6 Best SIM Cards for USA Travel in 2024

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If you want to have data during your trip to the United States, I recommend getting an American SIM card. This way, you can keep in touch with loved ones, check email, and access convenient apps without paying hefty roaming fees.

Of course, there are several options available, from traditional SIM cards to USA eSIMs for tourists, and they’re all better than shelling out tons of money for international roaming. I’ll break down the advantages and disadvantages of each option, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.

Before we jump in, I’ll tell you upfront that we use the eSIM cards from Holafly. These international SIM cards have unlimited data and are completely digital, so we can quickly and easily activate them before or during our trips. I’ll share more about this company below, but you can get a full rundown in our complete Holafly review.

I also want to take a moment to remind you that getting travel insurance for the USA is a smart move, as healthcare in this country is outrageously expensive. We’ve been using Heymondo insurance for several years now, and they’ve always taken great care of us, even paying our medical expenses upfront. If you haven’t gotten insurance yet and this company sounds good to you, use our Heymondo discount code to save on your policy.

Now, let’s dive into the best prepaid SIM cards for the U.S.

Do you need a SIM card for traveling to the USA?

You want reliable coverage in a large country like the United States, so getting an American SIM card is a good idea. This way, you can use Google Maps, make hotel reservations, book tours, and stay in touch with friends and family back home.

Of course, the main reason I recommend getting a SIM card for the USA is that it’ll save you lots of money on international roaming charges.

USA SIM card vs roaming in the USA

Roaming charges can add up, even after just a few minutes. Buying a SIM card for the USA is much cheaper than paying for roaming, so I highly recommend it.

That said, you must pay attention to the card you get since some include calls and SMS, while others are data-only. If you plan to message or video-call friends via apps like WhatsApp, consider getting a prepaid USA SIM with unlimited data, like the one from Holafly. This way, you can make as many video calls as you want without racking up roaming fees.

USA SIM card vs roaming in the USA

Even if you plan to use your phone sparingly, it’s easy to use up data, especially since some applications consume data in the background. You can avoid this by keeping your device turned off or switching to airplane mode.

At the end of the day, the easiest way to get data in the States and avoid exorbitant prices is by getting an Internet SIM card for the USA. It’ll end up saving you money and headaches in the long run.

How do USA SIM cards for tourists work?

While there are different American SIM cards on the market, they all work very similarly. Both the physical and digital cards allow you to use the Internet without racking up additional costs. This is all thanks to an agreement between U.S. telecommunications providers and international phone companies.

Be aware that some SIM cards for USA visitors don’t include calls or texts. However, you can get around this problem by using apps like Skype and WhatsApp to call your friends and family.

How do USA SIM cards for tourists work?

Now, if you’re getting a traditional travel SIM for America, you can use it just as you would normally use your at-home SIM card. That is, you simply insert it into your device. This is a breeze if your phone has a dual slot; if not, remove your regular SIM and keep it somewhere safe for the time being.

In the case of an eSIM, you’ll receive a QR code in your email when you purchase the digital card. You can scan this code off another device with a screen to install the configuration on your phone. Of course, you should check that your device is compatible with eSIM technology here first.

It also doesn’t hurt to check your phone’s compatibility with the physical SIM cards since some of them come from local telephone companies in the U.S.

USA SIM card price comparison

The chart below will give you a better idea of the different prices for USA SIM cards. In addition to prices, I included plan durations and amount of GB. This chart compares the USA eSIMs from Holafly, Airalo, and Knowroaming, and the physical cards from SimOptions, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Despite being very well-known, Verizon isn’t part of this comparison since it uses CDMA technology, which isn’t compatible with most international devices. If you want to use Verizon, you’ll need to buy a new phone in the U.S.

*Price doesn’t include taxes and fees, which vary depending on the state where you buy the card

From this comparison, you’ll see that Holafly is the best overall option, offering unlimited data at an affordable price. I recommend it for short trips (less than 15 days) and long trips (more than a month). As for Airalo and Knowroaming, their USA eSIMs are pretty expensive for a limited amount of data.

For trips between 15 and 30 days, the local USA SIM cards from AT&T and T-Mobile offer competitive prices. However, if you don’t think you’ll need unlimited data, the 30-day SIM card from SimOptions is a good deal, offering 10 GB of high-speed data for $25. This should be enough for you to use Google Maps and WhatsApp and make simple Internet searches.

