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Using an eSIM for New York is an excellent way to avoid costly roaming services, impractical pocket WiFi, and traditional physical SIM cards. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about buying an eSIM for New York, including prices, characteristics, advantages, and where to get a New York City eSIM that matches your needs.

new york esim

Do eSIMs work in New York?

Because of how does eSIM work, they’re available almost everywhere, including New York. Moreover, many eSIM providers offer dedicated New York eSIMs for tourists, which is much more convenient than buying a physical SIM card or paying excessive data roaming charges

However, not all eSIMs are created equal, so you should choose an eSIM that works best for you to have the best possible experience. Let’s take a look at some of the top eSIM options for New York City.

4 best eSIM plans for New York

The best eSIM for New York is the one that matches your specific needs when traveling. Consider things like the cost, the amount of data, and the quality of the customer support when choosing your eSIM plan to ensure you get one that’s just right for you. 

Let’s start with an overview of the best eSIM options for New York before we go into more detail about what each of them has to offer.

eSIM featuresHolaflyGlobaleSIMBetterRoamingYesim
Top-upYes. (Not needed, all plans have unlimited data)YesYesYes
AppYesYesYesYes
Unlimited dataYesYesNoNo
24/7 live chat supportYesYesNoYes

1. Holafly

Holafly is widely considered to be the best eSIM for New York if you need unlimited data. This reputation is only further confirmed by a Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5 based on over 50,000 reviews.

Holafly is easy to use, offers 24/7 customer support in over a dozen languages, and dedicated apps on your iOS or Android device, so you can have Holafly a button away at all times.

Plans and Pricing

The Holafly eSIM for New York offers unlimited data plans with flexible eSIM validity periods ranging from 1 to 90 days. All of these plans also provide solid coverage all over the US, so you won’t have to get a separate plan if you leave New York City. Let’s take a look at the pricing for some of the most popular plan durations.

  • 5 days of unlimited data for $20.90
  • 7 days of unlimited data for $29.90
  • 10 days of unlimited data for $36.90
  • 15 days of unlimited data for $50.90
  • 20 days of unlimited data for $61.90
  • 30 days of unlimited data for $74.90
  • 60 days of unlimited data for $106.90
  • 90 days of unlimited data for $139.90
Holafly eSIM for New York
Holafly eSIM for New York

If you plan on visiting multiple countries during the same trip, you may also want to consider Holafly’s eSIM Global or eSIM North America plans. The global plan provides coverage in 113 countries with a single eSIM, while the North America plan covers the United States, Canada, and Mexico without having to get a new eSIM every time you cross a border.

Holafly eSIM for North America
Holafly eSIM for North America

Holafly pros and cons

Pros

  • Instant delivery: The QR activation code will be sent to your email the moment your payment goes through.
  • Tethering / Hotspot: Enjoy 1 GB per day to share with others.
  • Keep your WhatsApp number: Your New York eSIM is data-only, so your primary SIM card will still work for calls and SMS.
  • Apps for iOS and Android: Manage your eSIM data plan easily through an app.
  • 24/7 customer support: Holafly’s customer support will assist you any time through live chat, WhatApp, or email.
  • Extension options: If you stay longer than initially planned, you can quickly extend your eSIM without the need to buy a new one.
  • Flexible refund policy: Holafly has one of the most flexible refund policies in the industry. You’re guaranteed to get your money back if the travel eSIM doesn’t work or can’t be activated.

Cons

  • No phone number, call, or SMS options
  • Data sharing is limited to 1 GB a day

2. GlobaleSIM eSIM

GlobaleSIM is another solid eSIM option for New York that can help you stay connected on your trip. The company offers packages lasting up to 30 days, with coverage in New York coming through their eSIM plan for the United States.

GlobaleSIM offer for the USA
GlobaleSIM offer for the USA. Source: GlobaleSIM

Plans and Pricing

GlobaleSIM offers different data packages ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB of mobile data that last from 7 to 30 days. 

Additionally, you can spend an extra $3 to upgrade your eSIM to the unlimited plan, which keeps you connected after you use up your data limit, but caps the download speed at 256 kbps. This means that you will be able to use the internet, but only for the most basic needs, as the speed won’t allow for much more.

GlobaleSIM also allows you to add phone call packages from 100 to 200 minutes, with the option of free calls among GlobaleSIM users.

Standard Plans

  • 1 GB valid for 7 days: $4
  • 2 GB valid for 10 days: $6.50
  • 3 GB valid for 14 days: $8
  • 5 GB valid for 21 days: $10
  • 10 GB valid for 30 days: $17
  • 15 GB valid for 30 days: $26.50
  • 20 GB valid for 30 days: $32

Additional Options:

  • Unlimited data at 256kbps for an additional $3 after the main plan’s data is used up.
  • Phone call packages available: 100 minutes for $10, and 200 minutes for $17
  • Free calls among GlobaleSIM users

GlobaleSIM Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Solid offer of different data plans
  • Upgrade to unlimited data plan available
  • Phone call add-on available
  • Free calls among GlobaleSIM users

Cons

  • Unlimited plans come with 256kbps speed only
  • Additional cost for unlimited plans and calls
  • No dedicated New York eSIM card

3. BetterRoaming

BetterRoaming is another option for travelers who want an eSIM that they can use across the USA. They don’t have a dedicated eSIM for New York, but their USA eSIM will work just fine in the city.

Better Roaming eSIM USA
Better Roaming eSIM for the USA. Source: Better Roaming

Plans and Prices

BetterRoaming offers a range of data plans, with options from 1 GB to 30 GB. Users can choose between 7-day or 30-day plans. However, none of these plans include unlimited data, so keep that in mind if you want to stay connected at all times.

