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Hong kong tourism board.

It’s not hard to stay connected when in Hong Kong, one of the world’s most ‘connected’ cities. Here are some convenient ways to get online from the moment you arrive, and throughout your trip in Hong Kong.

Free Wi-Fi services are widespread in Hong Kong. In particular, there are many Wi-Fi.HK hotspots widely available across the city in locations such as major tourist attractions, shopping malls, parks and gardens, visitor centres, sports venues, museums, ferry terminals, cooked food centres and government buildings, which offer wireless internet connection completely free or free for a period of time. Download the Wi-Fi.HK app to search for a list of hotspot locations, where you can connect to the internet with the Wi-Fi.HK SSID.

You can also find Wi-Fi hotspots at most public transport areas and with the following service providers.

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Free wireless internet access is available at most seating and public areas in the passenger terminals. See details here .

MTR STATIONS

You can connect to the ‘MTR Free Wi-Fi’ network in the concourse and platforms of every MTR station to enjoy 15 minutes of free Wi-Fi service, with a maximum of five sessions for each mobile device per day. More details here .

CSL WI-FI HOTSPOTS 

csl free Wi-Fi hotspots can be found on selected Starbucks Coffee, Pacific Coffee, 7-Eleven and Circle K outlets and at selected phone booths. Look for the ‘CSL’ SSID on your device to browse the Hong Kong Tourism Board's website and download apps from our site for free.

DiscoverHongKong SIM Card 

You can easily stay connected during your trip to Hong Kong using a prepaid Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card — no subscription charges, no hassle! The Real-name Registration Programme for SIM Cards has been implemented. Customers have to complete real-name registration to activate the services. Click here for more details.

GET IT UPON ARRIVAL!

You can get the Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card at any 1O1O Center in town, more than 1,000 7-Eleven, Circle K or VanGO convenience stores, csl or HKT shops, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Concourse in Tsim Sha Tsui. For a full list of retailers, please click here .

* The day pass comes in the form of a 3-in-1 SIM card, suitable for phones that require micro, mini and nano SIMs, and is rechargeable for up to 180 days to make longer stays more convenient.

The Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM card is a third party product of CSL Mobile Limited, for which Hong Kong Tourism Board assumes no responsibility. Please click here for details on the SIM card and here for CSL Mobile General Terms and Conditions.

Mobile charging services

Running out of battery on your phone while you are out and about can be a stressful experience. There is no need to panic when your phone’s battery drops into the red, because there are many places in Hong Kong where you can get a quick boost of power.

Mobile charging facilities are available at 29 MTR stations to enhance the travel experience. There are USB charging sockets or wireless charging pads where you can charge your phone for free. Each person is limited to 15 minutes charging time per session.

See here for more details    

Shopping Malls 

Many shopping centres have mobile phone charging stations, which are normally located by the customer service desk. Some larger and upscale shopping malls will even rent out portable battery packs for you to charge your phone as well. Please approach the customer service counter for details.    

Convenience Stores 

Power bank rental service is available at 7-Eleven and Circle K stores. You can borrow a power bank from the selected branches by paying a refundable deposit and a reasonable charge.     For more details, please visit the websites of 7-Eleven and Circle K .

Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centres 

The Hong Kong Tourism Board in-town visitor centre located at Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier provides a free mobile charging service.

See here for more details

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Never miss a beat with M1 Tourist SIM! Starting from 100GB at $12, get ready to stream, post and share on the go. T&Cs apply.

What Kind Of Traveller Are You?

Whether you’re here for a short escapade or planning to explore Asia, we’ll make sure you never lose connection.

 $12 Tourist SIM (15 Days)

• 100GB Local Data
• 3GB Roaming Data 1
• 500 Mins Local Calls
• 100 Local SMS
• 30 Mins International Calls
• 15 Days Validity

Also available in eSIM 4

 $12 Tourist SIM  (30 Days)

• 1GB Roaming Data 2
• 500 Mins Local Outgoing Calls
• 30 Days Unlimited  Incoming Calls
• 50 Local SMS
• 150 IDD 033 Mins (Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, China) / 25 IDD 033 Mins (Myanmar, Philippines)
• 30 Days Validity

$14 Tourist SIM

• 150GB Local Data
• 50 Mins International Calls

$30 Tourist SIM

• 5GB Roaming Data 1
• 3000 Mins Local Calls
• 1000 Local SMS
• 90 Mins International Calls
• 100GB Local & Roaming Data 3
• 1,000 Mins Local Calls
• 500 Local SMS
• 20 Mins International Calls
• 84GB Local & Roaming Data (3GB/day) 3
• 28 Days Unlimited Incoming Calls
• 5,000 mins Local Outgoing Calls
• 400 Local SMS
• 28 Days Validity

1 Data can be used in Malaysia (Celcom), Indonesia (Indosat/ XL Axiata), Hong Kong (SmarTone), Macau (SmarTone), & Thailand (True & AIS). 2 Data can be used in Malaysia (Celcom), Indonesia (Indosat/ XL Axiata), Bangladesh (Robi Axiata) & Thailand (True & AIS). 3 Data can be used in Malaysia (Celcom), Indonesia (Indosat/ XL Axiata), Hong Kong (SmarTone), Macau (SmarTone), & Taiwan (Chunghwa Telecom). 4 For use on supported eSIM models: iPhone XR / XS / XS Max or later, iPhone SE (2020), iPad (7th Gen or later), iPad Air (3rd Gen or later), iPad Mini (5th Gen or later), iPad Pro (11-inch), iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd Gen or later), Samsung Note20 / Note20 Ultra 5G, Samsung S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra 5G or later, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or later, Samsung Galaxy Fold or later.

Where to get it

• M1 Shops  ($12 Tourist SIM (15 Days), $12 Tourist eSIM (15 Days), $12 Tourist SIM (30 Days), $14 Tourist SIM & $30 Tourist SIM)
• Changi Airport Changi Meet & Greet - Terminal 1, 2, 3 & 4 ($12 Tourist eSIM (15 Days), $14 SIM, $25 SIM, $30 Tourist SIM)
• Changi Airport Changi Recommends – Terminal 1 & 2 ($12 Tourist eSIM (15 Days), $14 SIM, $25 SIM, $30 Tourist SIM)
• Changi Airport FX Counters - Terminal 1 ($12 Tourist eSIM (15 Days), $14 SIM, $25 SIM, $30 Tourist SIM)
• Selected 7-Eleven and Cheers ($12 Tourist SIM (15 Days), $14 SIM & $30 Tourist SIM)
• Authorised M1 retailers ($12 Tourist SIM (15 Days), $12 Tourist eSIM (15 Days), $12 Tourist SIM (30 Days), $14 Tourist SIM & $30 Tourist SIM)

What Documents Do I Need

• Singapore Identity Card
• Work Permit Identification Card (issued from 3 May 1999)
• Employment Pass
• Training Employment Pass
• Personalized Employment Pass
• Work Holiday Pass
• Dependant's Pass
• Long Term Pass
• Student's Pass

Tourist eSIM Activation Instruction

Before setting up, please ensure that your device supports eSIM and you have data connectivity (e.g. Wi-Fi).

