One of the most important things to consider when we are going to travel to any destination is internet connectivity. Let us tell you that nowadays, it is effortless to purchase services that will allow you to have an internet connection while traveling. And one of the best options is to buy an International SIM card online.
Online shopping is becoming more and more common due to the ease of purchasing any kind of service. That’s why, if you don’t know how to buy a SIM card for your trip online. Through this article, we will be telling you all about it.
That’s why we would like to tell you our preferred way to buy International SIM cards, which is through online stores. On the other hand, we will also tell you about how you can purchase SIM cards with the main US carriers. Read on to find out more!
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What is an International SIM Card?
You probably know what a SIM card is since these are the ones we use at home to connect our phones to a network within our country. So understanding what an International SIM card is, is simple as these are SIM cards that allow you to connect to a local network in various countries around the world.
Acquiring a SIM card for your travels provides you with great advantages, like avoiding excessive roaming fees that your domestic operator or carrier may charge when you are abroad. Also, as we mentioned before, this service can be purchased online, making the purchase process much easier for you. However, we will talk a little more about that later.
What are the advantages of the International SIM Card?
As we mentioned before, if you purchase an International SIM card for your trip, you will be able to enjoy different perks, which you will most likely not have with other types of services. Of course, the advantages you can have will also depend on where you buy your SIM card.
However, these travel SIM cards have general features and benefits, which we will discuss below:
- Easy to purchase and use: Purchasing an International SIM card is effortless if you do it through an online store. And the process will take about 5 minutes. On the other hand, installing a SIM card for travel is basic, as you only need to insert it into your phone and activate data roaming once you arrive at your destination.
- Free incoming calls: many of these prepaid SIM cards come with a phone number. Where you can receive calls for free, this is an advantage that other services do not have.
- Free and Express delivery: While you will have to wait for a delivery to get your SIM card, it tends to take about two or three days and is usually free. On the other hand, many stores offer the option of express delivery, which will get your SIM card to you faster in case of an emergency or in case you’re traveling soon.
- Share data: Many SIM cards allow you to share cellular data like a Pocket WiFi without having to carry another device around with you.
- Compatible with all devices: Unlike eSIM cards, which are only compatible with some devices, International SIM cards are compatible with any cellphone.
How to buy an International SIM Card for travel online?
If you decide to purchase a SIM card online, you need to choose which online store to do it with. Currently, there are a lot of online providers offering SIM cards for people getting internet connectivity services when abroad!
Among the benefits you’ll have with an International SIM card are that with some SIM cards, you will be able to share data, others will come with a local phone number where you will be able to receive calls, and you will have technical service support with your provider.
When you choose the store of your preference, you will have to follow their purchase steps. In most cases, the purchase will be made through the online store’s website, where you will be able to see all the plans they offer. However, some others work through mobile applications, and you will probably have to download one.
How to buy a SIM Card from the main United States operators Online
If, on the other hand, what you want is to purchase a SIM card online with one of the US carriers, you can also do it online in most cases. That is why below we will show you how you can make online purchases through US carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
How to buy the Verizon SIM Online?
Foremost, we have the operator, Verizon. With them, you can purchase both prepaid and postpaid services. The great benefit of prepaid SIM cards is that you will not have to sign any clauses or contracts. To purchase one of Verizon’s SIM cards online, you will need to go to their official website and sign up.
After completing your registration, you will be able to choose from the different plans they offer, complete the purchase, and wait for the SIM card to arrive at your address. You will also be able to pick it up at Verizon’s physical stores in the country.
On the other hand, when your SIM card arrives, it will come with instructions on how to install it on your cellphone. You can also activate it online through the Verizon website.
How to buy the T-Mobile SIM?
T-Mobile is a widely used and reliable American carrier. Purchasing SIM cards with them online is also possible, and you can do it through their website. First, you will have to choose between prepaid and postpaid SIM cards. After choosing, you can go to the portal of each one.
For prepaid SIM cards, you will have to verify that your cellphone is compatible with T-Mobile services. You will also be asked for the zip code of your address, and then you will be able to see the different plans you can purchase. On the other hand, for postpaid SIM cards, you will simply have to choose between their Essential, Magenta, and Magenta Max plans.
Once you have chosen the type of SIM card and plan you are going to purchase, you will be prompted to complete your purchase. You will be asked for your SIM card delivery address information, as well as your payment method information.
How can I buy the AT&T SIM online?
Finally, if you are wondering if you can purchase a SIM card with AT&T online, yes, you can. You can get SIM card kits online through att.com, or from another online retailer. The kits come with three SIM card sizes.
AT&T has a great advantage on prepaid SIM cards over the other U.S. carriers mentioned above. To purchase one of their services, simply go to their website, sign up and choose the plan you prefer.
How to activate a SIM Card
If you purchase your SIM card online and you are afraid of not knowing how to activate it, don’t worry, as the process is pretty simple. You will only have to follow a few steps below:
- First, you must insert the new SIM into your phone and have the phone turned on.
- Activate your SIM card by using its accompanying activation key, which must be included in the package of the SIM card. You may need a valid ID.
- Use this key to activate the SIM card online. You’ll need an internet connection for this.
- Wait some time, and it should be activated shortly.
On the other hand, some operators will allow you to activate your SIM card online. You will only have to install it on your phone once it arrives, open your account on your operator’s official website, and follow the activation steps, and that it! Ready to enjoy!
International eSIM: a new alternative
eSIMs have become the preferred option for many travelers to stay connected to the Internet during their travels. You must be wondering why because this virtual SIM card is very easy to acquire and use. You can do the purchase from anywhere in the world and at any time. So the versatility of this service has made it the new best alternative to connect to the internet.
You can purchase an eSIM for your travels through online stores. From Roami, we would like to recommend Holafly. This is a store specializing in selling eSIMs for more than 200 destinations around the world. And the great advantage is that they offer unlimited data for a lot of countries, which is spectacular! You won’t have to worry about running out of mobile data.
Requirements to buy an eSIM
- People can buy an eSIM through an online store if they can pay for it with PayPal, Google Pay, or a credit card.
- A valid address will be needed when buying a virtual SIM card for the purchase to be completed.
- When buying an eSIM, people must check that their phone is compatible with eSIMs.
How can I buy an eSIM online?
As we mentioned before, you can buy an eSIM very easily through an online store. And purchasing a virtual SIM card with Holafly is a piece of cake! Basically, what you have to do is go to their official website, search for your travel destination, choose the plan that best suits your trip, and proceed to complete your purchase.
At checkout, you will be asked for your information related to your email address, as well as the necessary information to make the payment for the purchase. You will then simply wait for your email with all of your eSIM information.
