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How to buy a prepaid SIM card for tourists in the USA (2025 guide)
Looking to buy a prepaid SIM card for the USA? Here’s a detailed look at the top prepaid SIM card options, including their plans and prices.
From the neon lights of New York to the laid-back vibes of California, the USA is a melting pot of cultures and experiences. But without a reliable internet, you might literally be stuck looking for directions in the heart of Times Square.
A dependable prepaid SIM card in the USA for tourists helps you stay connected, explore with confidence, and make the most of your American experience.
In this article, we’ll help you choose the best prepaid SIM card for the USA, and go in-depth on where you can get one, how to activate it, and how much it may cost. We’ll also cover an even easier alternative, the Holafly eSIM for the USA, to keep you connected for the entirety of your US trip. Let’s find the perfect plan for you!
Ditch plastic cards
An eSIM is fully digital and leaves no negative trace in the environment. Get yours today.
Can tourists get a SIM card in the USA?
Yes, you can easily get a SIM card as a tourist in the USA. SIM cards are available at airports, mobile carrier stores, and shopping centers like Walmart or Best Buy. The prices typically range between $10 and $60 depending on how much data you need, with most cards having a validity period of 30 days.
A prepaid SIM card from major telecom companies will usually include unlimited calls and texts within the US. Meanwhile, most online retailers and travel eSIMs offer data-only prepaid plans.
Can you buy a SIM card without a plan in the US?
Yes, you can buy a SIM card in the US without a plan. Typically, these prepaid SIM cards are available from major mobile carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, or from retailers like Best Buy and grocery stores.
However, you will usually need to purchase a plan when you activate the prepaid SIM. Otherwise, you won’t be able to make calls, use data, or send texts on your own phone.
Many prepaid SIMs come bundled with pay-as-you-go options, allowing you to choose a flexible plan without a long-term contract.
In other words, while you can buy a SIM card without a plan, it won’t be functional until you activate it with a plan afterward.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of June 20, 2025, and is subject to change.
7 Best tourist SIM cards for the USA
There’s no shortage of offers and alternatives when buying a physical US SIM card. Here are some of the most reliable mobile operators, best prepaid services, and cheapest SIM cards to keep you connected in the US.
1. Holafly: a great virtual SIM alternative
An eSIM gives you the same benefits as a US SIM card, with added convenience. Buy, activate, start using your eSIM within minutes of scanning a QR code — no trips to local retailers needed.
Holafly offers some of the best eSIMs for the USA. Each plan comes with unlimited data and 24/7 customer support, ensuring that you never lose connection, no matter where you go or what you do. If you plan to visit more countries in the region, Holafly also has an eSIM for North America, which provides coverage in the entire continent with a single plan.
The plan duration ranges from 1 to 90 days, so you can match the eSIM to your visit and avoid paying for any days you don’t need. The prices range from $1.55/day to $6.90/day, depending on the duration of your plan.
If you’re planning to travel the world for a while longer, Holafly also offers a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with Holafly Plans. Enjoy global coverage with a single eSIM, stay connected for as long as you need, and cancel any time at no extra cost. No annual contracts or other long-term commitments needed.
2. AT&T
AT&T is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States. Best known for postpaid plans aimed at US residents, AT&T also offers a solid selection of prepaid plans for travelers. Some US travel SIMs on offer include:
- 5 GB high-speed data for 30 days at $30 plus taxes and fees
- 30 GB high-speed data for 30 days at $45
- 50 GB high-speed data for 30 days at $55
- Unlimited high-speed data for 30 days at $65
- 16 GB high-speed data per month for 365 days at $300
Most of these plans also allow hotspot sharing and unlimited calls and texts within the US. That said, the prices above only apply if you activate AutoPay, and cost around $10/month more without the AutoPay option enabled.
All plans also include unlimited data, but it’s capped at 1.5 Mbps after you use up your high-speed data limit.ir SIM cards are widely available online, at major retailers, and at airports.
3. T-Mobile
T-Mobile is another major telecommunications provider in the US with a vast network, some of the best 5G coverage, and a solid selection of options for those visiting the US.
The company offers the following prepaid US SIM card plans with unlimited talk and text:
- 10 GB and high-speed hotspot sharing at $40/month
- Unlimited data and 3G hotspot sharing at $50/month
- Unlimited data and 5G hotspot sharing at $60/month
All plans also include unlimited talk and text within the United States.
T-Mobile also offers data-only plans for tablets and hotspots:
- 2 GB at $10/month
- 5 GB at $20/month
- 10 GB at $30/month
- 30 GB at $40/month
- 50 GB at $50/month
Once you use up the high-speed data limit, you’ll be able to use unlimited data at capped speeds. Since these plans don’t limit hotspot sharing speeds, you’ll be able to keep more devices connected at once. Just make sure to calculate your data usage to avoid running out of data too quickly.
Additional taxes and fees apply to all plans above, which can differ depending on the state you’re in.
4. Verizon
As one of the big three telco networks in the US, Verizon’s prepaid SIM cards can be easily found online, at major retailers like Walmart and Best Buy, or directly from Verizon stores.