• Go to  Settings
• Select  Add Cellular Plan / Add Mobile Plan / Add Data Plan
• Scan the  QR code  provided to you when prompted  

For more info, please refer to your respective device's guideline •  iOS devices •  Samsung devices

$25 SIM Rates

Local Calls

• 20¢ per min

International Calls

International SMS

• 15¢/SMS to all destinations

*Pay-per-use local mobile data services are pre-activated and deducted in kB

Extend your SIM Validity!

Check out the top ups available  here

Simply top up via M1 Prepaid App or  Portal !

COLLECTION FOR ONLINE PURCHASES

VIEW ALL FAQ

TERMS & CONDITIONS

M1 - The Best Prepaid SIM Card in Singapore for Tourists

Coming over to Singapore? Perhaps you’ve already been out and about in the Little Red Dot and plan on heading out to neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. To ensure your stay here with us is top-notch and your telecommunication needs are met fuss-free,  M1  has the ultimate solution for all tourists of Singapore.

Offering visitors an easy way to get connected to a local mobile network without breaking the bank in the process is our full line-up of tourist prepaid SIM cards. We understand how important it is to stay in touch with friends and family while travelling overseas. Therefore we’ve created what we firmly believe is the best prepaid SIM card in Singapore for tourists from all over the world!

M1’s Tourist SIM Card is All You Need

Checking out all the sights of Singapore, you’re guaranteed to want to share experiences with those closest to you at home, which is why it’s important to have an overseas data plan that caters to plenty of data usage. And when you choose to buy the Tourist SIM card in Singapore from M1, you’ll get exactly that.

No matter which of the data travel SIM card options you go with, you will be getting a whopping 100GB of local data to use however you wish; sharing heaps of photos, streaming TV, movies, and music, Skyping… it’s entirely up to you!

On top of what you could almost call unlimited data, the travel SIM includes a minimum of 20 minutes of international call minutes plus plenty of local talktime and SMS allowances too!

Singapore Travel SIM Card Options at M1

We know everyone is different, which is why we offer a few different tourist prepaid SIM options at varied price points.

If it’s for a short stay in Singapore, our travel SIM with 7 days’ validity for just $12 will have enough inclusions to tide you over. It is also available in an eSIM variant which can be used in eSIM compatible models like the  Samsung Galaxy Z Flip .

Planning to stay a little while longer? $30 provides 12 days’ validity and a fair bit more local call/SMS allowance, more international call minutes and even 3GB of roaming data for you to use should you head out to Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau.

And if you’re heading to a neighbouring country, go with the $50 travel SIM card which has everything the $30 plan does but takes it up a notch by including an additional 2GB of Roaming Data. This prepaid tourist SIM is also valid for 2 days longer (i.e., 14 days).

You’ll also be able to extend the validity on the $30 and $50 overseas SIM cards via the M1 Prepaid App or  Prepaid Portal ; $2 tops you up another day, 300MB local data, 60 minutes’ worth of local calls, 100 local SMS and 5 minutes of international calls.

Frequently Asked Questions About M1 Tourist SIM cards

What is a travel sim card.

A travel SIM card is the best way for tourists to get connected to a local mobile network in a foreign country. You’ll find they often have a shorter validity than a regular prepaid plan, and will offer inclusions that benefit tourists such as international call minutes and data usage.

Where can I buy tourist SIM cards in Singapore?

When your plane lands in Singapore, you’ll be able to find a range of travel SIM card options in Changi airport, enabling you to get connected almost as soon as you arrive! If you’re after the $12 or $30 Tourist SIM, head over to the Changi Meet & Greet at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, 3 & 4 Arrival Halls, Changi Recommends at Changi Airport Terminal 4 Arrival Hall, any M1 Shop or selected retailers islandwide, like the selected 7-Eleven and Cheers convenience stores around Singapore. The $50 Tourist SIM can be purchased only at Changi Airport.

How do I activate the Tourist SIM and eSIM?

Your Tourist prepaid SIM will be activated automatically upon successful registration, activating your card benefits instantly!

To activate the travel eSIM card, you’ll first need a stable Wi-Fi connection. Go to Settings and scan the QR code provided to you when you Add a Data Plan under Mobile Data.

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Birdie has arrived at 7-Eleven Store!

Birdie Travel SIM is now available at 7-Eleven Store! (Click here for designated branch stores information)

5-Day Unlimited 4G data for 12 hot destinations in Asia* (suggested retail price: HK$75): Day Passes are applicable to China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

After getting your Birdie Travel SIM at 7-Eleven Store, remember to use the “Birdie Travel” mobile app to add Day Passes for other destinations anytime, anywhere. Hassle-free way to get mobile data on the go!

Limited availability, while stocks last. 4G roaming is available only on select networks and devices which support 4G. When daily data usage hits 500MB, data speeds will be capped at 128Kbps, allowing you to continue using data roaming.

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Why is the Singtel Tourist eSIM your best option?

Pre-order your tourist esim now.

Skip the airport queues and be all set upon arrival when you pre-order your eSIM. Register and activate it seamlessly via hi!App.

How to order → How to register → How to install eSIM on your phone

Singtel prepaid tourist esim up to 120gb 5g data - powered by singtel 5g, earn 1 krisflyer mile for every s$1 spent on any tourist esim., explore a wide suite of tourist sims or esims for all your travelling needs, with up to 120gb of 5g data., get your tourist sim with up to 120gb of 5g data from any of these outlets., hitourist sim card, ez-link card.

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CMHK 30GB(365-Day) Local Prepaid SIM

Limited Offer: $128 (Standard Price: $198) Valid till 30 Jun, 2023

Upgraded to 365 Days 30GB 4G Local Data Service 1,200 minutes of HK Local Airtime 300 minutes call to Mainland China

Refill the SIM card in order re-subscribe the package and continue using data service

*Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.

