South America 6 countries

Staying connected in South America 6 countries

The South America 6 countries plan covers Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Uruguay, enough for classic routes such as Iguazú Falls on the Brazil and Argentina border, Patagonia across Argentina and Chile, Machu Picchu in Peru or Ecuador's Galápagos Islands. It is popular with long-term backpackers, honeymooners and group tours combining two or three countries.

Seasons vary by region: Patagonia is easiest from November to March, while the Peruvian Andes are dry from roughly May to September.

Coverage and networks

This plan covers the destinations listed below, as published in the plan information (6 in total). Check every stop on your route against the table before buying.

Bolivia (the Uyuni salt flats) and Colombia are not in this plan; see the Bolivia or Colombia pages if your route passes through.

Signal and speed depend on where you are, your device and network conditions, and can differ between plans.

Choosing a data allowance

eSIM plans for South America 6 countries currently last 1 to 30 days and come in these types:

• Daily data (500MB, 1GB, 2GB and 3GB per day): suits a steady routine. Check when the daily allowance resets and what happens once it is used.
• Total data (3GB to 50GB): one allowance for the whole trip, handy when some days are heavier than others.
• Unlimited: always read the fair-use policy; after a set amount, speed may be reduced.

Suggestions for this trip

• 15 or 20 days across two or three countries: 1GB a day is enough for maps, rides, long-distance bus times and WhatsApp; if you post videos from Patagonia or the Galápagos, choose 2GB a day.
• Total data suits itineraries with many days in remote areas where you barely go online: 20GB for about two weeks, 30GB or 50GB for a 30-day trip.

Count your arrival and departure days. Before paying, check the exact plan for when validity starts, how days are counted, and whether hotspot, calls or SMS are included; these differ between plans.

Before you go

• Messaging: WhatsApp is the main way to reach guesthouses, tour operators and drivers across South America.
• Getting around: Uber and Cabify operate in many capitals, with 99 also in Brazil; between cities most people take long-distance buses, and many companies sell tickets through apps.
• Remote areas: Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, the Amazon and the Galápagos have long stretches with no mobile signal; share your plans with family beforehand.
• Phone safety: On busy streets in big cities, avoid holding your phone near the kerb; listening to directions through earphones beats staring at the screen.
• eSIM setup: Before buying, make sure your phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked. Install the eSIM before you fly, on a stable Wi-Fi connection, following the instructions sent with your plan.
• On arrival: Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line and follow its roaming instructions. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges.