Best prepaid SIM cards in the USA: A guide to choosing, buying, and using them

From the glittering skyscrapers of New York City to the beautiful beaches of Los Angeles, the USA has so many sights to see. However, you won’t be able to make the most of the trip without internet access. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, a prepaid SIM card for the USA can help you stay connected with friends and family, navigate to destinations, and share your memories on social media. Read on for a comprehensive overview of how to buy a local prepaid SIM card in the USA, the best SIM cards for tourists, and virtual alternatives for your trip, like eSIMs.

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13 min read

Best prepaid SIM cards in the USA: A guide to choosing, buying, and using them

What is a prepaid SIM card? 

A prepaid SIM card is a SIM card with a fixed data allotment that you pay for upfront. Regular SIM cards allow you to connect to a mobile network, but they only work with a specific mobile provider. That means if you travel outside of your home country, you need to find an alternate way to access mobile data.

Whether you’re a resident or a tourist in the USA, you have a few different options for connecting to a mobile network:

  • International roaming. Most major providers have roaming deals with other carriers around the world. For tourists, your home mobile carrier may allow you to use an American provider’s network while you’re abroad — a process called data roaming. While international roaming can be convenient, it can also be extremely expensive.

  • Local SIM cards. You can replace your home provider’s SIM card with one from a local mobile provider. However, getting a local SIM card may require signing a contract and paying for long-term American cell service, so it’s only a good option for residents or tourists who are going to be in the USA for six months or more.

  • Prepaid SIM cards. Prepaid SIM cards are a short-term alternative to standard SIM cards that are ideal for tourists and residents alike. With a prepaid SIM card, you pay for a limited amount of data from an American cell provider within a set time frame.

  • eSIMs. An eSIM card is a virtual alternative to a prepaid SIM. eSIMs for the USA offer the same affordable rates as a prepaid SIM card without any of the hassle.

Pros and cons of using a prepaid SIM card in the USA 

Using a prepaid SIM card in the USA comes with distinct advantages, but it also has a few drawbacks, so it’s important to learn more about the pros and cons. 

The benefits of a prepaid SIM card include:

  • Cost-effectiveness. Prepaid SIM cards are much cheaper than international data roaming, and depending on the provider you choose, you can also get cheaper rates on prepaid plans. If you’re a US resident, prepaid SIM cards can help you stay connected without signing a contract with a specific carrier.

  • Increased reliability. With a prepaid SIM card, you can reliably access high-speed data within your provider’s network, without having to rely on public Wi-Fi networks.

  • Greater security than public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is free, but it can also have lax security protocols. Whenever you connect to a free Wi-Fi network, you could be exposing yourself to cybercriminals who may try to steal your identity or install malware on your device.

  • US phone number. Most prepaid SIM cards come with a US phone number, which allows you to take advantage of talk and text features. Some providers even offer international calling and texting to select locations so tourists can stay connected with friends and family back home.

  • Easy internet access. A prepaid SIM card lets you use your smartphone to access the internet while you’re on the go. From tracking down the best local restaurants to exploring the most beautiful places in the USA, your trip will be easier if you can surf the web with mobile data.

The disadvantages of a prepaid SIM card include:

  • Single carrier. When you purchase a prepaid SIM card, you’re locked into one American mobile carrier, and since the United States is a huge country with lots of rural areas, you could easily find yourself without service. Carefully evaluate your SIM card provider’s 5G network before you buy your plan, especially if you spend a lot of time in remote areas.

  • Physically swapping out SIM cards. With a prepaid SIM card, you’ll have to know how to swap out your phone’s SIM card for the new one. This process is relatively straightforward. However, you need to make sure you don’t damage your SIM card or your device. 

  • Less security than virtual alternatives. Physical SIM cards can easily be lost or stolen, which can leave you vulnerable to identity theft. If you’re concerned about security, you may want to explore virtual alternatives like eSIMs.

  • Compatibility. Some phones, like the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24, don’t have physical SIM card slots and only use eSIM technology. Even if your phone uses a physical SIM card, you need to make sure you purchase a SIM card that is compatible with your phone’s slot, and you also will have to confirm that your phone isn’t country- or carrier-locked.

Top prepaid SIM cards available in the USA

When it comes to the top prepaid SIM cards available in the USA, you have multiple options. The USA has three major mobile providers — AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon — that all provide excellent coverage, but you can also choose from a variety of budget carriers. 

