Packing for a trip to the USA can be daunting. As you sort through adapters, voltage converters, and guidebooks, don’t forget one of the most important items on your list – a way to stay connected. An eSIM card is the perfect solution to avoid expensive roaming charges and keep your smartphone working during your American adventure.
As a veteran nomad and travel blogger, I’ve tried my fair share of SIM cards across dozens of countries. While old-school physical SIMs still have their place, eSIMs are increasingly my go-to for their convenience and flexibility. With a few taps on your phone, you’re set up with a local number and data plan without the hassle of heading to a shop during your precious vacation time.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about getting connected with an eSIM card for USA travel in 2024. You’ll learn:
How eSIMs work and why you should use one
The best eSIM providers for hassle-free connectivity
Key considerations for choosing the right plan
Step-by-step guidance on setting up your eSIM
Answers to frequently asked questions
Let’s dive in!
What is an eSIM and Why Use One?
You’re probably familiar with a standard SIM card that goes into the tray of your phone. An eSIM also provides cellular and data connectivity, but instead of using a plastic chip, all the information is stored virtually on your phone.
eSIMs offer a few distinct advantages for travelers:
Convenience
With a standard SIM, you have to track down a store in your destination to get set up with a local provider. eSIMs let you skip the shop and handle everything before you depart or right when you land.
I just scan a QR code on my phone and – bam! – I’m connected. No messing with tiny trays to insert fragile chips. And if I ever switch devices, deactivating and transferring to a new phone takes seconds. Such a relief compared to the old process.
Flexibility
Sometimes you want service in one country, and other times you need regional or global coverage. eSIMs give you options to change plans on the fly through an app, whereas physical SIMs lock you into one provider one country at a time.
I often get access in nearby countries like Mexico and Canada included with my US plan. Super handy for spontaneous side trips!
Multi-SIM Capabilities
With dual SIM functionality on many modern devices, eSIMs let you take advantage of using two plans at once. You can get a local data eSIM for your trip and keep your number from back home active on the regular SIM.
I set up the eSIM for maps, trains, and entertainment while my usual SIM handles calls and texts. Getting the best of both worlds is awesome!
eSIM > Roaming
Finally, eSIMs help you steer clear of scary roaming fees that your home provider may charge to use your phone abroad. Overage roaming data rates can easily top $20 per megabyte!
Compare that to an 8GB US eSIM data plan I recently got for $20. No contest.
With the basics covered, let’s explore some top eSIM providers for your upcoming stateside vacation.
Best eSIM Providers for USA Travel
Dozens of companies offer eSIM service around the world. Based on my travels through the US, I recommend checking out:
Asiam eSIM
Asiam eSIM stands out for their affordable plans and easy online purchase process. They offer great coverage across urban and rural areas on the expansive AT&T network.
Choose from a range of high-speed options:
3GB, 7-day = $10.98
6GB, 15-day = $16.98
10GB, 30-day = $29.98
20GB, 30-day = $49.98
Rates include all taxes and fees, so what you see is what you ultimately pay. Speeds up to 5G depending on your device capability and network availability.
Asiam eSIM USA plans only provide data. But their international eSIMs often include calling and texting capabilities.
I’ve tried their service across Southeast Asia and Europe without any issues. The email support team is quick to respond too.
To get set up with Asiam eSIM, check out their website for latest pricing and promotions. Use code ESIM10 to take 10% off your order.
Airalo
Another excellent choice globally, Airalo offers both US-specific and international eSIMs with the option for short term plans.
Airalo USA prepaid eSIMs run on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks boasting reliable 5G and LTE speeds. You can grab 1GB of high-speed data for as little as $4.50. More data = more savings per GB:
1GB, 7 days = $4.50
3GB, 30 days = $11
10GB, 30 days = $26
20GB, 30 days = $42
For travelers wanting domestic and international flexibility in the Americas, Airalo’s North America eSIM combines the US, Canada, and Mexico. Smart for cruises or multi-country road trips!
Solid connection, good value, easy to use. You can’t go wrong with an Airalo eSIM card for the United States.
KnowRoaming
Rounding out my top recommendations is KnowRoaming and their global eSIM offerings.
Although pricing sits at the higher end, they frequently run promotions to drop costs. I once scored 15GB in the US for just $35 $25! Their website also shows all plan rates inclusive of tax.
KnowRoaming operates through hundreds of network partnerships worldwide. So even if you have issues with one provider, you can swap to another right from your phone’s settings. Nice backup option for complete coverage.
All their eSIMs work in the USA if you select the country during activation. But for frequent North American travelers, they sell a dedicated USA/Canada eSIM with big data pools starting at 11GB for $49.
Reliable connectivity worldwide and good customer service make KnowRoaming worth considering.
What to Look for in a USA eSIM Card
With so many providers available globally, what should you evaluate when choosing an eSIM for your trip to the United States? Here are some key factors:
1. Coverage Area
Since you probably don’t want to swap plans mid-trip, make sure your eSIM’s coverage matches your intended destinations. Most provide guidance on their websites regarding network strength.
For example, Asiam eSIM relies on AT&T for extensive reliable nationwide service. While Airalo taps into Verizon and T-Mobile for solid combined coverage.
