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USA prepaid travel SIM card  (Data, Calls & SMS plans)

USA prepaid travel SIM card (Data, Calls & SMS plans)

  • 50 GB for 7 days
  • 50 GB for 10 days
  • 50 GB for 14 days
  • 50 GB for 21 days
  • 50 GB for 30 days
  • 50 GB for 60 days
  • calls within the United States
  • international calls

Product Advantages

Device compatibility, activation & recharging, additional information, who can you call, stay connected, where you can use this sim card, customer reviews.

The SIM card worked great for our travels throughout Florida and New York City. There were some dead zones but we did go to national parks which is normal for most cellular providers. But 10/10

Last year I used travsim and was very happy across the whole sequence. From the initial confirmation, the SIM arriving in the post a few days after, the phone number details and other activation details a few days before the travel, and of course, it worked! I also like the fact that there are humans that can be contacted.

What could be improved:

- I seem to have received 4 invoices/notifications. Not sure about the significance of this.

- The Start/Finish date is odd. In principle, if I have bought a 21 day SIM and I put the start date, why is the end date not calculated automatically?

Easy to handle

USA prepaid travel SIM card (Data, Calls & SMS plans)

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Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to the USA in 2024

usa travel sim card reddit

Are you planning your trip to the United States and looking for an e-sim card to stay connected? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for traveling to the USA.

In this guide you can find a comparison of the best e-sim cards for the United States, up to date prices as per April 2024, all the USA e-sim card specifications, my recommendation and the advantages and disadvantages of e-sim cards. I will show you where and when to order an e-sim card, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for the United States on the internet.

Already since 2012 I am a full time nomadic travel blogger traveling the world continuously and I constantly get to different countries. Pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card. In 2022 I visited for example 62 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used over the last two years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards for staying connected when traveling abroad.

Helping fellow travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is how I started writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a tourist sim card for traveling to USA in 2024  and you can also find guides for buying a sim card on arrival at Miami Airport , Newark Airport , New York JFK Airport .

Traveltomtom also wrote specific guides for buying e-sim cards for: Canada ,  Turkey ,  France , Spain , Greece , Germany , Portugal , Italy ,  Europe , Turkey ,  Asia ,  Thailand , China , Australia , Hong Kong , Singapore ,  international e-sim cards  and many more.

you may also like...

Buying a Sim Card at Los Angeles Airport in 2024

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination.

In this guide about the best e-sim cards for the United States I will tell you everything you need to know about staying connected with an e-sim card when traveling to the USA in 2024. 

First I will give you my recommendation, then a comparison of the best e-sim cards for the USA with up to date prices as per April 2024, explain you how e-sim cards work, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G network, some FAQ about e-sim cards and I will also explain the difference between e-sim cards and local prepaid sim cards.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends the following e-sim cards for traveling to the USA in 2024:

usa travel sim card reddit

1. Change e-sim card for the USA from Airalo

  • 10 GB data-only e-sim
  • Valid in USA only
  • Valid for 30 days
  • $2.60 USD per Gigabyte

Airalo is the only e-sim card provider that offers USA e-sim cards that support 5G network. For $26 USD you get 10 GB data, for $16 USD you get 5 GB data and for $42 USD you get 20 GB data. Click on the link for all USA e-sim card plans from Airalo.

Click here for more info or to directly order an Airalo e-sim card for traveling in the USA .

2. Three HK e-sim from SimOptions

  • 20 GB data-only e-sim
  • Valid in USA, Canada, UK, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand
  • $1.75 USD per Gigabyte only

SimOptions sells USA e-sim cards that go down as much as $1.75 USD per Gigabyte. There are 2 e-sim cards from Three HK, but the other e-sim gives you only 10 GB data for $24.90 USD best e-sim deal you can find is the e-sim card for $24 USD and you get 20 GB data. These Three HK e-sims that you order via SimOptions are not 5G ready, only 4G/LTE is supported.

The above e-sim cards for the USA are data-only and do NOT support local calls and sms.

If you want an e-sim card for the USA including calls and texting then Traveltomtom recommends looking into buying an e-sim card on arrival in the USA in an official mobile internet store. For $65 USD you get unlimited data, calls & sms in the USA for 30 days. But you can only buy these e-sims in person in the store.

A bummer is that you can NOT buy an e-sim card at any international airport in the USA. You have to locate a phone store nearby your hotel, get in line, bring your passport for registration, etc.

Much more work then just ordering an e-sim card on the internet. It is up to you!

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for the USA.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country. 

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: a-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly.

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to the USA. 

However, you can still order a sim card for the United States on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a sim card for the USA in 2024  or read my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an international sim card for traveling abroad in 2024 .

USA e-sim card comparison for 2024

There are multiple website on the internet that sell e-sim cards for the USA. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in the USA from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators.

These are the 3 big e-sim card providers and they sell great USA e-sim card plans: 

You can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world from the above trusted providers. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for USA . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to America and it is plug and play when you arrive in the US. 

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for the USA. 

SimOptions is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your USA e-sim card.

Their best USA e-sim card gives you 20 GB data for $34.90 USD. That is $1.75 USD per Gigabyte. But SimOptions has several e-sim card plans for traveling in the USA in 2024.

Why does Traveltomtom recommend SimOptions? They often have a wide array of e-sim cards for sale, including international e-sim cards valid in multiple countries.

simoptions esim card plans for usa 2024

Here are the SimOptions e-sim card plans for use in the USA only:

  • 1 GB data for 30 days = $4.9 USD
  • 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.9 USD
  • 10 GB data for 15 days = $19.9 USD

Click here for more info or to  order a Simoptions e-sim card for the USA .

SimOptions does not specify which network they use in the USA on the above e-sims and they are also NOT 5G ready, only 4G/LTE network is supported. The SimOptions e-sim cards are data-only and they do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported.

three hk esim card plans for usa 2024

SimOptions also sells international e-sim cards that are valid in multiple countries. These e-sim cards are from Three Hong Kong and are valid in Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and in the USA:

  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD

Click here to order an international e-sim card for USA from SimOptions . 

The best buy e-sim card for the United States from SimOptions is the Three (3) HK e-sim card. The Three HK international e-sim card with 20 GB data for $34.90 USD comes down to $1.75 USD per Gigabyte.

Also the Three e-sim cards for the United States are the only e-sim cards from all the USA e-sim cards available on the internet that come with a phone number from Hong Kong that starts with +852.

Which means you can receive calls and sms. Making calls and sending sms is not supported.

On the Three e-sim cards from Hong Kong, Traveltomtom readers have recently reported that TikTok is blocked, due to regulations in Hong Kong, as it is a Hong Kong based e-sim card.

The Three e-sim cards are valid for 1 year, meaning you have to install/activate the e-sim card within 1 year. Therefore it could be a perfect travel gift for someone traveling to the USA. Once activated the validity of 30 days start immediately, even if you are not yet in the USA.

Having any problems with a SimOptions e-sim card then contact their helpdesk. SimOptions has a live chat on their website during business hours. For more info check out the SimOptions website .

Airalo is another very reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your e-sim card for the USA through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

Why using Airalo? I found out that Airalo has sometimes cheaper e-sim card deals compared to SimOptions. 

Especially if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 GB data to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email sometimes and get directions from Google Maps, then Airalo is also great e-sim card for traveling in the USA.

airalo esim card plans for usa 2024

Here are the USA e-sim card plans for 2024 from Airalo:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $42 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for USA from Airalo .

The above Change e-sim cards are only valid in the USA (and Puerto Rico) and they operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Verizon and T-Mobile. Big advantage of the Airalo e-sim cards compared to SimOptions and Nomad is that the Airalo e-sim cards for the USA are 5G ready.

The Airalo e-sim cards do NOT support calling and texting and they do NOT come with a phone number. You can not receive calls and text on these e-sim cards.

The USA e-sim cards from Airalo have to be installed/activated on your phone within 1 month after purchase otherwise they lose their validity. After installing, the e-sim cards starts its validity from the first moment when it connects to a supported network, basically the moment the plane lands. For more info check out the Airalo website .

Nomad has proven to be a reliable e-sim provider and ever since Traveltomtom started using them they have improved their service, products and very important their e-sim card deals.

Nomad has now some of the cheapest e-sim card plans for traveling to the United States in 2024.

nomad esim card plans for usa 2024

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for the USA:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for USA from Nomad .

Nomad always has a lot of e-sim card deals and sales on their e-sim card plans. At the moment it looks great to buy an e-sim from Nomad for traveling to the USA in 2024.

However, Traveltomtom has also ran into some concerning issues with Nomad e-sim cards that has put me a bit off to be honest. In general you should not run into problems, but I was unfortunate already 3x and had to wait for about 24 hours until my issues were resolved.

All the Nomad e-sim card plans for the USA are from eSIM Go and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of AT&T and Verizon. These eSIM Go plans are NOT 5G ready and are data-only sim cards. Incoming and outgoing calls are not supported.

nomad usa esim card specifications

The Nomad USA e-sim cards have to be installed/activated on your phone within 1 month after purchase otherwise they are automatically activated. After installing, the e-sim cards starts its validity from the first moment when it connects to a supported network, basically the moment the plane lands in the USA. For more info check the Nomad website .

An e-sim card from T-Mobile can only be bought on arrival in the USA and only in an official store of T-Mobile. The activation fee for a new costumer is $10 USD and on top of that T-Mobile charges another $4.99 USD for an e-sim card and then you can choose from one of the following plans excluding tax:

  • 10 GB data = $40 USD
  • Unlimited data + 3G hotspot = $50 USD
  • Unlimited data + 10 GB 4G hotspot = $60 USD

The good thing about buying a T-Mobile e-sim card on arrival in the USA in a phone store is that it comes with unlimited calling and texting in the USA.

Again, a T-Mobile e-sim card is not available online, only in stores in the USA.

An e-sim card from AT&T can only be bought on arrival in the USA and only in an official store of AT&T. The activation fee for a new costumer is $14.99 USD and on top of that AT&T charges another $4.99 USD for an e-sim card and then you can choose from one of the following plans excluding tax:

  • 5 GB data = $30 USD
  • 15 GB data = $40 USD
  • Unlimited calls/sms and data = $65 USD

The good thing about buying an AT&T e-sim card on arrival in the USA in a phone store is that it comes with unlimited calling and texting in the USA.

Again, an AT&T e-sim card is not available online, only in stores in the USA.

An e-sim card from Verizon can only be bought on arrival in the USA and only in an official store of Verizon. Verizon offer 3 prepaid plans for tourists that are available as e-sim cards. These are the prices exclusive tax:

  • 15 GB data + unlimited calls/sms = $45 USD
  • Unlimited calls/sms and data + 5 GB hotspot = $60 USD
  • Unlimited calls/sms and data + 25 GB hotspot = $70 USD

The official registration fee for a Verizon prepaid plan is $25 USD, but is waived away often. A Verizon e-sim card is not available online, only in stores in the USA.

Why did Traveltomtom already use hundreds of e-sim cards? I travel the world full time and I am on the road constantly which seriously means I use about 40 to 50 different sim cards per year.

Traveltomtom is also on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still more than 40 to go and there is absolutely no rush!

Personally, traveling is not supposed to be a race or a competition. Enjoy life should be the spirit!

What is the cheapest e-sim card for the USA

The cheapest e-sim card plan for America is a USA e-sim card from Airalo . They have a sim card plan for just $4.5 USD. You only get 1 GB, but for some travelers that is enough. Especially if you only need it for directions and staying in touch through WhatsApp. Top Up is possible, may you run out.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in the USA

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to USA in 2024. You arrange everything online in just a couple minutes. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards in your phone. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to USA. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app (Uber is Grab in USA), finding nearby friends, restaurants, bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply stay in touch with family back home, check out social media apps on long bus rides or check your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in the USA with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands and you connect to a network. More about when to instal your e-sim card later. 

