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The Best Prepaid SIM Cards in the USA in 2024
Jarrod Suda
Guide
These days, it’s almost impossible to imagine visiting a foreign country without mobile connection. You may need to call a rideshare, find your hotel on maps, connect to the internet when away from Wi-Fi, or translate signs in a foreign language.
However, using international roaming with your home carrier to get data could cost hundreds of dollars. This is why prepaid eSIM cards are the fastest growing option for international tourists who own an eSIM-compatible device.
In this guide, you’ll find the 5 best prepaid SIM and eSIM options available for tourists in the United States in 2024, including their pricing and data plans. Let’s get going!
Airalo is our top choice to avoid expensive international roaming fees. Airalo offers eSIMs tailored to you, from 5 days up to months at a time, covering hundreds of countries, with both multi-country and various GB plans available.
The Best Prepaid SIM Cards in the USA For Travel in 2024
Where to Buy Physical Prepaid SIM Cards For the United States
The market for physical prepaid SIM cards in the US isn't as developed for tourists as in other countries. It's not like other places where SIM card stalls eagerly await your arrival at the airport or are readily available at every phone store.
Anete Lūsiņa
1. American Airports
In the US, purchasing prepaid SIM cards at airports is generally not recommended. While this can be a viable option in many countries, SIM cards at American airports are often overpriced, and some airports don't even have stalls at all, such as JFK International Airport.
2. Network Provider Retail Stores in the USA
Heading to a T-Mobile branch is likely your best bet to find a reasonable physical prepaid SIM card. Verizon and AT&T also offer SIM cards at some of their stores. There, you'll find reliable SIM cards, but at standard to expensive prices.
3. Online
You could also consider having a physical prepaid SIM card shipped to your house before you travel by shopping on online sites (like Amazon). You’ll often find small SIM card providers that partner with the large American networks (like T-Mobile or AT&T) to connect your phone to mobile data. You could even consider buying a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device.
Shopping online requires a little travel pre-planning but allows you to search around for better prices and data plans that meet your needs.
The easiest online option, and the one that we highly recommend, is to purchase an eSIM. These digital SIMs can be instantly activated straight from your smartphone from apps like Airalo and Holafly, which then give you seamless access to data in your travel destination.
Registration Process For Prepaid SIM Cards in the United States
In the United States, no registration is necessary, and you don't need to show your passport to the issuer.
It's worth noting that an increasing number of countries are requiring registration from mobile phone users for security reasons, where purchasing a prepaid SIM card requires consumers to provide proof of identity.
For the countries that have these Know-Your-Customer (KYC) laws, registration will also apply to eSIMs. However, eSIMs do have the benefit of digital registration as opposed to the hassle of an in-person process. If your eSIM is data only (no local phone number), then you may be able to get connected without registering your info.
Cheap Physical Prepaid SIM Card Options For USA Travel
Here are some of the most popular options for plastic SIM cards for tourists in USA:
1. T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers 3 different SIM card packages, all including unlimited calling & texting in the US. You’ll get max data speed on its 5G network valid for 1 month.
For $40, you can get a plan that includes 10 GB of data; for those in need of more, $50 provides unlimited data with a 3G hotspot. For the best connectivity experience, $60 grants unlimited data along with a 10 GB 4G hotspot, ensuring high-speed internet access for a friend.
2. AT&T
Both prepaid SIM card deals from AT&T include unlimited calls/SMS in the US, max data speed on 5G, and are valid for 1 month. You get a better rate if Autopay is on but remember to turn it off when you leave.
AT&T offers travel SIMs tailored for visitors to the USA, with two straightforward options: $30 for 5 GB of data or a larger package of 15 GB data available for $40 .
Best Digital Prepaid e-SIMs For Tourists in the United States
Want to ditch physical plastic SIM cards? You can conveniently download and active the following international eSIMs from your smartphone instead.
3. Airalo
Airalo is an excellent eSIM provider for international travel. For the USA, they offer eSIMs from 1GB for 7 days at $4.50 up to 20GB for 30 days at $42, and other plans in between. It was super easy for us to set up in the app and purchase instantly.
More info: Read our Airalo review or visit their website.
4. Holafly
Holafly offers unlimited data volume packages for international travel. Holafly's data packages for the USA cost between $21 and $139 once off and are valid from 5 to 90 days, offering peace of mind that you'll never run out of data.
Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including the USA, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.
More info: Read our Holafly review or visit their website.
5. Yesim
Yesim, a Swiss-based eSIM service, offers flexible plans for 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB. The pricing of these eSIMs for the United States range from $12.10 to $28.60.
The 3GB plan is good for 7 days while the 5GB one is good for 15 days. The 15GB and 30GB plans both last for 30 days.
To make sure your phone can support eSIM cards, read our list of eSIM-compatible phones.
Largest Mobile Network Operators in the United States
eSIMs are great because they connect to the best network available wherever you are. Your phone might connect to T-Mobile or AT&T, depending on your location, at no extra cost. In contrast, if you buy a SIM card directly from one American telecom provider, then your phone will only access that provider's network.
In the United States, expect to see these names as you connect to data on your travels:
- Verizon: Known for its wide-reaching and reliable service across the entire country.
- AT&T: AT&T (and Verizon) offer better coverage in remote areas compared to T-Mobile.
- T-Mobile: Stands out for having the best 5G network.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prepaid SIM Cards For Travel in the USA
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