How to Use Google Maps in Mexico Without Roaming
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How to Use Google Maps in Mexico Without Roaming
You can use Google Maps in Mexico without paying Canadian roaming charges. Download offline maps before departure or use a Mexico travel eSIM for live directions, address searches and up-to-date navigation while traveling.
To use Google Maps in Mexico without roaming, download an offline map before your trip or select a Mexico eSIM as your mobile data line. Disable mobile data and roaming on your Canadian line to reduce the risk of unexpected charges.
Does Google Maps work in Mexico?
Yes. Google Maps works in Mexico much like it does in Canada. You can search for an address, find your hotel, follow directions, locate a restaurant or calculate the route to an attraction.
Google Maps can work using a mobile Internet connection or with a map downloaded in advance. Mobile data normally provides a more complete experience because it allows new searches and access to updated information while you are traveling.
A Mexico eSIM lets you use Google Maps with mobile data without selecting your Canadian plan as your main Internet connection.
Find an address
Locate your hotel, restaurant, excursion or attraction in Mexico.
Follow directions
Get the directions needed to reach your destination.
Save important places
Create a list containing your hotel, activities and restaurants.
Explore nearby places
Discover shops, restaurants and useful services near your location.
How do you download Google Maps for offline use?
Download the area you plan to visit while connected to stable Wi-Fi. You can do this before leaving home or from your hotel in Mexico.
Open Google Maps
Open the Google Maps application and tap your profile picture or account initial.
Select Offline Maps
Choose the option to select your own map or download an offline area.
Choose the correct area
Adjust the selected region to include your hotel, airport and planned destinations, then start the download.
Does an offline map completely replace mobile Internet?
No. An offline map is an excellent backup, but it does not always replace an active Internet connection.
It can display the downloaded area and support certain navigation functions. However, live information and newly updated details normally require an Internet connection.
For a more complete navigation experience, a Mexico eSIM can be used together with downloaded maps.
Features that may be limited offline
- live traffic conditions;
- new business information and reviews;
- some public transportation routes;
- some walking and cycling directions;
- searches outside the downloaded area;
- dynamic route changes based on road conditions.
Which option is best for Google Maps in Mexico?
Offline maps and a Mexico eSIM do not provide exactly the same service. For most travelers, the best preparation is to use both.
Offline Google Map
A useful backup when the network signal is weak or when no Internet connection is available.
- no mobile data required after downloading;
- useful for viewing major roads;
- works inside the downloaded area;
- more limited live features;
- must be downloaded and periodically updated.
Google Maps with a Mexico eSIM
A mobile data connection lets you make new searches and use more navigation features during your trip.
- search for new addresses while traveling;
- access updated information;
- navigate outside downloaded areas;
- use transportation and booking applications;
- keep travel data separate from your Canadian line.
How to avoid Canadian roaming charges on iPhone
- install your travel eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi;
- open the Cellular or Mobile Data settings;
- select the VoyageSIM eSIM for mobile data;
- disable data roaming on your Canadian line;
- disable automatic mobile data switching;
- enable roaming only on the eSIM when required.
Your Mexico eSIM must be selected for mobile data
Simply installing an eSIM does not guarantee that your phone will automatically use it for Internet access.
Confirm that your VoyageSIM eSIM is selected as the mobile data line. Your Canadian line may remain installed, but its mobile data and roaming should be disabled when you do not want to use it in Mexico.
Menu names can vary depending on the phone model and operating system version.
How to avoid Canadian roaming on Android
On Android, open the mobile network settings or SIM manager. Select the VoyageSIM eSIM for mobile data and disable roaming on your Canadian SIM card.
When required by your eSIM instructions, enable data roaming only on the travel eSIM used in Mexico.
The exact location of these options varies between Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Motorola and other Android devices.
Quick checklist before opening Google Maps
- the Mexico eSIM is active;
- the eSIM is selected for mobile data;
- Canadian mobile data is disabled;
- Canadian roaming is disabled;
- location services are enabled;
- offline maps have already been downloaded.
Does Google Maps use a lot of mobile data?
Google Maps normally uses less mobile data than streaming video, video calls and social media applications that automatically play videos.
Data usage may increase when you view many photos, use satellite view, repeatedly search for new places or constantly reload map information.
Downloading offline maps before your trip can reduce mobile data use. To select the right plan, read our guide explaining how much mobile data you need for one week in Mexico.
Download offline maps
Download your maps with Wi-Fi before leaving your hotel.
Avoid satellite view
Use the standard map view when detailed images are unnecessary.
Save important places
Save your hotel and planned activities before departure.
Monitor data usage
Check your mobile data consumption in your phone settings.
Using Google Maps in Cancún, Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Download a map that matches your entire travel itinerary. A small downloaded area may not be enough when you plan to travel between several destinations.
Cancún
Save the airport, your hotel and the main tourist areas.
Tulum
Download an area covering the town, beach and nearby attractions.
Playa del Carmen
Save your accommodation and important transportation locations.
Mexico City
Mobile data is especially useful for searches and city navigation.
Google Maps in Mexico Without Roaming FAQ
Can I use Google Maps in Mexico without Internet?
Yes, when you download the map for the region in advance. Some features and live information may be limited without an Internet connection.
Does GPS work without mobile data?
Your phone can normally determine its position using GPS without mobile data. You still need a downloaded map to properly display the surrounding area without Internet access.
Do I need an eSIM to use Google Maps?
No. An offline map can work without an eSIM. A Mexico eSIM is useful for new searches, updated information and live navigation during your trip.
Does Google Maps work with a Mexico eSIM?
Yes. Google Maps uses the mobile data connection provided by the eSIM like any other Internet connection.
How can I avoid Canadian roaming charges?
Select your travel eSIM for mobile data and disable mobile data and roaming on your Canadian line. Review your Canadian carrier’s terms before departure.
Should data roaming be enabled on my VoyageSIM eSIM?
Some travel eSIM plans require data roaming to be enabled on the eSIM line. Follow the instructions included with your plan and make sure you are changing the correct line.
Do offline Google Maps expire?
Downloaded maps need to be periodically updated. Check your Offline Maps section before your trip.
Can I use Google Maps in Cancún without roaming?
Yes. Download a Cancún offline map before departure or use a Mexico eSIM as your mobile data line.
Can I use Google Maps between Cancún and Tulum?
Yes. Download an area large enough to cover both destinations and the route between them, or use an eSIM connection during the trip.
How much mobile data do I need for Google Maps in Mexico?
Google Maps normally represents moderate data usage. Your total requirement depends more heavily on social media, streaming, video calls and mobile hotspot use.
Use Google Maps in Mexico with a VoyageSIM eSIM
Download your maps before departure, select your Mexico eSIM as the mobile data line and keep access to navigation during your trip.
View Mexico eSIM plans →