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to the USA, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to USA so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $2 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 25 MB * $2 USD = $50 USD! Not kidding… it still is reality in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

International data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 5G in the USA everywhere!

Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling abroad .

Where to buy an e-sim card for USA?

You can only buy an e-sim card for USA on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for the USA. Traveltomtom compared 6 e-sim card providers and determined that the above mentioned ones ( SimOptions ,  Airalo ,  Nomad ) are the best e-sim card providers for traveling to USA in 2024.

None of the mobile internet operators in the USA sell tourist e-sim cards on their own websites. 

When buying an e-sim card for the USA through one of the above recommended e-sim providers you only need your email address and the e-sim card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed. 

On arrival in USA

When you arrive in the USA and you want to buy an e-sim card for tourists then you will have to find an official retail store of either T-Mobile or AT&T nearby and you will have to go in person to buy an e-sim card in the USA. In the store you can buy a tourist sim card and only in the official retail stores of AT&T and T-Mobile they are able to provide e-sim cards for tourists.

But keep in mind that this takes time and it is NOT cheaper at all! It is in fact even more expensive, hence why Traveltomtom recommends to order your e-sim card for traveling in the USA online.

For the best prepaid sim cards for tourists in the USA in 2024  click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in USA, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email.

When you order an e-sim card plan for the USA you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your USA e-sim card.

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR contains all the information about your USA e-sim card.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed. Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation. 

When to order/install an e-sim card for the USA?

You can order an e-sim card for USA pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1-3 months after purchasing, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day departure to the USA at home. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your USA e-sim card on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in the USA. All international airports in the USA have free public WiFi.

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for USA

Here are some general tips for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for USA e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general. 

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to USA. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone. 

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a pocket WiFi for staying connected when traveling to the USA or bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to the USA and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest mobile phones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones support e-sim cards. 

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for USA recommended above ( SimOptions ,  Airalo ,  Nomad ) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in the USA.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund. 

Traveltomtom does NOT sell USA e-sim cards, only recommends you to use e-sim cards for traveling to the USA.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a USA e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to the USA. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all! 

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. The USA e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

If your USA e-sim card also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in USA, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your USA e-sim card.

Switching between sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. 

Can I make phone calls with a USA e-sim card?

This depends on the type of USA e-sim card that you buy. The Traveltomtom recommended e-sim cards for the USA do NOT support calls and sms, see the above comparison for specifications of every e-sim card. There are few e-sim card providers on the internet that offer USA e-sim cards including calling and texting. Traveltomtom has never tried these specific e-sim cards.

As recommended before if you are looking for an e-sim card for the USA including unlimited calls and sms to local numbers then buy your e-sim card on arrival in the USA in an official phone store from either T-Mobile or AT&T. More hassle, more expensive, but calls and texting is included in these e-sims.

Does a USA e-sim card come with a phone number?

This also depends on the type of e-sim card that you buy. E-sims that support calls and sms they come with a phone number, but also some data-only sim cards that do not support calling and texting but still come with a phone number. These type of e-sim cards can only receive calls and sms, but not make phone calls/send sms.

The Three HK and the AIS Sim2FLY e-sim cards from SimOptions they come with a phone number and therefore these e-sim cards for the USA support incoming phone calls and sms, but unfortunately not outgoing phone calls and sms. In the above USA e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card.

Can I use 5G on a USA e-sim card?

It completely depends on the type of e-sim card that you order. In my comparison of the best e-sim cards for the USA I specified per e-sim card if you can use 5G or only the 4G/LTE network. Sometimes e-sim operators even specify the max data speed.

Are there e-sim cards for the USA with unlimited data?

Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of data sim cards with unlimited data. Why? Well, there is always a restriction, mostly called FUP (Fair Use Policy). Sometimes that is already 2 GB data per day, which means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down. Other e-sim cards have a FUP of 30, 50, 80 GB data. It depends on the e-sim card specification.

In general, unlimited data is pretty much never unlimited data at max speed. And trust me the reduced data speed will creep you out as it barely works!

So yes, there are e-sim cards for the USA with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions. The recommended e-sim card providers by Traveltomtom do NOT offer e-sim cards for the USA with unlimited data. No hidden fees, no Fair Use Policy. Clear terms & conditions!

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP).

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend USA e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading! 

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend e-sim cards for USA with unlimited data. But if you think you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite e-sim card. However, what is then the point of having an e-sim card with unlimited data, right?

For truly unlimited data on an USA e-sim card it is best to buy your e-sim card in person, in store in the USA. Go to a T-Mobile or AT&T retail store for these sim card deals or check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for the USA in 2024 . 

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to USA in 2024.

Best way to stay connected when traveling to USA

buying a sim card for the usa

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to USA, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to the USA?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to USA: 

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards for you to make understand what is your preferred way to stay connected. 

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are probably the cheapest way to stay connected depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than e-sim cards. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in the USA.

If this sounds like something you want then prepare to find a sim card store on arrival because buying a sim card for the USA on an international airport is very overpriced or often not even possible. 

On Traveltomtom you can also find sim card guides for: Miami Airport , Newark Airport , New York JFK Airport .

More info about the best USA sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for USA in 2024.

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, unlimited local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed. Local prepaid sim cards in USA all offer 5G. 

international prepaid sim cards for usa 2024

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible there are many international prepaid sim cards for traveling abroad that you can use in the USA and you can easily order them online.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play! 

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for USA directly online .

The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is that it often includes calling and texting. E-sim cards are mostly data-only sim cards. 

There are two different e-sim cards:

  • E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
  • E-sim cards that you buy in the USA in a mobile internet provider store 

The big difference is that e-sim cards provided by the mobile internet operators in the USA: T-Mobile and AT&T can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around the USA.

The e-sim cards that you buy in the United States include unlimited texting and sms in the USA and e-sim cards that you buy on the internet do NOT support calling and texting.

However, on arrival in the United States you will need to find a T-Mobile or AT&T phone store, wait in line, bring your passport for registration, buy a sim card, pay the registration fee and convert it into an e-sim. Precious holiday time will be lost, but on the other hand you get a great USA sim card deal for tourists with unlimited calling and texting included.

You can NOT buy an e-sim card for the USA on arrival at an international airport in the United States.

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Buying an e-sim card on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to USA, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now if you want and you are all set for your trip to the USA. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card? When we compare USA e-sim card prices with local prepaid sim cards for USA Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that in fact e-sim cards for the USA are better value for money.

On USA e-sim cards you get more data for the same price. However, if you want a sim card for traveling in the USA with unlimited data or you want a sim card that includes calling and texting in the USA then buying a local prepaid sim card in the USA is a better deal.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. Especially since in the USA there are no sim card stores at the international airports.

Therefore a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for the USA. Faster, easier and less stress!

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card. 

I am sure some of the above tips for finding an e-sim card for your trip to the USA were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison of the best e-sim cards for America it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card right away. 

If you still have any questions then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my 610K Instagram account or 1.2 Million TikTok account both called @traveltomtom. Follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to USA!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for the USA are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

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A Broken Backpack

Best eSIM For USA Travel: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 19, 2024 | SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Are you planning a trip to the United States and want to stay connected while on the go?

Look no further than an eSIM! An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that can be used instead of a physical SIM card and is becoming increasingly popular for travelers.

It eliminates the need to buy multiple physical SIM cards from different carriers, saving you time and money.

In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to find the best USA eSIM for your upcoming travels.

So let’s start – it’s time to find out which USA eSIM is truly “the best”!

Woman with a phone in Las Vegas

Best eSIM USA Deals

Here are the best USA eSIM providers depending on your needs:

  • Cheapest USA plans: Nomad offers the cheapest plans in the United States. Airalo and AloSIM are slightly more expensive.
  • Cheapest unlimited plans in the USA: Yoho Mobile offers the cheapest plans, and it includes Voice and SMS, too. However, if you need unlimited data for longer periods, Holafly is a great option.
  • Plans without expiration: BNESIM is the only eSIM offering plans without expiration.

ESIM Installation And Compatibility

eSIM technology is currently supported on a few devices, including:

  • Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, and newer models.
  • Google Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and newer models.
  • Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and newer models.
  • Huawei P40, and newer models.

If you’re considering upgrading your phone soon, read about the best eSIM phones .

To verify if your device is compatible with eSIM , go to Settings and locate your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This will tell you if your device supports eSIM.

Here’s how to do it add an eSIM on a Google Pixel device:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Go to Network and Internet
  • Click on Add more
  • Choose Download a SIM instead.
  • Click on next.
  • Scan the QR code.
  • Name the eSIM.
  • Pick the eSIM to provide data.
  • Make sure the roaming is on.

Woman installing an esim on her phone

How To Choose The Best eSIM Provider For USA Travel?

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s look at how to choose the best travel eSIM provider for the United States.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, including:

  • Coverage: Make sure the eSIM provider has good coverage in the United States. In short, the eSIM should use a good network in the USA.
  • Data: How much data do you need? You’ll need a plan with more data if you’re a heavy user.
  • Speed: Not all eSIM providers offer the same speeds. If you need fast speed, make sure to choose a provider that offers 5G or LTE.
  • Price: eSIM plan prices can vary, so consider your budget when choosing an eSIM provider. You can compare a few options to get the best value for your money.

Where To Buy A USA eSIM?

eSIMs for USA travel can be bought from eSIM providers.

Many eSIM shops sell eSIMs directly from their websites. This is the most convenient option, as you can activate your eSIM immediately.

Some eSIM apps like Ubigi allow you to purchase a plan without data or WiFi.

So, how do you pick an eSIM provider?

Let us help! We’ll review the best eSIM for US travel below.

Nomad eSIM USA

Nomad offers data plans in 100+ countries. They offer plans in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They also have regional and global plans.

I’ve tried Nomad, and it worked well. Although, it’s not my favorite because they only have short-term plans (up to 60 days, but mostly 30 days).

Here’s an overview of the plans available in the United States:

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $4
  • 3GB, valid for 15 days for $10
  • 5GB, valid for 15 days for $14
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $24
  • 12GB, valid for 30 days for $26
  • 15GB, valid for 30 days for $30
  • 20GB, valid for 30 days for $33
  • 30GB, valid for 30 days for $50
  • 40GB, valid for 30 days for $65
  • 50GB, valid for 30 days for $80
  • 100GB, valid for 60 days for $240

Go to Nomad

Nomad Offer

Get $3 off on your first purchase on Nomad by using my referral code: MELI23HJ.

Airalo eSIM USA

Airalo is the most popular eSIM store and offers eSIMs in 200+ countries at affordable prices.

I’ve been using Airalo for a while now, and you can read our complete Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM provider.

Here’s an overview of the Airalo plans available in the United States:

  • 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
  • 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $8
  • 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $11
  • 5 GB valid for 30 days for $16
  • 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $26
  • 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $42

Airalo USA plans

Go to Airalo

Airalo Offer

Get 10% off your first purchase on Airalo by using my referral code: ABB10.

Get A Discount Now

AloSIM eSIM USA

aloSIM is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 130+ regions and countries. You’ll find many affordable local and regional eSIM plans.

To learn more, you can read our complete aloSIM review .

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
  • 2GB, valid for 15 days for $8
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $11
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days for $16
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $26
  • 20GB, valid for 30 days for $42

Go to aloSIM

AloSIM Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my AloSIM promo code: ABB5. To add a coupon code, you’ll need to enter it as a voucher when choosing a payment method.

Yoho Mobile eSIM USA

Yoho Mobile is an eSIM provider offering plans in 190+ regions and countries. You’ll also find plans in individual countries, and you’ll find regional plans for Europe and Asia.

To learn more, you can read our complete Yoho Mobile review .

All the Yoho Mobile USA plans come with unlimited calls and SMS.