​csl. China-HK-Macau 365-Day Prepaid SIM

Standard Price: $148

- 4GB Data Service shared usage in Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macau for a year - Free unlimited Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macau data for first 8 days upon activated^

^Capped at 128kbps for unlimited usage after the first 2GB. *Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.

csl. Gamer 4G Local SIM

Special Offer: $198 (Standard Price: $298)

-Upgraded to 4 2 GB local data usage^ - Free 500 local voice mins / 30 Days

-Free $50 ​spend money for apps+

^ Available for 180 Days

+ Please visit  www.hkcsl.com/en/game-easy-pack/ for detail

csl. All-in-1 Local Prepaid SIM $100

Standard Price: $100

-Able to Subscribe $68/10GB/365 -Day or $78/18GB/30-Day pass^ -^FREE   Viu Premium Service -10,000 local voice minutes (valid for 30 days)

*Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier and are subject to change without notice.

csl. All-in-1 Local Prepaid SIM $180

Standard Price: $180

-Able to Subscribe $168/28GB/365 -Day pass -10,000 local voice minutes (valid for 30 days)

csl. 30-Day Local Prepaid SIM

Standard Price: $48

-Able to Subscribe $48/6GB/30-Day pass^ -^FREE   Viu Premium Service -10,000 local voice (valid for 30 days)

​CMHK 4G MySIM

Standard Price: $33

- Unlimited Local Data for 30 days (First 50GB up to 42Mbps, thereafter up to 128kbps) - 5,000 Local Voice Minutes for 30 days

Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.​

​CMHK 5G MySIM

-5GB / 90 Day 5G local data^ ^Subscribe 2GB data by $48 value amount through MyLink App plus 3GB new activation offer, total 5GB Local Data.

Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.​  

CMHK 4G Super Talk Prepaid SIM

4G/3G Local Data Service - $1.5/MB (Daily capped at $28)

Local Airtime Charge as low as $0.05/min

IDD call from HK to Mainland China $0.25/min+

+ Local airtime will be charged in addition to IDD charge (per minute basis)

​csl. 4G Travel SIM

Standard Price: $98

-3GB selected APAC regions* Roaming Data -2GB Local Data -Free 500 Local Voice Mins / 30 days​

* Selected APAC regions: China, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Cambodia, New Zealand & Australia.  

CMHK 4G Mainland China 365-day Prepaid SIM Card​

Standard Price: $238

-365 Days 8GB Data Service shared usage in Mainland China and Hong Kong -Tethering is supported.. Service is valid from the next day upon activation to the 365th day 23:59 (Hong Kong time). Service will be terminated when data usage reaches 8GB. *Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier and are subject to change without notice.

SmarTone Data Prepaid SIM (China/HK/Macau)

-China-HK-Macau Shared Data from $38/Day -Monthly Local Voice Pack (HK$10 / 200 minutes)

*Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.​

More Mobile 30GB 30-Day 5G Prepaid SIM

- 5G network - 30 Days 30GB 5G Local Data Service - 200 minutes of HK Local Airtime - IDD call to Mainland China at $0.2/ minute

SmarTone Local Prepaid SIM Card $65

Standard Price: $65

- Unlimited Local Data for 30 days (First 5GB up to 42Mbps, thereafter up to 2Mbps) - 2,000 Local Voice Minutes for 30 days - Senior Citizen Exclusive - Buy 1 Get 1-month Free^

^Applicants must be aged 60 or above and available only after Real Name Registration is completed. 

Best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists 2024

Make sure your phone speaks the right language.

At a glance

Best overall, best for short stays, best budget, best non-mvno, best prepaid data plan, best data-only plan, how to choose.

At a glance 1. Best overall 2. Best for short stays 3. Best budget 4. Best non-MVNO 5. Best prepaid data plan 6. Best data-only plan How to choose

Whether you're going on a quick vacation or moving for good, it's never a bad idea to invest in one of the best prepaid SIM cards so you can stay in touch with loved ones back home. Unfortunately, finding the right SIM card provider for your needs can feel a bit overwhelming. Fear not, good people: we've simplified the process by gathering all of the best prepaid SIM cards for travelers into one simple guide. 

As long as your Android phone is unlocked for international use and compatible with local networks, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, ordering a SIM card online or through a nearby retailer should be simple. 

Keep reading for all of the best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travelers and tourists alike. If you want to go even deeper, you can also check out our guide to the best MVNO carriers or save some cash with the best MVNO deals of the month. 

Patrick is an experienced deal hunter with a particular interest in helping people save money on their phone bills. Whether you're switching to an affordable MVNO or upgrading to one of the Big Three, utilizing Patrick's years of experience in the eCommerce space can help you cut through the noise and find the carrier that works for you. 

From $15 at Mint Mobile

Soon to be owned by T-Mobile, a Mint Mobile SIM is a perfect choice if you're staying in the U.S. for three months or longer, with unlimited talk/text, a mobile hotspot, and more. 

Read more below.

From $19 at Ultra Mobile

The Ultra Mobile 3GB plan gives you a month of unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide on T-Mobile, up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data, and free Wi-Fi calling.

Read more below.  

From $15 at Lycamobile

If the ability to call abroad is your main focus, all Lycamobile plans come with unlimited talk and text to over 85 countries and a variety of data options.

From $30 at AT&T

Best non-MVNO 

Choose AT&T Prepaid's 5GB plan for $30 per month and you'll get unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data with 5G access and the ability to text over 230 countries for free.

From $40 at T-Mobile

T-Mobile's prepaid plan is a little pricey, but you get 10GB of data, a free mobile hotspot, and access to the world's largest 5G network. 

From $35 at Cricket Wireless

If you only need data on your travels, Cricket's data-only plan offers a minimum of 20GB of high-speed data, as well as usage in Mexico and Canada. 

1. Mint Mobile

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Mint Mobile is one of the best MVNO carriers today and uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network, making it a great prepaid SIM card to get if you plan on staying in the U.S. for at least three months. As we found in our Mint Mobile review , Mint's 5G connection is strong, and its phone compatibility is one of the best in the country.

With Mint, you need to purchase at least three months of service upfront. After that, the best deals are offered when you sign up for six months or 12. For three months on the unlimited plan, you'll pay $90 and get unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. Calling to other international locations is available at a per-minute rate but if you use an app to call your friends such as WhatsApp or Line, you'll only need data.

Joining Mint Mobile is easy, and you can even sign up for a trial online to get a free Mint Mobile SIM card . It's especially easy if your phone is eligible for an eSIM since you can then activate the SIM straight from your phone and later continue your service if you like it. You can also get a Mint SIM card from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon.

2. Ultra Mobile 3GB

Ultra Mobile is an MVNO on T-Mobile's network, meaning that you'll get great T-Mobile coverage at a lower price. Our Ultra Mobile review showed strong coverage and speeds. Though Ultra Mobile offers its own set of prepaid plans, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is a perfect fit for anyone visiting the U.S. for a month or less.

