eSIM in Chile: which plan to choose in 2026?

The best eSIM for Chile, compared for you: price, data, coverage and activation.

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See the plans Updated in août 2026 • 26 plans available

Compare eSIM plans for Chile: data, duration, prices and operators. Find the best offer and activate it now.

What are the best eSIM plans in Chile?

Each provider's best plan for this country, with the real price.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily ★ 4.7 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$26.07	$1.30	View →
Ubigi ★ 4.4 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$36.10	$1.81	View →
Holafly ★ 4.6 · Review	Unlimited	5 days	$15.04	—	View →
YesSim ★ 4.3 · Review	10 GB	30 days	$21.06	$2.11	View →
DrimSim ★ 4.1 · Review	5 GB	30 days	$15.70	$3.14	View →

Cheap eSIMs in Chile

A comparison of the cheapest plans, all providers combined.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily	1 GB	7 days	$3.01	$3.01
Ubigi	500 MB	30 days	$4.01	$8.02
DrimSim	1 GB	7 days	$4.98	$4.98
YesSim	1 GB	7 days	$5.01	$5.01
Ubigi	1 GB	30 days	$6.02	$6.02
Saily	3 GB	15 days	$6.02	$2.01

Guide expert

Choosing the best Chile eSIM plan means you won’t have to look for a store in Santiago, pay exorbitant roaming fees, or waste time dealing with a local SIM card. This guide will help you choose the right amount of data, understand coverage across the country, and set up your phone without unpleasant surprises, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia.

How does an eSIM work in Chile, and is my phone compatible?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card already built into your phone, which you download as a mobile profile. After purchasing a Chile eSIM plan, the provider will generally send you a QR code or a manual activation code. Your smartphone then downloads the settings needed to connect to a partner Chilean network. You can purchase and install this profile comfortably in France over Wi-Fi, then activate it when needed.

Unlike a physical SIM, an eSIM requires neither removing your usual card nor visiting a store. This is particularly convenient if you want to keep your French card in your phone to receive banking SMS messages while using Chilean data for Google Maps, Uber, WhatsApp, or bookings. On Dual SIM devices, one line can handle calls and SMS messages while the other manages mobile data.

A travel eSIM is most often a prepaid, data-only plan: it provides Internet access without necessarily assigning a Chilean number or including traditional cellular calls. How it works is simple: install the profile, choose this line for mobile data, enable data roaming on this line if required by the provider, and your phone will automatically connect to the available network. Do not confuse this technical roaming with the costly roaming provided by your French operator.

The iPhone XR, XS, and later models are generally eSIM-compatible. On recent iPhones, go to Settings > Cellular to check for the “Add eSIM” option.
With Samsung, many recent Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip, and some A series models are compatible, but this varies depending on the country of sale and the exact model number.
Google Pixel 3 and later smartphones generally support eSIM, with some exceptions depending on the operator or original market.
Other Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei, or Honor models may be compatible. Check under Settings > Mobile Network / SIM Manager for the “Add eSIM” option.
Your phone must be unlocked: a phone locked to an operator may not accept a travel plan. Dialing *#06# often displays an EID, which can help confirm compatibility.
An eSIM-compatible smartwatch does not automatically replace a phone: travel plans are primarily designed for compatible smartphones and tablets.

Which eSIM should you choose for the best 4G or 5G coverage in Chile?

The best Chile eSIM is the one that relies on a strong local network along your actual itinerary, not simply the one advertising the most data. Chile’s main operators are Entel, Movistar, Claro, and WOM. Entel is often appreciated for its presence beyond major cities, while Movistar and Claro offer very extensive coverage in populated areas. WOM can be competitive in urban areas, but its appeal depends more on the region you are visiting.

In Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Concepción, La Serena, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas, 4G is generally reliable, and 5G is available in many urban areas with a compatible device and plan. For everyday use, you can often expect several dozen Mbps on 4G under good conditions. However, speeds vary according to the time, neighborhood, partner network, and congestion. A “5G” label does not guarantee consistently high speeds: good 4G is more than enough for navigation, occasional video calls, and tethering.

Chile is a vast, narrow, and highly diverse country. In the Atacama Desert, around San Pedro, you will generally find a network in town and along well-traveled routes, but not in every valley, lagoon, or dirt track. In Patagonia, an eSIM remains valuable in Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, and along the main roads, while in Torres del Paine National Park, the fjords, hiking trails, and some areas of Aysén, the signal may disappear completely.

Before choosing, check which network the plan uses and do not rely on a vague “national coverage” promise. A travel eSIM provider may change partners depending on the plan. If your trip combines Santiago, the Atacama, and Patagonia, prioritize a plan that clearly lists a recognized network and prepare offline mode: in Chile, a traveler’s digital safety also means having maps and bookings available without a signal.

Major cities and main urban areasIn Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Concepción, and Puerto Montt, 4G is generally smooth and 5G is common in urban areas.