  • Unlimited, valid for 5 days for $8.88
  • Unlimited, valid for 7 days for $11.66
  • Unlimited, valid for 10 days for $14.88
  • Unlimited, valid for 15 days for $20.99
  • Unlimited, valid for 20 days for $26.96
  • Unlimited, valid for 25 days for $33.99
  • Unlimited, valid for 30 days for $29.88
  • Unlimited, valid for 60 days for $60

Go to Yoho Mobile

Yoho Mobile Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my Yoho Mobile promo code: abrokenbackpack5. To add a coupon code, click on View Cart and paste the coupon code there.

Holafly eSIM USA

Holafly is an eSIM provider with eSIM plans for more than 190 destinations.

I tried Holafly before, so you can read our complete Holafly review to learn more.

  • Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $21
  • Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $29
  • Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
  • Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $51
  • Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $62
  • Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $75
  • Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $107
  • Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $139

Holafly usa esim

Go to Holafly

Holafly Offer

Get 5% off your first purchase on Holafly with my referral code ABROKENBACKPACK.

SimCorner eSIM USA

SimCorner offers data plans in 80+ countries. They offer both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans. You can pick between a local and a regional plan depending on your travel plans.

I’ve tried SimCorner, and it worked great.

However, I needed to wait a few hours to receive my eSIM. If you wish to purchase an eSIM plan on SimCorner, I recommend buying it a few days before your trip. This way, you’ll have it on time for your trip.

Learn more by reading our SimCorner review .

  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $40, including calls and SMS for $40
  • Unlimited data, valid for 30 days, including calls and SMS for $50

Go to SimCorner

SimCorner Offer

Get a 5% discount with our promo code: ABBPTravel.

Ubigi eSIM USA

Ubigi offers eSIM plans in 200+ countries. You can pick between a local, regional, or global plan depending on your travel plans.

I’ve tried Ubigi, and it worked great. You can even purchase a plan in the app without WiFi or the Internet, which is great. You’ll also choose if you want a one-off plan or a monthly subscription.

Learn more by reading our Ubigi review .

  • 500MG, valid for 1 day for €2.90
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for €11
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for €24
  • 50GB, valid for 30 days for €88
  • 200GB, valid for 30 days for €200

Go to Ubigi

Ubigi Offer

There are no offers at the moment.

BNESIM eSIM USA

BNESIM is an eSIM provider that was founded in 2017. They offer plans in 200+ countries. You’ll also find other options like international phone numbers, unlimited data packages, and monthly subscriptions.

To learn more, you can read our complete BNESIM review .

  • 1GB, no expiration for $6.73
  • 3GB, no expiration for $19.58
  • 5GB, no expiration, for $31.61
  • 10GB, no expiration for $60.56
  • 20GB, no expiration for $118.48

Go to BNESIM

BNESIM Offer

Get a EUR 4 discount on your first purchase over EUR 10 with my BNESIM promo code: MELISSA4OFF.

Onesim eSIM USA

Onesim is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 125+ regions and countries. All their eSIM plans are regional or global, which means you’ll get coverage in multiple countries.

To learn more, you can read our complete Onesim review .

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $4.90
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $11.90
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days for $18.90
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $34.90
  • 20GB, valid for 30 days for $59.90

Go to Onesim

Onesim Offer

Get a 10% discount on your first purchase with my Onesim coupon code: BACKPACK10. To add a coupon code, you’ll see an option that says, “Have a coupon? Click here to enter your code”.

eSIM Plans Available In North America

If you’re traveling to other countries in North America, here are the best eSIMS for North America.

These usually include travels in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

That said, if you travel only to one country in North America, you might want to consider a local plan instead.

Holafly North America

Holafly offers plans that cover the United States, Canada, and Mexico :

holafly north america esim

SimCorner USA, Canada And Mexico

SimCorner offers 2 different plans for the United States, Canada and Mexico:

  • 15 GB, valid for 30 days for $47 (including calls and SMS)
  • Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $62 (including calls and SMS)

Onesim USA And Mexico

Onesim offers plans to facilitate your travels in North America but only includes the United States and Mexico.

You’ll also get coverage in 46 countries (mainly Europe and Asia). 

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

  • 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.90
  • 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $11.90
  • 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $18.90
  • 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $34.90
  • 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $59.90

SimOptions North America

SimOptions offers two plans to facilitate your travels in North America:

  • 6 GB, valid for 10 days for $17.90
  • 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $34.90

AloSIM North America

AloSIM offers 4 different plans in North America:

  • 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $8
  • 3 GB, valid for 7 days for $21
  • 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $32.50
  • 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $50

Benefits Of Using An eSIM In The USA

eSIMs offer many benefits, which is excellent news if you’re a frequent traveler.

Here are the main reasons why I love using eSIM:

  • You get data as soon as you arrive.
  • You can activate your eSIM immediately.
  • You can keep your usual phone number and use eSIM to get data.
  • You don’t need to remove your SIM card or find a store to purchase one during your travels.
  • You can top up quickly.

woman using data abroad with her esim card

Final Thoughts On The Best eSIM USA

There are many eSIM providers out there, but not all of them offer the same coverage in the United States.

I can say that they’re all excellent eSIM providers with great eSIM plans.

The cheapest plans are offered by  Nomad , followed by Airalo and AloSIM . However, of the three, I believe Airalo provides the best customer support and user experience.

If you prefer using an unlimited plan in the USA, we recommend Yoho Mobile because their plans include Voice and SMS, too. However, their plans are capped at 60 days.

If you need unlimited data for 90 days, Holafly is the only option available.

Finally, if you’d rather have a plan without an expiration date,  BNESIM is the only eSIM provider offering plans without expiration.

Planning your trip to the USA? Read one of the following guides:

  • USA SIM card
  • Niagara Falls 2 day itinerary
  • Easy hikes in Sedona

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Attention, Travelers: Now Is the Best Time to Switch to eSIM

The digital version of the SIM card, included on many newer phones, is set to become prevalent. It also offers affordable cellular data abroad.

usa travel sim card reddit

By Brian X. Chen

Brian X. Chen is The Times’s lead consumer technology writer and the author of Tech Fix , a column about the social implications of the tech we use.

As vacation season looms, now is as good a time as ever to bite the bullet and become familiar with a smartphone feature that many of us have ignored for years: the eSIM, the digital version of the SIM card that carries your phone number.

Among many benefits, eSIM technology is a boon for travelers, and pretty soon we will all be using it because the physical SIM card will be no more. Let me explain.

Last year, Apple eliminated the SIM card tray from the iPhone 14 to free up space. That means the SIM card, which acts as a key that connects your phone with cellular networks, is being phased out for Apple phones.

Where Apple leads, others typically follow, so you can expect handset makers like Samsung and Google to also go all-in on eSIM — a digitized SIM card embedded into the phone’s computer chip that you can activate with any cellular network’s service plan.

“Whether we like it or not, it’s coming,” Roger Entner, a telecom expert and founder of the research firm Recon Analytics, said about eSIM technology.

But this move isn’t really all about Apple. The Federal Communications Commission also favors eSIM technology , because it makes it easier for people to switch to a different carrier by using software instead of going to a store for a physical SIM card. And the technology has security benefits: If your phone is stolen, thieves can’t remove an eSIM to hijack your phone number and commit identity theft, as they could with a physical SIM card.

Most important, the experience of using eSIM data plans for travel has greatly improved. About five years ago, eSIM data plans for international roaming were overpriced, and cell service was sometimes unreliable. But in the last year, I’ve tested a few eSIM services when I left the country and found them to be cost-effective and zippy.

As is always the case with new technology, there are downsides. Activating a data plan on a foreign network with an eSIM is not as straightforward as sticking a different SIM card into your phone. The process is especially challenging for those who are less familiar with technology, putting the onus on more tech savvy companions to help them make the switch.

There are also privacy concerns. Many eSIM service providers offer apps that collect your data for tracking purposes.

You can use my experience as a template for navigating the inevitable transition to eSIM. Recently, I tried eSIM data plans when traveling with several members of my family and acted as their tech sherpa through the switch.

Step 1: Pick an eSIM

The main reason to use eSIM services for travel is to save money. The big U.S. carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer international roaming options, including $10 day passes for using your phone in foreign countries. The costs quickly add up for a two-week trip with family.

In contrast, an eSIM data package that can be used for the entirety of your trip costs a few dollars. The tricky part is choosing an eSIM service provider because there are many, and most are unfamiliar brands like Airalo, GigSky and Flexiroam. (Apple provides a list of eSIM service providers on its website.)

For a recent weeklong trip to Montreal, I researched travel blogs and picked Nomad , which offered a gigabyte of data that could be used for seven days in Canada for $7. I had the option to activate the plan with Nomad’s app or by following setup instructions on the company’s website. The app had high reviews in the App Store, so I clicked the download button.

Step 2: Activate the eSIM Service

A nice thing about eSIM is that you can buy a plan and set up the service on your phone well in advance of a trip, then activate it when you arrive at your destination. After you buy a plan, the eSIM service provider sends you a list of instructions.

The Nomad app showed a list of steps. In the iPhone’s settings app, I clicked on the cellular menu, clicked “Add eSIM” and typed in an activation code. As I crossed the border into Canada, I went back into the cellular settings, selected the Nomad phone line and toggled on the option for “Turn on this line.”

(If you still use a physical SIM card for your domestic phone line, you need not remove it. In the phone’s cellular settings, you just switch off the service for your primary line to avoid roaming charges.)

After I picked this eSIM plan, I shared the Nomad app with my wife and brother-in-law, who each followed the instructions to set it up by themselves. I didn’t know how to advise my mother-in-law, who never downloads apps, how to set up the plan, so I did it for her.

Herein lies the real problem: Less tech-inclined folks are probably not going to know how to use eSIM services. When my mother-in-law went on a trip to Hong Kong alone and I wasn’t nearby to set up the service for her, I told her to pay for AT&T’s international roaming plan and find a store later to buy a SIM card from a Hong Kong phone carrier.

Terry Guo, a chief product officer of LotusFlare, the company that developed Nomad, agreed that the main demographic of travelers using eSIM service plans comprised younger, more tech-savvy people.

“We are doing a lot of work in the app to make this simpler,” he said.

Optional (but Important) Step: Protect Your Privacy

Another downside to eSIM services is privacy-related. All the eSIM service providers I researched in Apple’s App Store said in their app descriptions that they did some tracking of users across different apps and websites.

Toni Toikka, the chief executive of Alekstra, a company that helps businesses reduce their wireless bills, underlined the importance of safeguarding personal information from eSIM providers. He said many of these companies, known as mobile virtual network operators, had struggled to generate profit.

“One way they think they’ll make money is selling your information,” Mr. Toikka said. “That’s why you should always opt out of any tracking. You shouldn’t sell yourself for pennies on a dollar.”

Mr. Guo said that the Nomad app contained Google’s analytics technology to see how people were using the app, and that people who logged into the app with their Facebook accounts could also be tracked by Facebook.

A simple workaround to data collection is to avoid logging into an app with third-party sites like Facebook and Google. Apple users can also click “Ask app not to track” when opening an eSIM app for the first time.

Android users don’t have the option to ask apps not to track them, so their best option is to buy the eSIM plan from the company’s website and set up the service without downloading the app.

Bottom Line

Overall, the pros of eSIM outweigh the cons. Traveling with a smartphone with SIM cards wasn’t relaxing because you needed to carry a pin to eject the card tray; plus you had to make sure not to lose the tiny SIM card.

When returning from a trip using eSIM services, all you have to do is go back into the phone’s settings app and switch your domestic phone line back on. That simplicity and peace of mind make eSIM worth the hassle.

Brian X. Chen is the lead consumer technology writer for The Times. He reviews products and writes Tech Fix , a column about the social implications of the tech we use. Before joining The Times in 2011, he reported on Apple and the wireless industry for Wired. More about Brian X. Chen

Tech Fix: Solving Your Tech Problems

Switching From iPhone to Android: Even if you manage to ditch your iPhone, Apple’s hooks are still there .

