Even though there are many ways to connect to the internet, for example through the new eSIM cards, the truth is that the traditional SIM card is still one of the most common and easiest options to connect to the internet, make calls and send texts in the USA. Especially with the AT&T SIM card, one of the best operators in this country.
If you want to know how to get one of these chips, how much it cost, where to buy it, and more information, like the coverage you will have at your destination, keep reading this article, where you will find all this information and more about the AT&T SIM card.
Contents
What is AT&T?
It is one of the largest cellular carriers in the USA and the world. Because it does not only offer its services to the people of its country but also offers these services at other destinations all over the world.
This cellular provider is one of the best thanks to their great coverage in the USA, and because they have an eSIM card for the United States, known as eSIM AT&T.
Where can I acquire one?
Many places offer this SIM card. They can be either physical as the official stores you can find at the airport or malls, or you can buy them from online stores like the AT&T website, Amazon, Target, and eBay.
If you are interested in getting this product, you can do so at many places. If you would like to know more about it, continue reading for more!
Can I get my SIM card from the AT&T official website?
If you don’t want to go to any physical store and you want to buy a SIM card from AT&T, you can get this product on the official website.
You can also buy smartphones that include a SIM card or buy a SIM card with a data plan included. The price varies depending on all the previous mentioned characteristics and the specifics you choose.
Also, if you are not sure about buying a SIM card through this option, you can buy a SIM card with cellular data for the United States on other virtual stores, such as Holafly.
Buying on websites like Amazon, eBay, or Target
You can also obtain a SIM card from AT&T through other online stores that offer this product. You may find more accessible prices this way, especially with SIM cards that have a data plan included.
The price of the eSIM card at these locations may vary depending on the data plan you want, but it is much more accessible.
Buying on official stores
AT&T’s stores are great places to buy a SIM card and other products too. However, if you want to get a SIM card with them, you have to know that the store’s opening hours are from Monday until Thursday, from 9 AM to 9 PM. On Fridays, they’re opened from 9 AM until 6 PM. On Saturday, it is from 9 AM to 8 PM, and on Sundays from 10 AM until 7 PM.
The AT&T stores are located in the downtown area or at most commercial areas in the city. Usually, you can find them in the malls. If you want to know they are located you can look for this information on their official website.
Acquire a SIM card at stores like Walmart or Radio Shack
Just like buying from non-official stores, Walmart and Radio Shack is one of the most accessible alternatives to get a SIM card. Because you can find more price variety and great offers. These are not the only stores where you can get a SIM card, but they are the main options and you can easily find them there.
Buying the AT&T SIM card at the airport
If you just arrived in the United States and you want to connect to the internet, we recommend you buy a SIM card with cellular data for the United States, as soon as possible. You can also buy a virtual SIM card for the USA if you need to connect immediately.
Finding an AT&T store at the airport may be difficult because it is not open all the time and they are not very close by. Nonetheless, you can also get a SIM card from AT&T in SIM card stores at the airport.
How much does the AT&T SIM card cost?
The price of the traditional SIM card from this carrier will depend on the amount of data you include on your card. If you get more cellular data, you can connect to the internet for a longer time, and keep in mind it will be more expensive. You can always buy your SIM card with no cellular data included.
SIM card with no balance
The price of the AT&T SIM card with no balance is $1 on the official website. But you can also find it at this price on the official AT&T website. The AT&T kit includes the NanoSIM, which cost $10 and you can find it on non-official websites like Amazon, Target, or Walmart.
How do I activate the SIM card?
It is very simple. All you have to do is to turn off your cellphone, put the SIM card in the slot of your smartphone, and then you will be able to make a call if you’d like to, with the number that your AT&T SIM card has been assigned.
How do I top up minutes, mobile data, and calls?
You can add and top up additional your minutes or cellular data from different websites or places. Websites like Recharge can top up your SIM card, but the most common way to do it is at the official AT&T stores.
All-inclusive plans
These plans have cellular data, minutes, and SMS.
| Cellular data | Price (USD) | Days |
| 10GB 4G, and unlimited 2G data | $75 /Monthly | 30 days |
| 5GB 4G, and unlimited 2G data | $65 /Monthly | 30 day |
Data
| Data | Price (USD) | Days |
| 5GB | $25 | 30 days |
| 8GB | $30 | 30 days |
| 15GB | $40 | 30 days |
| 8GB | $33 | 30 days |
Compatibility of the AT&T SIM card with your cellphone
It is very important to make sure that your cellphone can support the SIM card you buy. We recommend you check the following aspects before you acquire this product.
Which size is the AT&T SIM card?
The AT&T SIM card comes in three sizes, the traditional SIM card, which is used in old cellphones, the MicroSIM used in modern devices, and the NanoSIM, used in almost all new cellphones.
What network frequencies does AT&T use?
Before you complete your purchase, make sure that your cellphone can connect to the same network frequencies as your card. To know this, you can check at the settings of your cellphone on the ‘network frequencies’. This way you will be able to know whether it is compatible or not with the AT&T frequencies.
| Network | Frequency |
| 2G | 1900, 850 |
| 3G | 1900, 850 |
| 4G | 1900, 1700/2100 AWS1, 850, 700, 2300, 1700/2100 |
| 5G | 850, 39GHz, 28GHz |
How is the coverage of the AT&T network in the USA?
AT&T has one of the best coverages in the United States. However, it does not mean that it’s perfect. You can read about the places with less coverage below.
Zones with less coverage or with no coverage
States like Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Washington have great coverage, but there are places where there is no coverage with AT&T but with another mobile operator, and there are even parts where there is no coverage at all. In the case of Alaska, most of this state does not have coverage.
