Best Prepaid SIM Cards for USA Travel in 2024
Planning a trip to the USA and want to stay connected hassle-free? Navigating the prepaid SIM card market in the USA might seem a bit complex, unlike the more advanced options in Europe and other parts of the world. However, don't worry; it's not as complicated as it appears, though it can be on the pricey side! Purchasing a SIM card for the USA is the optimal way to access data on your phone without racking up exorbitant roaming charges.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a USA SIM card, the best 4G/5G network options, our personal recommendations, experiences buying a SIM card in the USA, the finest eSIM cards available for the USA, and insights into international SIM cards for use in the USA.
Here’s a rundown of frequently asked questions and the variations in USA prepaid SIM card plans that you can plug into your smartphone and avoid international roaming charges.
What is a US SIM card?
A prepaid US SIM card is an easy, affordable and convenient option to use your phone in the USA. Instead of paying for international roaming charges or opting for costly local prepaid smartphone plans, you can simply purchase a prepaid SIM card before your trip.
If they're US-based SIM cards from US carriers such as T-Mobile, AT&T like the ones we sell at SimCorner, they'll get assigned a USA phone number. If they're not US-based SIM cards, they might be roaming sim cards. They will still work in the USA but be assigned a UK number or Estonian number, etc.
At SimCorner, we recommend choosing a US-based SIM card from carriers like T-Mobile or AT&T for the best value, which includes unlimited calls, SMS, and data allowance, along with better coverage and data speeds.
Why Opt for a USA Prepaid SIM Card or USA eSIM for your Travel?
With the convenience of Wi-Fi everywhere, you might wonder why a prepaid SIM card or eSIM card is necessary. The answer is simple: to ensure you're connected on the go, beyond the confines of your hotel room. Whether you're hailing a ride, exploring local eateries, navigating with Google Maps, staying in touch with loved ones, managing your finances through banking apps, or even just scrolling through social media, a reliable data connection is indispensable. Moreover, relying solely on public Wi-Fi can be risky due to variable speeds and potential security vulnerabilities.
Purchasing a prepaid SIM card for the USA is incredibly straightforward, taking just a few minutes to activate. It's essentially a plug-and-play experience – insert the eSIM card into your unlocked device, and you're instantly connected. However, ensure your phone is compatible and unlocked to use either a prepaid physical SIM card or an eSIM card.
Where to Purchase a USA SIM Card
Arriving at international airports might not yield SIM card shops as easily as in other countries. Official retail stores, while trustworthy, sometimes neglect phone compatibility checks. Popular convenience stores like 7Eleven, CVS, and Walmart do offer options, albeit with limited staff knowledge. Alternatively, major train stations in cities like New York sometimes house SIM card kiosks.
If convenience is paramount, online shopping for e-SIM cards or physical prepaid SIM cards is your best bet. However, be cautious of third-party networks – opt for options from T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon to ensure optimal coverage and speed.
Why should you buy a USA SIM card in NZ before you fly?
When you're travelling abroad, the last thing you want to do when you land is to scurry around looking for where to buy a SIM card in the USA. Save time so you can get started on your itinerary as soon as you arrive. Packing our USA SIM card for your trip to America is as important as having your passport with you. You can document every part of your adventure seamlessly, from departure to arrival, without missing a beat. Whether you need to contact someone picking you up, let your family back home know you’re arrived safely, or navigate maps to your next destination, we’ve got you covered. At SimCorner, we offer a range of USA SIM cards that can be conveniently ordered online, just pick the package that suits you best and order your US SIM card online with us.
Our Top Recommendation: T-Mobile's USA SIM Card
Our extensive experience helping customers for over a decade leads us to recommend T-Mobile Unlimited Data card for the USA. With a robust 5G/4G network spanning the country, T-Mobile offers unlimited data for 30 days, making it a more economical option than AT&T or Verizon. This is a great all-rounder option for NZ travellers who want Unlimited data at a great value.
Will my phone work in the US?