Trying Meta’s Smart Glasses: What happens when a columnist and a reporter use A.I. Ray-Bans to scan groceries, monuments and zoo animals? Hilarity, wonder and lots of mistakes ensued .

Ditch Your Wallet: Using your phone as a digital wallet is attainable , but it requires preparation and some compromise.

Managing Subscriptions: The dream of streaming — watch what you want, whenever you want, for a sliver of the price of cable! — is coming to an end as prices go up. Here’s how to juggle all your subscriptions and even cancel them .

Apple’s Vision Pro: The new headset  teaches a valuable lesson about the cost of tech products: The upsells and add-ons will get you .  

Going Old School: Retro-photography apps that mimic the appearance of analog film formats make your digital files seem like they’re from another era. Here’s how to use them .

Best global SIM cards of 2022

Access worldwide calls, texts, and data

Best global SIM

Everyone likes to be able to use their smartphone when they travel internationally, but it’s too easy to rack up a large roaming bill if you’re not careful. Fortunately, you can usually cut costs by purchasing a local SIM card in the country that you’re visiting.

1. Knowroaming

2. flexiroam x, 4. worldsim, 5. travelsim.

This is usually the cheapest option, but if you’re visiting numerous countries in a short space of time, a global SIM might be more suitable. In general, global SIMs work worldwide, allowing you to text, call, and browse the internet from wherever you are.

We’ve put together the following list of the best global SIM cards currently available. Included are affordable options for international calls and texts, as well as a few data-heavy choices.

  • Want your company or services to be considered for this buyer’s guide? Please email your request to [email protected] with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line.
  • We've featured the best SIM-only deals .

Divider

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Knowroaming offers a selection of international SIM options for travelers in different parts of the world. For starters, you can purchase a SIM sticker ($14.99) that attaches to your current SIM card, effectively transforming it from a local to an international card.

Alternatively, a physical SIM ($9.99) is available. This can be recharged with credit or specific pre-paid plans. Knowroaming also offers an innovative QR code eSIM that can be used to connect to different mobile networks across the world.

Prices vary according to your location and the type of service you want. Global data plans start from $3.99 per day or $9.99 per three days. Alternatively, purchase a Global 5GB data plan for $99.99. A 5GB data plan confined to Europe, Asia, or the USA costs $39.99.

On the other hand, voice and text service is only available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Rates vary by location but generally range from $0.10 to $0.30 per SMS, $0.10 to $0.50 per MB of data, and $0.10 to $1.00 per minute of calling.

Flexiroam X

Flexiroam X offers a range of local and global SIM options for travelers around the world. Its global plans are on the expensive side, but the long-term data plans with up to 360 days’ validity are great value for the money.

Both physical and eSIM cards are available, providing flexibility for those who want to keep their local SIM as well. Data roaming is available in over 140 countries, and any unused data will be rolled over when you recharge.

Unfortunately, Flexiroam X is a data-only service. Voice and text services aren’t available, which could frustrate some people.

Three

UK-based Three mobile offers an impressive suite of options for international travelers. For starters, all Three users with an advanced plan will benefit from free data roaming and free calls/texts to the UK. Prices vary significantly by plan.

Alternatively, those who need a large amount of data will benefit from Three’s Data Passport. It costs approximately $6.20 per day (£5 per day) and includes unlimited data in 90 countries. This is quite an expensive option, but it could suit business users and those who travel for short lengths of time.

WorldSIM

WorldSIM is a global SIM card specialist that supports 200 countries across the world. When you order a free SIM card, it will come triple punched to fit micro, nano, and standard card slots. Delivery is free with an initial credit purchase of $65 or more.

On top of this, your WorldSIM card includes free USA and UK numbers. If required, you can pay an additional fee for a number from any of the 50 supported countries. Prices for data, calls, and texts vary by country. In general, though, these are quite affordable compared to those of many other international SIM services. Data-only bundles are also available in most countries, with prices starting from just $0.005 per MB.

TravelSIM

TravelSIM has become a favorite among business travelers across the world. It offers international roaming in over 170 countries and boasts more than 4.5 million worldwide users. Even better, TravelSIM allows you to receive calls and texts for free from anywhere in the world.

Both physical and eSIM cards are available, providing flexibility for travelers of all demographics. Unfortunately, TravelSIM’s rates are extremely variable between countries. It’s important to check the prices for your destination before you travel, to ensure that you’re not paying a small fortune for your phone use.

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Daniel Blechynden

Daniel is a freelance copywriter with over six years experience writing for publications such as TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and Hosting Review. He specializes in B2B and B2C tech and finance, with a particular focus on VoIP, website building, web hosting, and other related fields.

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Home » Gear » Travel Sim's » best international sim cards

9 BEST International SIM Cards for Travel (Buyer’s Guide • 2024)

SIM cards are a royal pain in the butt when travelling. Every time you land somewhere new, you have to perform the same song and dance of going out of your way to get a new sim pretty much as soon as possible.

Usually what happens is that you land in the airport and then you either get ripped off buying a SIM card there or navigate to town without any connectivity. Once you’re in town, you have to navigate a foreign city sifting through local SIM providers, various plans, and also probably getting lost along the way. It’s not the ideal way to start a vacation and I cannot even count the hours I’ve lost shopping for sims in new countries.

That’s why buying one of the best international SIM cards is THE way to go.

An International SIM card is one which will work all over the world meaning that you never have to change it again – no more messing around at the O2 Kiosk in strange airports!

Now, to set the record straight, while there are cheaper travel SIM cards in existence, they still aren’t exactly cheap. Nine times out of ten, a local SIM card is always going to be the cheaper option for budget backpackers.

Maybe you’re a digital nomad who always needs to be connected, maybe you’re a high-flying businessperson with fancy business attire who makes busy business calls while on holiday or maybe (like me) you are just sick of having to change sims.

Either way, this is the list of the best international SIM cards on the market! I’ve done all the leg-work and the research to deliver an international SIM cards review in full. So let’s get ourselves connected.

usa travel sim card reddit

Compare The Best International SIM Cards

What is an international sim card, the best sim cards for international travellers, international data sim cards for digital nomads, social media addicts, and tinder aficionados, a quick review of each sim card, frequently asked questions about travel sim cards, should you buy an international sim card.

This isn’t the whole roundup but it is my personal pick of the best international SIM cards worth looking into, each one serving a different niche.

onesim card for travellers

  • > e-Sim and Traditional Sims available
  • > Wide and reliable coverage
  • > Low SIM-purchasing fees

Gigsky-branded

  • > Virtual sim – no plastic needed!
  • > Excellent range of packages
  • > Download before you leave home

usa travel sim card reddit

TravelSim Worldwide Card

  • > Cheaper initial cost
  • > Some cheaper rates for off-beat countries
  • > No long-standing reputation

Jetpac eSim

  • > Excellent value – starts at $1
  • > Range of packages available
  • > Great coverage

usa travel sim card reddit

KeepGo Lifetime World SIM Card

  • > Reliable connection
  • > Prone to cutting rates
  • > Coverage could be better

usa travel sim card reddit

Surfroam SIM Card

  • > Simple rates – no bundle packs
  • > Huge coverage
  • > Requires a PRO account for maximum coverage

usa travel sim card reddit

Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card

  • > Extremely reliable in Europe
  • > Easily sufficient for a two-week holiday
  • > Excludes a number of countries in Europe

International SIMs, roaming SIMs, travel SIM Cards whatever: a rose by any name can still order you a pizza when you don’t want to leave the guesthouse after all right? That’s what an international SIM card is, a SIM card that will have you hooked up from “anywhere” .

Why did you put ‘anywhere’ in quotes?

Because it’s a highly variable anywhere. “Anywhere” really means from the countries that the international SIM covers. That said, some of these travel SIM providers cover over 200 countries.

That also said, there are only 195 countries in the world so I’m not sure how they mathed those numbers out. Still unsure, have a look at our guide to local vs international SIM cards .

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So, how does an international SIM card work?

Without getting too technical, an international SIM card isn’t programmed to one specific network. It’s programmed to operate on a number of networks in a number of different geographical locations – specifically, networks using the GSM (Global Systems of Management Communications) framework.

That’s why to use your cell phone internationally with a travel SIM card it needs to be:

  • GSM-compatible (many phones are).
  • Unlocked, i.e. not tied to a provider.

Do be sure about that unlocked phone bit before you go ahead and buy a new one.

Hacker googling

Basically, global SIM cards will plug into a local network from the country you’re travelling to… Consensually, of course.

That’s why coverage so strongly varies among the many international SIMs. Some SIM cards are for worldwide use and programmed accordingly. Some SIM cards are for international roaming in certain regions like Asia, the USA, or Europe (usually, omitting a third of Europe in their coverage).

For example, you’ll need a different sim card for Canada and the USA in most cases, but in Europe you’ll more than likely be able to use the same one.

Who benefits from buying an international SIM card?

Well, like I said, not so much the longterm backpacker types . A local SIM card is pretty much always cheaper and much more practical (and reliable) for long stays in any country. Unfortunately, actual cheap international sim cards don’t exist yet.

Country-hoppers , on the other hand, may want to consider buying some sort of prepaid international SIM card. Buying local sim cards in Europe for only 1-2 weeks of use eight times in a trip is nobody’s idea of fun, especially if you care about data usage and double especially if you care about plastic ending up in the ocean.

Businessman talking on the phone with a internationally roaming

People living the digital nomad lifestyle may also benefit from a travel SIM. Though a local SIM is much more equipped for longterm stays in a country, sometimes the options or service is crap and sometimes you’ll spend long stretches in transit which is a perfect time to crunch out a few hours. Besides, there is no rule that says you can’t have two SIMs. A prepaid international sim card might be the best option here (more about that later).

Lastly, business people or people that take frequent short trips will benefit from a SIM card for international travel. I might be stereotyping here but I kinda feel that these folk are less concerned with the costs associated. Plus, most SIM cards for overseas use tend to have 1-year validity for purchased credit, so it’s totally viable to park your SIM after a trip and then pop it back in for the next one.

Beginning the list are the top international SIM cards for travelling that do everything a SIM card should do: call, texts, and mobile data . These SIMs have some pretty major coverage globally and for most travellers in the world, are more than sufficient.

Of course, there has to be a best-of-the-best in this international sim card comparison. So first up–the best travel SIM card!

#1 The Best International Physical SIM Card – OneSim

OneSim

Ok, so what makes OneSim the best travel SIM card? It’s a fine difference between the first few candidates but OneSim edges out on top for a combination of versatility, pricing, and reliability.

First up, they offer multiple different SIM cards each catering to different travelling needs INCLUDING (but not limited to) 2 awesome e-Sim options :

  • OneSimCard e-Sim World (From $9.95) – Coverage of 150 countries with free incoming calls on EU numbers.
  • OneSimCard e-Sim Asiana (From $9.95) – Specially designed for Asia and Oceania. Data packages available.

If your phone is not yet e-Sim ready, then worry not because OneSim also offer some excellent deals on plastic sims:

  • OneSimCard Universal ($29.95) – Coverage of over 200 countries but with a more limited data service (50+) countries.
  • OneSimCard Expedition ($34.95) – Offers much the same coverage as the OneSim Universal travel SIM but with way more data coverage. It’s the choice for the explorers.

OneSim

How OneSim Works

You’ll get a $10 bonus credit with any OneSIM roaming SIM card purchase, but once that’s gone, you’ll have to continue buying data plans. Rates vary wildly by both the choice of travel SIM card you are using and the country you’re in so you’ll need to check these rates to see if they suit you.

You’ll receive two numbers: a European (Estonian) number and a choice of one from the USA, UK, Australia, or Canada. Incoming calls on the primary European number is free in a large coverage of countries or starting from $0.25/min otherwise. Outgoing calls also start from $0.25/min (dependent on locations) and receiving texts are free.

