What is a USA prepaid SIM card?
A prepaid SIM card is a SIM card with a fixed data allowance that you pay for upfront. These cards often come with US phone numbers, while nearly all include some amount of mobile data. Once you insert the card into your device (after removing your regular SIM), you’ll be able to use whatever services your deal includes. However, you’ll probably lose access to your primary phone number while you’re on the temporary SIM, which could mean missing calls.
US SIM cards can also be poor value for money. While data allowances can be substantial, you may end up paying for a lot more data than you’ll actually use, making these plans less suitable for short trips. If you’re in the US for only a few days or weeks, using an eSIM app like Saily gives you the flexibility to choose the duration and data allowance that actually fit your needs.
Best prepaid SIM cards available in the USA for tourists
You have multiple options when it comes to prepaid SIM cards in the US. The country is home to three major mobile carriers — AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon — and they all provide excellent coverage. Let’s look at two plans from each of these providers, along with a few options from low-cost carriers.
AT&T
AT&T is one of the largest mobile providers in the US, with plans starting from US$25. As a visitor to the US, you’ll probably be choosing from the following two options, since they’re best suited for non-residents:
Unlimited calling, texting, and mobile data for US$25 per month, with no hotspot.
Unlimited calling, texting, and mobile data for US$35, with the option to buy a 5 GB hotspot add-on.
AT&T’s plans also include unlimited texting from the US to over 230 destinations.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile has the largest 5G network in the US. The company’s prepaid plans include voice, text, and varying amounts of high-speed data. We’d expect most tourists to choose from two options:
Unlimited calling and texting, plus 15 GB of high-speed data (and unlimited data at 2G speeds) for US$45, with unrestricted hotspot usage (the price goes down to US$40 after the first month).
Unlimited calling and texting, plus 50 GB of high-speed data (and unlimited data at 2G speeds) for US$50, with an unlimited hotspot (the price goes down to US$45 after the first month).
Verizon
Verizon sells prepaid SIM cards through major US retailers like Walmart and Target, so you won’t have to track down a Verizon store to get connected. These two plans are worth considering as a visitor in the US:
Unlimited calling and texting, plus 15 GB of high-speed data (and unlimited data at 2G speeds) for US$40, with unrestricted hotspot usage (the price goes down to US$35 after the first month).
Unlimited calling, texting, and mobile data for US$60 per month, with 5 GB of fast hotspot data throttled to 600 Kbps once the allowance is used up (the price goes down to US$40 after the first month).
All of Verizon’s plans include unlimited talk and text in the US, Canada, and Mexico, as well as international texting.
Lycamobile
Lycamobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). Instead of relying on its own infrastructure, Lycamobile uses T-Mobile’s network to connect users to the internet. The company offers plans with a wide range of data limits, which is useful if you already know exactly how much data you need. All Lycamobile prepaid SIMs come with unlimited international calling and texting to more than 100 countries. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, these are the packages to look for:
Unlimited calling and texting, plus 5 GB for US$10 per month (this price increases to US$19 after the first 12 months), with unrestricted hotspot usage.
Unlimited calling and texting, plus 50 GB of high-speed mobile data (and unlimited slower data) for US$18 per month (this price increases to US$49 after the first nine months), with 15 GB of high-speed hotspot data and reduced speeds after the allowance is used up.
These are the cheapest plans we could find, but that affordability can come with trade-offs. Low-cost providers like Lycamobile could offer less effective customer support than AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. If you have activation problems, slow internet, or a SIM card that stops working entirely, you may have to wait longer to resolve the issue.
Mint Mobile
You can only buy Mint Mobile’s prepaid plans in fixed periods of three, six, or 12 months, so they’re not great for short-term tourists. If you’re expecting a slightly longer trip (around three months), two SIM deals stand out as reasonable choices:
Three months of unlimited calling and texting, plus 6 GB (per month) for US$45, with unrestricted hotspot usage.
