Movistar SIM Card and eSIM in Chile Detailed Guides for Tourists

As one of Chile’s leading suppliers, Movistar SIM Card is used both domestic and foreign tourists. It provides a comprehensive rundown of obtaining and utilizing a Movistar SIM card or eSIM when visiting as a way to stay connected. All the important information is covered, such as how to purchase a plan, costs involved, and using your Movistar service for communication needs while exploring Chile.

I. Quick Facts About Movistar

• Founded in 1989 as part of Telefónica Group
• Full company name: Telefónica Móviles Chile S.A.
• Brand name: Movistar
• Movistar means “mobile star” in Spanish
• Launch services: 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G
• Services: Mobile & fixed telephony, broadband internet, TV
• Over 13 million subscribers
• 700+ stores and sales points nationwide
• 24/7 customer support in Spanish & English
• Received “Best Mobile Coverage” award in 2021
• First to launch 5G in Latin America in 2019

II. Chile Movistar Coverage And Speed

1. Movistar coverage in Chile

Movistar has excellent coverage throughout Chile. Its 4G/LTE network reaches 98% of the population while its 3G network covers 99% of Chile.

Movistar was also the first to launch 5G networks in Chile back in 2019. 5G is currently available in parts of major cities like Santiago, Viña del Mar, and Concepción. Coverage is expanding to more areas.

With widespread 3G and 4G networks spanning the length of the country plus growing 5G availability, Movistar users can stay conveniently connected across Chile.

2. Movistar speed

In this latest testing, WOM achieved average upload speeds of 11.4 megabits per second across all types of mobile networks used by its users. This gave WOM a lead of 1.5 megabits per second over Entel, which recorded average speeds of 9.9 megabits per second and placed second. Movistar placed third with average speeds of 9 megabits per second, while Claro came in last place at 7.1 megabits per second according to the test results.

III. Movistar Connectivity Options For Travelers To Chile

There are a few options travelers have to connect to Movistar, one of the major network providers in Chile:

• Buy a Movistar SIM Card: Visitors can purchase a prepaid SIM card from Movistar once they arrive in Chile. This provides mobile internet access and the ability to make local calls.
• Use a Pocket WiFi: Rental pocket WiFi devices preloaded with a Movistar SIM are available from rental companies. This allows wireless internet access through multiple devices.
• Roaming with home network: Some travelers use international roaming with their home network operator. However, roaming rates tend to be expensive compared to local options.

The following table compares the pros and cons of each option:

Movistar connectivity options for travelers to Chile

In conclusion, purchasing a prepaid Movistar SIM card provides the most economical solution. It allows travelers to take advantage of reasonable local rates for data and calls. The upfront investment of buying the SIM card and loading a prepaid balance is much lower overall than paying high roaming fees or daily pocket WiFi rentals. A Movistar SIM ensures affordable connectivity anywhere in Chile during a visit.

IV. Best Movistar SIM Cards For Tourists & Cost

Here are some options for Movistar SIM cards for tourists in Chile and their approximate costs:

• Prepaid SIM card: Around $5-7, including a small amount of credit. Must top up as needed.

• 7-day tourist SIM: $10-15, includes 1-2GB data valid for 7 days within Chile. No contract.

• 15-day tourist plan: $15-20, includes 3-5GB data valid for 15 days within Chile. No contract.

• 30-day plan: Starting at $20/month, includes unlimited calls/texts in Chile and 5-10GB data either for 30 days or on a monthly rollover basis. 1-month minimum contract.

• Multi-city package: For around $25, includes SIMs for 2-3 people with shared data valid in Santiago, Valparaiso, and Vina del Mar. 1 month minimum.

The best options for tourists are the 7-day or 15-day plans depending on length of stay, as they provide data without long-term commitments. Prepaid is good for short top-ups but has limited benefits. Shop around online retailers for the best available deals. I’d recommend the 15-day plan for most visitors to Chile.

V. Does Movistar Chile Support eSIM?

Yes, Movistar Chile does support the use of eSIM profiles. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is an integrated circuit embedded directly into a device rather than using a physical SIM card.

Movistar eSIM profiles for tourists can either be purchased directly from Movistar Chile’s website once registered and verified or obtained from eSIM providers. Plans purchased via eSIM have similar short-term data packages as physical SIM options.