Casual data rates start at rather hefty $0.20/MB . However, what makes this such a good prepaid international SIM card is that there is a lot of choices to lower your costs. You can buy data bundles ranging from one/two weeks to a month divided by zone or region. There are also discount plans and bundles available for call rates. This makes the OneSIM one of the best international SIM cards for data as well.

So, is it worth it?

Although not strictly the cheapest international SIM card on the market, the wealth of choices means that you can tailor your SIM card to your world travel needs and minimize costs. The added bonus is that OneSim has been kicking around for a while so they know the market well.

They provide a reliable service, as well as a bunch of neat extras, to keep their clients happy chappies. If you’re looking for the best sim card for international travel, OneSIM is definitely one you should consider getting.

#2 Best Global eSim Provider – GigSky

Gigsky-branded

If you have a modern phone (iPhone 11 , Samsung Galaxy S21, etc or above) it will probably be eSim compatible. This means that you don’t actually need a plastic SIM card but can simply download an eSim via GigSky the same way you would download an app.

When I first heard of eSim about one year ago, it was something of a niche product simply because most travellers were using phones and devices that were not eSim compatible. However that is changing fast and by 2024, an estimated 80% of travellers will use eSim. The eSim marketplace is a very exciting one and the providers are contently innovating to come up with some new, better, cheaper packages – according to our research, GigSk are currently leading the pack.

usa travel sim card reddit

How GigSky Works

I had the pleasure of reviewing Gigsky and It’s really very simple. You either download the GigSky App (which we do recommend) or else go to their website and check out their “Global Plans”. You buy the package you want (in the 5GB World Plan) and download it not your phone BEFORE you fly, using either a link or a QR code.

The joy of eSim is that you can install it before you leave and then activate as soon as the plane touches down meaning you are rocking and rolling all over the world before you even get your luggage.

GigSky offer 1 Global Package only – 5GB over 30 days for $69.99. I can be topped up (if you somehow burn through all 5GB) but it cannot be extended past the 30 days.

So, Is It Worth It?

Well, $69.99 is a lot for a 30 day package but International Sim Packages do not come cheap. GigSky also have a wide range of global carrier partners meaning their offer better connectively than most platers in this space.

Overall though, in terms of sheer convenience yes GigSky is worth it – you you can browse for and install an eSim from the comfort your device and get it ready to use before you even leave home which saves a whole lotta hassle. However, the package does NOT include an actual phone number which is a bit of a bummer.

#3 Great Global eSim Package – Sim Local

TravelSim

Sim Local is recognized as a global leader in the travel SIM card and eSIM retail market. The company specializes in serving global travellers, enabling them to stay connected while avoiding expensive roaming charges. During my review of Sim Local , I was impressed to see they provide local SIM cards and eSIM profiles directly to customers through a variety of channels, including retail stores, kiosks, vending machines, a mobile app, and an eShop.

Their services are aimed at offering significant savings on data, calls, and texts compared to traditional roaming options, and they also offer a range of mobile handsets and accessories tailored to the needs of travellers.

How Sim Local Works

First up, note that Sim Local are an eSim-only provider so if you’re phone is not eSim ready…go elsewhere. Providing it is, you simply hop over to their site or get the app and check out their global packages. At the time of writing the site offers their own brand one for just $10 for 3 days, or an Orange one that costs $28.00 for 14 days.

I’ll be frank, eSims are still often more expensive than buying physical sims but they are a lot easier to install and to operate and best of all, you can install them before you even leave home. In my view, $28.00 for 10GB of data over 14 days is good value for an international sim but bear in mind it don’t come with a local numero.

#4 A Worldwide SIM Card – WorldSIM

WorldSIM

WorldSIM gets a mention on this list because it’s another puller in the market with some comparatively awesome rates. It’s also got some really weirdly expensive outlying rates. As such, we certainly don’t feel like it’s a fit for the best SIM card for international roaming.

How WorldSim Works

The WorldSIM international SIM card has no purchasing fee- woo! Now, before you get too excited, it does require a top-up of credit at purchase.

That means that you’re paying a minimum of $33.75 plus shipping . For $67.50 of credit, shipping is free.

The casual rates for outgoing calls, texts, and data usage are the cheapest I’ve found so far with data coverage extending to countries missed out on by OneSim. Except, a lot of the rates in various countries for incoming calls are shockingly high.

As for the data bundles? No idea. Their website isn’t working for that page and is just stuck in an infinitely loading loop.

Our gut says no. But, you do you. You shouldn’t base your decisions on buying an international SIM card on the gut instincts of a stranger online. All the same though, our gut says no.

Between the mildly bait-and-switch-y “$0” SIM purchasing fee, the janky and unwieldy website, and the weird incoming call rates that could potentially trap an unwitting consumer, WorldSIM in review doesn’t feel like an international SIM card worth purchasing, especially in comparison to other choices on the market.

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These are the best international  data SIM cards for those of us that scoot by without the extras.

#1 Best Data Only eSIM Card for International Travel – Jetpac

Jetpac eSim

Jetpac is a Singapore based eSIM company who offer packages, designed primarily for travellers and Digital Nomads. They offer various data plans that can be used across many countries, and the service includes features like free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.

Jetpac eSIMs are compatible with a range of devices, including many models from Apple, Samsung, and Google. To activate a Jetpac eSIM, users need to sign up on the Jetpac website or app, choose a plan that fits their travel needs, and then scan a QR code to install the eSIM on their device.

We love Jetpac for its ease of setup and reliable connectivity. JetPac makes it a handy tool for international travel, ensuring continuous access to mobile data across multiple destinations. While they don’t offer local numbers, we love that most of their packs last for 30 days by default so you can just concentrate on how much data you need.

Wanna know more: Check out our detailed Jetpac eSim card review here.

How it Works

The Jetpac worldwide eSIM card comes in a variety of different data packages. Data can be topped up with a number of plans ranging from 100 MB up to a slammin’ 25 GB ! The prices of data top-ups are:

  • 1 GB – $1
  • 3 GB – $10
  • 5 GB – $25
  • 10 GB – $30
  • 25 GB – $38

Absolutely. I mean, come on it starts at one-freaking-dollar and works all over the world. All in all we’d consider this one of the best pre paid international data only sim cards on the market.

#2 A Simple Data SIM Card for Worldwide Travel – Surfroam

Surfroam

Yay! No prepaid data packages, no contractual mumbo-jumbo, no running out of data right when you settle in for a long Netflix and poop session: Surfroam keeps it Pura Vida!

It’s data-only with coverage of 200+ countries – even Afghanistan and Yemen are covered! So, what’s the go?

Essentially, you pay €45 for the physical SIM card (which includes €25 credit) and then top-up as you go with pack options starting at €25 . You’re charged a pay-as-you-go rate per megabyte starting as low as €0.01/MB . So that’s way cheaper than the KeepGo data roaming sim card, right? Not quite…

Rates vary substantially by country so while this going to be a cheaper option across, say, Europe, it may not necessarily pan out that way in other places. That said, prices are still pretty cheap for most places and tend to beat out KeepGo.

As a final note, there is an eSIM (€30) available with the same data rates.

Ok, so ‘simple’ might be stretching it upon reflection, however, once you’re away, its streams ablaze! If you’re jet-setting and changing countries a lot, you will need to stay keyed in as to the rates .

Otherwise, the coverage significantly beats out KeepGo, and in many cases, Surfroam will end up being the cheapest international data SIM card you can purchase. It’s the simplest choice for staying connected pretty much anywhere in the world.

#3 The Best International SIM Card for Europe – Orange Holiday Europe

Orange Holiday Zen/Europe

Are you just doing a little banger holiday in Europe and need a physical SIM card for your travels? Orange has got you covered. Specifically:

  • Orange Holiday Europe SIM Card
  • Orange Holiday Zen SIM Card

The Orange Holiday Zen is for light usage or a short trip. It’s a straight prepaid SIM card for travellers in Europe and it couldn’t be simpler.

For $27.29 , you get 8 GB of data, 30 minutes of calls worldwide, 200 texts, all lasting for 14 days before it expires. The Holiday Zen covers 30 countries in Europe including all the heavy-hitters, if you need a sim in Italy , Greece or Spain it’s perfect but it certainly doesn’t cover all of Europe (my boy Serbia – forever underrepresented). Still, this makes it one of the best European SIM Cards for travellers.

The Orange Holiday Europe takes all of that and just upgrades it: 20 GB in data, 120 minutes, and 1000 texts for $44 . The same coverage of countries applies and it’s a 14-day expiry again.

Orange also partners with a bunch of networks around the world- even offering an Israeli sim card called partner. If you take a look around their website, you can find more far-flung networks than you expected!

Both cards are able to be topped up online for more credit.

Yeah, so I wouldn’t call ‘30 countries in Europe’ an internationally roaming SIM card, but it is a super simple choice for anyone just travelling to Europe for a holiday. It’ll keep you safe in an emergency thanks to that fact that it’s not a data only service. Plus: you’ll have a SIM ready from the moment you land!

Orange is a pretty major sim provider in France so you’ll have a consistent connection. There’s no constant checking of rates calculators either. It’s just a perfectly simple prepaid SIM card for any travellers heading to Europe.

Y’all want more? Another option to look at is getting an Airalo eSim instead.

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Some commonly asked questions about the world’s best travel SIM cards…

How do I activate my international SIM card?

Each international SIM comes with detailed instructions on how to set up and load your SIM. It’s always a good idea to get things set up before you leave home to avoid any mishaps.

What does international SIM mean?

An international SIM is a type of SIM card that will allow you to use your phone internationally by connecting to global carriers. Some of these SIMs will allow you to make calls as you normally would, while others only offer data plans.

What is the best SIM card for international travel?

Some of the best SIMs for international travel include OneSim , Nomad , KeepGo , and TravelSim .

Do international SIM cards expire?

Most of the SIMs on this list require you to recharge at least once a year, but in doing so all your data will remain usable.

will hatton working with a business partner

That depends on how you travel. If you’re adept at buying prepaid SIM cards locally when you hit the ground, then I wouldn’t worry.

However, for the people that an international SIM card suits the travelling style and needs of, then yes, definitely. I think if you’re that person, then you probably already know that you’re that person.

People looking for the all-round ol’ reliable, OneSim is the go-to choice of travel SIM cards. For those who want the best data SIM card they can use overseas, that choice is KeepGo .

Skip the lines and skip the painful errand days in a foreign city. Buy one of the best international SIM cards you can and have yourself connected before you even touchdown on the landing.

Want another kind of sim card? Check out the revolutionary new Nomad e-sim , an app-based sim card covering over 100 countries that can be organised before you leave home! If that’s not enough, there’s another new service from HolaFly which offers similar coverage and deals so check them both out and see which fits your needs best.

Maxwell Smart calls Agent 99 with a roaming SIM card installed in his shoe

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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usa travel sim card reddit

I think eSIMS are the future gamechanger here. You can download a digital SIM to your phone which has eSIM support.

I use a second phone to provide data to my main phone via bluetooth internet sharing. Wifi sharing can be used as well but bluetooth uses less power. On my main phone I leave the mobile data turned off and use the paired second phone for data. This allows me to use my main phone for Whatsapp, iMessage, email, etc.

10/10 review – exactly the type of info I was after. Plus, I liked your no BS style of writing. Thanks.

Thanks! Very useful! My main concern is regarding how long do the sim cards remain active if you are not buying credit regularly. I usually travel at least once or twice to congresses per year, but I wonder if some of these cards would stop working after a long time inactive. Is that information available for the cards discussed here? Cheers!

Heya, absolutely you can find that info! It’ll be in the terms and conditions/fine print for individual cards/plans. I’d like to say most last at least a year (which always seemed standard for SIM cards in general), but defs check that before you go buying any SIMs. Good question though!

