SIM Card Guides

How to get a SIM card in New York in 2025

Find out everything you need to know about getting a SIM card in New York, from store locations to prices and alternatives to consider.

Lost in New York City? Whether you need directions, access to ride-sharing apps, or quick updates on local events, staying connected to the internet when traveling is a must.

In this guide, we’ll show you the easiest ways to get online in NYC. We’ll break down the top SIM card options from big players like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, tell you exactly where to buy them, and introduce Holafly’s eSIM — a smarter, faster choice for hassle-free internet.

In this article

Where to buy a SIM card in New York?

When it comes to buying a SIM card in New York, you’ve got a few options: airports, local carrier stores, and even some online marketplaces.

Each option has its pros and cons depending on your schedule and budget. Let’s break them down so you can find the best fit for your travel needs.

Airports

If you’re arriving in New York and want to get connected right away, airports are a convenient option for buying a SIM card. Here’s where you can find them:

At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), you’ll find SIM card vending machines in Terminal 8, an InMotion store in Terminal 2, and an AT&T store in Terminal 4. There’s also a SIMs on the Go shop located in the arrivals hall, which offers a range of SIM cards for travelers.
At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), you can visit the SIMs on the Go shop in the arrivals hall. Alternatively, check out the SIM card vending machine located about 30 meters from the entrance, near the large US flag.

While airports offer a quick solution, prices here can be higher than in local stores. If you’re not in a rush, consider waiting to buy your SIM card in the city.

Local shops

If you’d rather skip the airports and buy your SIM card once you’re settled, local stores are a great option.

New York City has plenty of places to purchase SIM cards, whether you’re looking for major mobile carrier stores or other convenience stores and shops.

For official carrier SIM cards, you can visit AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon stores throughout the city.

Outside of carrier customer centers, you can also find compatible SIM cards at general convenience stores such as:

CVS
Target
7-Eleven
Best Buy
Walmart
Walgreens
Duane Reade
B&H Photo Video

💡 Solo traveler? Staying connected during a solo trip to New York makes it easier to explore the city with confidence. Make sure to sort out your data plan before heading out.

Online

While buying a SIM card online might sound convenient, none of the official providers, such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, ship SIM cards internationally. However, there are a few third-party options to explore. These include Amazon, eBay, Simify, and SimCorner.

These online stores allow you to purchase your tourist SIM card online and have it delivered to your home, hotel in New York, or the airport. That way, you’ll have your SIM card available when you arrive and won’t have to worry about buying one.

How much does a SIM card cost in New York?

SIM card prices in New York typically start at $30 for 5 GB of data and 30 days of service. Plans can go as high as $60 for unlimited data with features like hotspot access and international texting for 30 days.

Now that you know how much purchasing a SIM card in New York costs, let’s dive into the best options available.

💡 Before you pack: Check out this NYC packing list to make sure you’ve got all your essentials ready for your New York adventure.

What’s the best SIM card for New York?

The top SIM card options for New York come from three of the biggest telecom providers in the US: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. We’ll cover where to buy them, what they offer, and how to choose the right one for your trip.

AT&T

AT&T is one of the major mobile network operators in the United States, providing telecommunications services in New York and across the country.

They offer various cell phone plans and services for residents and visitors to New York.

Here’s a quick look at their prepaid plans:

Unlimited Level Up℠: $50.99/month with AutoPay. Unlimited talk, text, and data (slowed after 30 GB), 5G access, and use in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Unlimited + 10 GB Hotspot: $25/month (prepaid for 12 months). Includes unlimited data (slowed after 16 GB), 10 GB hotspot, 5G access, and calls to Mexico and Canada.
Unlimited Basic: $45/month. Unlimited data (slowed after 30 GB), , and use in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Unlimited MAX℠ + 25 GB Hotspot: $55/month with AutoPay. Unlimited talk, text, and high speed data (may be slowed after 50 GB), 25 GB hotspot, 5G access, and use in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
5 GB Data Plan: $30/month. Includes 5 GB high-speed data, 5G access, rollover data, and hotspot functionality.
8 GB Data Plan: $33/month (prepaid for 3 months). Includes 8 GB high-speed data, 5G access, rollover data, and use in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

AT&T Prepaid SIM card page. Source: AT&T

Where to buy an AT&T SIM card in New York?

AT&T does not ship SIM cards internationally, so you’ll need to purchase one after landing in New York. It’s best to check store hours and call ahead to confirm local SIM card availability. Here are some store locations:

Avenue of the Americas (484 Avenue of the Americas, Midtown Manhattan)
Broadway & E 8th St (745 Broadway, Downtown Manhattan)
Wall Street (45 Wall St, Financial District)
Lenox Hill (1103 Third Ave, Upper East Side)
Upper West Side (2066 Broadway, Upper West Side)

Verizon

Verizon is another one of the largest mobile network providers in the US, known for its extensive coverage and high-speed data.

All Verizon prepaid plans include unlimited talk and text within the US, unlimited international texting to over 200 countries, and talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.

Plans also come with 5G and 4G LTE network access, spam call blocking through Verizon’s Call Filter, and basic digital security with their Digital Secure feature.

