The first thing you should do when you land in Guatemala is buy a SIM card. Not tomorrow, not after you settle in — right there at the airport or the nearest convenience store. For Q100 (~$13), you will have a working phone number, mobile data, and the ability to use WhatsApp, which is how Guatemala communicates.

There are only two carriers that matter: Tigo and Claro. A third operator, Movistar, exited the Guatemalan market years ago. Your choice comes down to these two, and the differences between them are more nuanced than most guides suggest.

I have used both extensively. Tigo has been my primary line for years, with a Claro backup SIM for coverage gaps during travel. This guide covers every plan type, real pricing in quetzales and dollars, coverage by region, and the practical details you will not find on their websites.

TL;DR: Tigo and Claro are the only two carriers. Prepaid data starts at Q10 ($1.30) for 1GB. A solid monthly plan costs Q100-150 ($13-20) for 25-60GB. Tigo has better rural coverage; Claro has limited 5G in Guatemala City. Get a SIM at the airport and use WhatsApp for everything.

All prices are current as of February 2026, using an exchange rate of Q7.66 = $1 USD. Check today’s live rate.

The Two Carriers: Who Owns What

Before comparing plans, it helps to understand who you are dealing with.

Tigo is owned by Millicom International, a Luxembourg-based telecommunications company focused on Latin America and Africa. In Guatemala, Tigo is the market leader in mobile subscribers and has the widest overall coverage. They also operate the largest fiber and cable home internet network.

Claro is owned by America Movil, the telecommunications empire of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. Claro operates across most of Latin America and is the only carrier in Guatemala currently offering 5G service, though it is extremely limited — only small pockets of Zona 10, Zona 14, and Zona 15 in Guatemala City.

Feature Tigo (Millicom) Claro (America Movil)
Market position #1 in mobile subscribers #2 in mobile, #1 in 5G
Network technology 4G LTE nationwide 4G LTE + 5G (limited GC)
Rural coverage Slightly better Good but gaps in remote areas
Urban coverage Excellent Excellent, 5G in parts of GC
Customer service 1447 1234
eSIM support Limited (postpaid only) Yes (postpaid and some prepaid)
Home internet Fiber up to 700 Mbps Fiber up to 500 Mbps

Prepaid Plans (Planes Prepago)

Most people in Guatemala — locals and foreigners alike — use prepaid. There is no credit check, no contract, and no commitment. You buy a SIM, activate it, and add credit as needed.

How Prepaid Works in Guatemala

You buy a SIM card (Q25-50, or often free with a Q50+ top-up). You then add credit (“recarga”) and activate data packages (“paquetes”). Without activating a package, raw data charges will drain your balance in minutes. Always activate a package first.

Tigo Prepaid Data Packages

Tigo’s prepaid packages are called “Paquetigos.” These are the most popular options:

Prices verified February 2026. See our exchange rates page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.

Package Data Price (GTQ) Price (USD) Validity Includes
Paquetigo Diario 1 GB Q10 $1.31 1 day WhatsApp included
Paquetigo Semanal 5 GB Q30 $3.92 7 days WhatsApp, social media
Paquetigo 25GB 25 GB Q100 $13.05 30 days WhatsApp, all apps
Paquetigo 50GB 50 GB Q150 $19.58 30 days WhatsApp, all apps
Paquetigo Ilimitado Unlimited* Q200 $26.11 30 days *Throttled after fair-use cap

Claro Prepaid Data Packages

Claro’s prepaid packages follow a similar structure:

Package Data Price (GTQ) Price (USD) Validity Network
Plan Diario 1.5 GB Q10 $1.31 1 day 4G LTE
Plan Semanal 6 GB Q35 $4.57 7 days 4G LTE
Plan Ilimitado Datos 30 GB Q99 $12.92 30 days 4G LTE / 5G
Plan Mega Datos 60 GB Q149 $19.45 30 days 4G LTE / 5G
Plan Ultra Datos Unlimited* Q199 $25.98 30 days 4G LTE / 5G

Side-by-side: For the monthly 30-day package tier, Claro gives you 30 GB for Q99 while Tigo gives 25 GB for Q100. Claro edges out on raw value at this tier. But at the higher tier, Tigo’s 50 GB for Q150 versus Claro’s 60 GB for Q149 makes it nearly even, with Claro offering slightly more data for essentially the same price.

