eSIM for New York: Which is the best?

An eSIM for New York is one of the best ways to stay connected in New York City, offering a convenient alternative to impractical pocket WiFi devices, expensive roaming services, and traditional physical USA SIM cards. In this article, you’ll learn everything about eSIM for New York, including the best eSIM plans, top eSIM providers, and how to choose the right eSIM plan for your trip.

esim for new york

I. Why Use an eSIM for New York Trip?

Using an eSIM in New York ensures seamless internet access without the need for a physical SIM card and helps you avoid expensive roaming fees. You can enjoy strong coverage and high-speed data throughout all five boroughs, including popular areas like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Times Square.

Travelers benefit from New York eSIMs because they offer:

  • Instant Activation – No need to visit a store or wait in line for a SIM card.
  • No Roaming Fees – Avoid expensive international roaming charges.
  • Seamless Connectivity – Stay connected with 4G/5G speeds across NYC.
  • Multiple eSIM Profiles – Use an eSIM for data while keeping your primary SIM active for calls/SMS.
  • Flexibility in Data Plans – Choose from a variety of prepaid plans based on your travel duration.

II. What do I need to use an eSIM in New York?

  • eSIM-supported devices: your mobile device needs to be eSIM-compatible to use eSIM. To check if your phone is eSIM-compatible, you can manually verify it in your phone settings using the guidelines on how to check if your phone supports eSIM. Or, you can search for your device on our updated eSIM compatible device list.
  • Carrier-unlocked devices: Your phone must be unlocked to use eSIM from any provider. If your device is carrier-locked, it may only work with eSIMs from your original network and not support other eSIM providers.
  • A reliable internet connection for eSIM installation: because eSIM activation requires downloading a data profile, you need a WiFi or an active mobile network to complete the setup.
  • A purchased eSIM plan for New York: Buy it from a reputable provider. Consider the factors like coverage and network, data allowance, and validity period before purchase.

III. Which are the best eSIM providers in New York?

You can buy eSIM from major US network operators, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) or international eSIM providers. Each offers different benefits based on your travel needs.

  • Major US network operators include AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile.
  • Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) include Mint Mobile, Visible, Google Fi.
  • International eSIM providers include Gigago, Holafly, Flexiroam, Saily, etc.

While major U.S. network operators and MVNOs provide wide coverage and high-speed internet, they often require personal information registration before purchase and activation. This process can be inconvenient and unsuitable for most travelers. For this reason, we do NOT recommend buying an eSIM from U.S. carriers or MVNOs. Instead, international eSIM providers are a more convenient choice since they do not require personal document registration and offer instant activation for travelers.

Below we make a comparison table on the most popular international eSIM providers for eSIM New York to help you make a decision on which is the best:

ProviderStarting priceUnlimited dataData plansHotspot SharingLocal
phone number
Gigago$4.0 (unlimited- 1 day)Yes– Fixed daily plans
– Fixed total plans
– Unlimited plans (FUP applies)
YesNo
Holafly$20.90 (unlimited – 5 days)Yes– Only unlimited plans (FUP applies)⚠ Limited (1GB/day)No
Saily$3.99 (1GB – 7 days)Yes– Fixed total plans
– Unlimited plans
(FUP applies)
YesNo
Flexiroam$8.0 (1GB – 7 days)No– Fixed total plans
– Unlimited plans (FUP applies)
YesNo

From the table above, it is clear that Gigago eSIM for the United States is the best option due to its various advantages over competitors, such as multiple eSIM plans, an affordable starting price, and strong customer support.

IV. Gigago eSIM USA offers reliable and fast Internet in New York

The best way to stay connected in New York is with a Gigago eSIM for United States (that specifically covers all destinations in NY). It offers flexible data plans (from unlimited to fixed daily and fixed total plans) to fit any travel need.

Why Choose Gigago eSIM for the USA?

  • Fast & Easy Activation: Buy online and activate in minutes. No need for a physical SIM.
  • Diverse Data Plans: Options from 1GB to unlimited data, perfect for short or long trips.
    • Unlimited plans: valid in 1, 3 ,5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 days
    • Fixed daily plans: available from 500MB/day to 3GB/day, valid in 1, 3 ,5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 days
    • Fixed total plans: available from 3 – 50GB, valid in 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 30 days.
  • Reliable Coverage: Uses AT&T/ T-Mobile/Verizon networks for strong 4G/5G speeds across New York.
  • Intuitive Gigago app: Manage your eSIM data plan easilly through an app. (Visit here to get Gigago app for iOS and Android).
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Quick assistance if you face any issues, in multiple languages (English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese).
  • Flexible refund policy: Gigago has one of the most flexible refund policies on the market. You are guaranteed to get your money back if the eSIM does not work after following the troubleshooting guidance provided by the Gigago team.oney back if the eSIM does not work after being guided to fix by Gigago team.

Plan to visit New York - USA soon? Choose eSIM for 24/7 Connection!

V. How to Choose the Right eSIM plan for Your New York Trip

Choosing the right eSIM for New York depends on your trip length, data needs, network coverage, and budget. Here’s 02 important thing to consider:

1. Select the Right Data Plan

  • Short trips (5–10 days): A 5GB–10GB plan is enough for maps, messaging, and social media.
  • Longer stays (2+ weeks): Choose 20GB or unlimited data if you stream videos, work remotely, or use a hotspot.

While New York has public WiFi, relying on it can be inconvenient. A well-sized eSIM plan ensures uninterrupted access for navigation, rideshares, and browsing.

2. Compare Pricing for the Best Value

eSIM plans for New York vary in price depending on the amount of data and validity period (Short-term and long-term). The cheapest option is not always the best—some budget eSIMs have slower speeds or hotspot restrictions. Always check the details before purchasing.

VI. Can you make calls and receive SMS with a New York eSIM?

Yes. But more specifically, whether you can make calls and receive SMS with a New York eSIM depends on the provider, as many offer data-only plans without traditional voice and text support. If your eSIM does not include calling and SMS, you can still stay connected using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice for internet-based calls and messaging.

Another option is to use dual SIM mode, where you keep your primary SIM active for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data.

Note: If having a local number for calls is important, check whether your eSIM provider offers voice and SMS support before purchasing.

VII. How to save data while exploring New York with eSIM

To avoid unnecessary data usage, connect to free WiFi in hotels, cafes, subway stations, and parks whenever possible. Before your trip, download offline maps and guides on Google Maps so you can navigate without using mobile data. Additionally, turn off background data for non-essential apps to prevent automatic updates and unnecessary syncing. Finally, monitor your data usage through your eSIM provider’s app to stay within your plan’s limits.

Tip: 5GB–10GB is enough for light browsing and navigation, but unlimited plans are best for heavy streaming or longer stays.