Three months of unlimited calling and texting, plus 50 GB of high-speed mobile data (plus unlimited slower data) for US$90 (at the time of writing, discounted to US$45), with 20 GB of hotspot usage.
While we were gathering this information, Mint Mobile’s larger plans were discounted to US$15 per month (US$45 for three months) — the same price as its entry-level 6 GB plan. We can’t guarantee how long the sale will last, however.
How much is a prepaid SIM in the USA?
Prepaid US SIM cards usually cost between US$10 and US$60, with most low-cost deals offering fixed amounts of data. Pricier plans describe themselves as “unlimited,” but this usually means around 50 GB of fast data and then unlimited data at very reduced speeds (equivalent to those typical of 2G networks).
Details on this list are taken from the providers’ websites and are subject to change. Pricing information does not reflect temporary discounts applied at the time of writing (August, 2026).
At the moment, the cheapest deal available is Lycamobile’s US$10 plan, which includes 5 GB of data. If you stick with the plan for more than 12 months, the price per month increases to US$19, but that’s not a problem for most tourists. Lycamobile’s US$18 “unlimited” plan (50 GB of high-speed data) is the best value for money, but again, the price will increase to US$49 after the first nine months.
How to buy a prepaid SIM card in the USA as a tourist
Buying a prepaid SIM card in the US is simple — even if you’re a tourist. You usually need a valid passport for identification, along with basic registration details like your name and contact information. Follow these steps to get online in the US with a prepaid SIM card:
Decide when you’ll buy a SIM card. You can purchase a SIM online before arrival, but your options will be limited. For a broader selection of SIM deals, pick one up after landing (from a carrier store, airport kiosk, or other retailer).
Choose a prepaid SIM card provider. Compare providers based on coverage, price, and data options for your trip.
Select the right plan. Pick a plan that matches your trip’s length and your expected data usage. Remember that mobile data is only valuable if you actually use it, so don’t let a giant internet package sway you into paying for more than you need.
Buy your SIM card. Now it’s time to lock in the deal — purchase your chosen SIM card online or in person.
Provide identification details. If required, give the vendor your passport information and basic personal details to complete the SIM registration.
Activate your service. Insert the SIM card, follow the carrier’s activation steps, and check that your data and calls work.
Where to get a prepaid SIM card in the USA
To buy a prepaid SIM card in the US, you have several options:
At the airport
If you’re traveling to the US, look for vending machines in the arrival halls. Many major American airports have SIM kiosks, 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).
Most airport SIM kiosks only offer basic plans at premium prices, so picking one up there may not be the best move, especially for a short trip or a brief layover.
For example, imagine you land at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in Massachusetts and have a few hours to wait until your next flight. Do you really want to buy an expensive SIM card loaded with a week’s worth of data? In that situation, you’d be better off just logging into the Boston Logan International Airport Wi-Fi while you wait, or using an affordable eSIM.
At authorized retail locations
Whether you’re a tourist or a US resident, 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 often run deals for new users, so a trip to a physical store can get you a discount.
At big box stores
You can find some prepaid SIM cards at stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. However, the employees at these stores are not mobile specialists, so they might not be able to answer detailed questions about your plan.
At convenience stores and drugstores
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and drugstores like CVS and Walgreens often sell 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.
Buy a prepaid USA SIM card online
You can order certain prepaid SIM cards online directly from mobile providers, big box stores, and online retailers. If you’re a tourist, make sure you place your order well ahead of your vacation, leaving time for delivery.
How to use a prepaid SIM card in the USA
Using a prepaid SIM card in the US is very simple:
Purchase a SIM card and data plan.
Find and open your phone’s SIM slot.
If you currently have a SIM card, and your phone only has space for one, remove your regular SIM and replace it with your US alternative.
Follow any necessary prompts. Usually, your provider will send you an activation code, but it can take up to an hour for the SIM to start working.
When that’s all done, you’re ready to get online in the US!