Here’s a look at Verizon’s prepaid plan options:

15 GB Plan: $35/month with AutoPay ($45 for the first month). Includes 15 GB of high-speed data and mobile hotspot usage.
Unlimited Plan: $50/month with AutoPay ($60 for the first month). Offers unlimited data, 5 GB of mobile hotspot, and access to 5G and 4G LTE networks.
Unlimited Plus Plan: $60/month with AutoPay ($70 for the first month). Includes 50 GB of premium network access, 25 GB mobile hotspot, 5G Ultra Wideband, 4K UHD streaming, and Global Choice for free international phone calls to one country (up to 180 minutes per month).

Verizon also offers discounts with AutoPay or a loyalty discount program, making it a flexible and cost-effective option for staying connected.

Verizon’s offers limited and unlimited data plans. Source: Verizon

Where to buy a Verizon SIM card in New York?

Use Verizon’s store locator on their website to find the nearest store or call ahead to confirm availability. Here are some of the most accessible options:

SoHo: 581 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Union Square: 859 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Lower East Side: 150 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
East Village: 133 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Financial District: 100 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
West Village: 237 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

If you’re outside the city, there’s also a Verizon-authorized retailer, Wireless Zone, located near Farmingdale at 207 Airport Plaza Blvd.

💡 Need more guidance? Check out our New York travel guide for tips on what to see, do, and eat during your trip.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is a popular choice for travelers visiting New York, offering affordable prepaid plans with reliable 5G coverage across the city.

The cost of plans depends on the number of lines you need, but here’s a look at the price of their plans for one phone line:

Unlimited: $50/month + taxes & fees. Includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, plus an unlimited domestic mobile hotspot at 3G speeds.
Unlimited Promo: $55/month + taxes & fees. Includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds, and texting to 215+ destinations while in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Unlimited Plus: $60/month + taxes & fees. Includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, with up to 10 GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
10 GB Plan: $40/month + taxes & fees. Includes unlimited talk and text, up to 10 GB of 5G data, and mobile hotspot usage from your plan’s allowance.

T-Mobile also offers family plan discounts, such as two lines for $75 or four lines for $100, making it a cost-effective choice for group travelers.

T-Mobile prepaid plans offer flexibility and affordability. Source: T-Mobile

Where to buy a T-Mobile SIM card in New York?

T-Mobile does not ship SIM cards, so you’ll need to purchase one in person after arriving in New York. Here are some of the top T-Mobile store locations in and around the city:

Broadway & Dey: 185 Broadway, New York, NY 10007. Call: (212) 571-5077
Fulton St & Hoyt St: 456 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Call: (718) 237-2155
Newport Centre: 30 Mall Dr W, Ste B34B, Jersey City, NJ 07310. Call: (201) 779-5812
E 23rd St & 5th Ave: 175 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10010. Call: (212) 780-5600
45th & Lexington: 466 Lexington Ave, Ste 160, New York, NY 10017. Call: (646) 968-6307
E 86th St & 3rd Ave: 169 E 86th St, New York, NY 10028. Call: (212) 348-6340
Times Square: 1535 Broadway, Ste 0161A, New York, NY 10036. Call: (646) 350-4645

💡 Tip: Exploring attractions? A tourist card for New York can help you save on entry fees and make getting around the city simpler.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card in New York

Buying a SIM card in New York is quick and hassle-free. Here’s how you can get connected:

Pick your carrier: Choose between popular options like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Think about how much data you’ll need and if features like international texting or hotspot access matter to you.
Choose a prepaid plan: Most prepaid plans are straightforward — no credit checks, no contracts. Just pick what suits your trip.
Buy a SIM card kit: Head to a carrier store, convenience store, or airport shop to grab a SIM kit. These kits include the SIM card and clear instructions for activation.
Verification not needed: For prepaid plans, you typically don’t need to show ID or proof of residence. If asked for a ZIP code, you can use your hotel’s address. Verification is usually required only for post-paid plans.
Activate your SIM: Follow the activation steps in the kit. Most carriers let you activate online, by phone, or in store.
Pay and top up: Prepaid plans let you pay upfront with cash, card, or other options like PayPal. You can easily top up later if needed.

Sounds easy, right? Sure, but remember that roaming the city to find stores or waiting in lines to buy and activate physical SIM cards can be tiring, especially after a long flight. If you’d rather skip the hassle and avoid wasting your precious holiday time, consider using an eSIM for New York instead!

Holafly eSIM: Get unlimited data in NY

Holafly’s eSIM for New York offers unlimited data and 24/7 customer support with every plan, ensuring a non-stop connection, no matter where you go or what you do. Each plan also allows up to 1 GB of data sharing daily, allowing you to keep multiple devices connected at once

The prices range from $1.55 to $6.90/day, depending on the duration of your plan. Simply pick any number of days in the range from 1 to 90 to match your stay in New York and enjoy seamless connectivity on local networks.

Planning to travel the world for a while longer? Holafly Plans is a pay-monthly eSIM subscription that offers a way to stay connected in 170+ destinations with a single eSIM. Choose from plans with unlimited data, 25 GB, or 10 GB, stay connected for as long as you need, and cancel anytime. No long-term contracts or commitments needed.

Planning to extend your trip outside of New York? Take a look at our SIM card guides for nearby destinations:

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Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

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.

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