It’s important to note that most prepaid phone plans are designed for US residents, so they typically have longer durations and often include talk and text packages. Many plans also have to be purchased at retail stores, making it harder for you to plan in advance.

Here is our overview of the most popular SIM card carriers in the USA:

AT&T

AT&T is one of the US’ largest mobile providers, and it offers multiple plans, including:

  • 3 GB of data for 30 days (US$30)

  • 15 GB of data for 30 days (US$40)

  • 12-month unlimited plan with data, talk, and text + 10 GB of hotspot data (US$25/month or US$300/12 months if paid upfront)

T-Mobile

T-Mobile has the largest 5G network in the US. T-Mobile prepaid plans include voice, text, and high-speed data.

T-Mobile SIM card plans include:

  • 10 GB of data plus unlimited US talk and text for 30 days (US$40)

  • Unlimited plan with domestic data, talk, text, and mobile hotspot (US$50/month)

  • Unlimited domestic data, talk, and text plus international texting and 3 GB of mobile hotspot data (US$55/month)

  • Unlimited data, talk, and text plus 10 GB of mobile hotspot (US$60/month)

Verizon

Verizon is the third major US mobile provider, and it sells prepaid SIMs and top-up cards directly at major US retailers like Walmart and Target, which means you don’t have to track down a Verizon store to get connected. 

Verizon SIM cards typically cost around US$4.99, and then you can choose from one of Verizon’s prepaid plans:

  • Talk and text only (US$35/month)

  • 15 GB of data (US$45/month)

  • Unlimited data (US$60/month)

  • Unlimited data + 180 minutes in call credit to one international country of your choice (US$70/month)

All of Verizon’s plans include unlimited talk and text in the US, Canada, and Mexico as well as international texting. If you’ll be in the US for an extended period of time, you can save US$10 a month if you sign up for Verizon Auto Pay.

Lycamobile

Lycamobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses T-Mobile’s network to connect users to mobile networks. Lycamobile offers a variety of plans with different data limits, so if you know exactly how much data you need for your trips, it can be a great option.

All of Lycamobile’s prepaid SIM plans include unlimited text, talk, and high-speed data in the US and contacting international numbers from 100 countries. However, Lycamobile’s plans don’t include data within these foreign countries, so it’s not a true international SIM card with unlimited data.

Let’s take a look at Lycamobile’s plans:

  • 500 MB for 30 days (US$15)

  • 3 GB of data for 30 days (US$19)

  • 5 GB of data for 30 days (US$23)

  • 25 GB of data for 30 days (US$29)

  • Unlimited data for 30 days (US$49-US$59)

When you choose a budget provider like Lycamobile, your customer support options are often more limited than major providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. So if your SIM card stops working, you may be out of luck.

Mint Mobile

Similar to Lycamobile, Mint Mobile is an MVNO that allows customers to access T-Mobile’s network for reduced rates. 

Mint Mobile’s prepaid plans can only be bought in 3-, 6-, or 12-month segments, paid upfront. Its introductory plans for new customers include unlimited text and talk within the US, Canada, and Mexico as well as:

  • 5 GB of data/month for US$45 (3 months), US$120 (6 months), or US$180 (12 months)

  • 15 GB of data/month for US$60 (3 months), US$150 (6 months), or US$240 (12 months)

  • 20 GB of data/month for US$75 (3 months), US$210 (6 months), or US$300 (12 months)

  • Unlimited data for US$90 (3 months), US$210 (6 months), US$360 (12 months)

Because Mint Mobile offers limited flexibility and requires upfront payment, it isn’t a good choice for most tourists. However, you can save money if you’re a US resident or know you’ll be in the US for a longer period of time.

Still unsure which American SIM card provider is best for you? Use this handy table to compare them:

Monthly cost for lowest data plan

Monthly cost of unlimited data

International features

AT&T

US$30/3 GB

US$25 (12-month plan)

Calls to Canada and Mexico

T-Mobile

US$40/10 GB

US$50

International texting with some plans

Verizon

US$45/15 GB

US$60

Unlimited calls in Canada and Mexico + international texting

Lycamobile

US$15/500 MB

US$49

Unlimited talk and text to 100 countries

Mint Mobile

US$15/5 GB
(paid upfront in longer segments)

US$30 (3-month plan)

Unlimited talk and text in Canada and Mexico

How to get a prepaid SIM card in the USA

To get a prepaid SIM card in the USA, you have a few options:

At the airport

If you’re traveling to the US, look for vending machines in the arrival halls. Many major American airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and Orlando International Airport (MCO), have SIM kiosks.