Important note on “unlimited” plans: Both carriers throttle speeds after a fair-use data cap (typically 50-80 GB). The connection does not cut off, but speeds drop to 256-512 Kbps — enough for WhatsApp messages but miserable for anything else. True unlimited, unthrottled data does not exist on prepaid in Guatemala.

Postpaid Plans (Planes Pospago)

Postpaid plans require a contract (usually 12-24 months), a credit check, and either a DPI or proof of residency. For foreigners, postpaid is harder to get but offers better value if you qualify.

Advantages of Postpaid

  • More data per quetzal spent
  • Subsidized phones (flagship devices at significant discounts)
  • Consistent bill instead of remembering to top up
  • Better international roaming packages
  • eSIM support (Claro postpaid, Tigo postpaid on newer plans)
  • Priority on network during congestion

Requirements for Foreigners

Requirement Tigo Claro
DPI (national ID) Required, or passport + residency Required, or passport + residency
Credit check Yes Yes
Contract 12-24 months 12-24 months
Penalty for early cancellation Remaining months billed Remaining months billed

The catch for foreigners: Without a DPI or residency card, getting a postpaid plan is difficult. Some stores will accept a passport with a tourist visa stamp, but this is branch-dependent and inconsistent. If you are here on a tourist visa (90 days), stick with prepaid. If you have a residency permit (our visa guide covers the process), postpaid becomes much easier.

Postpaid Price Ranges

Both carriers offer postpaid plans ranging from roughly Q149/month ($19) for basic plans with 10-15 GB to Q499/month ($65) for premium plans with 100+ GB, international minutes, and a subsidized flagship phone. Exact plans change frequently with promotions, so check the carrier websites or visit a store for current offers.

Data-Only Plans for Tablets and Hotspots

If you need data for a tablet, laptop hotspot, or secondary device, both carriers offer data-only SIM cards.

Mobile Hotspot Options

Provider Plan Data Price/mo (GTQ) Price/mo (USD) Network
Tigo Paquetigo 25GB 25 GB Q100 $13.05 4G LTE
Tigo Paquetigo 50GB 50 GB Q150 $19.58 4G LTE
Claro Plan Ilimitado Datos 30 GB Q99 $12.92 4G LTE / 5G
Claro Plan Mega Datos 60 GB Q149 $19.45 4G LTE / 5G

These same prepaid data packages work in a hotspot device or a tablet with a SIM slot. Buy a cheap 4G pocket hotspot at any electronics store in Guatemala City for Q200-400 (~$26-52) and pair it with a data-only SIM.

For remote workers: A mobile hotspot with a Tigo or Claro SIM is an essential backup if your home internet goes down. Power outages are common in Guatemala, and your home router dies with the power. A charged hotspot keeps you connected during outages. See our best places for remote workers guide for location-specific internet advice, and check coworking spaces with backup generators if you need guaranteed uptime for client calls.

Coverage: Where Each Carrier Works Best

Tigo Coverage

Tigo has the edge in overall geographic coverage, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas. If you are traveling to smaller towns, indigenous communities, or remote highland villages, Tigo is more likely to have a signal.

  • Strongest areas: Guatemala City metro, Pacific coast, Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango, Alta Verapaz towns
  • Weak areas: Deep jungle (northern Peten beyond Flores), some remote mountain villages in the western highlands
  • Network: 4G LTE in cities and major towns, 3G in rural areas

Claro Coverage

Claro is strong in urban areas and has the only 5G network in the country, though it covers a tiny geographic area. Claro’s 4G LTE is excellent in cities but thins out faster than Tigo in rural zones.