Don’t forget that you can take advantage of free Wi-Fi at hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers for things like video calls and checking email.

What is the best SIM card for a USA trip?

No matter where we’re traveling, we like to use the eSIMs from Holafly. They come at a great price and include unlimited data, making them great for short or long trips. In addition, you can buy this USA SIM card any time, and you’ll receive it immediately in your email, so it’s super convenient.

If your phone isn’t compatible with a USA eSIM, or you prefer a physical card, you can find some alternatives below.

1. Holafly eSIM, the best USA eSIM card with unlimited data

First, the Holafly card is the best eSIM for the USA since its digital format allows you to have mobile data without having to remove your usual SIM. You can buy it anywhere at any time, even if you’re in the middle of traveling. Once you make your purchase, you’ll receive a QR code in your email, so you can scan it to activate it and start using data.

While installing this virtual card is quick and easy, remember that you must print out the QR code or download it to another device with a screen so you can scan the configuration code.

As for the price of this USA SIM card, it’s cheaper than most of the physical cards. Below, you can see the different costs and durations, all of which include unlimited data.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that not all mobile phones are compatible with eSIMs, so you should check your device’s compatibility here. Also, as I mentioned in our Holafly eSIM review, this card doesn’t allow data sharing, so you and your travel companions must each have your own eSIM.

We’ve traveled to many countries all over the world, and we’ve always had great experiences with the Holafly cards, including in the U.S. In some areas, we’ve even had better coverage than with local USA SIMs, such as in Alaska. So, if you decide to go with this company, use our Holafly discount code to save money.

2. SimOptions SIM, the best physical SIM card for US travel

If the Holafly eSIM isn’t compatible with your phone or you prefer a physical card, I recommend SimOptions. Just make sure you order it before your trip since it takes up to three business days to arrive at your home.

You can buy this SIM card for America online here. Once you receive it, simply insert the card into your phone’s card slot. If you don’t have a dual-slot, you must remove your usual SIM and replace it with the SimOptions card. The company’s customer support team is available via chat, email, and phone should you run into any issues.

One of the main advantages of this prepaid U.S. SIM card is that it allows data sharing, so you can use more than one device at the same time. Of course, this can become a disadvantage since, unlike Holafly eSIMs, these cards come with limited data. So, the more devices connected to it, the quicker you’ll run out of data.

As I mentioned in our SimOptions review, the pricing for these cards is a bit odd since they don’t always correspond to the duration or amount of data. Different SimOptions plans partner with different local providers, so you’ll notice the inconsistent pricing in the table above. Because of this, I recommend getting the 30-day plan, as the price per GB is much lower.

3. Airalo eSIM, another cheap eSIM for traveling to the USA

Another USA eSIM that you can consider is the one from Airalo. Like Holafly, this company only offers digital cards, so you’ll have to make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology.

Airalo has some of the cheapest U.S. SIM cards on the market, with plan durations of 7, 15, or 30 days. However, the plans have limited data, and the amounts are quite low, which explains the cheap prices.

Another thing to consider is that the eSIMs from Airalo are data-only, so if you plan to use an app like Skype to make calls, you’ll end up running out of data rather quickly. Then, you’ll have to buy another eSIM, which will end up costing you more. This is why I prefer paying a bit more upfront for the Holafly card, which offers unlimited data.

To be fair, Airalo has its advantages, namely the fact that it allows data sharing, so you can enjoy data on multiple devices. Just keep in mind that this means you’ll use up your data sooner, so I recommend doing the math before you decide to purchase.

4. Knowroaming eSIM, another SIM card for US visitors

Knowroaming is another option if you’re looking to avoid international roaming with an American SIM card. However, be aware that all of the eSIMs from this company have limited data, and in some cases, the price per GB is quite high compared to other options.

Although this company has prepaid SIM cards for the United States, it doesn’t have cards for all countries, so depending on where else you’re going, it’s not the most convenient choice. While Holafly and SimOptions offer global SIM cards, Knowroaming does not, so you could end up spending more money if you choose this company.

Taking these features into account, I think you’re better off going with Holafly, SimOptions, or even Airalo instead.

5. AT&T SIM card, another prepaid SIM card in the USA for tourists

Yet another option is buying a local USA SIM card, such as the one from AT&T. AT&T is one of the major telecommunications companies in the U.S., offering excellent coverage, even in rural areas.

