Which Phone Company In Argentina Offers The Best Cell Phone Service

National Canticle

Nuts [ ]

Argentina has 3 national operators:

Claro (by América Móvil)
Movistar (by Telefónica Spain)
Personal (by Telecom Argentina)

They three all have near the aforementioned marketplace share. For existence onetime state-owned company, Personal tends to accept a better coverage in rural surface area only has very llimited prepaid plans compared to Movistar and Claro. In Buenos Aires area, Movistar has best coverage in Subte (subway) networks fifty-fifty in betwixt stations (every bit of Jan. 2021). Although reliable free WiFi is bachelor inside of each subway station,

2G and 3G is on 850 and 1900 MHz, so users from Europe and Asia need a "The states-ring" device. 4G/LTE is on AWS (1700/2100) MHz and B28 (700 APT).

Data speed is much improved in contempo years specially in areas with 4G availability, although in rural area you nevertheless observe coverage of 2G just, and spotty coverage indoor even in Buenos Aires. According to OpenSignal'southward country report, Personal has the best overall perfomance in the country, while Movistar has the all-time 4G coverage at somewhat lower speeds in 2016.

The first MVNOs started with Nuestro and Quam, now renamed in Tuenti móvil, just don't offer practiced data choices for visitors so far.

Regulations [ ]

Prepaid SIM cards were non registered until 2017. This has changed as operators need to verify and identify all mobile phone users via a primal register with a view to reducing the trafficking of stolen handsets. The new rules crave that the operators themselves must pay to 'develop, operate and manage' the register, which is being set afterwards regulator Enacom ordered all mobile service providers to block equipment reported as lost or stolen.

Enacom has informed prepaid mobile telephone users that they have until 18 October 2018 to register their SIM cards or confront disconnection. Since May 2017 all prepaid users have been obliged to provide ID (such equally passport) and annals their details when buying a new SIM bill of fare.

Availability and recharges [ ]

All 3 operators offer prepaid SIM cards (chosen chips in Argentina) and given out free at their branded store or sold in hundreds of shops around the city for around $50. Keep in heed that the SIM menu needs to be registered wity your ID before utilise. Therefore, it is recommended to go to the respected branded shop/role with your passport as yous can become free SIM carte du jour anyways. Just Claro allows you to register online by uploading passport image.

You can recharge your SIM at many kiosk, supermarket, drugstores in towns. Supermarket and drugstore chains recharge without comission, but small independent stores may accuse yous additional $5-10. You lot need to wait for a sign saying 'cargo virtual' or orange/blueish vending machines in kiosks. At these machines y'all need to enter your telephone number and feed it with the bills of the corporeality yous desire to top-upwards. A pocket-sized receipt slip is printed out and your balance is added instantly. All recharge is confirmed by a SMS. To top-upwardly by credit carte du jour employ the website of the provider. It may happen that the credit is non added immediatetly. In these cases keep the confirmation receipt and turn to a customer service hotline or shop.

Annotation that all prices quoted in $ are in Argentine Peso (AR$), not The states$. All prices now include all taxes. Due to expected hyperinflation in 2021, y'all can expect prices in AR$ to rise continuously without prior notice.

Dialing rules [ ]

For calls and SMS Argentina has somewhat unusual dialing rules: Mobile telephone numbers in Argentine republic are preceded past a two digit number, 'xv.' If you're calling a mobile number from a landline, you'll accept to dial 'fifteen' beginning (add the area lawmaking before the '15' as necessary). Nevertheless, if you lot're calling a cell phone from another cell phone, you don't need to dial 'fifteen'. Not to be confused with surface area code of Yard Buenos Aires '11.' When dialing an Argentine cell telephone from another country, dial your international exit code, so 54, then ix, then the expanse code without the 0, then the number – leaving out the xv. It'southward confusing.

Mercosur roaming [ ]

The countries of the Mercosur Argentine republic, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay have agreed in 2019 to implement a "roam like at home" scheme similar to the Eu. After this deal is approved past all local parliaments operators must not charge additional fees for roaming betwixt the bloc's fellow member states, and must utilise the aforementioned tariff conditions that apply in the user'south home state for local approachable calls, SMS and data. As of Jan 2021 this agreement is not however implemented.