  • Strongest areas: Guatemala City (including 5G in Z10, Z14, Z15), Antigua, major highways
  • Weak areas: More gaps in remote western highlands and northern Peten compared to Tigo
  • Network: 5G in limited Guatemala City zones, 4G LTE in cities, 3G elsewhere

Coverage Comparison by Region

Region Tigo Claro Notes
Guatemala City Excellent Excellent (+ 5G pockets) Both work perfectly
Antigua Excellent Excellent Popular area, well covered
Lake Atitlan Good Good Varies by village; Pana best
Quetzaltenango Very Good Good Tigo slightly better
Flores / Peten Good Fair Tigo better outside Flores
Pacific Coast Good Good Both adequate
Western Highlands Fair Fair-Poor Tigo reaches more villages
Caribbean (Izabal) Good Fair Tigo better around Rio Dulce

Pro tip: If you are spending time in rural Guatemala or traveling extensively, carry dual SIMs — Tigo as primary, Claro as backup. Most modern phones support dual SIM or eSIM + physical SIM. The cost of a second prepaid SIM is negligible (Q25-50) for the coverage insurance it provides.

eSIM Support

If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS and later, most recent Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel), you can potentially avoid the physical SIM card entirely. This is increasingly popular with travelers who want data working the moment they land.

Local Carrier eSIMs

Claro is ahead on eSIM support. They offer eSIM activation for postpaid plans and some prepaid plans. You can set it up at a Claro store or through their website. This is convenient for travelers who want to keep their home SIM in the physical slot and add a Claro eSIM for local data.

Tigo has limited eSIM support, primarily for postpaid customers. Their prepaid eSIM rollout has been slow. As of early 2026, physical SIM is still the most reliable option for Tigo prepaid.

Third-Party eSIM Providers (Buy Before You Land)

If you want data working the second your plane touches down at La Aurora, third-party eSIMs are the way to go. You buy online, scan a QR code, and activate from your phone — no store visit needed.

Provider Data Duration Price (USD) Network Notes
Airalo 1 GB 7 days ~$4.50 Claro/Tigo roaming Cheapest short-trip option
Airalo 3 GB 30 days ~$11 Claro/Tigo roaming Good for 1-2 week trips
Airalo 5 GB 30 days ~$16 Claro/Tigo roaming Best balance for tourists
Holafly Unlimited* 5 days ~$19 Local roaming *Speed throttled after fair use
Holafly Unlimited* 15 days ~$47 Local roaming Expensive but convenient
Ubigi 3 GB 30 days ~$13 Local roaming Solid alternative to Airalo

The math: Third-party eSIMs cost roughly $3-10 per GB compared to $0.25-0.50 per GB on local prepaid. You are paying a premium for convenience. For trips under 2 weeks, the convenience is worth it. For anything longer, buy a local SIM on arrival — the savings add up fast.

My recommendation for tourists (under 2 weeks): Get an Airalo 5 GB eSIM before your flight ($16). It gives you maps, WhatsApp, and Uber from the moment you land. If you run out, top up through the Airalo app or buy a physical Tigo SIM at any tienda for Q100 ($13) with 25 GB.

My recommendation for expats and longer stays: Skip the eSIM providers entirely. Buy a physical Tigo or Claro SIM at the airport (10 minutes, Q50-100). The per-GB cost is 10-20x cheaper than third-party eSIMs.

Buying a SIM Card: The Practical Guide

At the Airport

Both Tigo and Claro have kiosks at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. Prices are slightly higher than in town, but the convenience is worth it. Expect to pay Q50-100 for a SIM with some initial credit. They will activate it on the spot.

What you need: Your passport. That is it. They scan it, register the SIM to your passport number, and hand you an active line within 10 minutes.