The company’s SIM card for the USA is available at official AT&T stores and authorized retailers at various supermarkets. You may also find these SIM cards at airport kiosks. This card only has 30-day plans with either 5GB, 15GB, or unlimited data. The prices range from $30 to $50, but they don’t take into account taxes and fees. Plus, the USA SIM card itself costs around $10.

Also, since you have to buy this card in person, you’ll spend a lot of time shopping around and setting up your device. Therefore, I don’t recommend it for short trips to the U.S. It’s better to maximize your time and set up a SIM card before your trip with Holafly or SimOptions. Either of those companies is a better choice, both in terms of cost-effectiveness and amount of data.

*The price does not include taxes and fees, which will vary depending on the state in which you purchase the card

I will say that since the AT&T SIM card isn’t designed specifically for tourists, it can be useful for people who are planning to take multiple trips to the U.S. in the future. You can save the card, bring it with you for your next trip, and purchase the data plan that suits your needs. Just don’t sign up for a permanent contract.

Like other physical cards, the AT&T SIM is easy to install, especially if you have a dual-slot on your phone. After inserting it, make a test call with the number that appears on the card, and you’re all set.

6. T-Mobile SIM card, a prepaid USA SIM card with unlimited data plans

Finally, you can also consider T-Mobile’s prepaid SIM card for the U.S. As one of the top mobile providers in the country, T-Mobile boasts a strong 5G network and quick speeds throughout the United States.

Since it’s a prepaid card, you can buy it without signing up for a data plan, then use the My T-Mobile app or website to add data later or top-up the card. Just keep in mind that each recharge expires after 30 days.

As with the AT&T cards, the T-Mobile SIMs are available at physical stores and official points of sale (supermarkets, airport kiosks). Make sure that when you buy this USA SIM card, you don’t sign up for a permanent contract, as that’s only designed for residents.

In terms of data plans, there are two options, both with 30-day durations. The first comes with 10GB of data and costs $40, while the second has unlimited data and costs $50. For the card itself, expect to pay around $10. I think the unlimited plan is a better deal, specifically for trips between two and four weeks. Otherwise, I would go with Holafly or, for a physical card, SimOptions.

*The price does not include taxes and fees, which will vary depending on the state in which you purchase the card

Once you purchase this American SIM card, you can insert it into your device and go to the T-Mobile website to activate it by entering the IMEI of your phone and the SIM card. I recommend doing this at the store so you can ask an associate for help. And, of course, make sure your device is compatible with the SIM card.

Where to buy a prepaid SIM card for traveling to the USA

You can buy a SIM card in the USA after you arrive, or you can purchase the card ahead of time in your home country. Personally, I prefer having everything prepared before my trip. In my case, I get the Holafly eSIM, so I can start using data as soon as I land.

Don’t worry if you haven’t planned ahead and you’re already in the United States. I’ll tell you how to buy a USA SIM card from one of the authorized retailers in the country.

Buy in your home country

First, you can buy an English SIM card before you leave for your trip. In this case, the best option is the Holafly eSIM, which arrives in your email. All you have to do is scan the QR code to start using data.

If your device isn’t compatible with the Holafly eSIM, or you prefer a physical card, I recommend using SimOptions. This company delivers to almost every country, so you can buy a prepaid USA SIM card online and have it delivered to your home. Just make sure to do this in advance since it takes up to 3 business days for the card to arrive by mail.

Buy a prepaid SIM card in the USA

If you’re already traveling and haven’t gotten a SIM card for America yet, you have a couple of options. First, you can buy the Holafly eSIM and get the QR code sent to your email. The second option is to go to a physical store to buy a local USA SIM card from AT&T or T-Mobile.

Getting the Holafly eSIM is by far the most convenient option, and it’s the best choice for short trips (less than 2 weeks) or longer stays (more than 4 weeks). Of course, you should make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology.

For trips between 2-4 weeks, consider getting a prepaid U.S. SIM card from AT&T or T-Mobile.

How to activate your American SIM card

It’s super easy to activate an American SIM card. For digital cards like the Knowroaming, Airalo, and Holafly eSIM, you just scan the QR code to download the configuration. I recommend printing out the code or downloading it on another device with a screen so you can scan it on your phone. From there, the activation itself is straightforward.

When it comes to international eSIMs, Holafly is my preferred choice since they have a great quality-to-price ratio. They have a 24-hour live chat that you can use if you run into any issues, or you can send them an email at help@holafly.com. Their USA SIM card has unlimited data, but if you’d like more information, check out our guide on Holafly cards.

