SIM Card Guides

How to get a SIM card in New York in 2025

A SIM card or eSIM in New York ensures you stay connected to maps, messaging, and travel alerts wherever you go. We’ll guide you through the best options and where to get them for a hassle-free trip.

Lost in a new city? Whether you need directions, access to ride-sharing apps, or quick updates on local events, staying connected to the internet is non-negotiable.

In this guide, we’ll show you the easiest ways to get online in NYC. We’ll break down physical mobile data and SIM card options from big players like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, tell you exactly where to buy them, and introduce Holafly’s eSIM — a smarter, faster choice for hassle-free internet.

In this article

Where to buy a SIM card in New York?

When it comes to buying a SIM card in New York, you’ve got a few options: airports, local carrier stores, and even some online marketplaces.

Each option has its pros and cons depending on your schedule and budget. Let’s break them down so you can find the best fit for your travel needs.

Airports

If you’re arriving in New York and want to get connected right away, airports are a convenient option for buying a SIM card. Here’s where you can find them:

At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), you’ll find SIM card vending machines in Terminal 8, an InMotion store in Terminal 2, and an AT&T store in Terminal 4. There’s also a Sims on the Go shop located in the arrivals hall, which offers a range of SIM cards for travelers.
At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), you can visit the Sims on the Go shop in the arrivals hall. Alternatively, check out the SIM card vending machine located about 30 meters from the entrance, near the large U.S. flag.

While airports offer a quick solution, prices here tend to be higher than in local stores. If you’re not in a rush, consider waiting to buy your SIM card in the city.

Local shops

If you’d rather skip the airports and buy your SIM card once you’re settled, local stores are a great option.

New York City has plenty of places to pick up a SIM card, whether you’re looking for major carrier stores or other convenience stores and shops.

For official carrier SIM cards, you can visit AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon stores across the city. We’ll cover their locations, plans, and pricing in detail later in the article.

If you’re looking for more general options, you can find compatible SIM cards at:

CVS
Target
7-Eleven
Best Buy
Walmart
Walgreens
Duane Reade
B&H Photo Video

💡 Solo traveler? Staying connected during a solo trip to New York makes it easier to explore the city with confidence. Make sure to sort out your data plan before heading out.

Online

While buying a SIM card online might sound convenient, none of the official providers like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile ship SIM cards internationally.

However, there are a few third-party options to explore: Amazon, eBay, and SimCorner.

That said, it’s generally recommended to buy your SIM card from an official store after you land in New York.

This ensures you get the best plan for your needs, up-to-date pricing, and reliable customer support. Plus, official carrier stores guarantee compatibility with local networks.

How much does a SIM card cost in New York?

SIM card prices in New York typically start at $30 for 5 GB of data and 30 days of service. Plans can go as high as $60 for unlimited data with features like hotspot access and international texting for 30 days.

Now that you know how much purchasing a SIM card in New York costs, let’s dive into the best options available.

💡 Before you pack: Check out this NYC packing list to make sure you’ve got all your essentials ready for your New York adventure.

What are the best SIM card options for New York?

Here are the top SIM card options for New York: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. We’ll cover where to buy them, what they offer, and how to choose the right one for your trip.

AT&T

AT&T is one of the major mobile network operators in the United States, providing wireless services in New York and across the country.

They offer various cell phone plans and services for residents and visitors to New York.

Here’s a quick look at their prepaid plans:

Unlimited Level Up℠: $50.99/month with AutoPay. Unlimited talk, text, and data (slowed after 30 GB), 5G access, and use in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Unlimited + 10 GB Hotspot: $25/month (prepaid for 12 months). Includes unlimited data (slowed after 16 GB), 10 GB hotspot, 5G access, and calls to Mexico and Canada.
Unlimited Basic: $45/month. Unlimited data (slowed after 30 GB), , and use in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Unlimited MAX℠ + 25 GB Hotspot: $55/month with AutoPay. Unlimited talk, text, and high speed data (may be slowed after 50 GB), 25 GB hotspot, 5G access, and use in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
5 GB Data Plan: $30/month. Includes 5 GB high-speed data, 5G access, rollover data, and hotspot functionality.
8 GB Data Plan: $33/month (prepaid for 3 months). Includes 8 GB high-speed data, 5G access, rollover data, and use in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

AT&T prepaid plans offer flexible options for travelers, including unlimited data and 5G access. Source: AT&T

Where to buy an AT&T SIM card in New York?

AT&T does not ship SIM cards internationally, so you’ll need to purchase one after landing in New York. It’s best to check store hours and call ahead to confirm local SIM card availability. Here are some store locations:

Avenue of the Americas (484 Avenue of the Americas, Midtown Manhattan)
Broadway & E 8th St (745 Broadway, Downtown Manhattan)
Wall Street (45 Wall St, Financial District)
Lenox Hill (1103 Third Ave, Upper East Side)
Upper West Side (2066 Broadway, Upper West Side)

Verizon

Verizon is one of the largest mobile network providers in the U.S., known for its extensive coverage and high-speed data.

All Verizon prepaid plans include unlimited talk and text within the U.S., unlimited international texting to over 200 countries, and talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.

