United States eSIM guide: local networks, airport SIM costs & setup

Why roaming and airport SIMs cost more in United States

The USA is outside EU roaming. US domestic prepaid plans at retail stores often charge a 10 $ to 35 $ activation fee before tax and require a local ZIP code.

Airport SIM kiosks at JFK, Newark (EWR), Miami (MIA) and Los Angeles (LAX) routinely price tourist SIMs at 40 $ to 60 $.

With a prepaid United States eSIM from 6.49 € incl. VAT (custom & group plans — price negotiable), you receive the QR code and iPhone direct-install link right after payment.

Local networks, 4G/5G speed & coverage in United States

Nationwide 5G and 4G LTE on major US tier-1 networks across New York, California, Florida, Texas, Nevada and interstate highways.

Our United States plans connect to Verizon · AT&T with 5G / 4G LTE speeds where available. Personal hotspot (tethering) is enabled so you can share data with a laptop or a travel companion’s phone.

• Partner networks: Verizon · AT&T (5G / 4G LTE)
• Main arrival airports covered: JFK, EWR, LAX, MIA, ORD, SFO
• Hotspot / tethering included at no extra cost
• Top up more data onto the same eSIM anytime via My eSIM

How much data do you need for United States?

For a 1-to-2-week trip, 3 GB (15 days, from 6.49 € incl. VAT; custom & group plans — price negotiable) covers daily Google Maps navigation, ride-hailing apps, restaurant lookups, boarding passes and WhatsApp calls.

If you work remotely, upload travel videos or share a hotspot between two phones, pick the 10 GB plan (30 days, from 14.99 € incl. VAT; custom & group plans — price negotiable).

• Google Maps + transit + ride apps: ~150 MB per day
• WhatsApp messages, voice notes & 20 min voice calls: ~80 MB per day
• Social media browsing & photo uploads: ~300–500 MB per day

4-step setup on iPhone and Android before you fly

Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM by dialling *#06# — if an EID number appears on screen, your phone has an eSIM chip.

Install the profile over home Wi-Fi the day before departure. Keep the travel eSIM line switched off until you land, then enable it for Mobile Data with Data Roaming turned on for the travel eSIM (and Data Roaming turned off on your home SIM).