At Any Store

SIM cards are sold at:

  • Carrier stores (Tigo and Claro branded stores in malls and shopping centers)
  • Electronics stores (any phone shop)
  • Convenience stores (tiendas de barrio, the small neighborhood shops found on every block)
  • Supermarkets (some La Torre and Walmart locations have a phone counter)

At a tienda de barrio, the SIM might be free if you buy Q50+ of credit at the same time. The shop owner activates it for you. This is how most Guatemalans get their phone service.

Activation

The person selling you the SIM will typically activate it. If you need to self-activate:

  • Tigo: Dial *123# to access the menu, or use the Mi Tigo app
  • Claro: Dial *611# for the self-service menu, or use the Mi Claro app

Both apps (Mi Tigo and Mi Claro) are available on iOS and Android. They let you check your balance, buy data packages, and manage your line. I recommend downloading both before you arrive if possible.

Top-Up (Recargas): How to Add Credit

Guatemala runs on “recargas” — prepaid top-ups. There are multiple ways to add credit to your phone:

Method Where How
Cash at tienda Any neighborhood shop Tell them your number and amount, pay cash
Scratch cards Convenience stores, gas stations Buy card, dial code, enter PIN from card
Bank transfer BI, BAM, BAC mobile apps Transfer from bank account to phone number
Online tigo.com.gt / claro.com.gt Pay with credit/debit card on website
Mi Tigo / Mi Claro app On your phone Pay with saved card
USSD code On your phone Dial *123# (Tigo) or *611# (Claro)

The most common method is walking into any tienda de barrio and saying “una recarga de cien a Tigo” (a Q100 top-up to Tigo) followed by your phone number. They punch it in on their terminal, you pay Q100 cash, and your credit appears within seconds. You can do this at gas stations, pharmacies, supermarkets, and thousands of small shops across the country.

Important: After adding credit, immediately activate a data package. If you use data without an active package, raw per-MB charges will eat your balance in minutes. Always have a package running.

WhatsApp: The Real Communication Network

This deserves its own section because it fundamentally changes how you think about phone plans.

WhatsApp is not just a messaging app in Guatemala. It is the primary communication infrastructure. Businesses list WhatsApp numbers instead of phone numbers. Restaurants take orders via WhatsApp. Doctors send prescriptions through it. Landlords negotiate rent on it. Government offices have WhatsApp lines for customer service.

What this means for your phone plan:

  • Voice minutes barely matter. Nobody calls anymore. Voice calls are for emergencies and talking to grandparents who do not use WhatsApp.
  • Data is everything. A solid data package covers WhatsApp messages, voice calls, and video calls.
  • Both carriers include free WhatsApp data in most packages. Even if your data runs out, WhatsApp often still works on many Tigo and Claro plans.

If you only remember one thing from this article: get a data package and use WhatsApp for everything.

Phone Number Portability

Guatemala supports number portability, meaning you can switch from Tigo to Claro (or vice versa) while keeping your phone number. The process takes 1-3 business days and can be initiated at any carrier store. This is useful if you started with one carrier and found the coverage insufficient for your area.

Tips for Tourists and Short-Term Visitors

If you are visiting Guatemala for a few days to a few weeks:

  1. Buy a Tigo prepaid SIM at the airport for immediate connectivity. Q100 gets you a SIM with 25 GB for 30 days — more than enough for a short trip.

  2. Do not bother with postpaid. The paperwork is not worth it for a short visit.

  3. Consider an eSIM if your phone supports it. Claro eSIM or a third-party provider like Airalo lets you activate before landing.

  4. Download Mi Tigo or Mi Claro before arriving so you can manage your plan without visiting a store.

  5. Top up at any shop. You will never be more than a block from a place that sells recargas.

  6. WhatsApp everything. Save your regular phone number’s international roaming charges. Call home through WhatsApp.

Tips for Long-Term Expats and Residents

If you are living in Guatemala:

  1. Start with prepaid, upgrade to postpaid once you have residency. The DPI/residency requirement for postpaid is easier once you have proper documentation.