This is a more traditional SIM and after 30 days, the plan will expire, making it great for users who just wanted simple talk and text to a wide range of destinations and don't need a lot of data on their travels. For $19 with the SIM kit included, you'll get unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide, plus free Wi-Fi calling and up to 4GB of 5G/LTE data, meaning you should have no issue reaching friends and family back home.

3. Lycamobile

Lycamobile is unique because it's a global MVNO, and in the U.S., it's an MVNO on T-Mobile's network. To check whether your phone is compatible, the easiest thing to do is type in your IMEI number on Lycamobile's website, but most GSM unlocked devices should work.

Lycamobile offers several plans to pick from and really caters to those who need unlimited nationwide talk and text and international calling and texting to 85+ countries. Each plan includes these features at no additional charge, making this the perfect plan if you're someone who wants to be able to call abroad whenever you want.

When it comes to data, you have multiple options starting at just 250MB and going up to 60GB. The cheapest 250MB plan costs $15, while the top unlimited data plan costs $59. The 2GB plan is only available to new customers so if you're already signed up, this plan will come with 1GB of data. Each plan includes slightly different bonus features, so you'll have to pick what makes the most sense for you.

Fortunately, Lycamobile SIM cards are pretty easy to get a hold of. They're sold online on Lycamobile's website and Amazon, but you'll also find Lycamobile SIM cards in several retailers, including 7-Eleven, pharmacies, local convenience stores, etc. When in doubt, you can also use the online store locator to find the nearest retailer near you.

4. AT&T Prepaid

Known for its great coverage, AT&T is also an excellent carrier to consider getting a SIM card from when visiting the U.S. and one of the best prepaid phone plans . It tends to have better coverage in rural areas than other carriers, so it's also a great option if you plan to be on the road a lot. For $30 (plus taxes and fees), AT&T Prepaid will get you 5GB of high-speed data, which is then throttled to 128Kbps. As always, you should check your device's compatibility with AT&T online before signing up.

On this plan, you're able to use your mobile hotspot, and you can text to more than 230 countries. You'll also be able to talk, text, and use data in Mexico and Canada (though data speeds may be slow). And if you think you'll need more than 5GB of data, you can always upgrade to a 15GB prepaid plan for $40, which is a great deal and definitely worth considering.

5. T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile not only offers some of the best cell phone plans you could get today, but it also has an excellent prepaid option that will suit most travelers and tourists needs when visiting the U.S. Because T-Mobile's network has improved vastly over the past few years and its 5G network has some of the most expansive coverage and fastest speeds in the nation, you'll likely get excellent service with T-Mobile when traveling to major cities during your stay.

There are four T-Mobile prepaid plans from which to choose, though the ideal plan for most visitors will be T-Mobile's 10GB prepaid plan for $40 per month. This plan includes unlimited domestic talk and text, up to 10GB of high-speed data, free mobile hotspot data, and a music unlimited feature so that any music you stream won't eat up your data. If you want to add international calling, you can do so for $15 extra, or if you're traveling to Mexico or Canada for a few days, you can add talk, text, and 5GB of data to use over there for an extra $5.

6. Cricket Wireless

If you don't think you'll need minutes during your stay in the U.S. and really just want data, you could consider a data-only plan from Cricket Wireless , which is an MVNO on AT&T's network. For $35, you'll get 20GB to use during the month, or for $55, you'll get 100GB.

Again, this plan doesn't come with any minutes, so you'll have to be sure you're fine using apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Skype to connect with family or friends. It does come with text and picture messages across the U.S., as well as usage in Mexico and Canada if you plan on visiting those countries as well. It's the perfect plan for anyone who will be spending lots of time on the road and wants to be able to stream, download, and do some high-speed browsing.

You can get a Cricket SIM card by going into a Cricket Wireless authorized retailer, which you can locate with Cricket's online store locator. Other popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart will also sell Universal SIM card activation kits for Cricket Wireless. The good news is that if you do end up wanting minutes, you can always switch to another one of Cricket's plans with the same SIM card.

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Which prepaid SIM card is best for you?

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

You really can't go wrong with a prepaid SIM card on T-Mobile or AT&T's network while visiting the U.S., and the right fit for you depends on the length of your stay and whether you need features like being able to call back home. If you're traveling for only three weeks or less, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is the best choice and offers just enough talk, text, and data to stay connected.

On the other hand, if you'll be in the U.S. for a few months, Mint Mobile will give you the best multiple-month value. And if you're somewhere in between, a prepaid plan from either T-Mobile or AT&T is easy, reliable, and guaranteed to give you great coverage.

Should you use your current carrier's add-ons?

Many carriers have partnerships with international carriers to offer greater service to their own customers. Luckily, this often goes both directions and means there may be a plan add-on that can give you plenty of data without needing to set up and activate a new SIM. While these travel add-ons can be quite pricey, the simplicity of this option will make it worth it to many people. It also gives you the chance to have a connection if you're waiting for a connecting flight in another country.

What about eSIM apps?

Another emerging option is eSIM apps. These apps can use your phone's built-in eSIM slot to quickly activate and pay for a phone plan without needing to remove your old SIM or worry about shipping a physical SIM in the first place. Airalo , for example, allows customers to buy as little as 1GB for a week. If you just need enough data to get around in a new city, this is a good option. It works with Google Pay, credit card, PayPay, and even Alipay.

If you have an iPhone, there's even an official T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app that accepts credit card payments from a number of countries. Regrettably, this app isn't available on Android though there are still other eSIM providers on the platform.

Just be sure to confirm compatibility before taking off. Still, there are other apps available on Android that offer solid deals on data without contacts or physical SIMs necessary.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

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Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for the USA in 2024

Avoid high roaming costs and stay connected when traveling to the USA! It sounds easier than it actually is as the prepaid sim card market in the USA is not as advanced as in Europe, Asia or in other parts of the world. But don’t worry, it isn’t that complicated either, rather just expensive.

Buying a prepaid sim card or ordering an e-sim card for the USA is the best way to get data on your phone when traveling to the USA. This is a complete guide with everything you need to know: where to buy a USA sim card, up to date prices as per June 2024, the best 4G/5G network in the USA, my recommendation, a vlog with my experiences buying a sim card in the USA, the best e-sim cards for the USA, info about international sim cards for the USA and more.

Don’t expect to have a lot of options! In world’s most famous country there are only 3 mobile internet providers that sell prepaid sim cards for tourists.

Very much recommended are  international sim cards that cover the USA , more about that later. But the cheapest and easiest way to stay connected when traveling to the United States is an e-sim card for the USA, more about e-sims later.

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

As a full time nomadic world traveler for more than 10 years  who is also trying to visit every country in the world  and visited more than 155 countries as of June 2024 I can tell you that buying a local prepaid sim card in the country you are visiting is often the cheapest way to get a lot of data on your phone. The network coverage will be the best, the data speed maximum and locals calls are included and often unlimited.

