Buying guide · Bait eSIM in Mexico · 2026
Bait eSIM Mexico 2026: price, number porting and how to activate it
You can get a Bait prepaid eSIM in two ways: buy it from Telefonía_MX with the first $120 top-up included (7 GB), as a new line or with number porting, or sign up directly at mibait.com. Here you can compare price, data, validity, area code and requirements, and see step by step how to install and link your Bait virtual SIM.
Prices verified on 10/28/2026 at telefoniamx.com · Bait packages per its October 2026 catalog
What is the Bait eSIM (Bait virtual SIM)?
The Bait eSIM is the digital version of the Bait SIM, Walmart's mobile service in Mexico: a virtual SIM you install on your phone with a QR code, without inserting a physical card. It gives you a Mexican number with data, calls and texts.
Bait runs on Altán Redes' nationwide LTE network, with roaming on Telcel and VoLTE depending on the area and device. It is useful for tourists, foreigners living in Mexico and residents who want an affordable second line or to switch to Bait without going to a store. If this is your first eSIM, read What is an eSIM or virtual SIM?
Coverage and speed depend on the package, the device and the network at your location. Check the Bait coverage map and our guide to mobile coverage in Mexico.
Two ways to get a Bait prepaid eSIM
Bait eSIM from Telefonía_MX
You buy online, choose a new line or number porting and receive the QR code by email in about 25 minutes. The price already includes the line and the first $120 top-up with 7 GB.
eSIM directly from Bait
A new line you sign up for at mibait.com/e-sim or in the Mi Bait app: you validate your IMEI, choose a package and receive the QR by email and WhatsApp. The eSIM has no charge of its own: you pay for the package.
Both are Bait prepaid lines with no monthly fee, and both require linking (registering) the line with your ID. What changes is the sales channel, the starting package, how number porting works and the support you get.
How much does the Bait eSIM cost at Telefonía_MX?
The Telefonía_MX Bait prepaid eSIM costs $189 MXN. That price is line + first $120 top-up: you don't pay for the eSIM separately, and it is the same for a new line and for number porting. Afterwards, you top up in Mi Bait.
| Total price | Top-up included | Data | Validity | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $189 MXN | $120 | 7 GB | 15 days (new line and number porting) | Unlimited minutes, texts and social media |
The included top-up is released automatically once Bait approves the identity link for your line. When the 15 days are up, you choose your next top-up in Mi Bait, with no long-term commitment.
Prices and benefits may change: check the current price of the Bait eSIM Mexico.
New line or number porting
New line: area code 656 and area code change
New lines are assigned area code 656 (Ciudad Juárez) by default. After linking it, you can change it to any area code you want (for example 55 Mexico City, 33 Guadalajara or 81 Monterrey) with the area code change link included in your delivery email. The number works all over Mexico within Bait coverage.
Number porting: keep your number
If you are coming from a carrier other than Bait, choose «Portabilidad» (number porting) under number series and fill in the details shown on screen. The switch takes 24 to 48 business hours and, while it completes, you use a temporary number. You link the line once your ported number is active.
«Lada» or «serie numérica»? They mean the same thing: «lada» is the everyday word for area code and «serie numérica» the technical term. Not sure which option you need? Read when a Mexican number is useful.
Telefonía_MX vs eSIM directly from Bait: comparison
Both options are valid. This table sums up how they differ so you can choose based on how you will use the line.
| Item | Bait eSIM from Telefonía_MX | eSIM directly from Bait |
|---|---|---|
| Where you buy | telefoniamx.com, in Spanish and without downloading apps | mibait.com/e-sim, the Mi Bait app or by phone |
| What you pay | Line + first top-up: $189 MXN | The package you choose; the eSIM has no charge of its own |
| Starting package | $120 top-up: 7 GB, 15 days, unlimited minutes, texts and social media | From $100 (5 GB, 15 days) up to 30-day or multi-month packages, depending on the current promotion |
| Number | Area code 656 by default, with a link to change it after linking, or your current number with porting | New number assigned by Bait |
| Number porting on eSIM | Online, in the same purchase (24–48 business hours), with a temporary number while it completes | The mibait.com porting form is designed for people who already have a Bait SIM |
| QR delivery | By email in ~25 min (11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Mexico City time, every day) | By email and WhatsApp after payment |
| Where to install | In Mexico or the United States, within native Bait coverage | Within Mexico, with a good signal |
| Activation | You install the QR and link the line; the top-up is released automatically | You scan the QR and register the line at btz.mx/registra |
| If something goes wrong | Lia 24/7, contact in Spanish and a 72-hour guarantee from when the QR is sent | Bait support with your order number; Bait does not issue eSIM refunds |
| Later top-ups | Mi Bait | Mi Bait, online or at Walmart and Bodega Aurrera stores |
Check current packages and terms on the official Bait eSIM page.