Main roads and popular tourist hubsGood coverage in some areas around La Serena, Pucón, San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Varas, and along the main roads, with possible interruptions.

Parks, mountains, desert, and remote PatagoniaWeak, intermittent, or nonexistent signal in remote valleys, on trails, in some areas of Aysén and Torres del Paine, and in the desert.

Easter Island and remote islandsA connection is available in inhabited areas of Rapa Nui, but capacity is more limited and performance varies depending on congestion.

Check the advertised partner network before paying; do not assume that every plan uses Entel or Movistar.
Download Google Maps, Maps.me, or Organic Maps before leaving your accommodation, especially for the Atacama and Patagonia.
In rural areas, set your phone to automatic 4G/LTE instead of forcing 5G: stability and battery life may be better.
On a road trip, carry a power bank: repeatedly searching for a network can drain the battery quickly in isolated areas.
Ask your hotel, guide, or car rental company where a signal is actually available at your next stop instead of relying solely on a coverage map.

Should you choose a Chile eSIM or a Latin America regional plan?

Choose a Chile-only eSIM if your trip takes place entirely within the country: it is often simpler and may offer better value in terms of data volume versus cost. This applies to a Santiago–Valparaíso–Atacama itinerary, several weeks in southern Chile, or a work trip to Santiago. You avoid paying for coverage you will not use.

A multi-country Latin America plan becomes more worthwhile if you are actually crossing a border. Common itineraries combine Chile with Argentina—from Santiago to Mendoza or from Chilean Patagonia to El Calafate—Peru via Arica, or Bolivia from San Pedro de Atacama. One eSIM then saves you from reinstalling a profile at every stop and lets you get back online as soon as you cross the border.

Keep in mind, however, that a regional eSIM operates through roaming on several partner networks. It may be slightly more expensive per gigabyte, offer less data, or deliver different performance depending on the country. Check the exact list of included destinations: “Latin America” does not always mean that every country, island, and territory is covered. For a long stay in Chile followed by two days in Argentina, a generous local eSIM combined with a small regional plan can also be a very sensible choice.

Choose a national eSIM if you are staying exclusively in Chile and want the best amount of data.
Prefer a regional plan for a Chile–Argentina, Chile–Peru, or Chile–Bolivia trip without losing connectivity.
Check the included countries, validity, top-up policy, and network used in each destination.
Do not expect a Chilean eSIM to work automatically after crossing the border: single-country plans generally do not include international roaming.

What do traveler reviews reveal about eSIMs in Chile?

Traveler feedback shows that eSIMs are particularly appreciated for their quick setup: having Internet as soon as you leave Santiago airport, ordering transportation, and checking your accommodation removes a major source of stress. Users also appreciate not having to give up their French SIM card and being able to monitor their usage through an app or customer account.

Disappointments rarely stem from the eSIM technology itself. They are more often caused by activating too early, selecting the wrong line in the settings, leaving data roaming disabled, or having unrealistic expectations of perfect coverage in remote areas. Some travelers also discover too late that their plan is data-only, that hotspot use is restricted, or that the plan cannot be topped up.

The conclusion is simple: read the practical terms before purchasing, particularly the partner network, validity period, tethering policy, and support procedures. A travel eSIM is highly effective for independent use, but it does not replace offline maps or a serious safety plan in Chile’s remote regions.

A recurring advantage: instant connectivity without visiting a store or handling a physical card.
A recurring advantage: keeping your usual number thanks to Dual SIM.
Be aware: advertised coverage does not mean there will be a signal on every track, in every park, or on every remote trail.
Be aware: check the APN, hotspot policy, top-ups, and support responsiveness before purchasing.

How do you buy, install, and activate an eSIM for Chile?

Install your eSIM before departure while connected to reliable Wi-Fi, but activate the data line only when recommended by the provider. This precaution reduces the risk of starting the validity period too early or finding yourself without a connection to scan the QR code.

1
Check compatibility
Start by confirming that your device accepts an eSIM and is unlocked. In your mobile settings, look for “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan”; if this option is missing, check with the manufacturer. Also update iOS or Android before leaving: eSIM profiles install more smoothly on a recent operating system.
2
Buy and receive the QR code before departure
Choose your plan based on the network, data allowance, validity period, and hotspot authorization, then save the confirmation email to your favorites. The QR code is often for one-time use: do not scan it on multiple devices and do not delete the email before the connection works. Take a screenshot of the instructions, but avoid sharing the QR code, as it provides access to your profile.
3
Install the profile on iPhone or Android
On iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then choose “Use QR Code” or manual entry. On Android, the path varies: try Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM on Samsung, or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM on Pixel. Keep Wi-Fi active throughout the download and give the line a clear name, such as “Chile data.”
4
Activate on arrival and configure the APN
Once in Chile, activate the eSIM line and set it as your mobile data line; disable mobile data on your French SIM to avoid charges. Enable “Data Roaming” only on the eSIM if the instructions require it. The APN is normally configured automatically. If Internet access is still unavailable, enter the APN provided by the provider exactly as written in the network settings.
5
Troubleshoot if Internet does not start
Wait a few minutes after landing, then turn airplane mode on and off or restart your phone. Check that the correct line is selected for data, that eSIM roaming is enabled, and that your French SIM is not using data. If the problem persists, select the network automatically, then manually if recommended by the provider, check the APN, and contact support with screenshots.