Choosing the right prepaid SIM card for your needs
To choose the right prepaid SIM card for your needs, you should consider a few factors:
Your phone’s compatibility. Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports the network technology used in the US (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 work better in cities, others in rural areas.
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.
If you’re struggling to find a physical SIM that fully meets your travel needs, you have another option — a prepaid eSIM for the US. Before or even during your trip, you can download an eSIM app (as long as you have Wi-Fi) and buy a data plan in just a few minutes.
So, what is the best prepaid SIM card in the USA?
If you get it under the discount terms we described earlier, the best prepaid SIM card in the US is probably Lycamobile’s US$18 “unlimited” plan. With that, you get 50 GB of high-speed data per month and unlimited slow internet access if you burn through that. The price is only reduced for the first nine months (after which you pay US$49 per month), but for a short US trip, that’s a good deal. Just remember to cancel the plan as soon as your trip is over.
In the end, your ideal SIM plan really does depend on how you intend to use the internet during your US stay. For example, if you’re streaming and video calling every day, an unlimited data plan might be the best choice. The best prepaid SIM is just the one that works for your particular browsing style and trip length.
Pros and cons of using a prepaid SIM card in the USA
Using a prepaid SIM card in the US has pros and cons, and how much they outweigh each other partly comes down to your priorities as a traveler. Let’s start with the benefits:
Easy internet access. A prepaid SIM card lets you use the internet from your smartphone while you’re on the go. From tracking down the best local restaurants to exploring the most beautiful places in the US, your trip will be easier with mobile data.
Cost effectiveness. Prepaid SIM cards are much cheaper than international roaming, and shopping around between providers can bring the price down even further. 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 get dependable access to 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 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 access. 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.
The disadvantages of a prepaid SIM card are also worth considering — especially if you’re open to SIM card alternatives:
Potentially limited coverage. When you buy a prepaid SIM card, you’re locked into using one carrier. The US is a huge country with lots of rural areas, so if that particular carrier doesn’t have good infrastructure in the location you’re visiting, you could find yourself without service.
More risk of losing or damaging your SIM. With a prepaid SIM card, you’ll have to physically swap the one in your phone for the new one. Swapping is straightforward, but be careful not to damage or lose your regular card once it’s out.
Less security than virtual alternatives. Physical SIM cards can 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 eSIM apps.
Compatibility. Some phones, like recent US iPhones, 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 that fits your phone’s slot size.
Alternatives to prepaid SIM cards in the USA
If a prepaid US SIM card doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, you have plenty of alternatives to choose from:
International roaming. Most major providers have roaming deals with other carriers around the world. If you’re a tourist, your home carrier can let you use an American network while you’re abroad — a process called data roaming. While international roaming can be convenient, it’s often extremely expensive. Even the best networks for roaming in the US can leave you with a serious bill to pay later.
Pocket Wi-Fi. You can rent a pocket Wi-Fi device and carry this little router around with you on your trip. It gives you and your travel companions Wi-Fi, but you’ll need to keep it charged and return it when the trip is over. This technology is usually expensive, however, and you can already connect multiple devices to your hotspot with a SIM card or an eSIM app.
eSIMs. An eSIM (sometimes referred to as an eSIM card) is a virtual alternative to a prepaid SIM. eSIMs for the US can offer the same connectivity as a prepaid SIM card, but with more flexibility and at much lower prices.
Why are eSIMs the best alternative to USA prepaid SIM cards?
eSIMs are a great alternative to prepaid SIM cards in the US because they’re more convenient and cost-effective. eSIM apps use the eSIM chip built into your smartphone to give you all the pros of a traditional SIM with none of the hassle of buying and swapping physical cards.
The benefits of an eSIM include: :
A Saily eSIM plan can help you get the mobile data you need across the United States, with deals starting at only US$3.99. If you choose Saily, you can also add a phone number to your eSIM plan, allowing you to use calling and SMS during your US trip. A phone number costs just US$0.99, with minutes and texting starting from US$0.99.
Download the Saily eSIM app to make the most of your US adventure!
