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Mobile data plans in the USA: What international students need to know

The best mobile data plans in the USA for students. Get cheap, unlimited, and prepaid options for staying connected anywhere.

If you’re heading to the USA as an international student, having the right mobile data plan isn’t just nice, it’s survival. You’ll need it for class schedules, campus apps, food delivery, and maybe even figuring out how to work a futuristic-looking washing machine.

This guide covers the best mobile data plans in the USA, from cheap prepaid mobile data plans to unlimited mobile data, and even mobile hotspot plans with unlimited data. We’ll compare options, share student-friendly tips, and even give you a stress-free solution that works the moment you land.

In this article

Why mobile data plans matter for international students

Think about your daily life back home. Now take away your internet connection. Exactly. For international students, mobile data is for more than just scrolling through reels and shorts. It’s about:

Staying connected with loved ones – Video calls when you’re homesick, instant updates when you ace an exam.
Accessing campus resources – Library portals, learning management systems, and “where’s the lecture hall?” searches.
Avoiding roaming charges – Because nobody wants a $100 phone bill for watching a couple of YouTube tutorials.
Going about everyday life – Ordering an Uber, finding a grocery store near you, or tracking down a pocket-friendly café for your daily fix of caffeine.

The best mobile data plans save you money, keep you safe, and make your new life in the USA so much easier.

Types of mobile data plans available in the USA

When you’re searching for mobile data plans in the USA, you will primarily encounter the following options:

Local prepaid mobile data plans – SIM cards provided by U.S.-based companies, typically available with monthly or pay-as-you-go pricing.
Unlimited data mobile plans – Great if you’re a heavy data user and don’t want to worry about caps.
International mobile data plans – Plans that can be purchased prior to your departure from your home country, which are valid in the USA.
eSIM plans – 100% digital SIMs that you can activate instantly (this is where Holafly comes in).
Data-only mobile hotspot plans – A portable WiFi device (or a SIM card in your phone/tablet) that supplies data for multiple devices.
Student or campus-partnered plans – Discounts or special offers from carriers partnered with universities.
Global roaming add-ons – Add a U.S. roaming package to your home country plan so it works in the USA.

International students use mobile data to be online everywhere.

Local mobile data plan providers in the U.S.

Before you get a local SIM, here’s what you’ll need:

ID – In most cases, a student ID or passport works fine.
Proof of address – Some providers may ask for your U.S. address (your dorm or student housing works).
Payment method – A U.S. credit card is easiest, but many prepaid mobile data plans accept international cards or cash at stores.

Now, moving on to the mobile data plan providers in the U.S., here are some local options:

Mint Mobile

Very affordable, and great for budget-conscious students. But requires 3, 6, or 12-month prepayment. Plus, coverage may vary in rural areas.

Plan Type: Prepaid
Price: $15-$35/month
Data: Unlimited mobile data plans with high-speed caps and mobile hotspot access.
International use? Limited. Best for U.S.-only use.

Lyca Mobile

Budget-friendly, and offers frequent back-to-school discounts. But speeds can be slower, and has fewer perks compared to other prepaid mobile data plans providers.

Plan Type: Prepaid
Price: $7.5-$39/month
Data: Cheap mobile data plans, perfect for light users.
International use? Yes, some plans include international calling.

Visible (by Verizon)

Strong nationwide coverage, and no contracts. But, slightly higher cost than most budget options.

Plan Type: Unlimited
Price: Around $19-$35/month
Data: 50GB high-speed, mobile hotspot plans with unlimited data.
International use? Limited.

T-Mobile

Offers great speeds. Also has awesome international add-ons. But, has higher base prices, and may need U.S. payment methods.

Plan Type: Unlimited
Price: $90-$170/month
Data: Unlimited mobile data plans with student promotions.
International use? Yes, with add-ons.

AT&T Prepaid

Excellent coverage in rural areas; flexible plan lengths. But, unlimited plans can be pricey, and hotspot use may be capped.

Plan Type: Prepaid & Unlimited options
Price: $25-$65/month
Data: From 5GB to unlimited, with hotspot on most plans.
International use? Yes, some prepaid plans include Canada/Mexico roaming.

US Mobile

Highly customizable and offers good coverage (uses Verizon & T-Mobile networks). But, it can be confusing for new users to set up the best deal! Plus, the best deals often come with 12-month prepayment conditions.

