Which SIM Card for the USA?

Sofronio Cobos

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·
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Are you looking for a good and affordable SIM card for the USA? I find myself asking the same question before every trip: Which provider currently offers the best network and value for money? In this article, I will share my experiences and show you how to quickly, easily, and without surprise costs get online in the USA.

Why I Rely on eSIM

If you think that a trip to the USA will make your phone costs skyrocket, you're not too far off, at least if you are using your German SIM card. Roaming charges in the USA can be absurdly high. Luckily, there are now alternatives: eSIMs, which are digital SIM cards that you can load directly onto your smartphone.

I find this extremely convenient: I'm not reachable on my German number (which is often nice while on vacation), but I can easily surf the internet, use maps, book Uber rides, and send messages on the go. For me, it's a must to be online right after landing-whether to call for my airport transfer (Uber or Lyft) or to check the address of my accommodation.

During my last stay in the USA, as a Telekom customer, I upgraded my contract for under €50 to include a USA package. This allowed me to surf the internet, make calls, and required no further setup using my German SIM card. The package ended automatically after one month-super convenient.

However: Not everyone is with Telekom. Therefore, I will show you in this article how you, as a non-Telekom customer, can easily get online in the USA with a prepaid eSIM or physical SIM card-I have tested this multiple times, all based on my personal experience.

Requirements & Compatibility

Before you choose an eSIM, you should check whether your smartphone is eSIM-compatible. Not every model supports this standard-especially older or cheaper devices are often left out.

The good news: Almost all newer iPhones (starting from iPhone XS) as well as many Android models (e.g., Google Pixel starting from Pixel 3, Samsung Galaxy starting from S20, many Xiaomi and Huawei devices) are eSIM-compatible. I personally use a current iPhone, which works flawlessly with eSIMs from around the world.

Here's how to find out if your device is eSIM-compatible:

  • Open the settings on your smartphone.
  • Go to 'Cellular' or 'Network & Internet.'
  • If you see the option 'Add eSIM' or 'Add Mobile Plan,' your device is ready.

Is Your Phone Ready for eSIM?

Important: Dual-SIM functionality does not automatically mean that your device also supports eSIM-some smartphones only have space for two physical SIMs.

My tip: Install the eSIM at home. Activation usually requires a stable internet connection, which you may not have right after landing.

My Evaluation Criteria - What I Look for in a USA eSIM

Not every eSIM is equally good. In recent years, I have tested many providers and learned what really matters. Here are my key criteria to help you make the best decision for your trip:

1. Network Coverage & Speed

In cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, almost all providers offer good coverage. But as soon as you head into the countryside-e.g., in national parks like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite-the quality often varies significantly. I have had the best experiences with eSIMs from providers using T-Mobile or Verizon. The AT&T network was often slow, and the reception was rather poor.

2. Price-Performance Ratio

Sounds simple, but it's crucial: What does 1 GB of data cost? Some providers lure you in with low entry prices but offer very little data. I always look at the price per GB and prefer to book a little more upfront rather than having to buy more in the middle of my trip. I particularly like the 'unlimited' data packages, as I am self-employed and need to respond to emails on the go.

3. Is Tethering Allowed?

I often work on the road with my laptop-without hotspot functionality, it's not possible. Not all eSIM providers allow tethering, so be sure to check this if you want to share your data connection with other devices.

4. Duration & Flexibility

I usually book eSIMs with a 30-day duration. However, some providers also charge in smaller time intervals or let you flexibly top up data packets (like Holafly, for example, for each day). This is particularly handy if you spontaneously need to extend or require more data.

5. Customer Support

I have rarely had issues, but when I do, I want to be able to reach someone. Live chat or email support that responds quickly while traveling is worth its weight in gold.

6. Extra Features & Security

Some providers offer useful extras: VPN, ad-blockers, or protection against phishing websites. Not absolutely necessary, but a nice bonus.

My Recommendation

During my travels in the USA, I mainly use Telekom USA, Holafly, or Airalo-or recently, my German T-Mobile contract directly. It's worth it for me because I have unlimited data, and my contract works perfectly in the USA. Especially convenient: I don't have to book or activate anything additional and I'm online immediately after landing with my familiar number.