You guys should definitely include DENT, a block chain based international E-Sim card, that offers flexibel data exchange. You can sell your unused data and always find the cheapest offer worldwide and cross boarder operational. Can’t be missed from this list!

Dude – hectic! I’m defs not about to go and update this article, but I looked and DENT seems pretty legit and totally worth the investigation. Anyone reading these comments, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not scoping them out at least! 😀

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The 5 Best eSIMs for the USA in 2023

The United States is a big country, and as a result, it is visited by millions of tourists every year. All people who want to visit famous places and landmarks in this country will need to get a SIM card to stay in touch. Many of them will need an eSIM. If you are part of the second group, you are in the right place.

Of course, there are other ways to stay connected during a trip. You can use the roaming option from your current mobile provider. However, we all know that this is a very expensive service. You could also buy a local SIM card, but American operators usually provide plans at a higher cost than in other countries. Besides, it can be inconvenient to get one when you arrive in a new country.

So the best option, for those who now have a cell phone compatible with eSIM , is to buy a data plan for eSIM, from a provider that can be anywhere around the world. That is the great advantage of eSIMs, you only need to go online, choose your plan, pay for it and then download it into your phone. This is the best way to get cheaper prices, and also be sure that the SIM will work correctly.

Now, we want to make things easier for you. That is why we are going to show you here some of the best eSIMs to use in the United States. Continue reading and be ready for your next trip to the US!

What Are The Best eSIMs for the USA?

usa travel sim card reddit

What Is The Best eSIM for the USA?

AT&T, a telecommunications giant in the United States, has made significant strides as an eSIM provider. With its rich history and solid infrastructure, AT&T has shown a robust commitment to the modern era of digital SIM technology. The company offers seamless eSIM setup and use for a broad range of devices, making it easier than ever for consumers to access multiple networks without the need for a physical SIM card.

With its diverse portfolio of plans, consumers can easily customize their experiences to suit their individual connectivity needs.

Go USA | $ 4.50 - 1GB

  • Calls/SMS: No
  • Credit Validity: 30 days

Are you looking for unlimited data? Then the Three eSIMs might be of interest for you. This Three’s branch based in Hong Kong offers one eSIM data plan valid for one day, with unlimited data to use. There is a speed limitation after using 500 MB, however, it is still worth it to have unlimited service to navigate all day.

They also offer other plans that we will mention below, in case you need to stay much more time in the country. A good thing about these plans is that they are also valid for other countries, such as Canada or Mexico.

Check all the details about the eSIMs data plans from Three Hong Kong:

30-Day Pass 10GB | $ 24.90 - 10GB

30-day pass 20gb | $ 34.90 - 20gb.

Before buying any eSIM data plan for your trip to the USA, you need to be sure that your phone is compatible with eSIM. Otherwise, you will not be able to activate your eSIM plan. Some of the phone models that work with eSIMs are:

  • iPhone XR, XS, 11, SE 2020, 12, 13
  • Google Pixel 3, 4, 4a, 5
  • Samsung Fold, Z Flip, S20, S21, Note 20
  • Motorola RAZR

AIS eSIM2FLY

AIS Sim2Fly is a premier international roaming service provided by AIS, a leading telecommunications company in Thailand. Sim2Fly’s eSIM capabilities have taken convenience and connectivity to the next level for frequent travelers.

With a strong focus on ease-of-use and comprehensive coverage, AIS Sim2Fly offers reliable high-speed internet access in over 80 countries including the USA.

eSIM2FLY Global | $ 39.90 - 6GB

  • Credit Validity: 15 days

SimOptions has positioned itself as a convenient and user-friendly online platform offering international SIM card and eSIM solutions. Providing services in over 100 countries, they have managed to build a solid reputation for their hassle-free services and customer-friendly approach.

Their eSIMs are renowned for easy setup, broad compatibility with a range of devices, and provision of high-quality internet coverage across various global networks.

Smart Traveller eSIM | $ 17.90 - 6GB

  • Credit Validity: 10 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the esims for the usa support calls & sms.

A few selected eSIMs for the USA do support calls & SMS and even come with a phone number but are currently not listed on SimOptions. Other eSIMs from SimOptions are data-only eSIMs. You can choose the right eSIMs for your trip to the USA depending on your personal requirements.

How do I know if my smartphone supports eSIMs?

SimOptions offer and up-to-date list of eSIM-compatible smartphone on the website. You can visit it here and find out if your phone supports eSIMs. Do not forget that it must be carrier-unlocked as well!

How do I activate my eSIM for the USA?

Within seconds of completing the purchase, you will receive an order confirmation with your eSIM details attached as a PDF. It includes the QR code and all relevant details. You can then scan QR with your eSIM-compatible smartphone and start using it immediately. 

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  • Works in over 200 countries, with a single card & phone number. (And get your card FAST with express delivery).

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Find your SIM Card number on the back of the product package or if you no longer have the product package, you can also find the SIM Card phone number from the plastic card .

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Your Worry-Free Trip to United States Starts With a TravelSim Prepaid SIM Card

Data with an international prepaid sim card for the us.

Chat with your friends and family back home by easily connecting to a local AT&T or T-Mobile network. Your international SIM can also be used in over 135 countries  across  340 networks .  Save up to 85% on data roaming.

Please note that traditional voice calls and texts are not available at the moment in the US because U.S. wireless carriers have started shutting down their 3G networks as they expand their 4G and 5G offerings. As 3G is phased out, phones and connected devices cannot make or receive calls and texts.

Read more how the 3G sunsets in the USA are affecting voice calling in the USA. You can still make calls via WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger, Viber etc.

TravelSim provides a physical SIM card and eSIM for United Sates, choose which one suits better for you. You can select the physical SIM card below and to buy an eSIM click here.

Configure Your TravelSim

Universal SIM size — Mini, Macro & Nano Size

Choose credit for calls & texts

Unlimited USA calls voice package includes unlimited calls from USA to USA and European Union numbers. It does not include calls to voicemail and other TravelSim numbers. You can make unlimited calls from USA to following countries: USA, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech.Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Barthelemy / St. Martin Island, Sweden, United Kingdom.

  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • Congo Democratic Republic
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Philippines
  • Russian Federation
  • South Korea
  • Cook Islands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominican Republic
  • Netherlands Antilles
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Bosnia And Herzegovina
  • Czech Republic
  • Faroe Islands
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Vatican City
  • Afghanistan
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Turkmenistan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Puerto Rico
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United States
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • El Salvador
  • Falkland Islands
  • French Guiana

Add the best data plan to SIM card

Find your zone, add extra number.

Your SIM card phone number starts with +372 by default. In addition to that, you can choose to purchase a US phone number (+1).

If you purchase a US number, it will become your primary phone number for outgoing calls. Your default +372 number will still work for incoming calls. Data usage is not affected by phone numbers. Please note that US numbers can only receive calls. No SMS service available for US numbers. Incoming call 0.20$ or 0.15€/min

Here are all the countries you can travel to when you select this data plan:

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Popular Destinations

usa travel sim card reddit

All Destinations

  • Aland Islands
  • Canary Islands
  • Czech Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Europe & UK
  • Faroe Islands
  • Indonesia (Bali)
  • Liechtenstein
  • Middle East
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • North America
  • Philippines
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • South America
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Vatican City

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SimsDirect

Explore plans with coverage in

USA Travel SIM Card | 10GB Data | 30 Days

USA Travel SIM Card

  • Calls to Australia

USA Travel SIM Card | 15GB Data | 30 Days

USA, Canada & Mexico Travel SIM Card

  • Unlimited Data
  • Local Calls & Texts

USA, Canada & Mexico Travel SIM Card | 15GB | Unlimited Calls & Texts | 30 Days

USA T-Mobile Travel SIM Card

Usa prepaid travel sim card.

So you plan on visiting the United States of America..? 

Great choice! A country home to 50 different states with each of them offering unique things to do and see, you’ll be spoilt for choice during your USA adventures (what a great problem to have!).

Being the third largest country in the world, the US has over 300 million people living in it and spans 4,500 kilometres from east to west and 2,400 kilometres from north to south. 

It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world such as The Statue of Liberty, The Golden Gate Bridge, the Las Vegas Strip and Niagara Falls (to name a few). There are so many things to do in the US that you could spend 3 years exploring the country and still not see all of the amazing things it has to offer.

We mean it when we say this place has something for everyone, deserts, beaches, snow, mountain ranges, forests, concrete jungles, open plains, wastelands, you'll never run out of picturesque backgrounds for your travel selfies. 

There are also a ton of different cultures being represented in the US, from experiencing different foods, to music, to general ways of life, you’ll return from your adventures with a sense of soul-nourishing fulfilment that can only be achieved by adapting your ways of living to suit that of a foreign culture.

USA travel sim card

About Our USA Prepaid Travel SIMs

Say goodbye to all roaming fees and travel connected with our hassle-free, high-data-speed, USA prepaid SIM cards. Simply insert our SIM card into your device and you’re all set. 

With fuss-free activation, a 100% money-back guarantee , and an Aussie support team ready and waiting to assist you with any questions or concerns, you can travel connected worry-free anywhere within the USA (including Hawaii).

Where can you use our USA travel SIMs?

We have a selection of travel SIM cards for travellers who want to explore the United States of America (including Hawaii). 

Which USA travel SIM do we recommend?

We have a few options for our USA-only SIM Cards, our 6GB (includes calls to Australia) , our 15GB (includes calls to Australia) , our Unlimited Data & Calls (includes calls to Australia) , and our Unlimited Data & Calls (DOES NOT include calls to Australia) , all of the mentioned SIMs last 30 days and work anywhere in the US & Hawaii, EXCLUDING Alaska.

For those travelling to the USA, Canada & Mexico SIM Cards, we have our 6GB (data only) [15 days], our 15GB (data & calls) [30 days], and our Unlimited (data & calls) [30 days]. All three of the mentioned SIM cards include Hawaii and Alaska.

For our USA and Canada-only SIMs, we recommend our 3GB (data only) SIM card . Please note this SIM lasts 30 days and does NOT include Hawaii and Alaska.

Connect fuss-free as soon as you land with our prepaid travel SIM cards. Buy your travel SIM today!  We recommend you check out  Smart Traveller  site   before you take off

Where It Works

It works anywhere in the U.S. including Hawaii! It does not include Alaska or Canada.

Albania, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guam, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, United States of America (Includes Hawaii), Uruguay

The best SIM card for NZ

You have booked your trip to NZ and now you're thinking... What's the best NZ SIM card for my trip?

Well you're in the right place 👍

Here, you can find the best value NZ SIM cards that are super easy to use so when you land you will connect instantly and avoid the chaos of buying a SIM at the airport.

Keep reading or watch our video with all the available options so you can make the right choice.

All your options, compared.

Best bang for your buck: The 10GB New Zealand SIM

Other Aussie travellers like you rated the 10GB option the best with over 800+ 5 star Reviews.

Below are our options compared with Vodafone and Spark mobile, the major providers in New Zealand.

Small Plans

For the budget traveller looking to save money.

  • Best suited for minimal data users
  • Research restaurants, places and sites on the go
  • Use google maps for your travels

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  • 200 mins & texts in NZ
  • 100 mins & texts to Aus
  • 30 day validity

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  • 300 mins to NZ & Aus
  • Unlimited texts to NZ & Aus

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For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here.

Medium Plans

The 'all rounder'. There's a reason that Aussie travellers love this one.

Get this one if you:

  • Want best bang for your buck
  • Need access to a lot of apps including maps, social media etc.
  • Unlimited mins & texts in NZ
  • 200 mins & texts to Aus
  • 60 day validity
  • Unlimited calls to NZ & Aus
  • 300 mins & texts to Aus

For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here .

Large Plans

For the traveller who needs heavy internet usage on the go for 1 or multiple devices.

