Avoid high roaming charges when traveling to the USA! It is simple: you either buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in the USA or order an eSIM online.
These are the best and easiest ways to get data on your phone when traveling to the USA. In this complete USA sim card guide you will find everything you need to know: where to buy a USA sim card, up to date prices as per October 2024, the best 4G/5G network in the USA, a vlog with my experiences buying a sim card in the USA, the best eSIM cards for the USA, info about international sim cards for the USA and more.
There are 3 main mobile internet providers in the USA: Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile and they all sell prepaid sim cards for tourists.
Below I will reveal what is Traveltomtom's sim card pick for 2024. Very much recommended are international sim cards that cover the USA but the cheapest and easiest way to stay connected when traveling to the United States is an eSIM card for the USA, more about eSIMs later.
Related: Best eSIM Cards for Traveling to the USA in 2024.
Table of contents
- My recommendation
- Best eSIM cards for the USA
- Why buying a sim card in the USA
- Where to buy a USA sim card
- Mobile internet operators in the USA
- Registration process
- Prices prepaid sim cards USA in 2024
- Best 4G/5G network in the USA in 2024
- What is the best prepaid sim card for the USA in 2024
- Buy a physical prepaid sim card for the USA online
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 October 2024 I can tell you that buying a local prepaid sim card is often the cheapest way to get data on your phone. The network coverage will be the best, the data speed maximum and locals calls are included and often unlimited.
However, when traveling to the USA in 2024 definitely check out eSIMs. they already start from just $1 USD.
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 eSIM card advice for your next destination. Bookmark me!
Tourist sim card prices in the USA are expensive, for cheaper USA sim card deals check out international prepaid sim cards with data or eSIMs 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?
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 eSIM card. You can already get a USA eSIM card with 10 GB data for less than $25 USD.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM 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 eSIM 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, eSIM 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 eSIM cards for the USA
The most convenient and easiest way to stay connected when traveling to the USA in 2024 is an eSIM card. You can easily order them online within just a couple clicks.
You order an eSIM 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 eSIM 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 eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM card for USA. For a much more detailed guide and an answer to all FAQ's about using eSIM cards check out my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM card for the USA in 2024.
Airalo
Airalo is a reputed and trusted eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo for almost 5 years now and in more than 50 countries around the world.
Airalo is also the only eSIM provider that now offers eSIMs for the USA including calling and texting. No other eSIM provider has these kind of USA eSIMs available, only Airalo.
Data-only plans
Check out the Airalo eSIM 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 eSIM card for the USA directly online.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra $3 USD discount on their first Airalo eSIM.
Use the Airalo discount code: TOMTOM3 to get an extra $3 USD off your first Airalo eSIM. Coupon code valid until September 2024.
Airalo data/calls/sms plans
Here are the Airalo USA eSIM plans including calling and texting:
- 1 GB data + 20 minutes + 10 sms for 7 days= $7 USD
- 2 GB data + 40 minutes + 20 sms for 15 days= $12.5 USD
- 3 GB data + 60 minutes + 30 sms for 30 days= $16 USD
- 5 GB data + 100 minutes + 50 sms for 30 days= $22.5 USD
- 10 GB data + 200 minutes + 100 sms for 30 days= $34.5 USD
- 20 GB data + 400 minutes + 200 sms for 30 days= $49 USD
Click here to order a data/calls/text eSIM for the USA from Airalo.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra $3 USD discount on their first Airalo eSIM.
Use the Airalo discount code: TOMTOM3 to get an extra $3 USD off your first Airalo eSIM. Coupon code valid until September 2024.
The above Change eSIM cards are valid only in the USA and they operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Verizon and T-Mobile. Yes, the Airalo eSIM cards for the USA supports 5G.
These eSIMs are provided by Airalo and are the only 5G ready eSIM cards for the USA available and therefore also Traveltomtom's pick and recommended eSIM card for traveling to USA.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another eSIM card provider that sells USA eSIM cards. Traveltomtom has been using SimOptions eSIMs and physical sim cards for more than 5 years.
They offer international eSIM 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 eSIM cards are valid in 6 countries: New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, United Kingdom and USA. These are the only USA eSIM cards that come with a phone number and technically they support incoming phone calls and sms.
SimOptions also has the following eSIM 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 eSIM card for the USA via SimOptions.
More info about SimOptions in our Honest Review about SimOptions eSIMs including pros and cons.
There are more USA eSIM card providers like Holafly, Jetpac and many others. For more tips and tricks and info about USA eSIM cards click on the link to read my complete guide for buying an eSIM card for the USA in 2024, including a comparison of the best eSIM 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 eSIM 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 eSIM cards via Airalo or SimOptions directly on the internet. SimOptions sells eSIMs 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 eSIM 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 eSIM cards for the USA with 20 GB data for just $15 USD.
Online
As mentioned before an eSIM 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 eSIM card for the USA via SimOptions, Jetpac, Holafly, Nomad, Airalo or one of the other reliable eSIM 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 eSIMs for the USA.
If your phone is not eSIM 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:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T
- Verizon
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 eSIM 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 October 2024. eSIM 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 eSIM 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 eSIM instead of a physical prepaid sim card that is no problem, just ask for it in the T-Mobile store.
T-Mobile offers eSIM 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 eSIM 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 October 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 eSIM 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 October 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
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 eSIM 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 based 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 eSIM cards for the USA do not always support 5G.
An exception are the Airalo eSIM cards for the USA, these eSIMs are 5G ready as well as the Nomad USA eSIMs 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 eSIMs and for $26 USD you get an Airalo eSIM 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.
eSIM 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 eSIM cards are data only sim cards and calls are NOT supported.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM card for the USA via either SimOptions or Airalo. But check out Traveltomtom's guide with a comparison of the best eSIM cards for the USA in 2024 for more info about USA eSIM cards and also USA eSIMs from Jetpac, Holafly, Nomad and others eSIM 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 eSIM 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 eSIM card for the USA on the internet. It was a short trip and I only needed 5 GB data anyway. eSIMs 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 eSIM card for the USA. Another reminder that eSIM cards for the USA are actually CHEAPER! Through Airalo you can find eSIM cards with 3 GB data for just $11 USD. SimOptions offers a USA eSIM card plan with 10 GB for $24.90 USD and then there is also Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac and other eSIM 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 eSIM 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
- 10 GB data
- Valid 30 days
- Valid in 55 countries
- Incoming/outgoing calls not supported
- 4G/LTE
2. Orange Holiday World - $49.90
- 10 GB data
- Valid 14 days
- Valid in 197 countries
- Incoming/outgoing calls not supported
- 4G/LTE
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 eSIM 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 eSIM cards for traveling to the United States for those who have eSIM card compatible phones. You can buy them through Airalo, SimOptions, Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac and many more eSIM providers go to my guide for finding the best eSIM 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 October 2024 I have been to more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.
Enjoy your trip to the USA!