Prepaid SIM card for the USA: Where to Buy in 2023?

If you’re traveling to the USA, you’ll need an internet connection to accompany you on your trip. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Prepaid travel SIM card for the USA, including where you can buy them, how to activate them, and how to ensure you’re never left without an internet access.

While there are currently many places that offer free internet connection, such as internet cafes, restaurants or shopping malls, let us tell you that this may not be the best option for you. As you will need to be close to the wifi access point, and also, the internet may be slow and insecure.

That’s why, we will also be talking about a new alternative for connecting to the internet, very similar to SIM cards, but that will allow you to connect to the internet in a faster way; we are talking about the eSIM card! We will explain where to get it and the price of it, as it is one of the best options. Read on to learn more about how you can stay connected to the internet during your trip to the United States.

Where can I buy a prepaid SIM card for the USA?

Buying a USA tourist SIM card will keep you connected throughout your trip. Forget about paying excessive charges for using international roaming services in the USA, or renting a pocket wifi. With the data-only SIM card, you’ll be able to use your cell phone during your trip. And you’ll never worry about losing connection again.

Currently, you can purchase prepaid internet SIM cards for USA in several ways. First of all, you can purchase one through online stores. These prepaid SIM cards from online providers will mainly offer Mobile internet for the USA from local cellular providers such as AT&T and T-Mobile. With these stores, you can choose between different plans with different benefits that may vary depending on the provider.

You could also wait until you arrive in your destination to buy a local SIM card USA through a mobile operator. But which option is better? Each has its advantages and disadvantages so we will discuss them below.

Buy before you travel.

Nowadays you can find a wide variety of online SIM card providers for different parts of the world. These specialize mainly in selling tourist SIM cards with mobile data. This implies that you will not have a local phone number for the country you are traveling to, as the service is mainly for data usage. The purchasing process tends to be very simple, through the suppliers’ websites, and in most cases you will not need to enter into a contract.

However, something important to mention is that most of the time when you buy a SIM card virtually you will have to wait for the delivery of it to your home or wherever you want to receive it, which could take between 2 to 5 days. That is why if you need a more urgent option, and you would like to get to the United States having internet, then the eSIM card could be an excellent option for you, but we will talk more about it later.

Pros of buying a data plan for abroad before traveling

• Internet the moment you land

You’ll connect to the internet the moment you touch down in the US. This way, you’ll be able to order a quick cab or Uber from the airport or WhatsApp your family to let them know you’re safe. With internet connectivity sorted out before you arrive will also save you time, as you won’t need to search for cellphone stores or queue at airport stores. You can get started on your adventures immediately.

• Saving time

If you buy your data plan service in advance, then you can save valuable travel time. Since you will not have to go to a local store to purchase your SIM card, nor will you need to be aware of having to recharge it or purchase another plan.

• Includes good data plans or unlimited data

Some providers offer good data plans and even unlimited data options, so you’ll never need to worry about being left without connectivity. However, it is important that you verify that you will connect to a good internet network so that you can have a stable and fast internet connection.

Buy your tourist SIM card in the USA.

Unlike online stores, physical shops might offer different data plans to suit your needs, and this way you could find cheapest prepaid SIM card usa. This means you can choose a SIM card with the right amount of data for you. You should buy data from providers like AT&T or T-Mobile, as they offer the best coverage in the country. You might be able to buy SIM cards at American airports such as Miami International Airport or John F Kennedy Airport in New York, or in official retail stores that you’ll find in the city you are.

AT&T Prepaid SIM card

This is one of the most used mobile operators in the United States. So with them, you can acquire a prepaid SIM card for free and recharge data plans in it. You can choose between different plans depending on your needs. With some of these plans, you can enjoy the internet, messaging, and calling services. With other plans, you can purchase a data-only SIM card if you prefer.

Also, you can purchase AT&T prepaid SIM cards through their website, in a physical store, or even in supermarkets such as Walmart or Bestbuy.

T-Mobile Prepaid SIM card

On the other hand, we have T-mobile. With this local operator you will need to pay for the tmobile USA prepaid SIM card, and you will need to purchase it through one of their physical stores. These SIM cards will come with some credit that you will be able to use. However, if it runs out, you will need to recharge it, which you can do through T-mobile physical stores or through supermarkets such as Walmart and Target.

Verizon Prepaid SIM card

Finally, Verizon is another well-known mobile operator in the United States. However, there is one particularity with this USA carrier, and that is that their SIM card are not compatible with all types of phones. In addition, in their stores it will be very complicated to acquire a prepaid SIM card, since it is necessary to go through a registration process to have a SIM card with them. Therefore, this may not be the best option among American operators.

How much does a prepaid SIM card for internet in the USA cost?

The price of SIM cards for the USA depends on how much data you need and for how long. The more data a SIM card offers, the more it will cost. In addition, it may vary depending on the way you buy it.

For example, if you buy your prepaid SIM card through an online store, it could be more expensive since you will not only have to pay for the data plan but also for the delivery of it. The price of a US SIM card through an online provider can range from $15 for 3GB for 7 days to $99 for 6GB for 30 days.

On the other hand, if you buy the SIM for the US from a local carrier, it could cost you free, as in the case of AT&T, but you would have to recharge more money to use it, which could range from $10 to $150.

Unlimited data eSIM card for the USA

Now we’ve learned about data SIM cards. It’s time to learn about the newest way to get an internet connection. eSIMs (short for embedded SIM) are new, virtual SIM cards that provide internet at a competitive price. But is an eSIM better than a traditional SIM card? Yes, and the main advantage is that you can buy an eSIM anywhere in the world, and it’s immediately delivered to you via email. Let’s take a look at their advantages and disadvantages in the next section:

Advantages and disadvantages of eSIM.

Advantages:

• Quick purchase and activation processes.

Purchasing and activating an eSIM is easy. You just make your purchase from an online store like Holafly and wait a few seconds for a QR code to arrive in your email. With this, you can activate your eSIM and get connected.

• Get an eSIM anywhere in the world.

Are you already in the USA and struggling to get data? No matter where you are, you can always buy an eSIM, and it will arrive directly on your cell phone. There is no delivery cost, and you don’t have to wait more than a few minutes.

• Affordable rates

Compared to paying data roaming charges, eSIMs are incredibly cheap. You pay one upfront fee for the eSIM, so you don’t have to worry about surprise bills. Holafly offers eSIM deals for as little as $19.

• Multi-country coverage

If you’re traveling around multiple countries on your vacation, with Holafly’s multi-country virtual eSIMs, you can connect to the internet in any country in North America. And there are no additional charges!

Disadvantages:

• Limited compatibility with cell phones

The main disadvantage of eSIM cards is their limited compatibility. Being new tech, many older cell phones do not offer it, so before you buy, check your cell phone is compatible.

How much does a tourist eSIM for the US cost?

Virtual cards with data for the United States usually vary in price depending on the amount of data and the number of days the data is valid.

eSIM Card United States

If you wish to use a Holafly eSIM card with data for your trip to the United States only, here are their prices:

eSIM Card North America

And if you want internet in other North American countries, check out these prices:

Frequently asked questions about SIM cards for the USA

Any questions? Here are the queries we’re most often asked about connecting to the internet in the USA.

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