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New York offers some of the best 5G coverage in the U.S., led by T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. But relying on international roaming can still cost you up to $15 a day and leave you with slow, inconsistent data.
To help you avoid that, we’ve rounded up the top six SIM and eSIM providers that keep travelers connected across New York: from major carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile to budget-friendly or instant-activation options like Tello, Ultra Mobile, Nomad, and Saily.
Here are the best six SIM card providers in New York to keep you connected quickly and affordably once you arrive.
Data disclaimer: All data in this review is accurate as of October 2025, and can change thereafter.
AT&T is one of the largest and most reliable telecom providers in the U.S.. Known for its wide coverage and stable 5G network, it’s a solid option for travelers who want consistent internet and call quality across New York.
Prepaid SIM plans let you stay connected without signing a contract, ideal for medium- to long-term visitors. However, frequent reports of unresponsive customer service mean activating your SIM in-store is recommended to avoid technical hiccups.
| Plan | Data | Price | Features |
| 5GB Plan | 5GB | $30/month | Unlimited talk/text, 5G access, hotspot support |
| Unlimited Essentials | 30GB high-speed (then 1.5Mbps) | $40/month (AutoPay) | Unlimited talk/text, U.S.–Mexico–Canada use |
| Unlimited MAX® | 50GB high-speed (then deprioritized) | $55/month | Unlimited data, hotspot, texts to 230+ countries |
| Annual Prepaid | Unlimited (16GB at full speed) | $240/year ($20/month) | 10GB hotspot data, prepaid upfront |
Pros
Cons
Verizon is one of the largest U.S. carriers, known for strong 5G coverage and dependable speeds across New York City. Its prepaid SIM plans offer contract-free flexibility, ideal for short- or medium-term stays.
Still, travelers often report slow customer service and billing issues, so activating your SIM in-store is the safest route. Once set up, however, Verizon delivers excellent performance for streaming and navigation.
| Plan | Data | Price | Features |
| 15 GB Plan | 15 GB | $35/month (AutoPay) | Unlimited talk/text, mobile hotspot, 3-year price lock |
| Unlimited | Unlimited (5 GB hotspot) | $50/month (AutoPay) | 5G Ultra Wideband access, 4K streaming, calls to Mexico & Canada |
| Unlimited Plus | 50 GB high-speed, 25 GB hotspot | $60/month (AutoPay) | Premium 5G speeds, Global Choice minutes, discounted international rates |
Pros
Cons
T-Mobile stands out for its extensive 5G network and traveler-friendly prepaid options. Visitors can purchase a SIM or eSIM for free and activate it instantly, avoiding the usual setup fees.
Plans come with long-term price guarantees and unique extras: from T-Mobile Tuesdays perks and Hilton hotel discounts to free MLB.TV and international texting to 215+ countries.
Still, reviews highlight inconsistent billing, poor account management, and misleading coverage maps, particularly for suburban and indoor areas.
| Plan | Data | Price | Features |
| Starter Monthly | 15 GB | $40/mo (AutoPay) | 5-year price lock, unlimited talk/text, hotspot sharing |
| Unlimited Monthly | 50 GB | $45/mo (AutoPay) | Unlimited 5G, hotspot (3G), calls to U.S., Canada & Mexico |
| Unlimited Plus Monthly | 50 GB (+ 5 GB hotspot) | $60/mo (AutoPay) | Unlimited 5G, global texting to 215+ countries, travel perks |
Pros
Cons
Mint Mobile operates as a digital-only carrier, cutting costs by removing stores and sales agents. Instead, users purchase plans online and activate their SIM or eSIM through the app.
Travelers value Mint for its transparent pricing, no contracts, and multi-month discounts. The app-based management is straightforward, and Mint even offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, as well as family bundles.
| Plan | Data | Price | Features |
| 5GB Plan | 5 GB | $15/mo (3-month intro) | Unlimited talk/text, hotspot, 5G access |
| 15GB Plan | 15 GB | $20/mo (3-month intro) | Higher data cap, 10GB hotspot |
| 20GB Plan | 20 GB | $25/mo (3-month intro) | Great for streaming and maps |
| Unlimited Plan | 35 GB high-speed | $30/mo (3-month intro) | 10GB hotspot, throttling after limit |
Pros
Cons
Unlike most U.S. carriers, Tello lets users build their own plan, choosing exactly how much data and talk time they need, with the flexibility to change or cancel anytime.
There are no contracts, activation fees, or hidden costs, and all plans include free hotspot use, Wi-Fi calling, and international calls to over 60 countries.
Most users praise Tello’s responsive customer service and consistent urban coverage, though some note weaker reception in rural areas and slower speeds after the data cap.
| Plan | Data | Price | Features |
| Economy | 2 GB | $10/mo | Unlimited talk/text, hotspot, Wi-Fi calling |
| Value | 5 GB | $14/mo | Customizable plan, free international calls |
| Smart | 10 GB | $19/mo | 4G/5G access, hotspot, free calls to 60+ countries |
| Unlimited | 35 GB high-speed | $25/mo | 5 GB hotspot, throttling after limit |
Pros
Cons
Using T-Mobile’s high-speed network, Ultra Mobile offers solid 5G coverage across New York and other major U.S. cities, along with flexible options to prepay for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months to lock in lower rates.