Most NZ citizens flying to the States should remember that network providers in the US use different frequencies to those back home. If you want to use your phone over there, you'll need to double-check what frequencies it supports before deciding to purchase a SIM card for the USA. You can go to a mobile phone shop, or you can use the contact us link above to get in touch with us, and we would be able to check if your phone is compatible with the prepaid sim cards from T-Mobile or ATT.
You will also need to make sure your phone is unlocked. If your phone is on a post-paid plan or contract with your local carrier it doesn't mean your phone is locked. If you are unsure, please check with your current service provider.
Best USA Mobile Internet Operators in the USA
How do you pick the one prepaid USA sim card for your travel needs? While there are international sim cards available where they work in Europe and USA, we advise sticking to actual USA sim card options for the best coverage and speed within the USA. It's crucial also to ensure if you are going with eSIM option that your phone supports eSIM functionality before making a purchase.
Despite the USA's vast population, only three main mobile internet operators reign supreme: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
T-Mobile - One of the most competitive cell phone carriers in the US, T-Mobile is an excellent choice for picking cheaper SIM options with good coverage across the vast amount of mainland America and Hawaii. They also offer the best prepaid sim bundles that are great value for money.
Verizon - America's best carrier for coverage is Verizon, which provides excellent coverage and fast data plans. Verizon's 4G LTE network currently has the best nationwide coverage in USA compared to any local carrier, which is great if you are driving around town.
AT&T -The last big mobile carrier, AT&T is a popular choice as it offers the most coverage across the USA and its territories. But recently, Android phones not purchased directly from AT&T, are having calling issues on the AT&T network (data is working fine). If you need calling service we recommend that you purchase the T-Mobile or Verizon, otherwise you will run into issues whilst over there.
Similar to here in NZ, the US also offers a range of smaller phone carriers such as LycaMobile or Lebara. While these are still local SIM cards, they run on one of the main phone networks noted above but offer their own services. These include Metro and Ultra Mobile, which both run on the T-Mobile network.
Although these smaller phone providers use T-Mobile's network, they have some limitations in order to reduce prices. They may not span the whole network, and coverage may be limited in many places. This would mean you would not get the best coverage, as compared to other AT&T or T-mobile SIM card options. In addition, Metro also has strict limitations on video streaming in its data.
This is why we recommend choosing a sim card from one of the two main carriers in America when buying USA SIM cards, as they offer coverage in most of the main cities and/or tourist areas.
Can I buy a USA SIM Card in NZ?
To get USA SIM cards in NZ, you'll need to buy the sim card online. Fortunately, there's an easy way now. At SimCorner we sell a range of prepaid USA SIM cards for NZ travellers. Best of all, every US SIM card we sell is a local sim card, from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon, so they will be assigned a USA number and includes data, unlimited calls, and unlimited SMS. Everything you need for your stay in the USA. We also provide shipping NZ wide!
By purchasing one of our awesome ranges and having it shipped straight to your home address or work address, you can be sorted even before you step on the plane! We offer free shipping NZ-wide with regular mail or express 2-3 business day services if needed for urgent travel plans. Buying USA travel SIM cards online has never been easier.
The Best Prepaid USA SIM Cards for Tourists
At SimCorner we've got you covered when it comes buying a USA SIM card for your next holiday. Our range of prepaid USA SIM cards caters to different travel needs. We have noted our best prepaid plans for NZ travellers below.
#1 Customers Choice
SimCorner has been selling this USA SIM card plan for over 8 years, and it is frequently recommended by customers. This is a great all-rounder option for NZ travellers who want Unlimited data at a great value. Their all-inclusive prepaid sim card offers Unlimited 4G LTE data, unlimited talk & text to USA numbers. The best part is if you have a 5G compatible phone, you can now also connect to their fast 5G network at no extra cost. If you have an eSIM compatible phone like the iPhone 12 or newer, you can purchase this product as an e-SIM. Click here to visit product page.
If you plan to only use a moderate amount of 4G data, texts, and minutes while you’re away, why not look at our 10GB USA Travel SIM Card or 15GB AT&T SIM Card. For travellers looking for the right mix between staying connected while on their next holiday or adventure trip, these USA sim options are the perfect pick. The 30-day access comes with unlimited calls and unlimited SMS feature within the USA, to all USA mobiles and landlines. Incoming calls are free and allow you to remain in touch always.
