For 2024, several affordable eSIM phones offer great options without breaking the bank. Here's a gui...
When traveling to another country, staying connected to the internet is essential for getting around, looking up local attractions, or simply staying in touch with friends and family. Traditionally, tourists relied on physical SIM cards, but the rise of eSIM technology has made things even more convenient. With an eSIM, you can stay connected without worrying about physical SIM swaps.
However, with so many providers available, choosing the right one for your trip can be overwhelming. From pricing and coverage to data speeds and customer support, there’s a lot to consider.
Fortunately, we have reviewed some of the best providers out there and handpicked the best picks for your trip. Here are the best options to consider.
Holafly is a well-known eSIM provider, offering travelers the convenience of staying connected while exploring new countries. Known for its simplicity and flexibility, Holafly allows users to activate their eSIM without needing a physical card.
While Holafly has a reputation for its global eSIMs, it’s a popular option for its great coverage in the USA. It caters well to travelers by using the USA’s extensive 4G LTE/5G network.
Choosing Holafly comes with several key benefits, particularly for those traveling to the USA. Here’s why it’s a great option:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy activation | Limited options for local calls (mainly data focused) |
| No roaming charges, flat-rate pricing | Some plans may not be as cost-effective for short stays |
| Works in multiple countries | Data speed can vary depending on the region |
| Excellent customer support and service | |
| Unlimited data plans available |
Holafly offers a range of affordable and flexible data plans for travelers heading to the USA. These plans come with varying data limits and durations.
| Plan | Data Allowance | Validity Period | Price |
| 1-day plan | Unlimited | 1 day | $6.90 |
| 7-day plan | Unlimited | 7 days | $29.90 |
| 15-day plan | Unlimited | 15 days | $50.90 |
| 30-day plan | Unlimited | 30 days | $74.90 |
Want to get a better sense of Holafly’s data speed and setup process? Take a look at the short video below.
Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers, known for offering affordable and reliable data plans for travelers. It provides eSIM access in over 190 countries and regions, including the USA. Airalo allows travelers to buy local, regional, or global data plans without the need to swap physical SIM cards. It even has an intuitive app for activation and management.
Airalo is ideal for those who want a smooth and efficient travel experience by providing the flexibility to choose from various mobile networks around the world, all while enjoying competitive pricing and a user-friendly interface.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable and flexible data plans | Some plans have limited data usage options |
| Coverage in 190+ countries | Customer support can be slow |
| Instant activation | Data speeds can vary depending on the region |
| Easy to use app for activation and management | Limited voice and SMS support |
Airalo offers a wide range of plans suitable for different travelers. Make sure you check the data allowance and validity period, and not just the price.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price |
| Free Welcome eSIM | 1 GB | 1 day | Free |
| Change 1GB | 1 GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| Change 2 GB | 2 GB | 15 days | $8 |
| Change 3 GB | 3 GB | 30 days | $11 |
| Change 5 GB | 5 GB | 30 days | $16 |
| Change 10 GB | 10 GB | 30 days | $26 |
| Change 20 GB | 20 GB | 30 days | $42 |
Lycamobile is a well-known mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that provides affordable international mobile service. With a presence in over 20 countries, including the USA, it’s a popular choice for travelers who want the best local connections. They offer eSIM options in addition to traditional SIM cards, making it a great option for those who want a more convenient and flexible solution for staying connected while traveling.
Lycamobile provides seamless data, but it also has calls and texts. Here are some of its key features:
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable pricing | Limited high-speed data options for heavy users |
| Wide coverage in the USA | Not as widely available in rural areas |
| Provides both data and voice services | Customer service can be slow |
| Flexible plans | Limited plan options for very short stays |
| Easy activation |
Lycamobile offers several affordable data and voice plans, particularly focused on international travelers. Their eSIM plans are designed to fit different travel needs, and the prices are very competitive.
| Plan | Data | Duration | Price | Features |
| USA Data Plan | 5 GB | 7 days | $10 | Data only |
| USA International Plan | 10 GB | 30 days | $25 | Data, calls, and texts |
| USA Unlimited Plan | Unlimited | 30 days | $40 | Data, calls, and texts |
| USA Short Stay Plan | 1 GB | 3 days | $5 | Data only |
T-Mobile is one of the USA’s leading network providers, known for its expansive coverage and fast data speeds. The provider offers eSIM options for both local customers and international travelers, with the eSIM service being particularly beneficial for those who want a seamless and efficient way to stay connected in the USA.
