Buying AT&T USA SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

Harper Thomas

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Published: January 2025

AT&T USA SIM cards & eSIMs are among the top choices for travelers seeking reliable mobile connectivity in the United States.

This guide explores everything you need to know about AT&T USA SIM cards & eSIMs, from their coverage and speed to the types of options available for tourists. You’ll also find details about pricing, where to purchase them, and how to top up, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free mobile experience during your trip.

I. Overview of AT&T USA – What you need to know

AT&T is one of the largest and most trusted telecommunications providers in the United States. Known for its extensive network, fast speeds, and continuous innovation, it serves millions of customers nationwide. Below are some key points about it:

• Foundation: Established in 1983.
• Popularity: Operates mainly in the U.S. and offers roaming in many countries like Canada and Mexico.
• Rank: 3rd largest wireless carrier in the U.S. with around 116 million subscribers.
• Coverage: Strong in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Weaker in some rural areas.
• Speed: Offers fast speeds, especially with its expanding 5G network.
• Highlights: Acquired Time Warner in 2018, now focused on telecom services and expanding 5G and fiber networks.

II. AT&T Coverage in the USA

Source: nperf.com

AT&T provides extensive wireless coverage across the United States, ensuring connectivity in both urban and rural areas.

• 5G Coverage: AT&T’s 5G network covers approximately 43.3% of the U.S., reaching over 290 million people.
• 5G+ Network: AT&T’s 5G+ (mid and high-band 5G) offers faster speeds and covers around 175 million people, commonly found in airports and sports arenas.
• 4G LTE Coverage: AT&T’s 4G LTE network covers approximately 78.1% of the U.S., providing reliable connectivity nationwide.
• Urban Areas: Strong coverage in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
• Rural Areas: While coverage is extensive, some remote regions may experience weaker signals.

Overall, AT&T offers robust coverage across the U.S., with particularly strong service in urban centers and ongoing expansion of its 5G and 5G+ networks to enhance connectivity and speed.

III. AT&T Speed in the USA

Source: Opensignal 

AT&T offers competitive mobile speeds across the U.S., delivering reliable performance for most users, according to the Opensignal report on July 2024. Its speed ranks well compared to other carriers, ensuring smooth browsing and streaming experiences.

• Download Speed: AT&T delivers an average download speed of 49.9 Mbps, offering solid performance for video streaming and online activities.
• Upload Speed: The average upload speed is 6.6 Mbps, sufficient for social media uploads and basic file sharing.
• Comparison: While not the fastest, AT&T’s speeds are consistent and suitable for most user needs.

While other carriers may outperform in certain metrics, AT&T offers a good balance of speed and coverage.

IV. Types of AT&T USA SIM Card Options for Tourists

AT&T offers two main types of SIM card options for tourists:

• Physical SIM Cards
• eSIMs (Embedded SIMs)

Here’s a comparison between these options:

Conclusion: eSIMs are more convenient for tourists due to instant setup, flexibility, and eco-friendliness. Just ensure your device supports eSIM before choosing it.

V. Top AT&T USA SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

AT&T offers a variety of SIM card plans for tourists, with prices ranging from $25.00 to $65.00 per month, depending on the plan and features. Here’s a detailed comparison of the available plans:

Each plan has AT&T ActiveArmor security for spam call blocking and additional protection. The “Unlimited + 10GB Hotspot Data” plan is the most affordable for light users, while the “Unlimited MAX” plan is ideal for those needing high-speed data and additional features.

VI. Where to buy AT&T USA SIM cards for tourists?

You can buy an AT&T USA SIM card in 3 ways – at the airports, in the city, and even before your departure! Let’s explore each option in detail.

1. Buy AT&T USA SIM at the Airport

• Where: Major airports like Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and Miami (MIA) have vending machines for buying SIM cards.
• Process: Purchase at kiosks in arrival halls or near baggage claim. No ID is usually needed.
• Price: Starts at around $29, which is more expensive than other options.
• Risks: Limited plan options, long queues, and potential late-hour store closures.

2. Buy AT&T USA SIM in the City Center

• Where: Use Google Maps to find nearby AT&T stores or authorized retailers. Examples include:

• AT&T Store – Times Square, New York
• Best Buy – Union Square, San Francisco
• Walmart Supercenter – Downtown Miami

• Process: Use Google Maps to locate stores. SIM cards are sold without ID.
• Price: Cheaper than airport options, starting at $30 for basic plans.
• Considerations: Requires time to find a store and complete the purchase.

AT&T store in New York, USA

3. Buy AT&T USA SIM Online Before Departure

• Where: Online retailers like Amazon or eBay.
• Process: Choose a SIM card, provide basic details, and have it shipped to your address.
• Price: Quite high. 
• Advantages: Active upon arrival, no time wasted searching for a SIM card.

Get an AT&T USA SIM card on eBay

Conclusion: Buying a SIM card at the airport is quick but costly. City center purchases are more affordable but time-consuming. Ordering online is the most convenient and ensures connectivity right away.

VII. Where can tourists buy an AT&T USA eSIM?

I highly recommend buying an eSIM from a third-party provider because it will avoid facing complicated buying processes. 

For the USA, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500MB/day for 1 days with $1.90 . What is great about Gigago’s USA eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $1.90 – $96.90 . 

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are or how long your trip to the USA is. Gigago always has an option for you. 

VIII. How to top up AT&T USA SIM cards?

Here are 5 ways to top up AT&T USA SIM:

• Online via myAT&T Account: Log in to your AT&T Prepaid account, select “Make a Payment,” and top up using a credit/debit card or checking account (Access here for more information).
• AT&T Prepaid Card: Purchase a refill card from retailers, log in to your account, enter the card’s PIN, and apply it to your balance.
• AutoPay: Set up automatic payments through your AT&T Prepaid account to ensure your balance is always topped up without manual effort.
• By Phone: Dial 611 from your AT&T Prepaid phone or call the customer service number to add funds using a credit/debit card.
• Star Services: Dial 888 followed by your refill PIN and # from your AT&T Prepaid phone, then press “Send” to top up instantly.

IX. FAQs about AT&T USA SIM Cards & eSIMs

X. Conclusion

I hope you find this post helpful in learning about AT&T USA SIM cards & eSIMs. They offer great coverage and flexible plans, making it easy for tourists to stay connected. Whether you buy a physical SIM or choose an eSIM, planning ahead will make your trip smoother and stress-free.