Here’s a quick look at some popular plans for travelers visiting the US:
- 15 GB and hotspot sharing at $35/month
- Unlimited data and hotspot sharing at $50/month
- Unlimited data and hotspot sharing + 50 GB premium network access at $60/month
Both the fixed and unlimited data plans include unlimited talk and text, international texting, and calls to Mexico and Canada.
The prices above apply if you’ve got AutoPay enabled. Not having AutoPay adds an extra $10/month to every plan. As with all local providers, additional taxes and fees may apply depending on the state you’re in.
5. Lycamobile
Operating as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Lycamobile uses T-Mobile’s network in the USA to offer unlimited calls and provide extensive coverage. It’s a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers who need to stay connected without the commitment of long-term contracts.
Here’s a quick look at their popular plans:
- 500 MB at $15/month
- 3 GB at $19/month
- 5 GB at $23/month
- 25 GB at $29/month
- 15 GB at $33/month
- 20 GB at $39/month
- Unlimited data, with 40 GB of high-speed data at $49/month
- Unlimited data, with 60 GB of high-speed data at $59/month
Some of the plans above are limited-time offers, which is why the 25 GB plan is cheaper than both the 15 GB and 20 GB plans. Promo prices are also available for some of the plans, but they only apply if you buy your SIM for a longer period of time, ranging from 3 to 12 months, depending on the plan.
On top of mobile data, all plans include unlimited talk and text in the USA and 100 other countries. This makes Lycamobile a great option if you need a reliable service for calls and texts abroad from the US.
6. Black Wireless
Black Wireless is another US-based MVNO that uses AT&T’s network. The company is known for providing no-contract options, which means you pay month-to-month and can cancel or change your plan at any time without penalties.
They have four monthly plan options to choose from:
- 500 MB at $15/month
- 1 GB at $20/month
- 10 GB at $30/month
- 22 GB at $40/month
On top of the monthly price, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee of $10 for the US SIM card itself. All plans include unlimited talk, and text, plus international calling. If you use up the data limit on your card, you’ll still be able to use mobile internet at reduced speeds. That said, the speeds are reduced down to 128 kbps, which is only enough for the most basic tasks.
7. Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a low-cost Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that operates on T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G LTE networks. It offers cost-effectiveness for longer stays in the US, though the value for money drops significantly if you only need a shorter plan, as all new plans start at three months or more.
- 4 GB Plan at $15/month ($45 upfront for 3 months)
- 10 GB Plan at $20/month ($60 upfront for 3 months)
- 15 GB Plan at $25/month ($75 upfront for 3 months)
- Unlimited Plan at $30/month ($90 upfront for 3 months)
After the initial 3 months, you can renew at standard rates, which are still competitively priced but more expensive per month than the initial 3-month offer. All plans come with unlimited talk and text, including free international calls to Canada and Mexico.
It’s important to note that Mint Mobile doesn’t have any physical stores and primarily offers customer support through phone, chat, and email. This can be less convenient for those who prefer in-person assistance or need to get a SIM card immediately after landing in the US.
How to get a prepaid SIM card in the USA for tourists?
The process of getting a prepaid SIM card in the USA is really straightforward. There are plenty of locations that sell tourist SIM cards, which typically already come with a plan that includes data, calls, and text messages. All you need to do is insert the SIM card into your phone, and you’ll be able to stay connected in the US.
Buying a prepaid SIM card doesn’t require you to provide your ID or proof of address, which you may need for postpaid plans. Simply pay for the SIM by card or cash when buying in person, or use the online checkout for online stores, and you’ll be able to use it without restrictions.
Here are some of the most popular places where you can get a US SIM card:
- International airports: You’ll find dedicated stands by major telecom providers at all international airports throughout the USA.
- Telecom provider customer centers: If you’ve left the airport already, look for telecom provider customer centers. You’ll be able to find one in most larger towns and all cities within the US.
- Retail stores: You’ll be able to buy a prepaid SIM card in most shopping centers, gas stations, and convenience stores. Popular options include 7-Eleven, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, CVS, or Walgreens.
- Online: You can buy travel eSIM cards online and activate them on the spot. Some providers also sell physical SIMs online, but keep in mind that they might take a few days to get delivered.
Prepaid SIM cards vs. Postpaid SIM cards
One final consideration when researching how to get a SIM card in the USA is the difference between prepaid and postpaid options.
Prepaid SIM cards require upfront payment for a specific amount of data, talk time, and text messages. They are generally more flexible and accessible to visitors.
Postpaid SIM cards have you pay for services after usage, at the end of a billing cycle. These plans often require a credit check and are primarily aimed at US residents.
What’s the best SIM card to use in the USA?
All in all, there’s no single answer to what’s the best SIM card for the USA, as that largely depends on your own personal needs. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are the most popular options, with these three being the biggest cell service providers in the country.
That said, if you’re looking for complete peace of mind, the Holafly eSIM for the USA might be the best option for you. All Holafly plans include unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and up to 1 GB of data sharing daily. This ensures that you’ll never lose connection and will be able to enjoy your stays in the US worry-free.
Ditch plastic cards
An eSIM is fully digital and leaves no negative trace in the environment. Get yours today.
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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.