  • 1 GB valid for 7 days: $2.99
  • 3 GB valid for 30 days: $7.99
  • 5 GB valid for 30 days: $9.99
  • 10 GB valid for 30 days: $15.99
  • 20 GB valid for 30 days: $23.99

All in all, these are some of the most affordable fixed-data eSIM plans for the USA, making Better Roaming a solid option if you’re just looking to stay connected without engaging in any data-heavy activities.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy-to-use website and app
  • Fair pricing
  • Local, regional, and global digital SIM cards available

Cons

  • No unlimited data options
  • Fewer packages are available than with previous companies

4. Yesim eSIM

Yesim offers different data packages with both fixed and unlimited data options available. Just like Better Roaming and GlobaleSIM, you can get coverage in New York by buying Yesim’s United States plan.

Yesim eSIM for the USA
Yesim eSIM for the USA. Source: Yesim

Plans and Prices

There are five fixed-data plans and four unlimited plans to choose from with Yesim, so you can pick the option that best suits your needs.

  • 500 MB valid for 3 days for $0.55
  • 10 GB valid for 30 days for $17.60
  • 15 GB valid for 30 days for $19.80
  • 20 GB valid for 30 days for $22
  • 30 GB valid for 30 days for $33
  • Unlimited data for 1 day for $7.70
  • Unlimited data for 7 days for $28.60
  • Unlimited data for 15 days for $47.30
  • Unlimited data for 30 days for $69.30

It’s worth noting the big gap in options for fixed data plans, with no choices between 500 MB and 10 GB. So if you need just a few GB of data, you might have to constantly add-on 500 MB whenever you’re close to running out or simply choose a different provider instead.

When it comes to unlimited plans, Yesim offers quite appealing pricing, but Holafly is still cheaper if you go for a plan that isn’t exactly 7, 15, or 30 days.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Unlimited and fixed data options
  • Affordable data plans

Cons

  • Limited options for data limits

Traveling to the US? Get the best eSIM for the USA with more options and better prices.

Which is the best eSIM for New York: The verdict

The answer to this question mainly depends on what you expect from your eSIM for New York. However, if you are looking for an unlimited mobile data plan at a reasonable price, Holafly eSIM for New York stands out from the rest. Here’s how it compares to Yesim, BetterRoaming, and GlobaleSIM.

Which is the best eSIM for New York with unlimited data?

Holafly offers unlimited data with all its plans, including the eSIM USA unlimited data you can use in New York. Yesim also offers unlimited data, but its more expensive and offers fewer plan options. 

GlobaleSIM also offers an option to upgrade to unlimited data for an additional fee. However, this plan comes with reduced speed (256kpbs), so it can’t compete in terms of speed when compared to a full-fledged unlimited eSIM.

Which eSIM for New York is the easiest to use?

Most travel eSIMs are generally easy to use and install. They work on a similar principle: you purchase your digital SIM card, scan a QR code, and follow the simple prompts to install your eSIM.

Holafly’s New York eSIM offers an easy-to-follow installation guide for Android and iPhone users. Customer support agents are available 24/7 and will happily guide you through this process if you need help.

Which tourist eSIM for New York offers top-up options?

Holafly doesn’t offer a top-up option but that’s simply because you don’t need one. All plans already have unlimited data, so you will never run out. If you simply want to extend the duration of the plan, you can do so without having to buy a new eSIM.

Yesim, doesn’t offer top-up options even for fixed-data plans. In case you need more data, you’d have to buy a new digital SIM card with a new data package.

GlobaleSIM and BetterRoaming virtual SIM cards have the top-up option, so you can add more data to your plans whenever you’re close to running out.

How to buy a local eSIM in New York

You can look into the biggest local carriers, At&T and T-Mobile, when choosing either a physical SIM card or an eSIM. eSIMs and SIM cards use the same networks, so you can expect to have the same reception and network quality with both.

While SIM cards are available, eSIMs are more convenient. That said, you still have to visit a physical store of these two carriers if you want to convert your SIM card into an eSIM.

Here are some more details about each of them:

eSIM AT&T New York

AT&T is one of the leading operators in New York, and it offers tourist eSIM services, making it easy for tourists to stay connected. Even though the eSIMs are digital, you still have to buy them in a physical store.

Make sure to check which plans are available to you as a foreign citizen. The pricing and data limits can constantly change, so you’re only getting the most accurate quote by visiting one of AT&T’s stores, which you’ll have to do anyway to buy their eSIM.

eSIM T-Mobile New York

Another of the main options we have as tourists is the prepaid eSIM offered by T-Mobile. The company has an App to install the eSIM. However, you must go to a physical location to confirm your phone’s IMEI and get a valid data plan before getting an eSIM if you’re a new customer.

Once you’ve purchased a data plan from the company, changing your SIM card to an eSIM is easier while using T-Mobile. Again, you must check which prepaid eSIM New York plans are available to you as a tourist.

Tips for using your eSIM for New York

Here are some useful tips that will help you use your eSIM with ease during your New York trip.

  • Ensure your phone or device has unlocked bands to connect to other mobile networks without any problem.
  • Get an unlimited data plan. That way, you won’t have to worry about how much data you have left.
  • Get a data package that works with the best carriers in New York for a better mobile experience.

Holafly’s eSIM for New York is a safe choice if you want to have reliable mobile internet without having to constantly check your data usage. Unlimited data, easy-to-use, effortless top-up, excellent user reviews, and fantastic customer support make it stand out from the rest.

Rokas Aniulis

Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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