  2. Carry dual SIMs if you travel outside the capital. Tigo + Claro covers virtually every populated area.

  3. Get a local phone number. Many services (delivery apps, bank verification, government registrations) require a Guatemalan number. You will also need one for your NIT tax ID.

  4. Use your bank app for recargas. Banco Industrial and BAM both let you top up any Tigo or Claro number directly from their mobile banking apps. See our banking guide for how to open an account.

  5. Check promotions weekly. Both carriers run aggressive promotions — double data days, bonus GB for recharging specific amounts, holiday specials. The Mi Tigo and Mi Claro apps push these notifications.

  6. Home internet is separate. Your mobile plan is for on-the-go data. For working from home, you need a fixed internet connection. Read our complete internet guide for Tigo, Claro, and Starlink home internet packages starting at Q159/month (~$21).

Best Plan For Your Situation

Everyone’s needs are different. Here is what I recommend based on the most common profiles:

Best Plan for Tourists (1-2 Weeks)

Option A: Airalo eSIM 5 GB ($16) — activated before you land, zero hassle. Top up through the app if you need more.

Option B: Tigo Paquetigo 25 GB for Q100 ($13) — buy at the airport, more data for less money, but requires a 10-minute store visit.

You will mostly use WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Uber. Either option covers this easily. Carry a portable charger — navigating with GPS drains batteries fast on Antigua’s cobblestone streets.

Best Plan for Expats and Long-Term Residents

Tigo Paquetigo 50 GB for Q150 ($19.58/month) as your primary line. Add a Claro SIM as backup (Q99 for 30 GB) if you travel outside the capital regularly. Total cost: Q249/month (~$32) for dual-carrier coverage across the country.

Once you have residency, upgrade your primary to Tigo postpaid for better value and phone subsidies. Keep the Claro prepaid as your backup.

Best Plan for Remote Workers

Tigo or Claro 50-60 GB prepaid as mobile backup, but your real lifeline is home internet. Get Tigo fiber (Q235/month for 150 Mbps) or Claro fiber as your primary. The mobile plan is for when the power goes out or your router dies — and it will happen. See our complete internet guide for home internet packages and speed tests by city.

If you work from Lake Atitlan or rural areas without fiber, Starlink ($45-66/month) plus a Tigo 50 GB mobile hotspot is the most reliable combo.

Best Plan for Locals and Guatemalan Families

Claro Plan Ilimitado Datos Q99/month gives 30 GB — best value at this price point. For lighter users, the Tigo Paquetigo Semanal at Q30/week (Q120/month) offers flexibility without commitment to a full monthly package.

For families, Tigo’s postpaid family plans offer shared data pools that work out cheaper per line than individual prepaid. Visit a Tigo store for current family plan promotions.

International Calling Rates

If you need to call outside Guatemala (beyond WhatsApp calls), both carriers offer international packages and per-minute rates.

Per-Minute Rates (Without Package)

Destination Tigo (per min) Claro (per min)
USA / Canada Q1.50–2.00 ($0.20–0.26) Q1.50–2.50 ($0.20–0.33)
Mexico Q2.00–3.00 ($0.26–0.39) Q2.00–3.00 ($0.26–0.39)
Central America Q2.00–3.00 ($0.26–0.39) Q2.00–3.00 ($0.26–0.39)
Europe Q3.00–5.00 ($0.39–0.65) Q3.00–5.00 ($0.39–0.65)

These rates drain prepaid balance fast. For regular international calls, use WhatsApp calling (free over data) or buy an international calling package.

International Calling Packages

Both carriers offer promotional packs — typically Q25–50 for 30–60 minutes to the US/Canada, valid for 7–15 days. Check the Mi Tigo or Mi Claro app under “paquetes internacionales” for current promotions. These rotate frequently.