Claro [ ]

Claro (formerly called CTI Movil) endemic by Mexican América Móvil is still marketplace leader by a small margin amd has good coverage: 2G 3G and 4G coverage maps. For 4G/LTE mainly band 4 on 1700 MHz is used.

Availability [ ]

You can purchase prepaid SIMs (called chips) at Claro Customer Care Centers (store locator), kiosks, pharmacies, service stations, supermarkets, any outlets or shops where you tin run into the logo of Claro.

Top-up with vouchers calles Tarjetas Prepagas sold everywhere by texting the voucher code to 444. Or exercise a virtual recharge bachelor in many kiosks and supermarkets starting at $5. Check remainder past *611#.

Every bit a bonus for a height-upward of $50 100 MB for 5 days, of $100 250 MB for 7 days or of $300 400 MB for 7 days are given out.

Activation [ ]

(The following procedure assumes the purchase of an unactivated Claro SIM card at a convenience store, and the customer is required to activate the line on his ain.)

To activate the line, put the SIM card into the telephone and turn it on. Note that the phone number that is printed on the package of the SIM bill of fare; it volition exist required during activation procedure..

The phone will start receiving a number of SMS letters. One of them will read equally follows: "Si no tenes DNI argentino, te invitamos a completar el formulario que esta en claro.com.ar/simcheckin para activar tu linea con pasaporte." Which means that for users that do not have Argentine ID (ie. visitors), fill out the grade on claro.com.ar/simcheckin to activate using passport information.

Get to the site http://claro.com.ar/simcheckin (the site is partially in English language) and fill up out the following information:

Phone number listed on the SIM card package
Passport number
E-mail address
Departure date (which date yous are leaving Argentine republic)
Address while staying in Argentina
Photo of your passport information page
Photo of yourself (selfie) while holding the passport information page
Answer the CAPTCHA, which consists of a Spanish give-and-take and 8 icons; you need to select the icon that corresponds to the Spanish give-and-take. (Use Google Translate or ask a hotel staff for aid.)

Once everything is entered and submitted, the site will brandish "Su mensaje ha sido recibido con el numero de caso / Yous message has been received with case number xxxxxx". If any of the information is wrong, you will get a SMS in Spanish indicating what is missing, in which you will need to resubmit the form in a higher place.

Data rates [ ]

Default information is (0-24h per calendar 24-hour interval) flat of 50 MB for $20, beyond $0.xviii per MB and free WhatsApp (no VoIP) in Plan prepago.

Data feature packs [ ]

The following data packages can be added:

Data	Fourth dimension	Toll	Activation
i GB	three days	$120	1GB3D
1 GB	7 days	$170	1GB7D
i GB	xxx days	$300	1GB30D
two GB	7 days	$250	2GB7D
2 GB	15 days	$320	2GB15D
3 GB	twenty days	$390	3GB20D
4 GB	7 days	$410	4GB7D
4 GB	30 days	$550	4GB30D
6 GB	30 days	$700	6GB30D

To activate text the code to 454 or select by *989#. Or login at simpe.claro.com.ar [1]

Roaming [ ]

To utilise in the Usa, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil and Chile Claro has issued these two roaming packs with complimentary WhatsApp included:

300 MB for 7 days: $200; for activation text '300MB' to 252
1 GB for 30 days: $500; for activation text '1GB' to 252

More info [ ]

APN: igprs.claro.com.ar
Username: clarogprs
Countersign: clarogprs999
Website in Castilian: http://www.claro.com.ar/
Aid website: https://imprimirfactura.online/imprimir-factura-claro-argentina/

Movistar [ ]

Movistar is endemic by Castilian Telefónica and withal the No.ii in the state what customers are concerned. It has the widest 4G/LTE coverage in the country covering 68% of population in 2016 on bands 4 and 28. 4G service is available in more than 380 locations, including all 23 provincial capitals and the national capital letter.

Availability [ ]

Its prepaid SIM card chosen Chip is given out free in their shops and outlets.They are also ofttimes available from kiosks for around $50, but you however need to visit their shops to actuate with a passport.

For recharges y'all volition be awarded bonuses: For a $l reload y'all get 50 MB, for $100 100 MB and for $200+ 500 MB all valid just for i day, plus vii to 30 days unlimited call to Movistar, and complimentary WhatsApp. Note these bonus are ´promotion´ and constantly changing.