Can I keep my number, make calls, use WhatsApp, and share my connection in Chile?

Yes, you can generally keep your French number by leaving your physical SIM or usual eSIM active for calls and SMS while reserving data for your Chile eSIM. In the Dual SIM settings, explicitly choose the travel eSIM as the default data line. Turn off data roaming on your French line: receiving SMS messages is often possible without data, but outgoing or incoming calls may be charged depending on your operator.

Most travel eSIMs are data-only: they do not provide a local number and do not support traditional cellular calls to Chilean numbers. This does not affect the most common uses. WhatsApp keeps your account and usual number; you do not need to create a new profile. WhatsApp, FaceTime audio, Signal, Telegram, Messenger, and Skype work over the Internet, provided your contact uses the same service or you have VoIP credit.

Hotspot use is very useful for working from a computer, connecting a tablet, or helping a travel companion. However, check that it is allowed by the plan: some unlimited plans restrict hotspot use, and heavy usage may trigger a speed reduction. A long video call, cloud synchronization, or computer update can use several gigabytes much faster than browsing on a phone.

If you run out of data, you can often purchase a top-up through the provider’s app or website, ideally before reaching zero. Check whether it extends the validity period or only adds gigabytes until the original expiration date. If no top-up is available, connect to hotel or café Wi-Fi to buy a new plan; never delete the existing eSIM profile unless support instructs you to do so.

Set “Cellular Data” to the Chile eSIM and disable automatic data switching between lines.
Keep your French SIM active only if you need to receive verification SMS messages or important calls.
Use WhatsApp with your current number: the travel eSIM does not change your account.
Before a work trip, test the hotspot with your computer and check that your company VPN works.
Set a usage alert at 50% and 80% to anticipate a top-up before a stop without Wi-Fi.

Which criteria help you choose the best Chile eSIM plan without making a mistake?

The right choice mainly depends on your itinerary and usage. As a guideline, plan for around 1 to 3 GB for a light week using maps and messaging, 5 to 10 GB for two to three weeks of typical travel, and more if you work remotely, share your connection, or upload lots of videos.

Compare the price per gigabyte, but also the validity period. A very large plan is poor value if it expires before the end of a long trip, while a small plan can become expensive if you need multiple top-ups.
Choose the data allowance based on your actual usage: maps, messages, and searches use little data; video-based social media, automatic backups, and video calls quickly consume your data allowance.
Download content over Wi-Fi: offline maps, playlists, podcasts, guides, and translations. You will preserve your gigabytes for when they really matter, especially while traveling.
Check when the validity period begins. Some plans start at installation, while others begin when you first connect to a Chilean network. Install early only if the terms confirm that validity will not start before arrival.
Read the word “unlimited” carefully. It may include a fair usage policy, a speed reduction after a certain threshold, or a ban on tethering.
Choose a provider that clearly states the network, APN, top-up procedure, and offers accessible support. In case of a problem, precise instructions are worth more than a vague marketing promise.
Keep a backup solution: accommodation Wi-Fi, a small data reserve, a working bank card, and important numbers saved offline. In remote regions, an eSIM is not a distress beacon.
Do not delete your eSIM automatically if it fails to connect. Deleting it may make the QR code unusable and complicate reinstallation; first check the settings and contact support.
Secure your connections on public airport, café, or hostel Wi-Fi: use HTTPS websites, avoid sensitive transactions if the network seems suspicious, and enable a reputable VPN if you usually use one.

Questions fréquentes

Will my eSIM work as soon as I arrive at Santiago airport?

Yes, generally, if the profile is already installed, your plan is active, and the line is selected for data. At Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, give your phone a few minutes to connect to the network and check eSIM data roaming if necessary.

When exactly does my plan’s validity period begin?

It depends on the provider: validity often begins when you first connect to the Chilean network, but some plans start upon installation or purchase. Check this condition before scanning the QR code several days before departure.

Can I use the same eSIM on my phone and tablet?

No. An eSIM profile is normally linked to a single device, and its QR code can often be used only once. To connect a tablet, use the hotspot if your plan allows it, or purchase a separate eSIM.

Can I call Chilean emergency services with a data-only eSIM?

Do not rely on a data-only eSIM for traditional emergency calls. In Chile, important numbers include 131 for ambulances, 132 for firefighters, and 133 for the police. Save them and plan a conventional calling solution, or ask people nearby for help.

Can I get a refund if my eSIM does not work?

Refund conditions vary considerably, and a plan that has already been installed or used is often non-refundable. Check the provider’s policy before purchasing. If there is a problem, keep screenshots, the time, location, phone model, and tests performed for support.