Consider using an eSIM from esimchile.net as the #1 eSIM provider in Chile which offers diverse plans for any traveling goals. Here’s what makes esimchile.net stand out:

• Variety & Flexibility: Choose among a wide array of data packages best suited to your goals.
• Multiple Network Coverage: They take care of the technical aspects by collaborating with major Chile mobile operators so that visitors can get a fast and reliable connection during their travel.
• Top-notch Customer Service: They offer 24/7 customer help so that you can get assistance if needed.
• Competitive Prices: Their eSIMs are affordably priced, offering excellent value for money

Find the best options for your trip below:

Plan that may interest you

VI. Where Can You Buy A Movistar SIM Card And eSIM?

Having a Movistar SIM card or eSIM makes it very handy to stay connected once reaching Chile. Below is a brief overview of your options for acquiring one.

1. Where to buy Movistar SIM for Chile

As the largest mobile provider in Chile, Movistar SIM cards are widely available at:

• Airports
• Movistar stores & booths
• Retail chains like Falabella
• Local convenience stores
• Petrol stations
• Metro stations

When purchasing, some verification like a passport may be required. Just look for the blue Movistar logo to find where to conveniently buy SIM cards across Chile.

2. Where to buy Chile Movistar eSIM

Movistar eSIM is not yet sold at local outlets. Instead, users with compatible phones need to order Movistar Chile eSIM packs online before traveling.

Movistar currently offers prepaid eSIM plans aimed at visitors to Chile. Users first need to browse and select their preferred data bundle. After checkout, a QR activation code is delivered to scan and install the eSIM.

Another option is buying eSIM from a top eSIM provider in Chile – esimchile.net which offers diverse eSIM plans for any traveling goals.

VII. How To Activate Movistar Chile SIM/eSIM

1. How to use Movistar Chile SIM card

Activating a Movistar SIM card is straightforward:

• Insert SIM into the unlocked phone
• Select preferred language
• Accept terms to activate
• Enter PIN if prompted
• Check SIM is connected to Movistar network

2. How to activate Movistar Chile eSIM

To start using Movistar Chile eSIM:

• Make sure phone is compatible
• Order preferred eSIM pack online
• Receive QR activation code via email
• Scan QR code to install eSIM
• Follow prompts to activate plan
• Connect to Movistar mobile data

VIII. Chile Movistar Call & SMS Rates

Movistar prepaid SIM packs come with an allowance for calls and texts. Usage beyond bundles is charged at:

• Calls to Movistar Chile – CLP 15/min
• Calls to other Chile networks – CLP 109/min
• SMS to any Chile number – CLP 109/SMS

Many combo top-ups and tourist SIM packs include unlimited domestic calling and messaging. For roaming travelers, calls/texts to other countries are higher depending on destination.

IX. Useful USSD Codes For Movistar Chile SIM/eSIM

Movistar users can check balances or extras via special USSD access codes:

• *103# – Remaining credit balance
• *134# – Active bonuses/promos
• *555*1# – Data usage this month
• *555*2# – Minutes used in pack
• *555*3# – SMS messages used

Enter codes directly on phone dial pad and hit call. Useful for monitoring allowances from SIM card or eSIM packs.

X. How To Top-up Movistar Chile SIM/eSIM

When credit runs low, tourists can easily recharge Movistar SIMs/eSIM using:

1. Kiosks & Stores

Over 700 Movistar points around Chile sell top-up cards from CLP 1,000 to CLP 50,000 denominations. Pay cash and get recharge code.

2. Online

Log in to Movistar app or website to recharge online using the international credit/debit card.

3. ATMs

Select Chilean ATMs dispense Movistar top-up vouchers which can be redeemed on My Movistar portal.

For convenience, many combo reload packs are available. Or custom data and call bundles can be added if needed.

XI. Alternatives To Chile Movistar

The main Movistar competitors in Chile are:

• Entel – Leading challenger. Good value plans
• WOM – Popular low-cost no frills provider
• Claro – Reliable service, integrated across Latin America
• Virgin Mobile – Digital-first mobile operator

When getting a local SIM card in Chile, be sure to compare rates across providers. But Movistar does have the widest overall network coverage across Chile.

XII. FAQs About Movistar In Chile

XIII. Final Words

Getting connected via Movistar while visiting Chile is easy and affordable. Their SIM card options and eSIM support provide the leading network coverage across the country with lots of convenient ways to stay in touch for tourists. Just find a Movistar store or sales booth to grab a SIM on arrival or order an eSIM pack online in advance to smoothly start enjoying mobile service in Chile.