To check residue, send any SMS to 444 or dia *444#

Default data rates [ ]

Plan Prepago: daily information pack at $20

Movistar has daily (0-24h per calendar day) 'flat' rates for prepaid called Internet Día including a l MB block that lasts until midnight. When you start using internet, you will exist billed automatically for the first block and will receive a SMS maxim "Ya estas navegando con INTERNET x DÍA PLUS! Tenes 50MB para navegar hasta las 0 hs por $20.

After y'all used up second 50 MB block, volition get another SMS from 772 Alcanzaste los MB disponibles. Responde SI y recuperala x $20 cada 50 MB con Internet por dia Plus y segui navegando hasta las 0hs. Only respond SI to purchase an additional block of 50 MB.

Data feature packs [ ]

Post-obit information packages are offered:

Information	Time	Voice	Social Media	Price	Activation
200 MB	1 24-hour interval			$45	D1MB
2 GB	2 days			$100	D2GB
2 GB	3 days			$140	D3GB
two GB	5 days			$180	D5GB
ane GB	7 days			$140	INTERNET
two GB	7 days		1 GB	$200	D7GB
three GB	10 days		1 GB	$300	3GBD10
iii GB	thirty days		1 GB	$520	3GBD30
5 GB	30 days		v GB	$660	5GBD30
ane.5 GB	7 days	60 mins		$240	SUPER
2 GB	7 days	fourscore mins		$265	ULTRA
two GB	xxx days	100 mins		$600	MES

All packages come with free WhatsApp (no Voip). Social media includes Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

For activation text lawmaking to 2345 or subscribe at https://web.movistar.com.ar

Armá tu Pack

Movistar offers more flexible prepaid plan that you can choose any combination of the data amount of 350MB, one, 2, 3 or 5GB, voice call to whatsoever carrier at x, 100 or 200 minutes, and duration of 1, 3, 7, 10, 15 or 30 days. Y'all can subscribe it at movistar website at https://spider web.movistar.com.ar

As there are and so many choices, information technology is non possible list all plan here, but generally are meliorate deals than data packages in a higher place. Remind you although this Arma tu Pack is advertised as only available at ¨Movistar app¨, which is not bachelor from not-Argentine app store, you can still access information technology from its website in a higher place.

Tourist SIM [ ]

Movistar has 2 special packs that tin can be chosen by tourists (automatic renewal):

Week (for seven days): $230, 2 GB (WhatsApp unlimited) + 1 GB free for social networks and Spotify. To activate, text 'D7GB' to 1234 or dial *611#.
Month (for thirty days): $550, three GB (WhatsApp unlimited) + ane GB gratuitous for social networks and Spotify. To activate, text '3GBD30' to 1234 or dial *611#.

Y'all tin can buy a SIM menu at whatsoever kiosk or store. But to activate the SIM, you'll need an internet connection: yous might follow "Movistar Argentina" on Facebook or @movistararg on Twitter, then send them a private message with the word "#NOMI". Later, send them a photograph of Passport or Mercosul DNI, a selfie with that document, a photograph of SIM card, the address that you are going to stay and how long you programme to stay in Argentina.

Roaming [ ]

On the their new promotion 'Roaming all inclusive' you can roam for Us$vii per 24 hours in the Telefónica networks in Frg, the U.k. (both on O2), Brazil (on Vivo), Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Republic of el salvador, Spain, Guatemala, United mexican states, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela (all on Movistar) and in the Us with upward to 200 MB and in nearly countries up to 4G speeds, before you volition exist throttled to 256 kbps. This option is automatically enabled when entering ane of these countries and having a balance above US$vii in Peso.

More info [ ]

APN: wap.gprs.unifon.com.ar
Countersign and Username: wap
Website in Spanish: http://www.movistar.com.ar/
Website for tourists packs in Spanish, English and Portuguese (including activation procedures): https://www.movistar.com.ar/turistas
Help Website: https://imprimirfactura.online/imprimir-factura-movistar/

Personal [ ]

Although existence just no.three in the land OpenSignal gives information technology the best nationwide performance. Note that their customer service is non available in English. Near 90% of the Buenos Aires metro system (chosen Subte) is covered by Personal's 4G/LTE. At the end of 2017 it has 71% coverage of population in over chiliad towns and cities.

Availability [ ]

Chips and recharges are given out free in their branded outlets and offices (shop locator). It is also sold in kiosks or shops at about $50, but to activate with foreign passport you need to visit i of their office.