However, that said when traveling to the USA in 2024 definitely check out e-sim cards as for less than $15 USD you already get 10 GB data. The last 3 times I visited the USA I used an e-sim card.

Since I like to document all my travel tips you can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all around the world: Canada , Mexico , Italy , Germany , France , Spain , United Kingdom ,  Israel , Hong Kong , Malaysia ,  Turkey , Thailand , Vietnam , Panama , South Africa , Europe , Saudi Arabia ,  Dominican Republic , Brazil , Colombia , Bali , Singapore , Dubai  and many more.

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

Prepaid sim card prices in the USA are NOT competitive, for cheaper USA sim card deals check out international prepaid sim cards with data or e-sims card for the USA to stay connected when traveling in the USA in 2024.

Some links in this article about the best ways to stay connected when traveling to the USA are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link in this article I earn a small commission. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a T-Mobile sim card for the USA if buying a prepaid sim card on arrival in the USA. T-Mobile has a very extensive 5G network all over the USA and for $50 USD you get unlimited data for 30 days, it is cheaper than AT&T and Verizon.

However, my recommendation is to order a sim card for traveling in the USA on the internet, not on arrival in the USA. The best USA sim card deals for tourists in 2024 can be found online. Why? It is simply easier and cheaper!

Unfortunately buying a prepaid sim card at any international airport in the USA is pretty much a disaster. Some airports don't even have sim card shops like at JFK Airport in New York or you can only find extremely overpriced sim card in a vending machine. Or what about a $82 USD sim card with 15 GB data at LAX?

you may also like...

Check out my guides for buying a sim card at Los Angeles , Newark , Miami and New York JFK .

So what does Traveltomtom recommends? The best, cheapest and easiest way to get a sim card with data for traveling to the USA in 2024 is an e-sim card. You can already get a USA e-sim card with 10 GB data for less than $25 USD.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for the USA via either  SimOptions  or  Airalo .

There are also  international physical prepaid sim cards with global network coverage  for those that don't have an e-sim compatible phone. In the link you will find a review and comparison of the best international sim cards for traveling in 2024. You order one online before your trip to the US and get them delivered to your home address. Plug and Play!

Make sure your phone is unlocked, before buying a sim card for the USA. International, e-sim cards and local prepaid sim cards for the USA only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is locked/unlocked ask your provider in your home country before your trip to the USA.

Best e-sim cards for the USA

The most convenient and easiest way to stay connected when traveling to the USA in 2024 is an e-sim card. You can easily order them online within just a couple clicks.

You order an e-sim card for the USA on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a USA e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in the US it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for USA. For a much more detailed guide and an answer to all FAQ's about using e-sim cards check out my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-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
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $42 USD

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

The above Change e-sim cards are valid only in the USA and they operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Verizon and T-Mobile. Yes, the Airalo e-sim cards for the USA supports 5G.

These e-sims are provided by Airalo and are the only 5G ready e-sim cards for the USA available and therefore also Traveltomtom's pick and recommended e-sim card for traveling to USA.

SimOptions is another e-sim card provider that sells USA e-sim cards. Traveltomtom has been using SimOptions e-sims and physical sim cards for more than 5 years.

They offer international e-sim cards for the USA that are valid in multiple countries:

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

The Three HK international e-sim cards are valid in 6 countries: New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, United Kingdom and USA. These are the only USA e-sim cards that come with a phone number and technically they support incoming phone calls and sms.

SimOptions also has the following e-sim cards for the USA:

• 1 GB data for 30 days = $4.50 USD
• 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 15 days = $19.90 USD 

Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for the USA via SimOptions .

Nomad is another great e-sim card provider and they actually have the best USA e-sim card deal. 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD

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

The Nomad e-sim with 20 GB data for $28 USD is only $1.4 USD per Gigabyte. Which makes a Nomad e-sim card one of the cheapest e-sim cards for the USA.

However, lately Traveltomtom has had some concerning issues with Nomad and experienced some unfortunate errors and had I had to wait for about 24 hours to finally get connected. Very frustrating! Nomad definitely has things to improve when it comes to reliability and costumer service and is therefore not Traveltomtom's first pick.

Not Traveltomtom's favorite e-sims but Nomad also has daily e-sim plans with a set amount of GB per 24 hours. Traveltomtom does in general NOT recommend e-sim cards with unlimited data and an FUP.

There are more USA e-sim card providers like Holafly, Jetpac and many others. For more tips and tricks and info about USA e-sim cards click on the link to read my complete guide for buying an e-sim card for the USA in 2024 , including a comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to the USA.

Why buying a sim card in the USA

WiFi is everywhere these days, but when traveling in the USA, I am sure you want to be connected on the road as well and not only in your hotel room. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby recommended restaurants, using Google Maps for directions and simply staying in touch or for checking social media apps and emails, being connected to your bank apps, etc.

Being connected the internet makes traveling so much easier and also safer! Don't get stuck somewhere because you don't have a data connection on your phone.

Buying a sim card for the USA is easy, it takes just a couple minutes and you are connected straight away, it is like plug and play. If you buy a sim card in a store in the USA you put it in your phone and it instantly works. However, you have to make sure your phone is unlocked if you want to use a prepaid sim card or an e-sim card abroad.

Also don't rely on public WiFi. There is never a guarantee and internet speed varies often. Also keep in mind that surfing the web on public WiFi is through an UNSECURED connection. The use of a VPN is recommended in these cases.

Where to buy a USA sim card

International airport on arrival.

Unlike any other country around the world it is NOT easy to find sim card shops or resellers at international arrivals in most of the airports in the USA. I still can't get my head around this! Like for real America? At Houston Airport the guy from the information desk was like, uh what... a prepaid sim card?

That said, I am determined to continue writing sim card guides for USA airports and already started with the Big Apple. Flying to New York? Check out my guides for buying a sim card at New York JFK Airport or buying a sim card at Newark Airport in New Jersey . The newest addition is my guide for buying a sim card at Miami Airport  and my Los Angeles Airport sim card guide .

I have written uncountable sim card guides for international airports: Paris , London , Rome , Amsterdam , Barcelona , Madrid , Dublin , Johannesburg , Dubai , Riyadh , Tel Aviv , Istanbul , Cairo , Panama City ,  Bangkok , Bali , etc. At every international airport worldwide you will find sim card shops next to car rental companies and money exchangers, unfortunately not in the USA!

In the last years I landed in Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas/Forth Worth, New York JFK, Newark, Miami and there are literally no sim card shops or phone stores. Even more reasons for you to order a sim card for traveling to the USA on the internet.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering e-sim cards via  Airalo  or  SimOptions  directly on the internet. They sell e-sims as well as physical prepaid sim cards for the USA.