How to activate your American SIM card

If your device isn’t compatible with eSIM technology or you prefer a physical SIM card for the USA, I recommend SimOptions. With this card, you can insert it into your phone’s SIM slot, and if you have a dual-slot, you don’t even have to remove your regular SIM. SimOptions offers customer support via chat, email, and phone.

As for the AT&T card, you must activate it by making a test call with the number that appears on the card, while the T-Mobile card is activated through the website. If you have any problems, go to the store where you bought it so a sales associate can help.

Requirements for using a USA SIM card for travelers

To use a mobile SIM card for the USA, your phone must be compatible with the card itself. You can check your device’s compatibility with the Holafly eSIM here. If you’re interested in the SimOptions card, you can go here to check.

No matter which card you choose, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with the United States’ network frequency. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use any U.S. tourist SIM.

Requirements for using a USA SIM card for travelers

Also, if you’re planning to buy a card in the U.S. from an AT&T or T-Mobile store, I recommend double-checking your device’s compatibility. You can ask a store associate to help you with this.

Tips for using a prepaid SIM card in the U.S.

If you’re still a little lost or unsure about which is the best USA data SIM card for you, here are some helpful tips:

• Consider what you’ll need your mobile device for during your trip. This way, you can determine whether or not you need a USA SIM with unlimited data.

• If you’re going with a USA mobile SIM with limited data, calculate the price per GB to find the cheapest deal.

• Take advantage of the Wi-Fi in your hotel and at restaurants or shopping centers, especially if your card has limited data. Accessing free Wi-Fi is a good way to complete tasks that use a lot of data.

• If your device is compatible with virtual SIM cards, I highly recommend getting a USA eSIM. You can buy it anywhere, anytime, even if you’re already traveling.

• Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the USA’s network frequency.

• If you plan to be in the U.S. for a while, get a local USA SIM card and recharge it monthly. This will be much cheaper for you.

Getting a mobile SIM for the USA is just one part of planning a trip, so check out our guide for more tips and advice.

Alternatives to a USA SIM card for tourists

If you’re still not sure whether you want to get a SIM card for a USA trip, there are other ways to have travel Internet. Below, I’ll share some alternative options that let you have Internet in the United States.

Portable Wi-Fi device

A portable Wi-Fi router is a handy way to get stable Internet while traveling. It’s especially useful if you need to work remotely, as you can connect several devices simultaneously.

These gadgets are small and lightweight, so you can easily stow them in your bag, backpack, or even your pocket. However, keep in mind that these routers require a SIM card or a data plan subscription to work.

Portable Wi-Fi device

We’ve been using the Solis router for a while now, and we’re very satisfied with it. For this portable Wi-Fi router, you don’t need a SIM card, but you must purchase a data plan through its website. There are several types of plans, so you can choose the one that best suits you, even paying per GB, if you want. The Solis router is super easy to use and provides coverage in over 130 countries.

Of course, there are other portable Wi-Fi devices, so you can check our guide for more recommendations.

Public Wi-Fi network

Another alternative to an American travel SIM – and the cheapest option – is to use a public Wi-Fi network. You can typically get free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some transportation centers.

Public Wi-Fi network

However, these types of connections tend to be unstable and slow since a large number of people are using them at one time. There are also security and privacy concerns with using a public Internet connection.

Also, remember that you’ll only have Wi-Fi in that particular location, so as soon as you leave, you’ll disconnect from the network. I only suggest this option if you’re using your phone in the hotel or at a restaurant for simple things like checking email. Otherwise, you’re better off buying a USA SIM card.

Pay for roaming

Finally, there is always the option of roaming, but it’s super expensive, so I don’t recommend it. To give you a rough idea, you could pay €6 per day roaming with Vodafone or €8 per day with O2.

Roaming rates vary by provider, but they’re usually very expensive, with very little data, so it’s not worth it. It’s much more cost-effective to get a prepaid SIM card for the U.S. rather than face a huge bill when you return home.

FAQs about prepaid SIM cards USA for tourists

That just about wraps up this guide to American SIM cards, but I’ll leave you with the answers to some common questions below:

That’s it for this guide to the best American SIM cards.

If you have any other questions or concerns about getting a U.S. SIM card, leave a comment below. I’d also love to hear about your experience using these cards.

Stay safe, and have a great trip to the USA!