T-Mobile is widely recognized for its reliable coverage and fast 4G/5G data networks, making it an ideal choice for travelers who prioritize connectivity and speed. Here are some more key benefits:
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent nationwide coverage | Higher prices compared to other providers |
| Fast 4G and 5G data speeds | Limited roaming capabilities |
| Flexible prepaid eSIM plans | Customer support can be slow during peak times |
| Easy activation | Data throttling can occur on some plans |
| Unlimited data options available | |
| Great for streaming and video calls |
T-Mobile offers several eSIM plans in the USA, varying by price depending on the data allowance and validity period.
| Plan | Data Allowance | Validity Period | Price |
| Unlimited - 5 Full Days | Unlimited | 5 days | $15 |
| Unlimited - 7 Full Days | Unlimited | 7 days | $20 |
| Unlimited - 10 Full Days | Unlimited | 10 days | $25 |
| Unlimited - 15 Full Days | Unlimited | 15 days | $34 |
| Connect 12 GB | 12 GB | 1 month (contract) | $35 |
| 10 GB - Monthly Plan | 10 GB | 1 month (contract) | $40 |
| Unlimited - Monthly Plan | Unlimited | 1 month (contract) | $50 |
| Unlimited Plus - Monthly Plan | Unlimited | 1 month (contract) | $60 |
Nomad is a popular eSIM provider known for its wide selection of global eSIM plans. It focuses on competitive pricing without sacrificing high-speed data, making it a great option for travelers and nomads who want reliable connectivity. It has great coverage in the USA, along with an easy activation process and flexible plan options.
Nomad provides a range of regional, local, and global eSIM plans, so users can pick what works for them. Here are some key benefits:
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable pricing | Coverage may be limited in remote areas |
| Fast and easy activation | Limited customer support hours |
| Wide selection of local, regional, and global plans | Some plans have slower speeds after reaching data limit |
| Compatible with many devices | Can be more expensive for short trips |
Nomad offers various eSIM plans for both short and long-term travelers, depending on your data needs.
| Data Allowance | Validity Period | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $9 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $13 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $24 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $35 |
| 50 GB | 30 days | $49 |
When traveling to the USA, selecting the best eSIM provider is essential if you want a seamless experience. But it can be difficult to choose just one. Below is a handy comparison:
| Provider | Data Plans | Price | Validity | Coverage | Activation | Device Compatibility |
| Holafly | Unlimited data on all plans | From $6.90 | From 1 to 90 days | Global | Instant | iPhone, Android, tablets |
| Airalo | From 1 GB to 20 GB | From $4.50 (free trial available) | From 1 to 30 days | Global | Instant | iPhone, Android, tablets |
| Lycamobile | From 5GB to Unlimited | From $5 | From 3 to 30 days | USA and some other countries (roaming charges apply) | Instant | iPhone, Android |
| T-Mobile | From 10GB to Unlimited | From $15 | From 5 days to monthly contracts | USA | Instant | iPhone, Android |
| Nomad | From 1 GB to 50 GB | From $4.50 | From 7 to 30 days | 100+ countries | Instant | iPhone, Android, Tablets |
Choosing the right eSIM for your travels to the USA involves considering several key factors to ensure you get the best coverage, speed, and pricing. Make sure to evaluate the following aspects of any international eSIM for traveling:
Before purchasing an eSIM for your trip to the USA, there are a few essential things you should be aware of. It’s worth considering the factors above, but here are some extra tips:
eSIMs allow you to stay connected without needing to swap physical SIM cards, making it convenient for travelers. They offer flexibility and are usually quite cost-effective for travelers. Activation is fast and can be done remotely, too.
Not all devices are eSIM-compatible, so you need to confirm that your phone supports this technology. Also, while coverage is generally good, there may be some areas where it’s spotty.
The best eSIM for the USA depends on your specific needs. Providers like Holafly, Airalo, and T-Mobile offer excellent coverage, flexible plans, and competitive pricing.
The cost of an eSIM in the USA can vary depending on the provider and data plan. Typically, prices range from $5 to $50 for plans between seven and 30 days. Some providers even offer unlimited plans, but these tend to be more expensive.
You can buy an eSIM for the USA online, from eSIM providers’ websites or through mobile apps. Websites like Holafly have dedicated pages where you can purchase eSIM plans directly.
Once you have purchased an eSIM, it’s easy to use it. Simply follow the provider’s instructions to install and activate the profile, then use your data as normal. Keep an eye on your data usage via the app.
Yes, some eSIM providers offer unlimited data plans for use in the USA. Providers like Holafly specialize in unlimited data plans, which can be particularly beneficial if you’re going to be using a lot of data for navigation and streaming.
Many eSIMs activate automatically upon arrival in your destination. If you need to activate it manually, you can do so 24 hours before traveling, just to ensure there are no issues.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
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The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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