Official retail stores

The best place to buy a prepaid sim card for the USA is at an official retail store. The staff will give you the best advice on your needs and everything will be set up quickly and within just a couple minutes. You will walk out of the store with a working data connection on your phone. But I will later show you the prepaid sim card prices and you will see that e-sim cards are much cheaper.

Best way to find the nearest phone shop is to go to Google Maps and type in for example: t-mobile. Google Maps suggest: 'T-Mobile (see locations)'. Click on it and find the nearest store. The bigger shopping malls in big cities mostly all have mobile phone provider stores.

Convenience stores

Yes, it is possible to buy USA tourist sim cards at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CVS and of course at Walmart. They are mostly located behind the counter and gathering information about the data packages is a little challenging. Don’t expect the staff to know exactly what these tourist sim cards are about. It is not Traveltomtoms first recommendation to buy a sim card in the USA at a convenience or grocery store.

If you want to get connected and are in a hurry this is an option. You have to active these sim cards yourself by uploading your passport to the mentioned website on the sim card package.

Train stations

In the bigger cities like New York, Chicago, San Fransisco you can sometimes find sim card kiosks at the bigger train stations, like the above photo from Penn Station in New York. These sim card shops are resellers of MVNO sim cards. MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator, a well known example is Lycamobile.

A Lycamobile sim card operates on the T-Mobile network in the USA and they sell the above data plans and packages including unlimited calls/text. These tourist sim cards are not cheap either and 7 GB data will already cost you $29 USD + tax.

Keep in mind that there are already e-sim cards for the USA with 20 GB data for just $15 USD.

As mentioned before an e-sim card is the cheapest but also the easiest way to get data on your phone when traveling to the USA and Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for the USA via SimOptions, Jetpac, Holafly, Nomad, Airalo or one of the other reliable e-sim providers.

The downside of the sim cards for the USA you order online is that they are data-only. Sim cards you buy in a store in the USA including data, text and talk.

For more info check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best e-sims for the USA .

If your phone is not e-sim compatible you can also order physical prepaid sim cards on the internet via SimOptions. Check out my article about the best international sim cards for travelers in 2024 , it has some really good alternatives and you can order directly online.

Mobile internet operators in the USA

In a country with more than 300 million people it is almost unimaginable that there are only 3 main mobile internet operators:

On top of that there are many MVNO's in the USA, so called Mobile Virtual Network Operators. What they basically do is use the network of one of the above main internet providers to offer their mobile services. Well known MVNO's in the USA are Sprint, Mint Mobile, Lycamobile and Boost. You can buy their sim cards in shops like Walmart, etc.

Verizon did not use to sell prepaid sim cards for tourists for many years, but the tables have turned and also Verizon now offers prepaid plans for tourists that can be bought in their Verizon stores.

Registration process

The registration process for prepaid sim cards in the USA is very standard. When buying a sim card you will need to bring your passport. In the store a copy of your passport or a photo will be taken and will be attached to your registration. Your new US sim card and number will be registered on your name and passport number.

To avoid this you can order a physical prepaid USA sim card online and get one delivered to your home address before your trip or order an e-sim card for the USA . For these sim cards there is no form of ID verification needed, only your email address.

Prices prepaid sim cards USA in 2024

Prices below are in United States Dollar and info and prices are updated as per June 2024. E-sim cards are available for an extra fee, but only in the official stores of T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. You can not buy an e-sim card on the international airports in the USA on arrival.

T-Mobile USA

Officially T-Mobile USA charges a $10 USD activation fee for a prepaid sim card for tourists in stores around the USA, but in most cases this activation fee is waived if you buy one of the above prepaid sim card plans. Ask for it in store!

T-Mobile offers 3 different prepaid sim card packages, see the above photo. All of the prepaid sim card deals come with UNLIMITED CALLING & TEXTING in the USA, the use of max data speed at 5G network and are valid for 1 month.

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

The data is only for use in the USA, you pay $5 USD extra for max 5 GB data to use in Canada and/or Mexico . But when you travel to Mexico or Canada Traveltomtom recommends  buying a sim card for Mexico  and/or buying a sim card for Canada .

Also if you want an e-sim instead of a physical prepaid sim card that is no problem, just ask for it in the T-Mobile store.

T-Mobile offers e-sim cards for tourists in their T-Mobile stores for an extra fee of $4.99 USD. So if you want to have a T-Mobile e-sim card with unlimited data for the USA that will cost you a minimum of $55 USD and if you are unlucky they will also charge you the activation fee of $10 USD.

These are the latest T-Mobile prepaid sim card deals as per June 2024, for more info check the T-Mobile USA website .

AT&T USA

The activation fee for an AT&T USA prepaid sim is officially $15 USD, but also waived when in most cases when buying one of the above prepaid sim card plans. AT&T offers 2 prepaid USA sim card plans for tourists, don't get fooled by the sim card deals above. The first column is only if you pay for 12 months in advance, so not an option for tourists.

AT&T also has e-sim cards for tourists available but they charge an extra fee of $4.99 USD.

Both prepaid sim card deals include unlimited calls/sms in the USA, max data speed on 5G and are valid for 1 month:

• Unlimited data at max 3 Mbps* (not 5G ready) = $50 USD
• Unlimited calls/sms and data = $65 USD

*First 30 GB per month on 3 Mbps then reduced data speed to 1.5 Mbps.

WOW! This is very basic data speed. Have you ever checked you home internet data speed? That is probably somewhere 50 - 100 Mbps or nowadays even up to 500 Mbps.

So AT&T offering a prepaid sim card with max 3 Mbps data speed is a JOKE!

Also be aware that the big advertising prices above are with AUTOPAY, basically auto renewal. Tourists do NOT want that so they pay more.

The $50 USD deal is only $50 USD if you renew automatically every month, so for tourists not applicable and without autopay is $65 USD.

Also it says unlimited calling, text and data in Mexico and Canada, but not on 5G speed. So there is another catch! 

These are the latest AT&T prepaid sim card deals as per June 2024, check the  AT&T USA website  for more info. But as you can sense Traveltomtom is NOT a fan of AT&T prepaid sim cards. There are so many restrictions on these prepaid sim card deals.

When traveling to Canada and Mexico you might want to check Traveltomtom's article about  buying an international sim card for North America .

Verizon charges a staggering $35 USD activation fee for its prepaid sim cards, so therefore already Traveltomtom does not recommend buying a prepaid sim card in a Verizon store in the USA. However, on the Unlimited plans they wave away the activation fee.