  • Don't worry about running out of data
  • Can hotspot to multiple devices
  • Great for videos, maps, social media and big downloads
  • Unlimited calls & texts in NZ

Bottom Line

You are looking for the right SIM for your needs and want to make the right choice so you can travel around New Zealand easily.

By choosing one of the SIM cards through SimsDirect you are avoiding the hassle when you land and getting the best value SIM cards for Aussie travellers.

Plus you get free delivery and 100% money back guarantee with every purchase.

You can't go wrong with the SimsDirect 10GB SIM that comes with unlimited calls & texts to NZ and Australian numbers.

Shipping and Delivery

Frequently asked questions.

Delivery times vary depending on your location, please use the table below for estimated delivery times.

Shipping Method:

Standard - Free Express - $7.99

All orders are shipped from our Sydney office using the Australia Post Domestic Letter Service.

Same-day dispatch is available on orders placed before 3pm AEST/AEDT Monday - Friday. Any orders placed after 3 pm will be dispatched the next day.

Once we've shipped your order, you will receive a tracking number via email. Click the View Order button in the email to monitor the status of your delivery with Australia Post.

If you're leaving soon and your order hasn't arrived, please contact us so we can arrange to have it delivered to you with free express shipping. It is important to us that we ensure your SIM card(s) arrive well before you take off.

Product Information

Yes! We offer 3 different sizes for each SIM card - Standard, Micro, and Nano. All you need to do is make sure that you pop out the correct size that is compatible with your device.

The SIM will only activate once you have inserted it into your device, which, in most cases, is when you have arrived at your destination.

You can find more specific activation steps here .

Zero. We're here to help you save money whilst abroad. With our SIM cards, you'll get all the data and outgoing calls that you pay for without any added surcharges or hidden costs. For as little as $2 a day, we offer the cheapest way of staying online while you're travelling.

If you purchased your device outright then it is most likely unlocked. Devices purchased alongside a contract are usually locked. If you are unsure, contact your service provider, they may even be able to unlock it for you (usually incurring a fee).

You’ll be able to track your data usage directly from your device, please click here for an in-depth guide on how to do so.

Travel easily & safely!

Travel tips for 2023, traveling the globe, check out the explorer collection.

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Explorer Travel SIM Card

  • 71 Countries
  • Balearic Islands
  • The Czech Republic
  • French Guiana
  • French West Indies
  • Isle of Man
  • Northern Ireland
  • Puerto Rico
  • Saint Barthelemy
  • Saint Martin
  • United States
  • US Virgin Islands

Tourist Travel SIM Card | 120 Countries | Data-Only | 6GB for 15 Days

Tourist Travel SIM Card

  • 120 Countries
  • China (including Tibet)
  • Congo (Democratic Republic of)
  • Congo Republic
  • Madagascar Republic
  • North Ireland
  • Northern Cyprus
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Slovak Republic
  • Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Recently viewed

Why is the activation date important.

  • We need these dates to activate your SIM card so you can use  it when the SIM is inserted into your device.
  • For a seamless experience, make sure the date you insert at checkout is the exact date you want to start using the SIM, not earlier or later.
  • Activation can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Not sure on your dates yet?

  • You can add in an estimated date for your SIM. Your SIM’s data & validity won’t start until you plug it into your device.
  • Once you know your exact dates, please let us know via our live chat or at [email protected] so we can activate it for you at the right time. 

What if you need to change the dates?

  • You can reach out to us via our live chat or at [email protected] with your order number so we can change it for you.

Free Delivery Australia Wide

Prepaid SIMs

Popular Destinations

  • USA & Hawaii
  • Canada & Alaska
  • Europe & UK
  • New Zealand
  • Bali & Indonesia
  • China, Hong Kong, Macau
  • Singapore & Malaysia
  • South Korea
  • Dubai & UAE

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Region Quicklinks

  • North America
  • South America
  • Rest of World

Filter by Country

  • United States

USA & Canada Prepaid SIM Cards

Buy a USA SIM Card before you fly and connect like a local when you arrive.

USA Travel SIM Card | 30 Day | 10GB

North America has some of the most stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, differing ranges of climates and numerous activities/experiences catering to every traveller. From the Canadian Rockies to Colorado springs, Cancun to San Fransisco, it really is the full package holiday!  

That’s why when it comes to USA Travel SIM Cards, we only stock the best! The telcos of choice for your travels across North America is T-Mobile or AT&T . With some of the best coverage in USA, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico, you’ll be able to communicate and stay connected totally stress free just like the locals do. With 15 Day or 30 Day options for handsets and tablets (iPads / Android) we’ve got the perfect USA Travel SIM to accompany you on your North American adventure!

Can I purchase a USA SIM card in Australia?

Yes, you certainly can! We stock USA SIM cards from T-Mobile and AT&T right here in Australia. Once you buy a SIM, we'll have it delivered to you before you fly. Some of our USA SIM cards can also be used in Canada and Mexico too.

Why should I buy a USA SIM before leaving?

Purchasing a USA SIM card before traveling will not only save you time and hassle of having to find one later, but also heaps of money. When you purchase a USA SIM in advance, you can take advantage of our discounted rates. This means you won't have to pay the USD retail price and other associated fees.

Who should buy a USA SIM?

Our USA SIMs are perfect for any traveler. Whether you're traveling for leisure, business, study, or just visiting relatives. We have a SIM for you. We have plans suiting long term use or for a shorter trip. Some of our USA SIMs can even be recharged monthly which allows you to keep the same USA phone number when traveling beyond 30 days. 

How much data, calls and text allowance do I need?

Our USA and North America SIM cards all come with unlimited calls and SMS and plenty of data. You can choose the most suitable SIM based on the duration of your travels and individual usage requirements.  A good guide is to allocate a minimum of 500MB - 1GB of data per day. This will ensure you get the best SIM for your needs, and are comfortably covered for the basics, such as: emails, social messaging, web browsing and GPS.

What's the best SIM for USA, Canada and Mexico?

Our T-Mobile SIMs and AT&T SIMs can be used in USA, Canada and Mexico. They all feature unlimited calls and SMS. Up to 5GB of data + unlimited calls and SMS can be added for use in Canada and Mexico for T-Mobile. Whereas our AT&T SIMs feature 15GB or Unlimited data + unlimited calls and SMS in USA, Canada, and Mexico.

How do I keep in touch with my family and friends back home?

Our 6GB USA Travel SIM and 15GB USA Travel SIM include free unlimited calls and SMS back to Australia. Our 30 Day T-Mobile USA SIM can be optioned with an international calling and SMS pack which allows unlimited calls to Aussie landlines, and texts to Aussie mobiles in USA, Canada, and Mexico. Having these allowances is not only handy to keep in touch with friends and family back home, but also allows you to contact your Australian bank if you need to. 

Free tracked postage on all SIMs ordered.

No Hidden Fees

Prepaid and Preloaded. Without ongoing fees.

Aussie Customer Support

Our Travel SIM gurus are always here to help.

Money Back Promise

If your SIM fails to work, we'll give your money back.

  • Opens in a new window.

Best eSIM Card for Canadians traveling to the United States

One of the most common questions that I get as I travel around the world is “How do you stay connected and online with your phone when traveling outside of Canada?”.

The answer is

1) I have an unlocked iPhone and

2) in most places that I travel I used to purchase a local SIM card so that I could stay connected wherever I was. However, now the days of searching for sim card dealers is over. Now instead with eSIMs, I can buy them online and download them to my phone before I even leave for my trip! Having a physical sim card and dealing with switching them in and out of your phone is no longer required.

3) Specifically when traveling to the US as a Canadian I have been using an eSIM by Canadian company aloSIM . (Previously I had used a US SIM card from Roam Mobility. As of June 30th, 2020 Roam Mobility has closed down due to the pandemic.)

This year I have traveled to Alaska, Prague , and I road tripped from Nova Scotia to Boston all while using aloSIM eSIMs. As long as you download the eSIM for the regions you are visiting ahead of time and have them ready to activate at the start of your trip you should have no problems. Using aloSIM for multiple eSIMs was quite seamless for me and I found the data to be fast and didn’t drain quickly.

Also great news you do not need to be Canadian to use aloSIM. Anyone who can download the aloSIM app from their app store can use this great eSIM company and be connected in over 170 countries around the world.

Cailin holds an iphone showing the website for alosim a Canadian esim company

Why Should you buy an eSIM for your phone to travel with?

Buying eSIMs to travel with to various countries is the BEST because the minute your plane lands or you cross that border you have a connection. Otherwise you are left arriving in a new destination with no data, internet or connection and are needing to search for a place to buy one or you might end up being charged a large roaming fee by your cellular provider. Having an eSIM definitely beats the old way of jumping from wifi to wifi, from hotel to McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc. It also keeps you from bugging friends to share their personal hot spot.

An important note however, if you need SMS/MMS texting and phone calling then you can use your regular SIM card and your carrier will bill pay-per-use rates for each call or text. (Make sure you aren’t enrolled in a carrier travel plan, which charges you a daily flat rate for data, calling, and texting.) If you use WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook calling, etc then you can most likely get around needing that local sim card and your eSIM will be more than enough with all of the data you need.

a screenshot of the aloSIM app of three esims that have been activated

Alternative Options to eSIMs

If you do not get an eSIM before you travel abroad talk to your cell phone service provider and they can arrange a talk, text and data roaming plan for your trip. Whether your cell phone is with Bell, Rogers, Virgin, Telus, Koodo, Fido, Lucky Penny or one of the other Canadian cell phone service providers, they all have phone plans that you can pay extra for to stay connected when traveling south of the border.

On average Canadian cell phone companies charge $13 – $16 a day to use your phone with talk, text and data while in the United States or abroad. Those costs can add up especially when you are using a lot of data like I tend to do. This fee is also extra on top of the cell phone plan you already pay for. After all of that though the amount of data and speeds you are given can be limited as well. Using an eSIM from a company like aloSIM can save you a LOT of money with their US eSIMs starting at $4.95USD for 1gb of data over 7 days.

A much more affordable option no matter where you are based or where you are traveling to is with aloSIM. A Canadian based eSIM company that offers great deals on eSIMs for Canadians and others traveling to the US and around the world. In fact anyone around the world can use aloSIM and have access to cheap and affordable eSIMs that work in over 170 different countries.

Without a doubt in my mind aloSIM is the best eSIM company for Canadians traveling to the United States.  AloSIM is also one of the best esim providers on the market right now offering the best eSIM plans.

**You do need to have your phone unlocked to use an eSIM**

a screenshot of alosim in the iphone app store download alosim in the iphone app store Best eSIM Card for Canadians traveling to the United States

Where can you buy eSIM cards?

Once your phone is unlocked you can purchase an eSIM online. For aloSIM the best way to do it is to download their app from the app store or by visiting alosim.com .

How do aloSIM eSIM cards work?

Once you download the aloSIM app and signup for an aloSIM account, purchase the eSIM for the country or region that you require. Then select the amount of data that best suits you depending on the length of your trip, your typical data usage and needs. If you are unsure, do not worry as it is easy to always buy more data.

Next while on a strong internet connection install your eSIM. Once installed correctly you should see the eSIM now available in your phone settings under SIMs in the Cellular section. Do NOT activate your eSIM until right before your trip, or when you have already arrived on your trip. (Be sure to follow the instructions for  preparing your phone for international travel  to avoid roaming charges.) When activated the data only lasts for the time period in the package that was purchased and ends even if there is data left over.

For example if you buy 1GB for 7 days, the 7 days begins as soon as you activate the eSIM and runs out in the 7 days no matter if you have used all of the data or not. Once you buy an eSIM for a particular country or region you don’t need to buy or install it again to keep using it. You just need to top up the eSIM for that destination every time you travel there.

