locals to get more useful tips!
III. What Do You Need To Prepare To Receive a SIM Card At Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport?
When purchasing a Chile SIM card at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, you will need:
- Bring an unlocked phone/device – Your home device must be unlocked to accept foreign SIMs. Please confirm this first. Apple iPhones tend to be SIM-locked while Android and dual SIM devices do not.
- Have your passport ready – Some stores may require identification when providing services. Have your passport ready to show the staff.
- Know your data needs – Do some quick calculations ahead of time on how much data you typically use daily to choose the right plan in advance instead of paying exorbitant fees.
- Have local currency – Many SIM kiosks only sell cash, so try to have some Chilean pesos (CLP) on hand, especially for stores like WOM. There are also many ATMs at the airport if needed.
- Know your phone’s band support – Check which mobile bands your device supports for full functionality in Chile. The main ones are: 2G (850, 1900 MHz), 3G (850, 1900, 1700 MHz), 4G/LTE (700, 2600 MHz).
Ensuring an unlocked phone, passport, and idea of your usage needs and then buying a SIM at Arturo Merino Benitez International airport is very convenient after you land in Chile.
IV. eSIM Replaces SIM Cards At Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport
In addition to physical SIM cards, eSIM technology offers a convenient alternative for connectivity. eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM chip to be installed and instead allows you to digitally download Chilean phone plans over the air.
Important things to know about eSIM in Chile:
- Convenience – Activate the service remotely without going to the airport SIM store
- Flexibility – Easily change plans and prices via eSIM QR scan
- Availability – Currently offered by Movistar, WOM, Virgin Mobile and will expand over time. For visitors with newer model unlocked phones, an eSIM can provide added convenience during your visit to Chile, especially useful for activating service immediately after landing or changing price plans when needed. It requires ensuring eSIM compatibility on your device beforehand. As adoption rates increase, using an eSIM in Chile will offer greater flexibility than using a physical SIM card locked to a set schedule.
Consider using eSIM plans from esimchile.net – the #1 top eSIM provider in Chile which provides diverse eSIM plans for any traveling goals. Here’s what makes them stand out:
Variety & Flexibility: Choose among a wide array of data packages that are best suited for your goals.
Multiple Network Coverage: They take care of the technical aspect by collaborating with main Chile mobile operators.
Top-notch Customer Service: They offer 24/7 customer support so you can get assistance if needed.
Affordable Prices: Their local SIM cards are competitively priced, offering excellent value for money.
Find the best options for your trip below:
Plan that may interest you
V. FAQs
Can I buy a SIM card at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport late at night or early in the morning?
Yes – options like Entel stores and WOM kiosks are open 24 hours so SIMs can be purchased at any time.
If I need my SIM card right after my flight lands, what opening hours are most convenient?
The Entel store and WOM kiosks located right when you exit the immigration and baggage claim area in Terminal 1 are open 24/7, so you can visit any time to meet your needs. the connection needs immediately after landing.
Can I pay with a credit/debit card for a SIM card at the airport?
Different types of accepted payments. Entel and Virgin Mobile accept credit cards while WOM kiosks only accept cash. It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand, but ATMs are plentiful throughout the train stations.
Which SIM card has the best network coverage throughout Chile?
Entel offers extensive high-speed 4G coverage throughout Chile as the country’s largest provider. Movistar or Virgin Mobile also provide quite wide coverage by taking advantage of the Movistar infrastructure. WOM network coverage is less extensive in remote areas.
VI. Final Words
In short, new travelers have several convenient options for purchasing SIM cards at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. Look for shops and kiosks located near immigration and baggage claim in Terminal 1, some are open 24/7 with packages for travelers. Having an unlocked phone and local currency on hand will make this process easy. As adoption increases, eSIM technology offers more flexibility to enable service.
