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T-Mobile tourist SIM guide: Best SIM and eSIM options for tourists in the US
Know your T-Mobile Tourist SIM and eSIM options for your US trip, including plans and pricing, where to buy a T-Mobile prepaid plan, and how to activate.
If you’re looking for a SIM or eSIM to use in your trip to the US, then the T-Mobile tourist SIM and eSIM might be the plan for you.
In this guide, we explore T-Mobile tourist SIM and T-Mobile tourist eSIM plans, pricing, where to buy, and how to activate your eSIM. We also talk about Holafly as an unlimited data eSIM alternative.
Current T-Mobile customers can check out T-Mobile’s international eSIM instead if you’re exploring an eSIM to use while traveling abroad.
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Does T-Mobile offer a tourist SIM card?
Yes, T-Mobile offers eSIM and prepaid SIM cards with no contracts, complete with data, calls, texts, and mobile hotspot access, making it a good fit for tourists. However, keep in mind that these prepaid plans begin at 30 days and renew on a monthly basis.
T-Mobile tourist SIM: Plans and pricing
T-Mobile prepaid plans come in three monthly tiers: Starter Monthly, Unlimited Monthly, and Unlimited Plus Monthly. Inclusions and prices are as follows.
| Monthly plan | Data allowance | Calls and texts | Hotspot | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Monthly | – 15 GB of premium data – Unlimited 2G after data cap | Unlimited local calls and texts | ✅ From your premium data | – $45/month – $40/month with autopay |
| Unlimited Monthly | – 50 GB of premium data – Unlimited 5G after data cap | Unlimited local calls and texts | ✅ Unlimited with 3G speed | – $50/month – $45/month with autopay |
| Unlimited Plus Monthly | – 50 GB of premium data – Unlimited 5G after data cap | – Unlimited local calls and texts – Unlimited international calls and texts to and from the US, Mexico, and Canada – Unlimited international texts from the US to over 215 countries | ✅ 5 GB high-speed data | – $65/month – $60/month with autopay |
These plans come with a five-year price guarantee, meaning that the price for talk, text, and data will remain the same for the next five years. The more lines you avail, the cheaper each line gets.
They also include Major League Soccer Season Pass, scam block, and access to MLB.TV and T-Mobile Tuesdays, a program where users can claim freebies and other rewards.
With these plans, you can have add-ons like data roaming in Mexico and Canada for $5 per month, or unlimited calls from the US, Canada, or Mexico to mobile lines in over 30 countries and landlines in over 70 countries for $15 per month.
Opting in to the autopay feature gives you a $5 monthly discount, but if you’re not staying in the US for long, it’s best to opt out to avoid unwanted renewals. Additionally, a device connection charge of $10 and taxes apply, although the latter vary by location.
T-Mobile also offers two promo plans that are perfect if you plan on buying more than one line.
| Promo plan | No. of lines | Data allowance | Calls and texts | Hotspot | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Promo | 2 | Unlimited 5G | – Unlimited local calls and texts – Unlimited international calls and texts to and from the US, Mexico, and Canada – Unlimited international texts from the US to over 215 countries | ✅ 3 GB high-speed data | $75/month |
| 10GB | 4 | 10 GB 5G | Unlimited local calls and texts | ✅ From your 5G data | $100/month |
Disclaimer: The data in this review is accurate as of July 30, 2025, and is subject to change.
Where to buy a T-Mobile tourist (e)SIM for the US
Before purchasing a T-Mobile tourist SIM or eSIM, note that an eSIM-compatible phone or device is required to use an eSIM.
It’s also best to check if your location has coverage first by reviewing the T-Mobile network coverage map. Now that that’s settled, below are the places where you can buy a T-Mobile tourist SIM and eSIM.
Official stores
You can head to any T-Mobile store to inquire about and purchase a T-Mobile tourist SIM and eSIM. Use T-Mobile’s store locator to find a T-Mobile store near you.
Supermarkets or convenience stores
Shops like Walmart, Target, and Walgreens also sell T-Mobile prepaid plans. You can also find T-Mobile prepaid plans in convenience stores like CVS or 7-11. Inventory and price may vary between online and in-store.
Online
You can visit T-Mobile’s website or download the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app to get started on your T-Mobile journey. From there, you can choose a T-Mobile tourist SIM or eSIM and manage your plan through the website or app.
You can also check out Amazon, eBay, and similar online platforms for a T-Mobile phone plan.
How to activate a T-Mobile tourist SIM/eSIM card
Below are ways to activate your T-Mobile tourist SIM and eSIM on your iPhone or Android phone:
T-Mobile tourist SIM card activation guide
- Insert your SIM card in your device and turn it on.
- Log in to your T-Mobile.com or the T-Life app.
- Select your device type line and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Alternatively, you can also call 1-800-T-MOBILE to complete SIM activation.
T-Mobile tourist eSIM activation guide
- Download the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app, enter your details, and choose Let’s go.
- Enter your ZIP code, add other details, and choose Continue.
- Select your prepaid plan, click Continue, and choose Plan details.
- Review the terms and hit Accept.
- Finalize payment details and then select Submit & pay.
- Wait for T-Mobile to set up your eSIM service.
- On the Install Cellular Plan screen, select Continue.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, name your eSIM, and select a primary line.
Keep in mind that the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app will inform you on the first screen that loads whether your device is not eSIM compatible.
Source: T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app
How to avoid running out of T-Mobile tourist SIM data
Below are some steps you can take to reduce your data usage and make sure you don’t run out of T-Mobile tourist SIM or eSIM data when you need it most:
1. Check how much data you need
In fact, make sure you calculate your estimated data usage for your US trip before selecting a plan. The T-Mobile tourist SIM comes with a set amount of high-speed data, after which speeds slow down. For example, the Starter Monthly plan comes with 15 GB of premium data, and once this is depleted, you receive unlimited 2G internet at 128 kbps.
2. Monitor your data usage
Keep track of your data usage through the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app or the website. You can also use the short code #WEB# (#932#) to check data usage, data plan, and data expiry.
3. Turn off mobile data
Disable mobile data when you’re on Wi-Fi or not actively using the internet. On most phones, you can do this via Settings > Mobile Data or Settings > Cellular. This prevents apps from using data in the background.
4. Consider unlimited data alternatives
If you expect to use a lot of data for streaming, video calls, or social media apps like TikTok, look into unlimited data eSIMs from providers like Holafly.
Enjoy unlimited data with Holafly for the US
If you’re looking for a data-only eSIM offering unlimited data, quick setup and activation, and no lock-in contracts, then Holafly’s eSIM USA is for you.
You can choose a plan that lasts anywhere from 1 to 90 days, allowing you to match your eSIM to the duration of your stay. If your trip takes you beyond the US, you can also choose a regional option like the North America eSIM, and 24/7 customer support is available if you need help along the way.
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