Plan Type: Prepaid & Custom plans
Price: From $19/month (build-your-own)
Data: Flexible. You can choose how much data, talk, and text you need.
International use? Limited.

International mobile data plan providers

If you’d rather land in the USA already connected, these are for you.

Holafly eSIM for the USA

Plan Type: eSIM (digital SIM, no physical card)
Price: Unlimited data plans start at $3.79 for 1 day
Data: Unlimited data options available
Pros: Activate instantly. No stores, no queues, no paperwork. And it works the moment you land.
Cons: Requires an eSIM-compatible phone (most modern smartphones have this).
More info: Get all the details and your Holafly eSIM for the USA here.
International use? Yes, check Global eSIM for multi-country coverage for up to 90 days of usage

Holafly Plans

Plan Type: eSIM (digital SIM, no physical card)
Price: Unlimited data subscription plans
Data options: 25 GB and unlimited data
Pros: Activate instantly. No stores, no queues, no paperwork. And it works the moment you land.
Cons: Requires an eSIM-compatible phone (most modern smartphones have this).
International use? Yes, +170 countries.
More info: Holafly Plans

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Discover international unlimited eSIM

Buy Global eSIM

Airalo

Plan Type: eSIM
Price: Data only plans start from $4.50 for 7 days with 1 GB data.
Data: Flexible but often with lower data limits.
Pros: Cheap for short-term use. Sometimes does seasonal promos.
Cons: Lower data caps, so will need topping up often.
International use? Yes, with global plans.

GigSky

Plan Type: eSIM / physical SIM
Price: Fixed data plans start from $4.99 for 7 days with 1 GB data. Unlimited data plans start at $4.99 for 1 day.
Data: Pay-as-you-go style, with both limited and unlimited mobile data options.
Pros: Works in many countries. Sometimes offers seasonal discounts.
Cons: For heavy data users, unlimited plans can get pricey over time.

Saily Ultra Plan

Plan Type: eSIM (monthly subscription)
Price: $59.99/month
Data: 30 GB of high-speed data per month.
Pros: Wide coverage, and unlimited hotspot sharing. Comes with 24/7 priority support.
Cons: High-speed data is capped at 30 GB. After that, the speed drops to 1 Mbps until the next billing cycle.
International use? Yes, in 113 destinations.
More info: Check our post Saily eSIM Ultra Plan

What makes a plan student-friendly

Here’s what to look for as a student:

Affordable pricing – Cheap mobile data plans help you stick to your budget.
Unlimited mobile data – If you’re constantly streaming lectures, attending Zoom calls, or FaceTiming home, you’ll need this a lot.
Simple mobile data plans – No contracts, no credit checks, easy to top up.
Hotspot allowance – Useful when your dorm WiFi decides to take a day off!
Student discounts – Some carriers run back-to-school promotions.

Comparison table: Local vs international plans

Provider	Type	Price Range	Data Features	Pros	Cons
Mint Mobile	Local SIM	$15-$35/month	Unlimited with high-speed cap	Cheap, hotspot access	Prepay required
Lyca Mobile	Local SIM	$7.5-$39/month	Budget plans, some intl calls	Very cheap, intl options	Slower speeds
Visible	Local SIM	$19-$35/month	50GB high-speed + hotspot	Great coverage	Slightly pricier
T-Mobile Connect	Local SIM	$90-$170/month	Unlimited + student promos	Fast speeds, intl add-ons	May need U.S. card
Holafly eSIM	eSIM	From $3.79	Unlimited data	Instant activation, no SIM swap	Needs eSIM compatible phone
Airalo eSIM	eSIM	From $4.50	Small data packs	Flexible, cheap for short-term	Low data caps

Mobile data plans: Local or international?

If you’re staying in the USA long-term and don’t mind setting up a SIM after arrival, a local prepaid mobile data plan like Mint or Visible can save you money.

But, if you want zero stress, instant connection, and unlimited data from the moment you land, an international eSIM like Holafly is your best bet.

Tips before you choose

Plan ahead and don’t wait until you’re jet-lagged in an airport to figure out your data plan.
Check your phone compatibility. Especially for eSIMs.
Balance price with convenience, because sometimes paying a bit more saves you a lot of hassle.
Think about your data needs. If you stream a lot, unlimited might be worth it.

Staying connected in the USA doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you choose a cheap prepaid mobile data plan or go with a stress-free option like Holafly, the right plan will make your student life smoother, safer, and way more fun.