All the prepaid plans from Verizon are valid for 1 month and are 5G ready. They also include unlimited calling and teting:

• 15 GB data = $45 USD
• Unlimited data + 5 GB data for hotspot = $60 USD
• Unlimited data + 25 GB data for hotspot = $70 USD

For more info check the Verizon website . Verizon offers physical prepaid sim cards as well as e-sim cards for tourists.

When we look at the comparison of the USA prepaid sim cards the conclusion is simple:  AT&T and Verizon are more expensive than T-Mobile. So b ased on the price I am definitely recommending a T-Mobile USA sim card over an AT&T or Verizon sim card.

Best 4G/5G network in the USA in 2024

Whether you are traveling to the USA as a tourist or for business the chances of not having a phone signal are very small. The network in the USA is countrywide pretty good and yes there is of course 5G in the United States. Prepaid sim cards that you buy in the USA support 5G, international sim cards and e-sim cards for the USA do not always support 5G.

An exception are the Airalo e-sim cards for the USA , these e-sims are 5G ready as well as the Nomad USA e-sims nowadays.

Let's compare the 4G/5G network of T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T and find the best mobile data network in the USA in 2024.

AT&T 4G/5G network coverage map

T-Mobile 4G/5G network coverage map

Verizon 4G/5G network coverage map

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in the USA in 2024.

All the main mobile internet providers in the USA have an excellent 4G/5G mobile data network across the country and cover pretty much every tourist destination in the USA.

From the above USA mobile network coverage maps  we can clearly see 2 things:

• AT&T and Verizon have better coverage in remote areas
• T-Mobile has the best 5G network

Click here for the official network coverage of T-Mobile and AT&T , according to their websites if you want more info.

After comparing the mobile data network coverage maps of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that all in all Verizon has the best mobile data network in the USA in 2024.

What is the best prepaid sim card for the USA in 2024

When comparing all the prepaid sim cards for the USA we can come to the very simple conclusion that T-Mobile is the best prepaid sim card in the USA in 2024. They offer the best prepaid sim card deals for tourists and also have the best 5G network in the country.

If we leave the activation fee out of the comparison and you want a 5G ready prepaid sim card with unlimited data for 1 month you pay the following in stores in the USA:

• Verizon: $70 USD
• AT&T: $65 USD
• T-Mobile: $50 USD

I also showed you the prices for e-sims and for $26 USD you get an  Airalo e-sim cards for the USA  with 10 GB data.

Therefore, Traveltomtom's conclusion that ordering a sim card on the internet is cheaper than buying a prepaid sim card in the USA on arrival.

E-sim cards are the cheapest way to get a lot of data on your phone and you can arrange everything online within just a couple minutes. Keep in mind that e-sim cards are data only sim cards and calls are NOT supported.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for the USA via either  SimOptions  or  Airalo . But check out Traveltomtom's guide with a  comparison of the best e-sim cards for the USA in 2024  for more info about USA e-sim cards and also USA e-sims from Jetpac, Holafly, Nomad and others e-sim providers.

If you want a sim card that also includes calling time and sms then you have to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in the USA.

In that case Traveltomtom recommends a 5G ready sim card with unlimited data from T-Mobile. You might have to pay $10 activation fee but for $50 USD + taxes, you are sorted for the rest of your trip! If you want an e-sim card instead of a physical prepaid sim card then add another $5 USD. You can only buy this sim card in a T-Mobile store in the USA. This sim card is valid for 1 month.

When I took a road trip from Las Vegas to New York and I bought a T-Mobile sim card in Las Vegas and traveled around the US for about 3 weeks. I never had a problem connecting and the T-Mobile 5G network experience was amazingly FAST! Even in some of the National Parks that I visited there was either a 5G or 4G/LTE signal: Zion in Utah, Grand Canyon in Arizona, Shenandoah in Virginia, everywhere I had an excellent signal throughout my journey with a T-Mobile sim card.

However, on my recent trip to the USA I ordered an e-sim card for the USA on the internet. It was a short trip and I only needed 5 GB data anyway. E-sims are simply so easy and convenient to order and use.

At Times Square New York you will find a T-Mobile store, a AT&T store and a Verizon store within 300 meter from each other. You can walk in, buy a prepaid sim card and you are connected within 5 minutes, but yeah it will cost some time and energy to get connected if you decide to buy a prepaid sim card in the USA rather than order a sim card for the USA on the internet.

If that sounds like too much hassle then order an e-sim card for the USA. Another reminder that e-sim cards for the USA are actually CHEAPER! Through Airalo you can find e-sim cards with 3 GB data for just $11 USD. SimOptions offers a USA e-sim card plan with 10 GB for $24.90 USD and then there is also Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac and other e-sim providers.

Or if you want a physical sim card then check out my article about the best prepaid global sim cards in 2024  including free roaming in the USA.

Buy a physical prepaid sim card for the USA online

You can only buy the above mentioned USA prepaid sim cards from T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T on arrival in the USA. But if you rather arrive prepared you can order a sim card on the internet. If your phone is not e-sim compatible then look into the following.

Arrive prepared in USA with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in the US, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.

SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for the United States:

1. Three Data Pack - $24.90

• Valid 30 days
• Valid in 55 countries
• Incoming/outgoing calls not supported

2.  Orange Holiday World - $49.90

• Valid 14 days
• Valid in 197 countries

Click here for more info or to  order an international physical prepaid sim card for the USA via SimOptions .

Comparing the above international prepaid sim cards for the USA then personally I would recommend the sim card with 10 GB data for $24.90 USD. But you have seen that e-sim cards were cheaper.

However, buying a sim card for the USA on the internet is even cheaper than buying a sim card on arrival in the USA. Plus you save the hassle of going to a mobile phone shop when arriving in the USA. Especially since buying sim cards at airport in the USA is a nightmare.

By now you know that Traveltomtom recommends e-sim cards for traveling to the United States for those who have e-sim card compatible phones. You can buy them through  Airalo ,  SimOptions , Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac and many more e-sim providers go to my guide for finding the best e-sim cards for traveling to the USA in 2024  and check out my comparison.

On my recent trip to the USA I also recorded a vlog about buying a prepaid sim card in the USA, check it out below.

Here are some more North America sim cards for traveling to the USA. Sim cards for Canada and sim cards for Mexico also work in the USA.

As said before I DO NOT RECOMMEND global sim cards, but check out my article to find the best international sim cards for traveling the world . Even some of the best Europe sim cards have free roaming in the USA included. Check them out in the link above.

Order your USA sim card online before your trip, get it delivered to your home address… Switch the sim card in the plane and enjoy a data connection as soon as you land!