But if you’re road tripping to remote parks or camping way off the grid, double check that your service extends to those areas too.
2. Data Amount
Consider how much data you expect to use when picking an allowance. Are you simply supplementing limited roaming data from your provider back home? Or will this be your primary (or only) connection?
Basic email/messaging needs as little as 1-2GB per week. But avid video streamers and social media scrollers might burn through 5-10GB in just a few days!
I love the flexibility eSIMs offer to change data amounts monthly or even daily in some cases (more on that next). Start conservatively and increase as needed.
3. Plan Duration
Another benefit of eSIMs is companies cater plans based on your trip. Short weekend city break? Grab a 7-day eSIM. Month-long tour of national parks? Choose a 30-day plan instead.
Duration options generally vary from 3 days to one month. Some providers even offer hourly data packages!
Tip: If your stay overlaps plan lengths, you can add multiple eSIMs to your phone for each block of time. Seamless transition.
4. Speed & Reliability
Websites may advertise 3G, 4G LTE, or 5G connectivity depending on network technology. In practical terms, LTE provides sufficient speeds for most common travel usage like maps, social platforms, messaging, etc.
5G unlocks faster potential downloads, but coverage remains limited mostly to urban centers. Still useful for HD streaming if available at your destinations!
Look at company reviews to confirm reliable service delivery, especially during peak congestion times. Nothing more frustrating than an eSIM not working upon airport arrival!
5. Customer Support
Despite good intentions, you may encounter hiccups activating your plan or run into account issues on the road. Easy access to customer assistance provides peace of mind.
Live chat platforms and responsive email ticketing systems demonstrate quality support. Surprisingly lacking for some low-cost carriers.
I always confirm how companies handle questions or refunds before purchasing an eSIM. You should too!
Setting Up Your eSIM for USA Travel
Ready to take the eSIM plunge for your impending USA trip? The process requires just a few simple steps:
1. Check Device Compatibility
Most phones from the last 2-3 years support eSIM capabilities. But before ordering, verify that your exact make and model allows eSIMs.
Also check that your device allows dual SIMs if keeping your existing number active matters.
2. Choose Your eSIM Provider & Plan
Select your network provider and desired data plan amount based on the recommendation factors above.
You’ll complete payment online and receive an activation email within a few minutes in most cases.
Tip: Print or screenshot email contents as a backup!
3. Download eSIM Profile
Open your activation email on the device needing connection. Click to download the eSIM profile or scan the QR code attached.
This triggers the eSIM installation screen guided by your phone’s settings. You may need to restart your device once added.
4. Connect to Cellular Network
If you configured your eSIM before departure, it will automatically connect once registering signal after landing in the US. Give it a few minutes as you exit the plane.
For eSIMs downloaded on arrival, manually enable your cellular connection to activate whenever convenient after retrieving baggage, clearing customs, etc.
And that’s it! You now have working voice and/or data travel connectivity in the United States. Shoot me a DM on social media if any hiccups with the process. Happy exploring!
Frequently Asked eSIM for USA Questions
First time trying an eSIM in the USA or for your upcoming travel? Here I answer some commonly asked questions:
Are eSIMs available from US Carriers?
Major providers like Verizon, T-Mobile/Sprint and AT&T offer eSIM support ONLY for regular domestic service contracts.
As a prepaid tourist SIM alternative, you must purchase eSIM service from specialized third party retailers like above who operate through wholesale carrier agreements.
Can I use eSIM for phone calls or texts?
Depends! Some USA eSIM providers focus on data-only plans. Others allow connectivity packages with calling and messaging inclusion.
But local rates differ considerably. So even when available, best to use apps like WhatsApp for cheap international texts and calls over eSIM otherwise.
What happens if my trip extends beyond the plan duration?
One cool perk of eSIMs is flexibility to instantly add more allowance or change to a different provider entirely.
Before your data or days expire, access your email confirmation to reload the same plan or provision additional eSIMs good for future dates. Quick and convenient!
Do I need to cancel service after traveling?
Nope! Prepaid eSIM service automatically stops whenever your allotted data or timeframe ends. Nothing additional needed to cancel things on your part.
Of course you can manually disable the plan when your trip concludes. But any unused data also simply expires.
Can I use an eSIM in multiple countries?
Some providers sell regional eSIMs valid across a few bordering nations like North America plans spanning the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Beyond that, most eSIMs lock to one country for activation. But companies like KnowRoaming offer truly global eSIMs that you can reuse anywhere through their extensive partner networks. Handy for frequent travelers!
How do I get eSIM refunds or account support?
Legitimate eSIM resellers have responsive customer assistance options through email ticketing and online chat platforms.
To request a refund, for instance if you run into network incompatibility issues with your device upon arrival, contact them via your original order confirmation email. Provide relevant dates, locations, and any troubleshooting steps attempted.
For account questions, you can likewise access virtual agent consultations around data allotments used, plan changes, etc if self-service account dashboards aren’t available.
Well hopefully this guide has illuminated everything involved with eSIM cards for visiting the United States! They make getting connected abroad so much easier.
Drop any other questions below about maximizing eSIMs for your upcoming travels. And don’t forget to use code ESIM10 with Asiam eSIM for 10% off your USA order.
Safe travels...talk soon from my next remote destination!