Electronic top-ups ((carga virtual) are bachelor in many kiosks and supermarkets. Cheque balance by *150#.

All recharge elevation-up corporeality gives 180 calendar day validity period from the moment recharging is completed.

Default information rates [ ]

Prepago: data $27 per twenty-four hour period for l MB by default

On default plans they automatically charge you $27 each fourth dimension y'all employ data and go on charging yous each fourth dimension 50MB block is used upwards. It expires at each day at midnight.

Personal annunciate unlimited use for WhatsApp according to how much money you superlative-upward ($xxx-49 volition give you ane day, $50-99 volition give you five days and >$200 volition requite you 30 days). The catch is bodily gratuitous use is only after exausting data pack and credit coin in your account. If you take a data pack, information used for WhatsApp is counted from the information pack. If y'all are on the default program and have a credit in your account, they proceed charging yous $27 until credit becomes minus $50. Simply after that, you can continue using WhatsApp free. Very deceptional.

Data feature packs [ ]

You lot tin add together these data packages:

Data	Fourth dimension	Price	Activation
ane GB	1 day	$fourscore	1GX1D
2 GB	3 days	$140	2GX3D
2 GB	vii days	$240	2GX7D

For activation text code to 152, or register at https//autogestion.personal.com.ar

Tourist SIM

In 2018 Personal has started to offering a tourist SIM card. The only plan costs $800 (with 30 days validity after activation/refill) and gives y'all 3 GB internet, unlimited WhatsApp use, 30 mins for international calls and 100 mins for domestic calls (website with Spanish, English and Portuguese language options: https://www.personal.com.ar/turista/).

The SIM carte du jour can be bought in Personal stores or authorized retailers, including at Ezeiza International Airport (Terminal A, ground flooring) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (ground floor). In that location, information technology's sold already activated.

If yous buy it in a kiosk or drugstore, you lot need insert the Personal SIM in your device and connect to a WiFi network to contact Personal Argentine republic (follow on Facebook or Twitter ) and send them a individual bulletin with the hashtag "#NOMI". A customer service amanuensis will guide yous with the documentation to show. Have your ID or passport set and await for agent'southward confirmation.

Refills can exist bought in kiosks, drugstores, retail stores, or online.

Once your balance business relationship is refilled, send an SMS with the keyword "ARG" to 152. You volition receive a text message confirmation. For balance account information, dial *150# (for free). For customer service dial *111 or contact them through Facebook or Twitter accounts.

More info [ ]

APN: datos.personal.com
Username and Password: datos
Website in Spanish: http://www.personal.com.ar/

Fiber Corp. (formerly Nextel) [ ]

Nextel was the fourth provider in Argentina with a rather limited coverage. In 2017 information technology was bought by Grupo Clarin and started a 4G/LTE-only network based on 900 and 2600 MHz frequencies (bands 7 and eight) which are non so usual. Because of their rather restricted coverage, they can't exist recommended for travellers. The make name Nextel was dropped and the network merged with Fiber Corp.

In 2017 they started their prepaid offer, simply they seem to have discontinued their product line. Just existing customers can all the same use their old Nextel prepaid lines.

Nuestro [ ]

Nuestro was the first MVNO in the land at all. Information technology uses the network of Personal (see above). SIM cards can be obtained in their shops (list). That's where y'all notice their recharge vouchers of $20 or $xxx too.

They have different plans called Hablemos Más or Tuyo. But they don't include information. In fact, they don't even sell data packages and information stays on all plans at a default rate of $0.005 per 5 KB.

APN: gprs.nuestro.com
Username: gprs
Password: adgj
Website in Spanish: http://www.nuestro.com.ar/

Tuenti móvil (formerly Quam) [ ]

Tuenti móvil (formerly called Quam) is the biggest MVNO in Argentine republic, started at the end of 2013 as a subsidiary by Telefónica. It targets primarily immature people and uses the network of Movistar. Just they are not recommended for foreigners. While you can buy the SIM at many paper kiosks merely to detect out that you tin't register it.

As a foreigner without a valid Argentinian ID (= DNI), yous won't exist able to actuate your SIM card. For registration an Argentinian DNI number is essential. That's why Tuenti Móvil is taken off the list at this time. Delight report, if you have been able to register a SIM card as a foreigner and how you did it.