Best SIM Cards for USA Travel
Finally out of lockdowns and ready for your next working holiday or family trip to the USA? Can’t contain your excitement? Us too!
Planning for a USA trip can be hectic and tricky at times, not to mention the hefty roaming fees imposed by local telcos. However, getting prepped-up before you board your flight may just be what you need to make your travel journey smooth and hiccup-free!
Getting a local USA SIM card surely would have crossed your mind if you’re travelling any time soon, you'll be able to enjoy the advantages of being connected as soon as you touch down without having to worry about roaming fees!
Here’s a rundown of frequently asked questions and the variations in USA prepaid SIM card plans that you can plug into your smartphone and avoid international roaming charges.
What is a US SIM card?
A prepaid US SIM card is an easy, affordable and convenient option to use your phone in the USA. Instead of paying for international roaming charges or purchasing a local US prepaid smartphone plan that comes with steep monthly fees, you just purchase the sim card plan before you board your flight.
If they're US-based SIM cards from US carriers such as T-Mobile or AT&T like the ones we sell at SimCorner, they'll get assigned a USA phone number. If they're not US-based SIM cards, they might be roaming sim cards. They will still work in the USA but be assigned a UK number or Estonian number, etc.
At SimCorner, we always recommend customers purchase a US-based SIM. As they provide the best value and include unlimited calls, unlimited SMS, and data allowance, and usually get better coverage and data speeds.
Why should you buy a USA SIM card in Canada before you fly?
When you're travelling abroad, the last thing you want to do when you land is to scurry around looking for where to buy a SIM card in the USA. Save time so you can get started on your itinerary as soon as you arrive. Packing our USA SIM card for your trip to America is as important as having your passport with you. You can document every part of your adventure seamlessly, from departure to arrival, without missing a beat. Whether you need to contact someone picking you up, let your family back home know you’re arrived safely, or navigate maps to your next destination, we’ve got you covered. Just pick the package that suits you best and order your US SIM card online with us.
Will my phone work in the US?
Most Canadian citizens flying to the States should remember that network providers in the US use different frequencies to those back home. If you want to use your phone over there, you'll need to double-check what frequencies it supports before deciding to purchase a SIM card for the USA. You can go to a mobile phone shop, or you can use the contact us link above to get in touch with us, and we would be able to check if your phone is compatible with the prepaid sim cards from T-Mobile or AT&T.
You will also need to make sure your phone is unlocked. If your phone is on a post-paid plan or contract with your local carrier it doesn't mean your phone is locked. If you are unsure, please check with your current service provider.
Best USA Carriers in America
How do you pick the one prepaid USA sim card for your travel needs? The first step should be checking who the carrier is for the USA sims you are about to purchase. In the USA, there are 3 big carriers: T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon,
T-Mobile- One of the most competitive cell phone carriers in the US, T-Mobile is an excellent choice for picking cheaper SIM options with good coverage across the vast amount of mainland America and Hawaii. They also offer the best prepaid sim bundles that are great value for money.
AT&T - Another one of America's biggest carriers, AT&T is a popular choice as it offers the most coverage across the USA and its territories. But with AT&T you will need to remember, new activations require you to have a 5G compatible phone, otherwise you will run into issues whilst over there.
Verizon - The last big mobile carrier is Verizon, which also provides excellent coverage and fast data plans. But this may not be an option for most travellers, as Verizon is only able to be used in conjunction with specific phones—mainly USA phone models or CDMA phone, whereas all phones used in Canada are gsm phones. You don’t want to make the mistake of getting a Verizon SIM that doesn’t work in your Canadian phone
Similar to here in Canada, the US also offers a range of smaller phone carriers such as LycaMobile or Lebara. While these are still local SIM cards, they run on one of the main phone networks noted above but offer their own services. These include Metro and Ultra Mobile, which both run on the T-Mobile network.
Although these smaller phone providers use T-Mobile's network, they have some limitations in order to reduce prices. They may not span the whole network, and coverage may be limited in many places. This would mean you would not get the best coverage, as compared to other AT&T or T-mobile SIM card options. In addition, Metro also has strict limitations on video streaming in its data.
This is why we recommend choosing a sim card from one of the two main carriers in America when buying USA SIM cards, as they offer coverage in most of the main cities and/or tourist areas.
Can I buy a USA SIM Card in Canada?
To get USA SIM cards in Canada, you'll need to buy the sim card online. Fortunately, there's an easy way now. At SimCorner we sell a range of prepaid USA SIM cards for Canadian travellers. Best of all, every US SIM card we sell is a local sim card, from T-Mobile or AT&T, so they will be assigned a USA number and includes data, unlimited calls, and unlimited SMS. Everything you need for your stay in the USA. We also provide shipping Canada wide!
By purchasing one of our awesome ranges and having it shipped straight to your home address or work address, you can be sorted even before you step on the plane! We offer free shipping Canada-wide with regular mail or express 2-3 business day services if needed for urgent travel plans. Buying USA travel SIM cards online has never been easier.