Plans range from 3 GB to Unlimited with up to 10 GB hotspot data and a 5 GB Mexico data pass each month. Users praise Ultra’s affordability and consistent speeds for city use, but note slowdowns in dense downtown areas.
| Plan | Data | Price | Features |
| 3 GB Plan | 3 GB | $15/mo (multi-month) | Unlimited talk/text, 5G access, free international calls |
| 10 GB Plan | 10 GB | $29/mo (multi-month) | Global texting, hotspot, Mexico & Canada talk/text |
| Unlimited | 35 GB high-speed | $34–$49/mo | 10 GB hotspot, free calls to 90+ countries, $10 int’l credit |
Pros
Cons
While the core idea is the same, there are a few different ways to do it. Here’s how the main options compare:
| Option | Cost | Speed | Convenience | Best for |
| Roaming | Highest - $10–$15/day | Often throttled; network priority low | Automatic but expensive | 1–2 day visits, business emergencies |
| Local SIM | Low - $20–$40 total | Fast 4G/5G on local networks | Requires store visit or kiosk | Week+ stays, data-heavy travelers |
| eSIM | Moderate - $25–$50 | Same speed as local SIM | Instant digital setup, no card swap | Short trips, frequent flyers, dual-SIM users |
SIM card, the amount of mobile data included in the plan, shipping costs, and more, the price will vary.
The price of a SIM card in New York varies depending on the provider, data allowance, and duration of your stay. In general, local SIM cards range from $10 to $60, with most prepaid plans including unlimited calls and several gigabytes of data.
For example:
Users looking for convenience can also consider an eSIM. Digital options like Holafly start at $19.50 for 5 days of unlimited data, while Nomad offers 10GB for $15.
Getting a local SIM card in New York is straightforward, but it does take a little planning. You’ll need to buy and activate it after you arrive, meaning you won’t have mobile data the moment you land.
You can find SIM cards at airport kiosks, carrier stores (like T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon), or electronics retailers such as Best Buy and Target. Airport kiosks are the quickest but often the most expensive; downtown stores usually have better deals and more plan options.
Most carriers will ask for identification, so keep your passport handy. Once you’ve chosen a plan, the staff will help insert the SIM card and activate it, a process that typically takes 5–10 minutes. You’ll then need to restart your phone to connect to the local network.
The main drawback is timing: until you buy and activate the SIM, you won’t have internet access. That means no ride shares, maps, or translation apps right away. Some travelers bridge the gap by using airport Wi-Fi until they reach a kiosk or store.
If you’d rather skip the SIM card hunt, here’s a list of the best eSIMs that let you get connected in New York with just a few taps.
Holafly is one of the most popular travel eSIM providers worldwide, known for its unlimited data, instant digital delivery, and strong 5G coverage throughout New York. You can purchase, install, and activate your eSIM in minutes through the Holafly app or via email QR code
You can also request a full refund from Holafly within six months of purchase, giving you extra peace of mind when buying in advance of your trip.
| Plan | Data | Price |
| 1 day | Unlimited | $3.90 |
| 5 days | Unlimited | $19.50 |
| 10 days | Unlimited | $36.90 |
| 15 days | Unlimited | $50.90 |
| 20 days | Unlimited | $61.89 |
Nomad’s USA Travel eSIM offers flexible, prepaid data plans that work instantly across all major U.S. networks. It’s a reliable choice for travelers who want fast, no-contract data with upfront pricing.
Nomad’s app makes installation simple via QR code, and you can buy add-ons or extend your plan anytime. Users consistently praise its strong coverage in cities like New York, fast speeds, and fair prices.
| Plan | Data | Duration |
| 1 GB | 7 days | $5 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $13 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $15 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $18 (sale) |
| Unlimited | 10–20 days | $31–$49 |
Backed by NordVPN, Saily focuses on secure, reliable, and affordable mobile data for travelers. Its USA eSIM plans offer easy installation through the Saily app and unique privacy tools that block ads and trackers.
Users can activate the eSIM anytime within 30 days of purchase, and credits of up to 15% are returned on every plan. Travelers love Saily’s smooth app setup, responsive 24/7 chat support, and reliable speeds.
| Plan | Data | Duration |
| 1 GB | 7 days | $3.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $13.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $22.99 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $36.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $48.99 |
The cost of a SIM card in New York varies depending on the provider, data package, and how long you plan to stay. On average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $60 for a prepaid SIM with calls, texts, and several gigabytes of data.
You can buy a SIM card after landing in New York at airport kiosks, mobile carrier stores (like T-Mobile or AT&T), or electronics retailers such as Best Buy and Target.
Yes, if you’re visiting for more than a couple of days, buying a SIM card in the U.S. is usually the best value.
Yes. Most major U.S. carriers let you buy a standalone SIM card without an active plan. You can then add a prepaid plan later through the provider’s website, app, or store.
The best SIM card for New York depends on your priorities:
AT&T: Excellent urban coverage and strong 5G speeds across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
T-Mobile: Great prepaid flexibility and strong city coverage.
Verizon: Reliable performance and wide network reach nationwide.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
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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