Prepaid SIM Cards USA

As a traveler visiting the United States, staying connected to the internet and making calls back home is an essential part of your journey. One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to do this is by using a prepaid travel SIM card.

In this article, we’ll discuss some popular prepaid travel SIM card options for the USA, as well as eSIMs as a flexible alternative.

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Best SIM Cards for the USA

AT&T Prepaid SIM Card

AT&T offers a variety of prepaid plans to cater to the diverse needs of travelers. They provide nationwide 4G LTE coverage and affordable international calling options. Some popular plans include:

  • The $30 monthly plan: 5GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text within the USA, and unlimited text to over 100 countries.
  • The $40 monthly plan: 15GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text within the USA, and unlimited text to over 100 countries.

T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile boasts an extensive 4G LTE network and offers several prepaid plans tailored for international visitors. Some notable plans are:

  • The $40 Simply Prepaid plan: 10GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text within the USA, and unlimited text to over 210 countries.
  • The $50 Simply Prepaid Unlimited plan: Unlimited high-speed data, unlimited talk and text within the USA, and unlimited text to over 210 countries.

Verizon Prepaid

Verizon, known for its reliable network, also offers a variety of prepaid plans for travelers. Some popular options include:

  • The $35 monthly plan: 5GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text within the USA, and unlimited text to over 200 countries.
  • The $50 monthly plan: 15GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text within the USA, and unlimited text to over 200 countries.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that operates on T-Mobile’s network. They offer budget-friendly prepaid plans for travelers, such as:

  • The $15 monthly plan: 4GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text within the USA, and unlimited text to over 160 countries.
  • The $20 monthly plan: 10GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text within the USA, and unlimited text to over 160 countries.
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prepaid sim cards usa international offers

International SIM Cards for the USA

International SIM cards are designed to work in multiple countries, offering travelers the convenience of a single SIM card for their trips. These SIM cards often come with plans that include data, voice, and text services, and can be a cost-effective solution for staying connected while traveling abroad. Here are some popular international SIM card providers and their offers:

OneSimCard

OneSimCard offers international SIM cards with coverage in over 200 countries. Their plans include:

  • The Universal Plan: Provides free incoming calls in over 160 countries, free incoming texts worldwide, and competitive rates for outgoing calls and data.
  • The Europe & More Plan: Offers lower rates for voice, text, and data services in Europe and select countries.

WorldSIM

WorldSIM provides international SIM cards with coverage in over 190 countries. They offer:

  • The WorldSIM International SIM Card: Features free incoming calls in over 118 countries, reduced roaming rates for calls, texts, and data, and a UK and USA phone number.

TravelSim

TravelSim offers a single international SIM card that works in over 170 countries. Their plan includes:

  • The TravelSim Card: Provides free incoming calls in over 135 countries, competitive rates for outgoing calls, texts, and data, and a free EU phone number.

GigSky

GigSky offers international SIM cards with data-only plans, ideal for travelers who rely on data services for communication. Their plans include:

  • Prepaid data plans: Available for over 190 countries, with options ranging from 1-day to 30-day plans, and data allowances from 300MB to 5GB.

KeepGo

Keepgo is another popular provider of international SIM cards, offering data-only plans for travelers. Their plans include:

  • The Lifetime Data SIM Card: Offers 1GB of preloaded data, valid for one year, with coverage in over 100 countries. Users can top up their data as needed.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a popular provider of international SIM cards, offering a wide range of options tailored to the needs of travelers. With coverage in over 100 countries, SimOptions allows you to stay connected on the go without worrying about expensive roaming fees.

  • Coverage in over 100 countries, including popular destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
  • Prepaid plans with various data, voice, and text allowances, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your travel needs.
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prepaid sim cards usa esim alternative

eSIMs for the USA: A Flexible Alternative

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is built into your device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. This technology allows you to easily switch between carriers and plans without physically swapping SIM cards. Some newer smartphones, like the iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S21, are compatible with eSIMs.

Several US carriers offer eSIM options, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. These carriers provide a range of plans for eSIMs, similar to their traditional prepaid SIM card offerings.

Benefits of using eSIMs for travelers:

  • Greater flexibility: Switch between carriers and plans without physically swapping SIM cards.
  • No need to carry multiple SIM cards: eSIMs can store multiple profiles, allowing you to switch between carriers with ease.
  • Faster setup: eSIM activation is often quicker than activating a physical SIM card.
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prepaid sim cards usa why use travel sim cards

Why You Should Get a Travel SIM Card for the USA

Travel SIM cards are specifically designed for international travelers, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected during your trip.

They provide access to local mobile networks, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and use the internet at local rates rather than incurring hefty international roaming fees. Here are some more reasons why you might consider a prepaid travel SIM card for your visit to the USA:

Cost Savings

Using a travel SIM card can significantly reduce the cost of mobile services compared to international roaming. When using a prepaid SIM, you only pay for the services you need and use, which helps you better manage your expenses. Furthermore, local data rates are typically much more affordable than roaming charges from your home network.

Customizable Plans

Travel SIM card providers offer a variety of plans tailored to the needs of international visitors. These plans often include options for data allowances, international calling, and texting. You can choose a plan that suits your communication needs and budget, ensuring that you only pay for the services you require.

Local Phone Number

When using a travel SIM card, you are assigned a local phone number. This can make it more convenient and cost-effective for you to make and receive calls within the United States, as well as for friends, family, or colleagues to contact you without incurring international calling fees.

Easier Access to Local Services

With a local phone number, it becomes easier to access local services such as taxis, restaurants, and hotels. Many service providers prefer to communicate with customers who have a local phone number, and some even require it for reservations and bookings.

Wider Network Coverage

Travel SIM card providers often have agreements with multiple local networks, which can provide you with more extensive network coverage during your trip. This is particularly useful when traveling through rural or remote areas where network coverage may be limited.

No Contract Commitments

Prepaid travel SIM cards do not require you to sign any long-term contracts. This means you have the freedom to switch providers or plans as needed, and you only pay for the services you use during your trip.

Emergency Connectivity

In case of an emergency, having a prepaid travel SIM card can be a lifesaver. Reliable mobile connectivity ensures you can reach emergency services, friends, or family when you need them the most.
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Prepaid travel SIM cards offer a convenient way for international visitors to stay connected while exploring the United States. With a variety of plans from providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Mint Mobile, there are options to suit every traveler’s needs.

Alternatively, eSIMs provide a more flexible solution for those with compatible

How To Order an eSIM

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Compare eSIMs

Compare and find the most suitable travel eSIM for your needs and purchase it directly with the provider.

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Receive eSIM via email/app

You will receive the eSIM profile within a few minutes in a separate e-mail or you can directly access it in the provider’s app.

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Install eSIM

Scan the eSIM QR code in the mail with the camera function of your smartphone and follow the instructions on the screen. The profile will be set up automatically.

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Free roaming abroad

You can now use the eSIM abroad! 

Search over 7200 eSIM data plans in 210+ countries

Why Choose an eSIM?

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Sustainable

The eSIM works digitally only, so fewer resources are used than with the classic SIM card.

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Digital

The new eSIM can easily be digitally uploaded to your smartphone. It’s quick and saves the environment.

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Fast Installation

Your eSIM profile is sent easily and conveniently by email. This means you will receive your digital eSIM much faster than a physical SIM Card by post.

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