The Best Prepaid USA SIM Cards for Tourists
At SimCorner we've got you covered when it comes to different prepaid USA SIM cards for your next holiday. We have noted our best prepaid plans for Canadian travellers below.
#1 Customers Choice
T-Mobile Unlimited Data USA SIM Card - SimCorner has been selling this USA SIM card plan for over 8 years, and it is frequently recommended by customers. This is a great all-rounder option for Canaidan travellers who want Unlimited data at a great value. Their all-inclusive prepaid sim card offers Unlimited 4G LTE data, unlimited talk & text to USA numbers. The best part is if you have a 5G compatible phone, you can now also connect to their fast 5G network at no extra cost.
6GB USA Travel SIM Card or 8GB AT&T SIM Card
If you plan to only use a moderate amount of 4G data, texts, and minutes while you’re away, why not look at our 6GB USA Travel SIM Card or 8GB AT&T SIM Card. For travellers looking for the right mix between staying connected while on their next holiday or adventure trip, these USA sim options are the perfect pick. The 30-day access comes with unlimited calls and unlimited SMS feature within the USA, to all USA mobiles and landlines. Incoming calls are free and allow you to remain in touch always.
While you might argue that the 6GB or 8GB data may not be enough for all your Netflix or FaceTime needs, it can be enough if you are keen to just remain connected. Finding locations on Google Maps, checking emails for emergency work comms, or asking for a recommendation for the best hairstylist in the city on Facebook can all be sorted!
USA Unlimited Data SIM Card
Alternatively, If you are concerned about running out of data while on your trip to the USA, fear not, take a look at our USA Unlimited Data SIM Card. This is the best unlimited SIM card with 30-days access to unlimited 4G data, unlimited calls, and Unlimited SMS within USA and Hawaii to all mobiles and landlines.
The unlimited data connection can solve all your travel connection needs. Work while you’re on-the-go, binge-watch on your favourite Netflix series, download latest tracks from Spotify, or make international calls using FaceTime to your friends and family while you’re ticking off your bucket list at the Grand Canyon or even at Las Vegas. The unlimited mobile hotspot at 3G speed is an added advantage—you no longer have to worry about Baby Shark eating up your data while your toddler is at it on the Tab!
Unlimited Data Only for iPads and Tablets
This one may be a little bit higher on the price range, but it packs a punch. With unlimited, high-speed 4G data and mobile hotspot/tethering allowed, this travel SIM card is great if you don’t need to text or call anyone in the USA and need data on your iPad or tablet—perfect for families or those travelling in groups! Whether you need to upload new memories on Google Photos in real-time, or need to share data with your whole travel group for work purposes, this will do just the trick.
Why buy US mobile SIM cards from SimCorner?
SimCorner is Canada's most trusted supplier of prepaid USA travel SIM cards, which is why when you’re pre-purchasing with us, you can have peace of mind on any trip overseas. We’ve carefully thought about every feature you’ll need with your SIM so you can enjoy convenience, great value, and most importantly, reliable connection and coverage.
Benefits of choosing SimCorner:
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Unlimited data, 6GB, 15GB, and 15GB data only (iPad/tablet) options
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4G package available
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Unlimited calls and texts for every SIM package
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USA only or USA, Canada, and Mexico options
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Easy to use and activate, no registration required
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No roaming cost and hidden fees
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Unlimited incoming calls internationally
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Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed
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Budget-friendly
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Fast shipping to your door
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Got the tick of approval from Canadian tourists
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Price Beat Guarantee
About SimCorner
SimCorner is Canada's favourite destination to buy your travel SIMs. As travellers ourselves, we know the hassle of searching for a reliable, fee-free SIM card when you’re in a foreign country. We’re all about offering Canadian travellers affordable, reliable, and easy to use mobile SIMs all over the world. We’ve partnered with global mobile telecommunications providers so you get the best there is to offer for travel SIM cards. We’ve grown our business worldwide with dispatch locations now in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom too.
You can shop by destination to find SIMs that are compatible with each destination’s networks, landlines, and mobile phones. When you pre-purchase your US SIM card for Canadian travellers, you have one less thing to worry about when you get to your destination, so make sure to shop with us before your next trip away!
Buy a prepaid SIM card for USA travelling!
Now that you have the SIM Card for USA options laid in front of you, you would have already made up your mind on the data card that is ideal for you in terms of your travel itinerary. Though all the SIM cards are available in three sizes and fit most phones, it’s always good to check the specifications and compatibility before getting one that would be right for you. Why not, check out all the options that we offer at SimCorner and get a USA SIM card for your next trip to the USA.
Get in touch about cheap USA SIM cards for tourists
If you have any questions about our US prepaid SIM cards, check out our FAQs, or get in touch with our friendly team who will be happy to help. You can also look to SimCorner for SIM cards to travel to USA, Canada, and Mexico, AT&T SIMs, and more. While you’re packing your suitcase, you can also find travel necessities, accessories, and journals in our range.
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