If you visit the aloSIM website at alosim.com/how-to-buy-esim-online they have a great step by step guide for installing and activating your eSIM.

a picture of two hands holding an iphone about to download an esim for the czech republic from alosim

How much are the eSIM plans with aloSIM?

The cost of buying eSIMs with aloSIM varies depending on your destination. AloSIM offers eSIMs for over 170 different countries around the world. On average the eSIMs cost about $4.50USD for 1gb of data for one week. Or you could pay up to $42.00USD for 20GB of data for 30 days. It really depends on where you are going and what your data usage is like. No matter what though it is extremely easy to buy more data directly in the app as needed. When you have less than 1GB left you will get a notification so that you top up again before you run out.

Using aloSIM you can’t go over on your usage either. You only use what you pay for which is nice so you don’t come home to a huge phone bill. If you run out of data you can just log on to their site or open the app while you have a connection and add more. You can also check the app at any time to see how much data you have remaining.

Where is there coverage for aloSIM?

You don’t need to worry about whether or not there will be cell coverage where you are traveling to in the US with aloSIM. Wherever  possible the aloSIM eSIMs use AT&T towers to give you the best connection. For elsewhere around the world aloSIM is also always working with the best cellular service providers to give you the best coverage possible.

If you have any questions or other suggestions about what is the best eSIM card for Canadians traveling to the United States please let me know!

Peggys Cove lighthouse - The Best SIM Card for Canadians traveling to the United States

Thanks to aloSIM for sponsoring my data when I travel to the US and around the world. All opinions and views expressed are my own on the Best eSIM Card for Canadians traveling to the United States. 

If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it!

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14 comments.

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Thanks. I’ll look into it.

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Had many options. Mrsimcard BLOWS over priced roam out of the water. What the website lacks in prettiness they make up with functionality!

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Good to know you had success with them! From what I can tell on their site they actually charge more than Roam though?

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Bill Madill

Worst cell phone experience of my life. there coverage shows it works sometimes in your car, sometimes if you are standing outside, sometimes in your house and sometimes in a commercial building. I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t work in any of these places in central Florida. Who sells a cell service that works sometime??? Roammobility, that’s who.

Sorry you had that experience Bill. I have used them quite often myself in the Orlando area and haven’t have problems. They do provide a coverage map that you can easily see on their website. If you are having problems with it working inside or outside of buildings that to me sounds more like an issue with your phone rather then the sim card itself.

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I also had coverage issue, taveled to Pougkeepsie area in NY. The coverage map shows dark green color, but it didn’t connect to anywhere around that area with roam mobility SIM, (in fact, even in middle of Central Park, Manhattan, I had hard time) although my Koodo SIM (with the same iPhone SE) picked up T-Mobile and AT&T randomly. I have a feeling that Roam Mobility changed something during last several years, it used to connect to AT&T and T-Mobile, never showed “Roam Mobility” on top of the screen. (Now, either out of service area or if I am lucky, get Roam mobility connection)

I find that no matter what sim I use in NYC it always works poorly possibly because there are so many people smushed into such a small area and the systems are overloaded all the time? Also often when I have issues in areas where it should work fine I fully turn the phone off and on again and it seems to work.

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Is there any cost to Canadian friends calling or texting me on the new US number? I assume it’ll be long distance?

Yes you would be right. UNLESS you have an iphone and they have and iphone too. Then you can just imessage and that goes through data so it is free.

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I also had problems a couple years ago. Service in Central Florida was poor, and in a lot of cases I could not understand the person on the call. Hope reception has improved

I think coverage has improved but it also varies on which cell towers your phone reaches out to.

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I came across your blog looking for a smart way to use my phone (as a phone and using mobile data) while traveling in Canada and the US. (I am traveling there from Europe.) Your descriptions sounds very good, but I did not understand if the Roam Mobility SIM can also be used for calling and the internet within Canadian borders. In other words: Would it be smart to used use a Roam Mobility SIM/plan instead of getting a Canadian SIM _and_ a US SIM?

Roam unfortunately doesn’t work in Canada. It’s only for the US.

I would get a T-Mobile plan once you land in the US? They have a “traveler” sim. Or Three UK works great in the US with roam like home. Then maybe you can pay a bit more for it to work in Canada too?

Sorry I’m not more help! Canadian cell providers kind of suck and aren’t cheap. Koodoo and Fido are the cheaper companies in Canada. So maybe check them out too?

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One problem you can have with Roam Mobility is their coverage. I went on a road trip last summer in Montana and Wyoming and only discovered on the way that none of the cities or areas I was traveling in had coverage except Jackson WY. Best to consult their coverage map (below) before traveling.

https://roammobility.com/coverage

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  4. United States Prepaid Travel SIM Cards for Tourist

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  5. Best Prepaid SIM Card for USA Travel

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  6. Tourist SIM card USA: the best SIM card for your travels to USA

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  1. Sim Card From Different Countries

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  6. Best Sim Card For Travel? How To Use Your Phone Abroad & Cheapest Sim Card (Travel Sim Card Europe)

COMMENTS

  1. Best tourist sim for USA? : r/travel

    A lot of people will tell you to boost/etc is the same as Tmobile since it's on the same network, but the reality is, through the same network, they take less priority (the data is throttled). they will have a sim ready for you. (sometimes they try to charge a sim fee of 10$ but you can try and talk them out of it).

  2. Getting a prepaid SIM for data in the US as a tourist : r/travel

    The T-Mobile plan offers unlimited date at 3G speeds. If you wanted higher speed data (4G/LTE), you can walk into any Walmart in the country, navigate your way to the electronics department, and purchase a Straight Talk sim card, no ID required.

  3. Best sim for travel to USA : r/TravelHacks

    Buying a Sim card from a store is quite expensive in the US. I'd recommend an eSim, probably the Airalo ones which I've used plenty of times without issues. 3GB will cost you about $11 USD and you won't require a physical sim card. It's safe and easy. If you require more data it can get expensive.

  4. Best SIM card for travelling in the US? : r/PersonalFinanceCanada

    I was on the lookout for one a couple of weeks ago for my dad, I got him one from "travSIM" on Amazon, it was 41.99 for 50go - 30 days and it worked very well, decent coverage/speed and very easy to setup and activate. I used Airalo e-sim for vegas and will try again for LA. It worked very well.

  5. Prepaid eSIM

    After installing the T-Mobile App, you can sign back into your foreign Apple ID for App Store purposes. Settings, name at the top (iCloud settings), Media and Purchases, Sign Out. Then sign into the U.S. one. Install T-Mobile App. Connect to WiFi + US VPN. Install the eSIM.

  6. Getting a US SIM card for a month : r/travel

    Read the Guide to foreign SIM card/data plans in the sidebar! Note: Referral codes or links are not allowed in this subreddit and Referral Spam will result in a ban I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

  7. Best SIM card service to travel in US : r/travel

    I have to purchase a SIM card service to travel in USA (~ 20 days). I want only datas, no phone calls or text messages. ... This sub-reddit is an english language friendly discussion forum focusing on life for living in Bangkok, as well as any other Bangkok related content. If you are looking for a large Thai only speaking community we ...

  8. Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for the USA in 2024

    Airalo is a reputed and trusted e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the Airalo e-sim card deals for the USA in 2024: 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD. 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD. 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD. 5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD.

  9. Best Prepaid SIM Card for USA Travel in 2024

    Best prepaid SIM cards for USA travel on T-Mobile. These are the top 3 prepaid SIM cards from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider. Cheap T-Mobile prepaid SIM card Tello 2GB SIM card. T-Mobile coverage Tello operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of ...

  10. Best prepaid SIM Card in the USA: Top options for tourists

    Ultra Mobile Tourist is the perfect prepaid SIM Card option for tourists visiting the States in less than three weeks. This is an MVNO using the network from T-mobile, so you can be assured of the network quality. This prepaid SIM Card is valid for 21 days. After that, the number will be expired.

  11. USA prepaid travel SIM card (Data, Calls & SMS plans)

    Free shipping for the USA prepaid data sim cards with deliveries in 2-5 working days inside the EU & 3-10 working days for non-EU worldwide destinations 4. Our data SIM cards for the United States are easy to use & set-up with installation instructions in multiple languages. 5. Multi-lingual customer service on USA travel SIM cards including ...

  12. Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to the USA in 2024

    Nomad has now some of the cheapest e-sim card plans for traveling to the United States in 2024. Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for the USA: 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD. 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD. 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD. 10 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD. 20 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD.

  13. Best eSIM For USA Travel: Everything You Need To Know

    Best eSIM USA Deals. Here are the best USA eSIM providers depending on your needs: Cheapest USA plans: Nomad offers the cheapest plans in the United States. Airalo and AloSIM are slightly more expensive.; Cheapest unlimited plans in the USA: Yoho Mobile offers the cheapest plans, and it includes Voice and SMS, too. However, if you need unlimited data for longer periods, Holafly is a great option.

  14. How to Set Up and Use an eSIM for International Travel

    Step 1: Pick an eSIM. The main reason to use eSIM services for travel is to save money. The big U.S. carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer international roaming options, including $10 day passes ...

  15. Best global SIM cards of 2022

    Flexiroam X. 3. Three. 4. WorldSIM. 5. TravelSIM. This is usually the cheapest option, but if you're visiting numerous countries in a short space of time, a global SIM might be more suitable. In ...

  16. Italian SIM cards in US phone? : r/ItalyTravel

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  17. 9 BEST International SIM Cards For Travel (2024 Update)

    OneSimCard Universal ($29.95) - Coverage of over 200 countries but with a more limited data service (50+) countries. OneSimCard Expedition ($34.95) - Offers much the same coverage as the OneSim Universal travel SIM but with way more data coverage. It's the choice for the explorers.

  18. Travel eSIM for USA

    Step 1. Go to Settings > Cellular and Turn this line on. Step 2. Make sure "Data Roaming" is toggled on and you are selecting the Nomad eSIM for "Cellular Data". Step 3. The eSIM will automatically find and connect to the best local network for you. Learn more about installing an eSIM.

  19. The 5 Best Prepaid eSIMs for the USA (2023)

    The the USA eSIM from SimOptions is the perfect choice to stay connected to family and friends at home. Data:6GB. Calls/SMS:No. Credit Validity:10 days. Only$ 17.90. Learn more. Learn more. 3 Hong Kong boasts one of the strongest mobile internet networks and has now started to provide customers with eSIMs for the USA.

  20. Prepaid International SIM Cards For United States

    Your SIM card phone number starts with +372 by default. In addition to that, you can choose to purchase a US phone number (+1). US standard number. +1 (XXX) XXX-XXXX. If you purchase a US number, it will become your primary phone number for outgoing calls. Your default +372 number will still work for incoming calls.

  21. USA SIM Card

    Say goodbye to all roaming fees and travel connected with our hassle-free, high-data-speed, USA prepaid SIM cards. Simply insert our SIM card into your device and you're all set. With fuss-free activation, a 100% money-back guarantee , and an Aussie support team ready and waiting to assist you with any questions or concerns, you can travel ...

  22. Buy USA SIM Card Online

    That's why when it comes to USA Travel SIM Cards, we only stock the best! The telcos of choice for your travels across North America is T-Mobile or AT&T. With some of the best coverage in USA, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico, you'll be able to communicate and stay connected totally stress free just like the locals do. With 15 Day or 30 Day ...

  23. Best eSIM Card for Canadians traveling to the United States

    A Canadian based eSIM company that offers great deals on eSIMs for Canadians and others traveling to the US and around the world. In fact anyone around the world can use aloSIM and have access to cheap and affordable eSIMs that work in over 170 different countries. Without a doubt in my mind aloSIM is the best eSIM company for Canadians ...

  24. Ranked: The Best Credit Card Rewards of 2024

    Travel rewards cards are also ideal if you like a specific hotel chain or airline. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (see rates and fees ) lets you earn up to 2X miles ...