How to get Mobile internet in New York: What is the best option?

If you are traveling to New York, you need to make sure to take an option that lets you connect to the internet in the USA, so you can keep using your phone apps like WhatsApp or Google Maps. In this article, we are going to tell you all about how to get cellular internet in New York without paying for international roaming or having to look for free WiFi hotspots.

Let’s begin!

eSIM cards with mobile data for New York

The eSIM card is expected to replace the traditional SIM card in the future. It is a small device that is already integrated into high-end smartphones. The eSIM can have many lines from different operators, using a cellular data plan that you activate by scanning a QR code. It does not require a physical installation. And it is very easy to use. Visit the Holafly virtual store to learn more about its eSIMs.

With the Holafly eSIM card for New York, you’ll enjoy unlimited cellular data and calls, free shipping, and customer service and support in your language. With it, you will be connected to the AT&T network, which has the best coverage in the USA.

Advantages of the Holafly eSIM card

• Keep your WhatsApp in your language.
• 24-hour chat customer service and support.
• No subscription contract or minimum clause.
• Keep using your physical card too.
• Enjoy a high-speed connection.
• Make sure that your cellphone is eSIM-compatible. Here is the list of compatible devices.

Here are this product’s rates and prices:

If you have any doubts, you can check our article about how to have the internet in the United States. There you will find additional information.

Prepaid SIM card

A prepaid SIM card is just like the SIM card you have on your cellphone. You insert it into your cellphone when you arrive at your destination and start using your cellular data.

Some SIM cards let you keep your number to make calls and your WhatsApp number. You can also share your cellular data with other devices. These can be purchased through different methods, including through online stores, so here are some of them.

What SIM card should I pick?

Ultra Mobile

From the T-Mobile network, this SIM card offers four plans: $19 with 100 MB, $29 with 250 MB, and $39 with 500 MB.

Black Wireless

From AT&T, this SIM card is perfect for iPhone, but it does not offer the option of making calls. It has three plans available: $30 with 500 MB, $40 with 1 GB, and $50 with 2 GB.

Free WiFi

This alternative is free, but you will have to look for public networks in your destination and be patient because the connection may not be fast or reliable. Forget about sharing videos if you connect to a an open network.

How can I find public WiFi in New York?

These networks are in public places, such as:

Parks

There are many hot spots (points of WiFi) available in Manhattan and Brooklyn. If you follow this link, you will find all WiFi spots in New York.

Bus stations

Since 2018, you can connect to the Trasitwirelesswifi network on the bus or in the 282 bus stations that you can find in the city.

LinkNYC

These spots are located in different parts of the city, and they are 1500 in total. It is such a great advantage, and theres even a spot to charge your cellphone. To use it, you only have to go to the WiFi settings on your cellphone and look for the network: LinkNYC. Enter your email when it is needed, and that’s it. You may have to install an app.

Other alternatives

Other alternatives can be Apple stores, mall stores, restaurants, and cafés. Now that you know how to find WiFi spots in NY, we have to tell you that it is not the best option if you want to be connected to the internet all the time.

Pocket WiFi to connect in New York.

It is another alternative, better than free WiFi. These Pocket WiFi are small devices that you can carry in your pocket, similar to a portable charger or an iPod. However, it is an option that can cost a lot. Keep in mind that these devices are usually rented and not bought because buying them is pretty expensive.

What Pocket WiFi should I pick, and when can I get it?

ONLINE

All-day Internet

They offer a Pocket WiFi that can arrive at your house 4 days after you buy it. With this device, you will be able to share your data with other devices.

It has three different prices: a week with 1 GB at $61.5, 10 days with 3 GB at $77, and two weeks with 3 GB at $91.

My WebSpot

This option offers unlimited internet and lets you share your connection with 5 devices. Its battery lasts 8 hours. The bad thing is that you have to pay $9.90 per day.

Sky Roam

This option offers unlimited internet as well, and it lets you connect 5 devices for $100. The problem is that you have to pay two prices, one for the device and one for the internet, which is $8 per day.

IN STORES

You can get this product for a good price, and you don’t have to pay insurance because the device will be yours.

New device

You can buy this device, and it can be easier to get, for around $50, but the SIM card is not included, and you will have to buy it through a different provider. The good thing is that you will be able to reuse this device or sell it.

Second-hand

You can get a second-hand Pocket WiFi from someone who sells it or rents it because you will only have to buy the SIM card with cellular data.

There are many ways to acquire Pocket WiFi in New York. The price, insurance, cellular data, and the number of devices you can connect may vary, and you have to be careful not to lose or break it.

Roaming service in New York

This alternative is not very recommended because of its high price. You have to pay for every MB consumed. It is the service that your local operator offers to connect, make calls, and send SMS abroad.

Nowadays, we need to be connected all the time and use our cellphones to look for directions, information, and more. So, we need to use many MB. And, since the roaming service charges you for each used MB, it is a very expensive alternative.

How much does it cost?

Usually, most operators charge you between $3 to $15 for each MB. This price may vary depending on the operator. Therefore, below we will give you some details about the prices of certain cellular carriers that offer to roam in New York.

Vodafone UK

You can use your UK data, minutes, and texts in New York with Vodafone International roaming service for only $6 per day, and you’ll only pay on the days you use your phone.

Telstra

If you are a user of Telstra from Australia, and you want to connect to the internet during your trip to New York with this provider, you will have to pay $10 per day to enjoy unlimited calls, SMS & 1 GB of data.

O2 UK

Finally, if O2 UK is your operator, then you will be able to use their roaming services to New York with their O2 travel Bolt On plan. It costs $6 per day and gets you all the data you need, unlimited minutes to make and receive calls, and unlimited texts to send each day within your travel destination and back to the UK.

How do I activate the roaming service?

If you want to use this alternative anyhow, we recommend you contact your operator through whatever channels they offer. Remember that some plans can activate the roaming service automatically.

• Vodafone: you can activate it from their website under your personal profile or through their My Vodafone App
• Telstra: Through my Telstra App.
• O2: text O2TRAVEL to 23336.

Now that you have read all about the different alternatives to connect to the internet in New York, our recommendation is to get a virtual SIM card or eSIM because it is one of the most accessible options and they offer many perks and benefits.