Mobile Internet in the USA: SIM Cards and Other Ways to Connect Internet for Tourists

When you travel to the USA, one of the first things you’ll want to figure out is how to stay connected to the internet since having reliable connection can make your trip a lot smoother.

One popular option is to get a eSIM data plan USA. This is super convenient because it gives you a virtual number and lets you access various prepaid data plans for America without any long-term commitments.

In this article we will tell you about the options you can use for connecting to the mobile Internet in the USA, which are convenient for guests of the country. You will learn about the cost of SIM cards in the U.S., the specifics of services of local carriers and international providers, where to buy an American SIM card. Let's delve into the issue of how to stay connected while traveling around the country.

Mobile Internet in the USA: the best options for connection

To connect mobile Internet in the US for tourists, you can use the below options:

• buy a physical SIM card from a local operator;
• connect a virtual eSIM card;
• activate data roaming;
• buy portable Wi-Fi;
• take advantage of free hotspots.

To help you find the best option for your journey, we will discuss the ins and outs of each of these options.

SIM cards in the U.S.

Physical SIM cards in the USA are sold in vending machines installed at airports, train stations in Washington, DC, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and other cities in the country. In addition, starter packs are available in branded retail outlets, supermarkets and small stores. Branded sales points are convenient as they offer comprehensive advice on all questions.

You can also buy a prepaid phone SIM card in the USA online. You can also order a starter pack in advance. All you need to do is choose a suitable option and place an order on Amazon or eBay. In this case, the cost will be a little higher than in America, but you will get a SIM card in advance, even prior to your trip. The most important thing is to consider the delivery time so that the starter pack arrives before you leave for the US.

The quality of connection from local providers is one of the best in the world, but the prices are quite high. For short trips, in most cases, it is more advantageous and convenient to use eSIM technology.

We recommend checking your smartphone for compatibility with eSIM technology. It is convenient to do this on a special page of Yesim provider.

Here are a few reasons why tourists prefer the innovative eSIM virtual card: compatible with nano-SIM;

• works in smart watches, on a tablet and even on a laptop;
• supports the connection of several data plans from different providers, but you can use them only one at a time;
• a virtual card can not be damaged accidentally or on purpose, as well as cannot be replaced, so it can not be damaged by an owner of a smartphone or a third party.

Let's consider the best SIM cards in the USA for tourists.

Read also: 15 best places to visit in the USA

1. Yesim

You're guaranteed to get fast mobile Internet in the U.S. with an eSIM virtual card if you install the Yesim app. Download the app, select your data plan and service terms online.

Current data plans for the USA:

• 3 GB for 7 days for 10 EUR;
• 5 GB for 15 days for 13.5 EUR;
• 10 GB for 30 days for 20 EUR;
• 20 GB for 30 days for 25 EUR.

Current unlimited data plans in the USA:

• 7 days for 21 EUR;
• 15 days for 41 EUR;
• 30 days for 55 EUR.

Additional provider services for users:

• data exchange;
• voice mail;
• text messages;
• audio and video broadcasts;
• international online calls;
• VPN;
• virtual number.

Yesim operates in the United States and in other 200+ countries around the world. Just make sure your phone is compatible with eSIM, and take some time to compare different plans from Yesim to get the one you actually like. And this is it! With a little planning, you’ll be well-equipped to stay connected during your adventures in the USA!

Read also: What is eSIM and how does it work

2. T-Mobile USA

This operator threatens tourists with a $10 activation fee, but actually this fee is rarely charged. All popular prepaid packages offer unlimited calls and SMS, are valid for a month and work at high speed 5G:

• 10 GB data for $40;
• unlimited traffic + 3G hotspot for $50;
• unlimited traffic + 10 GB for a 4G hotspot for $50.

3. AT&T

This carrier charges just $15 for activation, but the fee doesn't apply to many popular data plans. Here are some of them:

• 5 GB data for a month for $30, 5G;
• 15 GB data for a month for $40 + 5G;
• unlimited traffic, calls and text messages for just $65 per month + 5G.

4. Verizon

This operator charges $35 for a SIM card activation, and this data does not apply to unlimited packages.

Here are the most popular 3G-ready prepaid packages for one month:

• 15 GB for $45;
• full unlimited + 5 GB for hotspot mode for $60;
• full unlimited + 25 GB for hotspot mode for $70.

There is one more way that can significantly increase a tourist's budget.

Roaming in America

Roaming is the most expensive option for using mobile communication outside the coverage of your cellular operator when traveling abroad. To do this, you need to activate data roaming in your device settings, but you should be prepared for very high bills for this service.

Alternatively, before traveling to the United States, learn about the services provided by local carriers. Each of them has special data plans for using communication outside the country. In most cases, no additional settings are required, the service is activated after crossing the border.

A convenient way to stay in touch almost anywhere in the world is to connect eSIM technology through Yesim service. To use mobile Internet in most countries of the world, it only takes a couple of minutes to register and choose the right data plan.

Read also: How to turn on or turn off data roaming: guide for iPhone and Android Phone

Pocket Wi-Fi

Portable Wi-Fi is a mobile modem with a rechargeable battery, which is especially convenient to use when traveling with a family or a group of friends. Several gadgets can be connected to such a device at the same time without losing the quality of connection.

Most sellers of pocket Wi-Fi offer rental services. It is most convenient to use the services of Travelers WiFi. The cost depends on the time period of booking. For example, a basic weekly plan will cost $73.40, and a monthly plan will cost $257.1. And there's the option to choose between 1 GB, 5 GB, or 10 GB of 4G traffic per day.

Shipping will cost $5-35 depending on your location in the US. If a Pocket Router is lost or broken, you will need to pay a refund of approximately $170.

Free Wi-Fi in the United States

In the United States, you can use free mobile Internet hotspots. They are available at airports, train stations and hotels, many restaurants, McDonald's and Starbucks, museums and other public places.

The disadvantage of this option is that there are no guarantees to be in the right place and at the right time when you need urgent communication via the Internet. You should also keep in mind the dangers of using public networks for a number of reasons:

• phishing attacks;
• data interception;
• viruses and malware.

Read also: How to secure your phone from hackers: 12 best ways

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price! Take away!

Take away!