Best USA SIM Cards for Tourists: Types, Where to Buy

Buying a USA SIM card is the best way to get cellular data on your phone when traveling to the United States.

Local USA SIM cards are one of the major connectivity options to stay connected during your USA travel. However, there are many types of SIM cards for USA available, so it may be confusing to choose the one that fits your needs.

In this guide, you will know different types of USA SIM cards, the best SIM plans, how much it costs, how to buy, where to buy and alternatives for better experience (but with conditions).

I. Do I need a USA SIM cards for my trip?

Yes. A SIM card is essential for your US trip because it allows you to:

• Stay connected everywhere: a SIM card provides consistent, fast internet access wherever you are. No need to search for public WiFi hotspot which can be unreliable.
• Avoid expensive roaming charges: using your regular phone plan abroad can be expensive. A US SIM card is much more affordable to stay online.
• Travel conveniently: A SIM card is small and easy to use without having to carry around a pocket WiFi device.

II. How many types of USA SIM cards are there?

There are 02 main types of American SIM cards:

• Local USA SIM cards: These sim cards are issued by major US-based mobile network operators such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. They are designed primarily for US residents and long-term visitors. Tourists often choose prepaid plans due to their convenience and lack of long-term contracts.
• International SIM cards (roaming SIM cards): These cards are designed specifically for international travelers and offer international global roaming features. This means you can use your phone in the USA and/or other countries, depending on the specific plan you choose. Keep in mind that some prepaid SIM cards for US travel do not include calls or texts, but data-only. However, you can still stay in touch with people back home by using voice apps like Skype, WhatsApp, etc.

For most tourists visiting the USA, international USA SIM cards are the recommended choice.

Upon choosing international USA SIMs, be noted that there are two types of international SIM cards for USA: physical SIM and virtual SIM cards (eSIM).

If your phone is unlocked and compatible with eSIM, it is recommended to choose eSIM USA for the most convenient experience.

But if your phone is of old models that do not work with eSIM, choosing a traditional SIM card for USA travel is still good enough.

III. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for the USA?

You can buy SIM cards for US travel in 03 ways:

1. Buy at airports after arrival

You can buy SIM cards for USA in kiosks and shops upon arrival at the airports like LAX, SFR,… The shops of carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile etc. are often located near baggage claim or the arrivals area with staff who can help you navigate plans and activate your card. Then, the SIM card can be used right away. No shipping delays and also have chance to try before buying.

However, that convenience often comes with high prices and probably limited data.

For example, you will be surprised if you find yourself staring down a $50 SIM card with a measly 1GB of data. 

You may also encounter a wall of SIM card options, leaving you unsure which to choose.

On the other hand, if you fly into a smaller regional airport, you should have a backup plan since you cannot find a SIM card there.

Our advice is that if you do not need a SIM card the moment you get out of the plane, skip the airport kiosks to get better deals and a wider selection.

2. Buy online before departure

You can be prepared before your trip by buying SIM cards for USA from online travel SIM providers or ecommerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, etc. They offer services to deliver the SIM to international addresses. But check if your address is of their supporting addresses

Buying SIM online helps you avoid the inflated prices found at airport kiosks and browse a wide range of carriers and plans at your leisure.

Notes:

• Be aware of shipping time to ensure the SIM arrives before your departure or in time for your arrival in the US.
• You will likely need to activate the SIM card yourself without in-person help.

This buying option is right for you if you like to have things organized before traveling and are comfortable with self-setup. To avoid waiting time of physical SIM cards, you can choose to buy United States eSIM online. The eSIM plan information will be sent to you via email within 5-10 minutes after payment. Just need to scan the QR code and you are good to go.

3. Buy in US cities at official stores, convenience stores

If you want to have a wide range of plan options, buying US SIM cards in retail stores in the United States is a good option. However, be prepared to invest a little time in the process.

Unlike airport kiosks, retail stores offer a diverse selection of SIM cards from major carriers, smaller providers, and everything in between.

The plan prices are also competitive. Supermarkets and electronics stores tend to offer particularly competitive prices.

For example, you can visit official stores of US mobile network operators like T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon for the most comprehensive selection of plans from that specific carrier.

Supermarkets like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, or convenience stores like 7-Eleven often carry a variety of prepaid SIM cards and tend to offer particularly competitive prices.

Typical costs of SIM cards in US cities:

• Data-Only SIM Cards:
  • 1GB: $10 – $15
  • 5GB: $20 – $30
  • 10GB: $30 – $40
• SIM Cards with Calls & Text:
  • Basic Plans (Limited Calls/Texts, 1-3GB Data): $25 – $40
  • Unlimited Talk & Text with Data: $40 – $70 (data allowance varies)

But this buying option requires you to show valid ID or passport.

IV. What Are The Best USA SIM Cards for Tourists?

Best US SIM cards are offered by 03 main mobile internet operators: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon and some MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) of these major operators.  

Below are some packages for USA travel of the major US cellular internet operators:

1. USA T-Mobile SIM Card Plans and Price

Here are some prepaid plans for tourists to USA of T-Mobile:

• Cover USA only: 10GB of high speed data + unlimited talk, text, valid for 30 days = $40
• Cover USA, Canada, Mexico: 10GB of high speed data + unlimited talk, text, valid for 30 days = $50

2. USA Verizon SIM Card Plans and Price

Some prepaid plans for USA travel of Verizon include:

• 6GB of high speed data + unlimited call/text using Verizon’s 4G/5G network (auto renew each 30 days), valid for 30 days = $40
• 15GB of high speed data + unlimited text from USA to specific countries ,valid for 30 days = $50

3. USA AT&T SIM Card Plans and Price

Prepaid plans for tourists to USA offered by AT&T are:

• 3GB of high speed data on AT&T’s 4G and 5G network nationwide + unlimited talk, text, used for 30 days = $35
• 15GB of high speed data + 500MB high speed data used in Mexico and Canada + unlimited talk/text, used for 30 days = $50

Note: The plan offerings and pricing are subject to change at any time based on the mobile network operator’s business policies.

V. USA eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

Now, you know that an eSIM for the USA has many advantages over the physical one. There is no reason not to choose eSIMs if your phone supports it. 

If you wonder which eSIM provider for USA travel is the best, consider Gigago eSIM. Gigago offers multiple data plan options for the United States, starting from a 5-day plan with 1GB per day for $14 as their most minimal plan. They also have 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 1GB to 20GB of total data, or 1GB to 2GB per day, with prices from $14 up to $141.50.

Apart from varied data plans, some benefits of their plans that you can reap if buying:

• Works on AT&T and T-Mobile networks all over the USA for reliable service anywhere.
• Instant delivery by email within 5 minutes. Fast and easy setup by scanning the QR code.
• Live support via chat if issues come up on trips.
• Reviews show it gives good coverage and value compared to expensive roaming fees from other options

► To see more details, visit United States eSIM by Gigago.

VI. FAQs