If you plan to visit New York, having an internet connection while visiting the Big Apple is a must. The best part is that there are different options to stay connected while there, but people have to choose one that suits them most. The Pocket WiFi USA is an option, but the proper option is to take a prepaid SIM card for New York!
That’s why we will talk about different points people have to consider before traveling, such as the available data plans to use in New York, the advantages and disadvantages, prices, and much more! We’ll also talk about a new alternative, the eSIM to travel abroad, which will also help stay connected in New York!
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Where can you buy a SIM card in New York?
People have many ways to get a SIM card for New York. Travelers can rely on getting a SIM card while in the city, before traveling, or they can get one while at the JFK Airport in New York. These are all possibilities, and we’ll talk about each one so people can get an idea of where to get a SIM.
As there are local providers, like AT&T or T-Mobile, there are also international carriers from which people can choose to get an internet connection and save some money while in New York.
(You may be interested in Best eSIM for the USA)
Tourist SIM cards for travelers
In the United States, several cell phone companies offer SIM services for foreigners traveling to New York, but the most recognized by both natives and travelers are AT&T and T-Mobile. Being the largest telecommunications companies in the USA, they have wide coverage nationwide, so it will be more difficult to be left without a connection at a certain point, and your internet speed will be much faster.
Rather than telling people to visit an official store to get one, it’s better to get a tourist SIM card for travelers to NY.
T-Mobile Tourist SIM Card
One of the biggest communication carriers in the United States is AT&T. As said before, they have coverage nationwide, and they also focus on giving travelers SIM cards to visit cities like New York.
Prices for a tourist SIM card from AT&T vary from $29.99 to $34.99, depending on the plan people take.
Mint Mobile SIM Card
Another option that is available for people in different convenience stores, in the airport, or through Amazon comes with Mint Mobile.
People can buy Mint Mobile SIM cards in different “presentations.” These are sold closed, and people can choose the one that suits them best, the most common being the $60 SIM card that comes with 15GB of mobile data.
How much does a SIM card cost to travel to New York?
The price of a SIM card for New York will depend on how you buy it, especially if you do it through an authorized agent of an operator or with a retailer. However, prices usually range from $10 to $60. But as we mentioned, depending on the days of use of the SIM card, the amount of mobile data included in the plan, shipping costs, and more, the price will vary.
Advantages and disadvantages of the SIM card
Advantages
- Compatible with old devices.
- Some SIM cards offer unlimited data.
- Available to buy without a contract.
Disadvantages
- No customer support.
- Limited options.
- Not many data plans are available.
- Delivery can take a lot of time.
eSIM card for New York, the new alternative
What if you’re already in New York and can’t find a SIM card? Well, you can purchase an eSIM, which is a virtual new card. How does it work? Well, you need to scan a QR code, and your phone will activate a data plan.
This digital evolution of the physical SIM card has the advantage that you can buy it and start it without any problem at home, whether you do it before your trip or once you are at your destination. The only two things you need are an internet connection for the activation and an eSIM-compatible phone.
For us, one of the best options to take to NY comes with Holafly. It is the easiest way to connect to the Internet because the eSIM is sent to the phone instantly after purchase. Holafly also has an eSIM with an unlimited data plan in New York, so you can use your phone like you would at home without any limitations!
Advantages of Holafly’s eSIM card
- Holafly offers a top-up service. With unlimited data plans like the New York eSIM, people won’t have to worry about adding more mobile data, but they can add more days to these plans without needing to buy a new one.
- If your eSIM is not working, Holafly customer support will be available 24/7 to help people out with whatever issue they have. Customer support is also available in different languages, which is helpful.
- Holafly doesn’t require people to change their phone number once they buy an eSIM. The local phone number people have once they arrive in New York will be the same number they will have while using an eSIM from Holafly.
- New York eSIM offers 4G/LTE data speeds, which makes it better for travelers as they will get proper speeds.
- Fast purchase process through the Holafly website.
Disadvantages of Holafly’s eSIM card
- As for now, no. Holafly does offer phone calls, but these are only available for European destinations. Chances are, in the future, people will get unlimited data with their eSIMs while in New York.
What to know about buying a SIM card to visit New York?
Easy to buy
No one likes wasting time on their travels searching for a shop only to find it’s closed or has terrible prices. Save yourself time by buying your service from an online store that offers cheap New York prepaid SIM cards for tourists that you can buy before your trip.
This will save you time, and you can enjoy your trip to the city immediately – and there are no lengthy contracts to sign or subscriptions to pay.
However, if you decide to buy your card when you arrive in New York, you can do it directly at physical stores; these can be from local carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Also, big franchises like Walmart, 7-Eleven, and Best Buy have prepaid SIM card NYC options for you.
This city is full of possibilities, and choosing one takes time. If you are unfamiliar with how to get around there, finding a store with a SIM card for tourists will be a difficult task.
Buy before you travel
It is advisable to buy your SIM card through online stores, but you should always consider the support and connection speed offered at your destination and also consider how much it takes before it arrives. That’s why Roaming suggests you buy your SIM card through a reliable online store.
You will find affordable prices and several advantages to make your trip easier. Holafly is one of these providers with its virtual prepaid SIM card for NYC and has excellent service and coverage from AT&T and T-Mobile in the city.
You will have internet from the moment you land, which is something beneficial if you are in a hurry and need to get a cab quickly. Also, these stores usually offer customer support in English and other languages, so you will not be inconvenienced when communicating with an advisor.
In addition, they will provide you with all the necessary information so that your SIM card works perfectly in New York.
Buy upon arrival
We know that buying on arrival is not so recommended, but it has advantages. Many people have asked, “Can I buy a SIM card at JFK airport?” The answer is yes; people will have a wide variety of brands or retailers to choose from at this airport as there are different outlets to choose from. However, as mentioned above, be careful which brand you choose, as it may not work correctly.
To buy a SIM card for New York at the airport, you can do so directly at an AT&T store at JFK International Airport terminal 4. But, when purchasing there, remember to check that you are buying from a reliable carrier with good coverage in the city. Therefore, if you have enough time, it is very likely that you will find a SIM card that offers good performance.
However, one disadvantage is that if you arrive in New York in the early morning hours, many of these stores will be closed, as they usually work until midnight. So, it is often advisable to purchase your SIM card before you start your trip.
Conclusion
There are different options for travelers to consider using when visiting New York. SIM cards are still a good option for people, but there are other options that are better to use.
SIM cards offer a stable connection and can be found in many places while visiting New York. Some can be purchased online through sites like Amazon, but the features these offer are way more limited than other options.
When it comes to choosing, an eSIM for New York is a better option for travelers. Companies like Holafly make it a better alternative due to what it offers and how well it works. And, as for prices, these are pretty similar, which is great.
Overall, eSIM and SIM cards remain good options. But in our opinion, the best take is to use an eSIM if you have an eSIM-compatible device to enjoy the most out of your trip.
Frequently asked questions about the New York SIM card
Yes. People can get a SIM card in New York in different ways. These are found in convenience stores and at the airport, and there are some vending machines that have SIM cards.
It depends on what people need. For us, it’s better to buy either an eSIM or SIM card before traveling from a company travelers can rely on rather than choosing a SIM from a vending machine.
Yes. Some companies like Verizon or T-Mobile offer their SIM cards in stores like Amazon without any added plan.