Which one suits you?
Telefonía_MX, if…
You want to switch to Bait and keep your number in the same purchase; you are traveling and want to buy ahead and install when you arrive (you have 10 days); you are a foreigner and prefer help in Spanish to install and link with your passport; or you want the backup of a 72-hour guarantee if the installation fails.
Bait direct, if…
You are looking for the cheapest entry package, a 30-day or multi-month package, or the monthly promotion at mibait.com, and you are comfortable validating your IMEI and handling everything yourself.
Still deciding between carriers? Compare the AT&T prepaid eSIM, the Telcel prepaid eSIM, the Movistar eSIM or every option in eSIM Mexico.
Already on Bait? Switching your physical SIM to eSIM
If you want your same Bait number on eSIM, you don't need a new line: Bait offers SIM-to-eSIM replacement at mibait.com («Cambia tu SIM por una E-SIM»), for a replacement fee and keeping the benefits of your current top-up. See the process at mibait.com/e-sim.
The Telefonía_MX Bait eSIM is a new line or a port-in from another carrier: it does not convert an existing Bait SIM.
How to activate your Bait eSIM step by step
- Buy your Bait eSIM Mexico from Telefonía_MX: choose a new line (656) or Portabilidad (number porting).
- Receive your QR code by email in about 25 minutes (11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Mexico City time). If you chose number porting, you use a temporary number while the process completes.
- While in Mexico or the United States, with native Bait coverage and a stable Wi-Fi connection, scan the QR code from your phone's settings. Don't leave the screen until it finishes.
- Link the line: INE, passport or CURP if you are Mexican; passport if you are a foreigner. Without linking there is no service. How to link your line
- Once Bait approves the link, the included top-up is released automatically. If you want a different area code, use the area code change link in your delivery email. Make a test call.
You have 10 days from purchase to install and link; after that the QR code expires. You can buy ahead and install when you are ready to use the line. The QR can only be used once: if there is a problem, don't delete the profile and contact us first.
Requirements and compatibility
eSIM-compatible device with band 28
Dial *#06#: if the EID appears, your phone supports eSIM. Bait also requires band 28 (Altán's LTE network); check it on the Bait compatibility page and in our list of compatible devices.
Factory-unlocked device
The phone must not be carrier-locked. On iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock must say “No SIM restrictions”.
IMEI with no reports
IMEI blocks due to theft, loss or non-payment are not covered by the guarantee.
Changing phones
The QR code can only be used once. If you change phones, first check how to transfer an eSIM to another phone.
Frequently asked questions about the Bait eSIM
How much does the Bait eSIM cost?
At Telefonía_MX, $189 MXN with a $120 top-up included (7 GB, 15 days, unlimited minutes, texts and social media). Directly from Bait, the eSIM has no charge of its own and you pay for the package you choose at mibait.com. Prices verified on 10/28/2026.
Is the Bait eSIM free?
No. You always pay for a package or top-up. Be wary of sites that ask for your IMEI or personal details to «give you» an eSIM: the QR only arrives after a purchase.
Can I port my number to Bait with an eSIM?
Yes. At Telefonía_MX you choose «Portabilidad» at checkout, from any carrier other than Bait. It takes 24 to 48 business hours and you use a temporary number in the meantime.
Do I need a NIP to port my number to Bait?
Yes. In Mexico every number port requires a NIP (porting PIN): you request it for free by texting the word NIP to 051 or calling 051 from the number you want to port, and keep it handy when you fill in the porting details.
Can I choose a different area code?
Yes. New lines are assigned area code 656 (Ciudad Juárez) by default; after linking, you change it to any area code you want with the area code change link in your delivery email.
Does Bait use the Telcel network?
Bait runs on Altán Redes' LTE network and has roaming on Telcel, with VoLTE depending on the area and device. Your phone must support band 28.
Can I buy it as a tourist or foreigner?
Yes. You need a compatible, factory-unlocked phone, to be in Mexico or the United States with Bait coverage to install it, and to link the line with your passport.
Does the Bait eSIM have to be registered?
Yes. Linking is mandatory for all mobile lines in Mexico, and without it there is no service. With Telefonía_MX, the included top-up is released automatically once Bait approves the link.
Where do I top up afterwards?
In Mi Bait. There is no monthly fee.
How long can the line go without a top-up?
Up to 150 days. If you don't top up within that period, the line is suspended.
What if I lose the QR code or the installation fails?
Keep the delivery email, don't delete the profile and contact us before reinstalling. The QR can only be used once.
Buy your Bait prepaid eSIM
Choose a new line or number porting, receive your eSIM by email and activate your Bait line with no physical SIM and no store lines.
