Traveling to the USA and looking for the best eSIM to use? We have some recommendations that can help you choose which eSIM for traveling in the USA you can take! These have become a go-to alternative for travelers, especially when it comes to comfort and internet connection!
That’s why here we’ll tell you about the best travel eSIM for USA you can get to avoid roaming charges! So, keep reading to find out which options are available to get the best deal for using your cell phone in the United States and stay connected!
Contents
Which eSIM is best for the USA?
Before you think about getting an eSIM, check that you have an eSIM-compatible device. If your device supports this technology, then you are one step closer to getting a great service to stay connected.
There are some eSIMs for the USA to review, so we’ll talk about the data amounts, speeds, plans durations, customer support, and some additional features. These are the companies we’ll focus on:
| Features | Holafly | GigSky | AU by KDDI | T-Mobile | AT&T | Verizon |
| Data amounts | Unlimited data | Limited data | Limited data | Limited and unlimited data | Limited and unlimited data | Limited and unlimited data |
| Duration | From 1 to 90 days | From 7 to 30 days | 30 days | Monthly plans | Monthly plans | Monthly plans |
| Price | $6 to $139 | |||||
| Speed | 3G/4G/LTE/5G | 3G/4G/LTE/5G | 3G/4G/LTE/5G | 3G/4G/LTE/5G | 3G/4G/LTE/5G | 3G/4G/LTE/5G |
| Coverage | AT&T | Unknown | AU | T-Mobile | AT&T | Verizon |
| Where to buy | Website and app | Website and app | App | Online and stores | Stores | Stores |
| Call/message support | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rates and data plans from eSIM carriers to travel to the US
Let’s take a look at the different companies that offer eSIM plans for the USA. Remember that your choice will depend on your needs during your trip.
However, having an eSIM with unlimited data will always be a suitable option, so you will avoid running short on data and will be able to enjoy your vacation. Surely, there are other benefits to using a USA eSIM.
Also, we’ll talk about local mobile carriers in the USA. Even though these aren’t easy to access for travelers, it’s good to know what they offer when comparing what each one offers!
1. Holafly
Our first option is the Holafly eSIM for USA. This international store offers a unique eSIM to travelers, as they offer unlimited data plans with a customization feature to choose the exact amount of days someone is traveling!
The Holafly eSIM is quite easy to purchase and install. Travelers have to choose the number of days they are traveling and how many eSIMs they need and then proceed to the payment. The eSIM price varies from $6 to $139, depending on the amount of days!
Also, there’s a mobile app for purchasing an eSIM for the USA. This app works for Android and iOS users, and iOS users will get their eSIMs automatically installed! Android users have to install the eSIM by scanning a QR code, which is something easy to do.
Lastly, the company’s eSIM works with different devices, such as Samsung, Apple, Google, Huawei, Motorola, Xiaomi, and many others; it’s a widely compatible eSIM! So, you only need to choose how many days you are traveling and choose from the different payment methods to get yours.
Pros of Holafly’s eSIM for the USA:
- 3G/4G/LTE/5G networks available.
- Unlimited data.
- Automatic activation with iOS, QR activation with Android.
- Immediate delivery after purchase.
- 24/7 customer support in different languages.
Cons of Holafly’s eSIM for the USA:
- Doesn’t include phone calls, but the unlimited data allows the use of WhatsApp and similar apps to make phone and video calls.
- No data sharing or text messages are available.
Holafly eSIM USA – Reddit reviews
2. GigSky
GigSky is the second international carrier that offers a USA eSIM. The company allows people to buy their eSIM through their website or by using their mobile app. In either case, it’s necessary to create an account to complete the purchase process!
The company currently offers data packages, including 1GB to 10 GB of mobile data, and these work for 7 to 30 days. There are no unlimited data plans available from GigSky in 2024 for the USA.
The process for activating an eSIM from GigSky is entirely manual. After purchasing the eSIM, GigSky will send the eSIM with a QR code that users must scan on their Android or iOS devices to install it. It’s necessary to turn on the roaming option upon arriving in the USA.
Lastly, GigSky offers 3G/4G/LTE data speeds with its eSIMs and coverage in most cities in the United States.
Pros of GigSky eSIM:
- eSIM top up available.
- Allows data sharing.
- Compatible with most eSIM devices.
Cons of GigSky eSIM:
- It is a must to create an account to complete a purchase.
- Doesn’t offer unlimited data packages.
- Lacks phone calls and text messages.
GigSky eSIM USA – Reddit reviews
3. AT&T eSIM for USA
AT&T is one of the local carriers locals can use in the United States. The eSIM they offer works with different data plans, which makes it accessible for prepaid and postpaid users who want to get one.
As for compatibility, the AT&T eSIM for USA works on most eSIM-compatible devices. Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Motorola, and other brands are included on the list! Of course, this company also offers some additional benefits:
- Phone calls and text messages.
- Extra benefits for AT&T users.
- Roaming services.
- 4G and 5G data speeds in the USA.