Most tourist SIM cards available at the airport only come with basic plans at premium prices. With limited selection and higher rates, you may find that the convenience of picking up your card at the airport isn’t worth the cost.

Authorized retail locations

For both tourists and US residents, a mobile provider’s retail store is usually your best bet. Look for AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile stores near you. The employees will be able to walk you through all of your options, answer any questions you have, and help you pick the best prepaid SIM card for you. US mobile providers also often run special deals for new users, so if you’re willing to make the trek to a physical store, you can usually get a discount.

Big box stores

You can also find some prepaid SIM cards at “big box” stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. However, the employees at these stores are not mobile specialists, so they won’t be able to answer as many questions about the product. 

Convenience stores and drugstores

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and drugstores like CVS and Walgreens often provide prepaid SIM cards. Your selection will be quite limited, but if you need to grab a new SIM fast, these outlets can be a good option.

Online

You can purchase prepaid SIM cards online directly from mobile providers, big box stores, and online retailers. However, if you’re a tourist, make sure you place your order well ahead of your vacation. You don’t want your SIM card to arrive after you leave!

Can a tourist buy a prepaid SIM card in the USA?

Tourists can easily buy a prepaid SIM card in the USA. They're available at airports, convenience stores, and carrier shops like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Just make sure your phone is unlocked and works with American networks.

Most prepaid plans are made for residents and last at least a month, but you can also choose from some short-term options. These usually include talk, text, and data, and some even offer international calling. 

How to use a prepaid SIM card in the USA

Using a prepaid SIM card in the USA is very simple:

  1. Purchase a SIM card and data plan.

  2. Locate and open your phone’s nano-SIM slot.

  3. If you currently have a SIM card, remove it and replace it with your prepaid SIM.

  4. Follow any necessary prompts. Usually, your provider will give you a QR code for easy activation.

You’re all ready to go!

Choosing the right prepaid SIM card for your needs

To choose the right prepaid SIM card for your needs, you should consider a few different factors:

  • Your phone’s compatibility. Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports the network bands used in the United States (GSM and LTE). This step ensures it will work properly with the prepaid SIM.

  • Price. Compare the cost of the plans, keeping in mind that some may offer better value for data, while others might be cheaper for calls and texts.

  • Coverage area. Check if the carrier offers good coverage in the areas you'll be visiting. Some networks might have better service in urban areas, while others excel in rural regions.

  • Plan duration. Choose a plan based on how long you'll stay in the country. Some prepaid plans are short-term, while others may last up to a year.

  • Your typical data usage. Think about how much data you usually need. If you're streaming or using data-heavy apps, look for a plan with more high-speed data.

And if you’re struggling to find a physical SIM that checks all these boxes, you have another option: a prepaid eSIM for the USA.

Is there a better alternative to prepaid SIM cards in the USA? 

eSIMs stand out as a better, more flexible alternative to prepaid SIM cards in the USA. eSIMs use preinstalled technology in your smartphone to give you all the pros of a traditional SIM with none of the hassle.

The benefits of an eSIM include:

  • Flexible, cost-effective data plans.

  • Automatic activation.

  • The best coverage from local carriers.

  • Easy online top-up.

  • Increased security.

Most prepaid SIM cards in the US lock you into longer, more expensive plans, which is not ideal for tourists who may only be in the country for a few days. But an eSIM plan from Saily can help you get the mobile data you need, anywhere in the United States, with plans starting at only US$3.99!

Download the Saily eSIM app to make the most of your adventure!

Need data in the United States? Get an eSIM!

  • 1 GB

    7 days

    USD 3.99

  • 3 GB

    30 days

    USD 8.99

  • 5 GB

    30 days

    USD 13.99

See All Data Plans

Also available in: Español

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saily blog author ugne zieniute
Ugnė Zieniūtė

Ugnė thrives on exploring new places and capturing moments on the go, so it’s no surprise her social media comes back to life whenever she’s abroad. An avid traveler, she believes staying connected with an eSIM is as essential as packing a passport, ensuring seamless adventures wherever she roams.