If you have any more questions please leave me a comment below, Im happy to help.Looking for some serious wanderlust inspiration than head to my Instagram @traveltomtom and follow along my journey to visit every country in the world . As per June 2024 I have been to more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Travel & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to the USA!

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Testing Airalo and Yesim travel eSIMs in London

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Michail 30 March 2024

Airalo Yesim Other

Traveling is synonymous with planning, and for us here at GSMArena, that also includes figuring out how to deal with roaming fees when we step abroad, as we need an uninterrupted internet connection at all times.

With embedded-SIM (eSIM) support now widely available on phones, tablets, and smartwatches, picking up a travel data plan is a quick and easy process, and we got the chance to test out travel eSIM plans from Airalo and Yesim during a week-long trip to London.

The convenience of downloading a travel eSIM plan and then having instant mobile data as soon as you get off the plane is a great way to kick off any trip. Not having to deal with unreliable hotel and public Wi-Fi networks is another bonus.

Activating an eSIM is a straightforward process but there are some pitfalls that you may encounter. We’ll try to cover the whole process from selecting and buying a travel eSIM to actually using one in this article.

Setup process

The very first step you need to take is to make sure that your device supports eSIM. You can use our database to see if your device has eSIM. These are all of the smartphones with eSIM support from our database. We also have a list for tablets here .

Airalo supports 200+ countries and regions, while Yesim covers 160+ countries. Both services offer local eSIMs for visiting specific countries, regional eSIMs for visiting multiple countries in the same region or continent, and global eSIM profiles, which are the most expensive but cover all of the supported countries in case you are traveling between continents in a short span. There are no contractual obligations here as both services are pay-as-you-go.

Validity for the travel eSIMs varies by country and plan, ranging from 7 to 365 days. The lowest amount of data you can buy on Airalo is 1GB while the limit for most countries is 20GB. Yesim plans start at 3GB and top out at 20GB. The more expensive plans have longer validity, so keep that in mind.

One area where Yesim holds an advantage is the unlimited data packages, which are on the more expensive side but will serve you without any data cap, which is great if you plan to download large files and hotspot data to other devices.

Most of the Airalo and Yesim plans don’t include texts or calls, though both services offer virtual international numbers, which allow you to receive incoming texts for account activations. You can get a valid virtual number from Yesim for the US, Netherlands, Canada, or Israel for the equivalent of $2.75 per month or $33/year.

Airalo’s Discover+ Global eSIM plan (supported in 125 countries) includes a valid Austrian phone number that can be used to send and receive texts and calls. Calls and texts on that plan are fixed, with the cheapest plan offering 10 mins of calls and 10 SMS messages.

The setup process for Airalo and Yesim is quite similar - you select and purchase your eSIM plan from their websites or via their respective apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Once you’ve successfully purchased your plan, it will appear inside the app. You can then go through the guided setup process to activate your eSIM. This involves scanning the QR code which was sent to your account. Once scanned, you’ll automatically transfer to the setup page within the settings menu. You can also enter the activation codes manually if you prefer.

It’s advisable to activate your travel eSIM before your trip, which will spare you the hassle of dealing with the setup process when you land at your destination. Having a stable internet connection during the setup process is important, and you should obviously not switch off your phone during this time. The setup process will then ask you to assign a default SIM for calls and data where you can enable the new travel eSIM for the latter.

Another crucial step here is to activate the data roaming option for the new eSIM profile. Failing to do so will prevent the travel eSIM from automatically connecting to networks at your destination.

If you encounter any issues during the setup and installation process, both services have support chats to help you out with any potential issues.

We tested both Airalo and Yesim in London on the O2 network with 5G connectivity. We followed the onscreen activation instructions and installed both eSIMs on two iPhone 15 Pros prior to our arrival. Once we touched down in London, our phones automatically connected to the O2 network, and we had mobile data.

We purchased 5GB data plans on both services, with the Yesim plan holding 15-day validity while the Airalo plan was valid for 30 days. Each plan cost us the equivalent of $12 after applying a promo code.

In our experience, both services worked well for basic social media, navigation and music streaming. Less demanding tasks like using Google Maps navigation, search queries, and instant messaging worked without any issues.

Some data-heavy video apps like Instagram and TikTok would take a few seconds to refresh at times, but that has more to do with the actual network coverage from the local carrier, which in our case was O2. When network connectivity was on point, everything worked just fine.

We also tested both Airalo and Yesim plans as hotspots, which proved reliable, especially if your hotel Wi-Fi is slow.

We carried out our initial network speed test at Stansted Airport, located 68 km outside of Central London. Coverage here wasn’t the best, as we got 12.6 Mbps download and 1.01 Mbps upload speeds on Yesim. Our Airalo eSIM managed 9.27 Mbps download and 0.15 Mbps upload speed at the same location. Both services were rated as suitable for 1080p video max resolution by Ookla Speedtest.

Once we got to Central London, our network speeds were noticeably better as we achieved peaks of 87.9 Mbps download and 21.4 Mbps upload on both eSIMs. That’s more than good enough for 4K video streaming, online gaming, and anything else you could want from a mobile internet connection.

Travel eSIMs are reliable, easy to set up services that help you evade overpaying for roaming fees when traveling abroad. Airalo and Yesim are two of the leading providers in this field and served us well during a week-long trip to London.

Whether it was navigating the city sights with Google Maps, ordering food, or doomscrolling on social media, both services got us uninterrupted connectivity as soon as we landed on UK soil. They also come with well-optimized apps with easy-to-follow setup instructions.

Network speeds and coverage will depend on the local carriers that have deals with Airalo and Yesim. Having the ability to buy an eSIM plan for almost any country with a few clicks and knowing that you’ll have mobile data on arrival is great peace of mind.

One of the downsides to traveling eSIMs is their pricing, which is usually higher than that of local data plans from established carriers. You cannot switch eSIM profiles between devices like you can with a physical SIM card, and most of the plans are mobile data only, so you don't get calls or text messages.

With that being said, we can recommend both Airalo and Yesim for your next trip abroad. Both apps offer great service and an easy-to-follow installation process, and they are valuable tools for frequent travelers.

If you want to try out Airalo or Yesim , you can use our code GSMARENA for a 10% discount on your first purchase.

We may get a commission from qualifying sales.

Reader comments

• 06 Apr 2024

Me using a 7 year old phone in 2024, and it still serves me well

Airalo register was almost impossible and tricky for me. I got rejected wih stupid security procedures while doing setup. They ask too much info, and if you fail youre stuck. Instead i decided to go with InstaBridge. Its easier to install and setup. ...

• 01 Apr 2024

It doesn't really matter since network performance would be a function of the host network and not the eSIM provider or MVNO. Kind of pointless to test here.

• Read all comments

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