But, remember, these benefits are mostly focused on locals. Travelers will have a harder time trying to get an AT&T eSIM! If you want to try to get one, these are only acquired directly at a store, so you have to visit one after arriving in the country.
4. Verizon eSIM for USA
Verizon is the second option for locals in the United States who want to get an eSIM. This carrier is similar to AT&T, offering different benefits to locals while also giving access to a variety of prepaid and postpaid data plans.
The company eSIM works in a variety of devices, most of them Samsung and Apple, but other cell phones work, such as Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, Google, and many others. As for the benefits, these are some of what Verizon offers:
- Roaming service available outside the USA.
- Apple devices can activate the eSIM online.
- Variety of data plans.
- 4G/5G speeds available.
As for Android users, Verizon is required to take the device to a store to help with the eSIM activation process.
5. T-Mobile eSIM for USA
The last company to mention is T-Mobile. This company is quite similar to AT&T and Verizon, as it focuses on providing its mobile service to locals. Still, it’s worth mentioning that it offers a variety of data plans plus additional features to its users.
T-Mobile eSIMs are compatible with most of the latest cell phones, which expands the list. However, if someone has doubts about their device, T-Mobile is always there to tell them if their eSIM will work on a specific mobile.
As for benefits, the different data packages from the company will offer a variety of features to their users, such as:
- 4G and 5G speeds are available in most USA.
- Apple TV, Netflix, or Hulu are available in certain data packages.
- Roaming service is available with local data plans.
Lastly, for people to activate an eSIM, whether it is an Android or iOS device, it’s a must to call T-Mobile. Upon calling T-Mobile, it will be easier to get the eSIM as customer support will guide users through the process!
Mobile internet coverage map for traveling to the USA
It’s important to consider your eSIM’s coverage. And remember that sometimes cheap eSIM cards have poor coverage, possibly leaving you without internet when you need it most. Let’s take a look at the main providers in the USA and find out which ones offer the best connection.
4G, LTE, AT&T coverage map in the U.S.
T-Mobile’s 4G, LTE network coverage in the U.S.
Verizon 4G, LTE coverage map in the USA
Overall Features of the eSIM or virtual SIM card for the USA
To get the most out of your eSIM card, we’ve prepared some important information to remember so that your trip to the USA is worry-free!
- Most eSIM cards do not offer voice calls; they only offer data. You can use apps like WhatsApp or Skype instead to call friends and family back home, especially if you have an unlimited data plan.
- eSIMs can only be installed once, so if you’re experiencing problems with your eSIM card, do not remove it from your cellphone and contact your eSIM provider instead.
- Some eSIMs set up automatic APNs.
- You can add several data plans to your Samsung or Apple device, although you can only use one at a time.
- Some eSIMs allow you to share data between devices.
- With your dual SIM iPhone, you can keep your local SIM when you travel to the USA!
Advantages of using an eSIM
There are different advantages of using an eSIM. Here are some that are worth mentioning for travelers:
- Immediate access to data upon arrival.
- Dual SIM functionality. Use your eSIM and keep your SIM stored.
- Avoid roaming charges with international data plans.
- International eSIMs are easier to get than local data plans.
- Only requires a QR code to activate the eSIM. Some companies will do this with their app!
- No need to sign contracts when getting an eSIM.
- Better alternative compared to Pocket WiFi for the USA or roaming services.
Which is the best eSIM for US visitors?
Having considered all the options, Holafly is the best eSIM for the USA. It’s an unlimited cellular data eSIM that offers several different deals depending on your needs.
What makes Holafly the best choice for your travels to the USA?
- Unlimited data plans with customizable days!
- Instant delivery! – no waiting around, just scan the QR code sent to your email and you’ll be able to connect right away!
- Keep your WhatsApp number – you’ll keep all your current contacts and conversations even with a new SIM card.
- Easy to use – it’s simple to set up a Holafly eSIM, but if you encounter any problems, just contact their 24-hour customer support team.
Mobile internet coverage map for traveling to the USA
It’s important to consider your eSIM’s coverage. And remember that sometimes cheap eSIM cards have poor coverage, possibly leaving you without internet when you need it most. Let’s take a look at the main providers in the USA and find out which ones offer the best connection.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM in the USA
Let’s take a look at the questions we’re often asked about buying an eSIM for the USA.
No, but some providers may require your address.
It is a virtual SIM card that is embedded in a mobile device and will let you connect to any mobile operator offering eSIM services.
Some companies allow data sharing. Local carriers offer more data-sharing services than international carriers. AU and GigSky offer data sharing, but they don’t offer unlimited data plans in the USA.
Install the eSIM with a QR code from your email, choose it as the default cellular data medium, turn on the cellular data option and data roaming, and your virtual SIM will work. Contact the company if you experience any issues.
Yes, just like physical cards, international eSIM cards also have an expiration date.
eSIM for other destinations
- eSIM France
- Best eSIM for Canada
- Best eSIM for Europe
