As tourists, having an internet connection on our trips is vital; alternatives such as data roaming or pocket WiFi in the USA can be costly and inconvenient. Therefore, we’ll tell you about one of the best ways to be communicated on your trip: a prepaid SIM card for New York. We will talk to you about the options for your trip to the city, both before you arrive and once you are there. You will learn about costs, available plans, advantages, disadvantages, etc.
This is one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced capitals. Its skyscrapers, avant-garde architecture, and gigantic advertisements make it one of the most visited cities. Now imagine going to this amazing place and not having an Internet connection. But don’t worry! Having internet is very easy nowadays; besides the SIM card, we have the eSIM, and its digital evolution makes things even more accessible with unlimited data plans in new york.
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Where to buy a SIM card for New York?
There are many ways to buy a SIM card for New York, you can buy it through an online store or a physical store, and you can even find outlets inside the JFK airport in New York to buy it as soon as you arrive at your destination, but why do we recommend you to buy your SIM card through an online store?
There are many reasons why it makes sense to purchase a SIM card to travel to New York, but mainly because of the low cost and the ease of purchase through the internet. Currently, there are online providers where you can access a variety of advantages that will make your trip better.
(You may be interested in Best eSIM for the USA)
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, making 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. 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, 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. It’s seen many people ask, “Can I buy a sim card in JFK airport?”, and the answer is yes; people will have a wide variety of brands or retailers to choose from in this airport. 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.
AT&T and T-Mobile Stores in New York City
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.
To purchase a SIM card that is linked to one of these companies, go to a store that is affiliated with or owned by these companies, either at the airport or at a shopping center. You can use the maps that AT&T and T-Mobile have on their websites to locate the locations closest to you.
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.
eSIM card for New York, the new alternative
But 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.
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! The only thing you have to do is to confirm some conditions to be able to use a virtual SIM card. In case you don’t know them, we will mention them here:
- Check that your cell phone is compatible with eSIM; as it is a relatively new technology, there are still devices that are not compatible.
- You need an email address to receive and install your eSIM.
- To activate your eSIM, you must have an internet connection, as your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the operator’s servers. This can be done from New York at a Wifi hotspot.
- Most eSIM cards do not offer analog calls, only data. But with the plans on the market, you can communicate by voice using apps such as Skype or WhatsApp.
Holafly online store
This is an online store that offers many benefits, and we can safely say it is a good buy. But what other features does this company have? Holafly’s eSIM card allows you to enjoy unlimited data, which is excellent if you use your cell phone often. Even if you travel to other countries, they have a regional option for North America with coverage in the USA, Canada, and Mexico that also enjoys unlimited data.
All services in this store allow you to buy top-ups, meaning you can extend the days of use or the amount of data in the plan by simply recharging another package. You will not have to set up a new eSIM. It will be activated immediately on the one you already have installed.
If you have problems configuring your cell phone or selecting the network, there is 24/7 customer support. This service is a great advantage because it is always in English, Spanish, Italian, German, and Portuguese, among others, which is what users value most.
This is an excellent option since you can keep your WhatsApp number from your country. If you are one of those who like to be connected at all times with your contacts, you are going on a business trip to New York and can’t change your WhatsApp number or lose your conversations.
Disadvantages of Holafly’s eSIM card
Currently, you cannot make analog calls with Holafly’s digital SIM cards for NYC. Still, Holafly already offers phone numbers for this service in European destinations, so it is only a matter of time before they do the same for North America.
How can I shop at Holafly?
If you have already decided to buy your eSIM card in this store, all you have to do is go to Holafly’s official website, select the eSIM card for your destination, fill out the purchase form, and that’s it. You’ll get your eSIM in your email in a few minutes.
How much does the eSIM for New York cost?
eSIMs also have relatively low prices when compared to roaming rates. Here are the data plans and prices of eSIMs that have coverage in New York.
New York eSIM card, with coverage in the USA
| Days of use | Amount of mobile data | Price (USD) |
| 5 | Unlimited data | $19 |
| 7 | Unlimited data | $27 |
| 10 | Unlimited data | $34 |
| 15 | Unlimited data | $47 |
| 20 | Unlimited data | $54 |
| 30 | Unlimited data | $64 |
| 60 | Unlimited data | $87 |
| 90 | Unlimited data | $99 |
eSIM North America card, with coverage in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
| Days of use | Amount of mobile data | Price (USD) |
| 5 | Unlimited data | $27 |
| 7 | Unlimited data | $34 |
| 10 | Unlimited data | $44 |
| 15 | Unlimited data | $54 |
| 20 | Unlimited data | $64 |
| 30 | Unlimited data | $87 |
| 60 | Unlimited data | $144 |
| 90 | Unlimited data | $214 |
Frequently asked questions about the New York SIM card
To keep your WhatsApp number, you do not need to configure anything. Install your eSIM to have data on your trip and be able to use all the messaging applications you want.
This depends on the SIM card you buy, some of them will let you, but they may have a higher cost. In the case of Holafly, if the eSIM includes unlimited data, you will not be able to share data with other devices. If you need a connection on more than one phone, you can buy multiple eSIMs.
You must verify that your cellphone is compatible with either SIM; this can be done quickly through your cell phone’s settings. You can also help yourself with the list of compatible devices and search if yours is there.
In case your SIM card does not work or has any inconvenience, you can always contact your provider’s customer service. If you get Holafly’s virtual SIM card for New York, you’ll have 24/7 customer support.