Plans also come with 5G and 4G LTE network access, spam call blocking through Verizon’s Call Filter, and basic digital security with their Digital Secure feature.

Here’s a look at Verizon’s prepaid plan options:

15 GB Plan: $35/month with AutoPay ($45 for the first month). Includes 15 GB of high-speed data and mobile hotspot usage.
Unlimited Plan: $50/month with AutoPay ($60 for the first month). Offers unlimited data, 5 GB of mobile hotspot, and access to 5G and 4G LTE networks.
Unlimited Plus Plan: $60/month with AutoPay ($70 for the first month). Includes 50 GB of premium network access, 25 GB mobile hotspot, 5G Ultra Wideband, 4K UHD streaming, and Global Choice for free international calls to one country (up to 180 minutes per month).

Verizon also offers discounts with AutoPay or a loyalty discount program, making it a flexible and cost-effective option for staying connected.

Verizon’s offers limited and unlimited data plans. Source: Verizon

Where to buy a Verizon SIM card in New York?

Use Verizon’s store locator on their website to find the nearest store or call ahead to confirm availability. Here are some of the most accessible options:

SoHo: 581 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Union Square: 859 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Lower East Side: 150 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
East Village: 133 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Financial District: 100 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
West Village: 237 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

If you’re outside the city, there’s also a Verizon-authorized retailer, Wireless Zone, located near Farmingdale at 207 Airport Plaza Blvd.

💡 Need more guidance? Check out our New York travel guide for tips on what to see, do, and eat during your trip.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is a popular choice for travelers visiting New York, offering affordable prepaid plans with reliable 5G coverage across the city.

The cost of plans depends on the number of lines you need, but here’s a look at the price of their plans for one phone line:

Unlimited: $50/month + taxes & fees. Includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, plus an unlimited domestic mobile hotspot at 3G speeds.
Unlimited Promo: $55/month + taxes & fees. Includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds, and texting to 215+ destinations while in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Unlimited Plus: $60/month + taxes & fees. Includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, with up to 10 GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
10 GB Plan: $40/month + taxes & fees. Includes unlimited talk and text, up to 10 GB of 5G data, and mobile hotspot usage from your plan’s allowance.

T-Mobile also offers family plan discounts, such as two lines for $75 or four lines for $100, making it a cost-effective choice for group travelers.

T-Mobile prepaid plans offer flexibility and affordability. Source: T-Mobile

Where to buy a T-Mobile SIM card in New York?

T-Mobile does not ship SIM cards, so you’ll need to purchase one in person after arriving in New York. Here are some of the top T-Mobile store locations in and around the city:

Broadway & Dey: 185 Broadway, New York, NY 10007. Call: (212) 571-5077
Fulton St & Hoyt St: 456 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Call: (718) 237-2155
Newport Centre: 30 Mall Dr W, Ste B34B, Jersey City, NJ 07310. Call: (201) 779-5812
E 23rd St & 5th Ave: 175 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10010. Call: (212) 780-5600
45th & Lexington: 466 Lexington Ave, Ste 160, New York, NY 10017. Call: (646) 968-6307
E 86th St & 3rd Ave: 169 E 86th St, New York, NY 10028. Call: (212) 348-6340
Times Square: 1535 Broadway, Ste 0161A, New York, NY 10036. Call: (646) 350-4645

💡 Tip: Exploring attractions? A tourist card for New York can help you save on entry fees and make getting around the city simpler.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card in New York

Buying a SIM card in New York is quick and hassle-free. Here’s how you can get connected:

Pick your carrier: Choose between popular options like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Think about how much data you’ll need and if features like international texting or hotspot access matter to you.
Choose a prepaid plan: Most prepaid plans are straightforward — no credit checks, no contracts. Just pick what suits your trip, whether it’s 5 GB or unlimited data.
Buy a SIM card kit: Head to a carrier store, convenience store, or airport shop to grab a SIM kit. These kits include the SIM card and clear instructions for activation.
Verification not needed: For prepaid plans, you typically don’t need to show ID or proof of residence. If asked for a ZIP code, you can use your hotel’s address. Verification is usually required only for post-paid plans.
Activate your SIM: Follow the activation steps in the kit. Most carriers let you activate online, by phone, or in store.
Pay and top up: Prepaid plans let you pay upfront with cash, card, or other options like PayPal. You can easily top up later if needed.

Sounds easy, right? Sure, but remember that roaming the city to find stores or waiting in lines to buy and activate physical SIM cards can be tiring — especially after a long flight. If you’d rather skip the hassle, consider using an eSIM while you’re in New York!

Holafly eSIM: Get unlimited data in NY

With Holafly’s eSIM for New York, you can skip the hassle of visiting stores and dive straight into exploring the city. It’s quick, fully digital, and perfect if you value convenience.

Holafly offers unlimited data, so you can browse, stream, and navigate with ease throughout your trip. Need to keep your friends or family connected?

Share up to 500 MB per day as a hotspot between mobile devices. With reliable network coverage all across New York and other major U.S. cities like Miami, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, Holafly ensures you stay online wherever you go.

Simply buy your eSIM from the Holafly app or website, and choose a plan based on your travel duration. Prices can range from $20.90 for 5 days to $139.90 for 90 days.

Plans that may interest you

Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.

Read full bio