If you don't have a T-Mobile contract or are looking for cheaper alternatives, it's worth checking out the following providers-you can often find very good deals here. As mentioned, it depends on how much data you need. Depending on that, one provider may suit you better than another. I need a lot of data, so unlimited data packages are ideal for me.

  • Airalo & Maya: Super-affordable eSIMs for pure data use. Ideal if you just want to surf and don't need a US phone number.
  • Jetpac: Another interesting provider with competitively priced eSIM offers for North America.
  • Holafly & Saily: Good network quality, sometimes unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and extra features like VPN or ad-blockers.

My tip: There are regularly discount codes-about 10% to 30% off certain plans. Before booking, it's worth taking a quick look at the offer pages or searching Google for voucher codes!

We often use Airalo, because we can conveniently order data volume via the app and then go online immediately with eSIM. Using the code VU10, you get a 10% discount on all eSIM packages.

How Much Data Do You Really Need?

One of the most common questions I get is: 'How much data should I plan for my trip to the USA?' The answer heavily depends on how you use your smartphone. I've compiled a few typical examples to help you better gauge how much you really need:

My Own Usage - A Benchmark

I rarely get by with 10-15 GB for two weeks. For the average vacation user, this is sufficient for Google Maps, WhatsApp, emails, occasional Instagram use, and a few YouTube videos on the go. For larger data demands, like Netflix streaming or using hotspot for a laptop, you should plan for more. However, do you really need that much for your trip?

Examples of Typical Data Consumption

  • Opening websites: about 1-2 MB per page
  • WhatsApp text messages: almost negligible (under 1 MB per 100 messages),
  • Sending photos on WhatsApp: about 1-5 MB per image (if you are sending images, be cautious not to send them in HD.)
  • YouTube in 1080p (HD): about 2 GB per hour
  • Google Maps navigation: ~2-5 MB per hour (How to use Google Maps offline)
  • Watching Instagram Reels or TikToks: up to 0.5 GB per hour
  • Spotify in high quality: about 100 MB per hour (with a premium account, you should download your playlists offline)

My Tip

If you're unsure, it's better to book a little more data-many providers let you top up later, but it often costs more. For two weeks, I recommend:

  • Power user with hotspot or extensive streaming: 20 GB+
  • Frugal user: 3-5 GB
  • Average user: 10-15 GB

What You Should Do Before Your Trip to the USA (Checklist)

To ensure you are online immediately after landing and avoid any unpleasant surprises on the road, I recommend completing a few simple steps before your departure. This way, you can use your eSIM calmly and without stress:

Before the Trip

  • Check if your smartphone is eSIM-compatible. iPhones from XS, many Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, and newer Xiaomi models support eSIM.
  • Compare the current eSIM offers. Prices change frequently. Check Airalo, Saily, Holafly, Jetpac, and Maya-there are often discounts available.
  • Choose and book the right plan. Decide based on trip duration, data needs, and desired extras (e.g., tethering, unlimited data, VPN).
  • Install the eSIM before departure. Scan the QR code or use the provider's app. Activation works best with stable Wi-Fi-so do this while still at home.
  • Set a data limit on your smartphone. This way, you avoid accidentally high data usage. I usually set my limit slightly below the booked volume.
  • Activate data roaming (if necessary). Some devices block mobile data abroad by default. Turn on roaming before departure.

After Arriving in the USA

Test the connection (e.g., Google Maps, browser). If something isn't working, almost all providers offer quick live chat support.

Set the eSIM as your active data connection. Go into the network settings and select the eSIM for mobile data.

Disable the German SIM for mobile data. This way, you prevent unwanted roaming costs through your home contract.

My Conclusion for You

For Telekom or T-Mobile customers from Germany, your own contract is often worthwhile-simple, convenient, and reliable.

For everyone else, I recommend:

  • Airalo or Maya for pure data use and the best price.
  • Saily for heavy users with tethering needs and extras like VPN.
  • Holafly for longer trips with unlimited data volume.
  • Jetpac as a newcomer with attractive prices-especially for North America combo offers.

My tip: Compare offers before your trip and use discount codes-this way, you save real money.

Additional USA Tips

If you're planning your trip to the USA, you might also be interested in these articles:

  • USA Travel Tips - Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
  • Best Credit Cards for Travel - Also for the USA
  • How to Apply for ESTA for USA Entry
  • All Travel Reports for the USA Overview

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