Best option for regular US calls: Use WhatsApp or keep a Google Voice number (free calls to US/Canada over WiFi or data). Most expats never use carrier minutes for international calls.

Family and Multi-Line Plans

If you have a family or need multiple lines, postpaid family plans offer better value than individual prepaid.

Tigo Family Plans

Tigo offers shared data pools for 2–5 lines. Typical pricing:

  • 2 lines: Q299–399/month with 40–80 GB shared data
  • 3–4 lines: Q449–599/month with 80–120 GB shared data
  • 5 lines: Q699+/month with 150+ GB shared data

Each additional line costs roughly Q100–150/month. All lines share the data pool. Family plans require a DPI or residency for the primary account holder.

Claro Family Plans

Similar structure to Tigo. Claro’s advantage: 5G access on family plans in Guatemala City zones where available.

Important: Family plan pricing and promotions change monthly. Visit a Tigo or Claro store for the current offer sheet — the apps and websites often lag behind in-store promotions. Bring all family members’ passports/DPIs to set up the plan in one visit.

Family Plan vs Individual Prepaid Math

Setup Lines Cost/month Data Total
3 individual Tigo 25GB prepaid 3 Q300 ($39) 75 GB (not shared)
Tigo Family 3-line plan 3 Q449–499 ($59–65) 80–100 GB (shared)

Individual prepaid is cheaper on paper, but family plans include unlimited on-network calls, shared data flexibility, and phone subsidies. For families staying 6+ months with residency, the family plan wins. For shorter stays, stick with individual prepaid.

Quick Verdict: Tigo or Claro?

If you need… Choose Why
Best rural coverage Tigo Reaches more remote towns and villages
Best urban speed Claro 5G pockets in Guatemala City, aggressive fiber
Cheapest monthly data Claro 30 GB for Q99 beats Tigo’s 25 GB for Q100
Best home internet bundle Tigo No-contract plans, wider fiber coverage
eSIM support Claro Better eSIM activation for prepaid and postpaid
Reliability for remote work Both + Starlink backup Dual SIM + home internet for true reliability

For most people, the honest answer is: it does not matter much. Both carriers are competent, both cover the areas where most foreigners live (Guatemala City, Antigua, Atitlan, Quetzaltenango), and both cost roughly the same. Pick Tigo if you travel rural, Claro if you want 5G or eSIM, and stop overthinking it.

The total cost? About Q100-150/month ($13-20) for a generous prepaid data plan. That is less than most people spend on a single dinner out. Guatemala’s mobile costs are among the lowest in the Americas – just one reason the cost of living here is so appealing. Having a local number also helps with safety – ride-hailing apps like Uber and InDriver require a Guatemalan number, and they are the safest way to get around. You will also need a local number for mobile banking and paying utility bills through your bank’s app.

Keep Reading

  • Home Internet Guide: 5 ISPs Compared – Tigo fiber, Claro fiber, and Starlink packages with speed tests and real pricing. This covers the fixed connection you will need alongside your phone plan.
  • Internet Speed by City – Which cities have fiber, which are stuck on DSL, and where Starlink is your only option.
  • Coworking Spaces, Speed-Tested – 15 cafes and coworking spots in Antigua, Guatemala City, and Lake Atitlan with WiFi speeds and day-pass prices.
  • Cost of Living in Guatemala – See how phone and internet costs fit into the full monthly budget across five cities.
  • Banking Guide: Open an Account – You need a local number for mobile banking. This guide covers which banks accept foreigners and how to set up bill payments through your phone.
  • Safety Guide – A local SIM is essential for safety. Uber, InDriver, and emergency calls all require a Guatemalan number.

Sources: Tigo Guatemala (tigo.com.gt), Claro Guatemala (claro.com.gt), Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SIT), GSMA Intelligence, and personal experience using both carriers across Guatemala.