While you might argue that the 10GB or 15GB data may not be enough for all your Netflix or FaceTime needs, it can be enough if you are keen to just remain connected. Finding locations on Google Maps, checking emails for emergency work comms, or asking for a recommendation for the best hairstylist in the city on Facebook can all be sorted!
Alternatively, If you are concerned about running out of data while on your trip to the USA, fear not, take a look at our USA Unlimited Data SIM Card. This is the best unlimited SIM card with 30-days access to unlimited 4G data, unlimited calls, and Unlimited SMS within USA and Hawaii to all mobiles and landlines.
The unlimited data connection can solve all your travel connection needs. Work while you’re on-the-go, binge-watch on your favourite Netflix series, download latest tracks from Spotify, or make international calls using FaceTime to your friends and family while you’re ticking off your bucket list at the Grand Canyon or even at Las Vegas. The unlimited mobile hotspot at 3G speed is an added advantage—you no longer have to worry about Baby Shark eating up your data while your toddler is at it on the Tab! You can now purchase this product as an e-SIM if you have a eSIM compatible phone, click here to view that product page
This one may be a little bit higher on the price range, but it packs a punch. With 15GB or 100GB, high-speed 5G/4G data and mobile hotspot/tethering allowed, this travel SIM card is great if you don’t need to text or call anyone in the USA and need data on your iPad or tablet—perfect for families or those travelling in groups! Whether you need to upload new memories on Google Photos in real-time, or need to share data with your whole travel group for work purposes, this will do just the trick.
Why buy US mobile SIM cards from SimCorner?
SimCorner is NZ’s most trusted supplier of Prepaid USA SIM cards since 2012, which is why when you’re purchasing with us, you can have peace of mind on any trip overseas. We’ve carefully thought about every feature you’ll need with your SIM so you can enjoy convenience, great value, and most importantly, reliable connection and coverage.
Benefits of choosing SimCorner:
- Unlimited data, 10GB, 15GB, and 15GB data only (iPad/tablet) options
- 5G/4G package available
- Unlimited calls and texts for every SIM package
- USA only or USA, Canada, and Mexico options
- Easy to use and activate
- No roaming cost and hidden fees
- Unlimited incoming calls internationally
- Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed
- Budget-friendly
- Fast shipping to your door
- Got the tick of approval from NZ tourists
- Price Beat Guarantee
About SimCorner
SimCorner is NZ’s favourite destination to buy your travel SIMs. As travellers ourselves, we know the hassle of searching for a reliable, fee-free SIM card when you’re in a foreign country. We’re all about offering NZ travellers affordable, reliable, and easy to use mobile SIMs all over the world. We’ve partnered with global mobile telecommunications providers so you get the best there is to offer for travel SIM cards. We’ve grown our business worldwide with dispatch locations now in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom too.
You can shop by destination to find SIM cards or eSIMs that are compatible with each destination’s networks, landlines, and mobile phones. When you pre-purchase your US SIM card for NZ travellers, you have one less thing to worry about when you get to your destination, so make sure to shop with us before your next trip away!
Buy a prepaid SIM card for USA travelling!
Now that you have the SIM Card for USA options laid in front of you, you would have already made up your mind on the data card that is ideal for you in terms of your travel itinerary. Though all the SIM cards are available in three sizes and fit most phones, it’s always good to check the specifications and compatibility before getting one that would be right for you. Why not, check out all the options that we offer at SimCorner and get a USA SIM card for your next trip to the USA .
Get in touch about cheap USA SIM cards for tourists
If you have any questions about our US prepaid SIM cards, check out our FAQs , or get in touch with our friendly team who will be happy to help. You can also look to SimCorner for SIM cards to travel to USA, Canada, and Mexico , Verizon SIMs, AT&T SIMs, and more. While you’re packing your suitcase, you can also find travel necessities , accessories , and journals in our range.
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