All about US travel SIM card: Where to buy, how to use & best US SIM card for tourists

When arriving in the US, owning a US travel SIM card (USA sim card for tourist) will help you stay connected anytime, anywhere. Not only does it support high-speed internet access, but it also helps you make domestic calls, make international contacts, and use necessary applications without worrying about interruptions. So should you choose a 4G US travel SIM or an eSIM, and what should you pay attention to when using it? In the article below, we will share all the useful experiences to help you choose the most suitable SIM best sim card for travelling in USA (best US tourist sim card) for your trip.

What is a US travel SIM card?

A US travel SIM is a type of phone SIM designed specifically for international travelers traveling, working, or relaxing in the US. With this SIM, you can freely make calls, send messages, and access high-speed Internet. This is an ideal choice to help you easily look up information, use maps, book a car, as well as keep in touch with family and friends back home during your stay in the US.

US tourist SIM is currently quite diverse and is divided into many different types to suit each traveler’s needs.

If classified by manufacturer, there are 2 main groups: US domestic SIM and roaming SIM.

• US domestic SIM often has more preferential prices, stable network speed and wide coverage, very suitable if you only stay in the US.
• Roaming SIM is provided by international carriers and can be used in many countries. This is the optimal choice for those who have a trip to many countries, but the cost will be higher than domestic SIM.

eSIM USA 5-30Days 7-50GB 5G/4G Data

If classified by package, there will be two main types.

• Prepaid and fixed SIMs are the most popular, you can use the entire data package for a short time without having to top up. When the capacity runs out, you just need to buy a new SIM, suitable for tourists traveling to the US from a few days to 2 weeks.
• Meanwhile, SIMs that can be recharged are chosen by many tourists if they stay in the US for a long time. With this type, you can easily top up your account to continue using the service.

Where to buy a US tourist SIM?

When preparing for a trip to the US, you can choose to buy a SIM in Vietnam or wait until you arrive in the US to buy it. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Below are some experiences in buying a US tourist SIM that Living Nomads suggests for you.

Buy a US tourist SIM in Vietnam

Buying a SIM in advance in Vietnam is much more convenient and secure. You just need to install the SIM card right after landing to be able to connect to the Internet and communicate immediately, without having to struggle to find a store or free wifi at the airport. Some places you can refer to are:

5G eSIM USA | AT&T

• SIM agents: In Vietnam, there are many agents that provide US travel SIM cards with diverse packages such as 7, 15 or 30 days. Prices are often cheaper than buying directly in the US. At the same time, you also get support in Vietnamese, which is very convenient if you encounter problems.
• Buy online: In addition to buying directly, you can completely order a SIM card online quickly. With just a few simple steps on reputable platforms like Klook, you can easily choose a US travel SIM card package that suits your needs. This method not only saves time but also helps you compare prices, preview detailed information and receive many attractive discount codes.

Buy a SIM card for travel in the US

In case you don’t have time to prepare a SIM card from Vietnam, you can buy it directly at the airport in the US or at the official stores of major carriers such as Holafly, T-Mobile, Tello, or Verizon. The advantage is that the packages in the US often have large data capacity and many options.

However, this way has certain limitations such as:

• Except for major airports such as Los Angeles, Washington,… not all airports in the US sell SIM cards.
• The price to buy a SIM card is often very high and it takes a long time to register.
• The purchase procedure requires presenting a passport for security reasons.
• If your phone is locked to the network (iPhone locked), using a US SIM card is impossible. Simply put, locked iPhones are phones that can only be used with a specific carrier, and when another SIM card is inserted, it will not be usable.

Distinguishing between physical US travel SIM and eSIM

When preparing for a trip to the US, many travelers often wonder whether to choose a physical US travel SIM or eSIM for the most convenience. Each type has its own advantages and limitations, depending on the device you use and your needs.

Physical US travel SIM

A physical SIM is a small SIM card that can be easily inserted directly into the phone. The biggest advantage is that it is compatible with most phone models with a SIM slot. In addition, physical SIMs are often easy to find in many places and can be quickly replaced if there is a problem.

However, the biggest limitation of a physical SIM is that you have to remove the original SIM when installing a new SIM, so it is easy to lose it. If you need to travel to many countries, removing and installing it continuously will be quite inconvenient. Therefore, physical SIMs are often more suitable for short-term trips that require less flexibility. In addition, new phone lines such as the iPhone 14 USA version have removed the physical SIM slot, so using this type is no longer feasible.

eSIM for US travel

eSIM is an electronic SIM, does not require a hard card but is installed directly into the phone through scanning a QR code. The advantage of eSIM is that you do not need to remove the original SIM, can use both numbers in parallel and do not worry about losing the SIM. This is an ideal choice for those who often go on business trips or travel to many countries, want convenience during use.

In addition, eSIM can be purchased and activated online before departure, saving you time when you first arrive in the US. However, eSIM can only be used on new smartphone models that support this feature such as iPhone XR or later, Google, Galaxy S20 or later,… and the price is usually higher than physical SIM. However, the convenience and safety of eSIM makes it increasingly preferred by many tourists.

You can refer to some popular types of eSIM below:

• 5G eSIM USA | AT&T
• 4G/5G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Global 150+ Countries
• eSIM America & Canada 7-30Days Daily 500MB/1GB/2GB Unlimited 4G Data
• United States, Canada and Mexico 4G eSIM | Unlimited traffic

How to activate a US tourist SIM

Before using a US tourist SIM, you need to perform the activation step to ensure that the SIM works properly as soon as you arrive in the land of the stars and stripes. Depending on the type of SIM you choose (physical SIM or eSIM), the activation method will be slightly different.

For physical SIM

With a physical US travel SIM card, you just need to insert the SIM into your phone to use it. However, to connect successfully, you must enable Data Roaming. Because your SIM needs to receive signals from domestic US carriers instead of the original network in Vietnam. Enabling roaming will help you maintain contact, make calls, send messages and use the Internet stably throughout the trip. How to enable roaming is quite simple.

• For iPhone: Go to Settings – Cellular – Turn on Mobile Data – Turn on Data Roaming and turn on 4G/5G.
• For Android phones: Go to Settings – Connections – Mobile Networks – Turn on Data Roaming and 4G/5G.

For eSIM

With eSIM for US travel, the provider will send you a QR code and detailed instructions via email or app. Once received, you just need to scan the QR code to download the package to your device. How to activate eSIM is quite simple:

• For iPhone: go to Settings – Cellular – Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan – scan the QR code and save. When you arrive in the US, just turn on Data Roaming and Mobile Data to use it immediately.
• For Android: Settings – Connections – SIM Management or Mobile Data Plan – add eSIM, then scan the QR code or enter the code manually from the provider.

You should note that eSIM is only activated once and cannot be transferred to another device. After successful installation, you turn on Data Roaming and 4G/5G to catch the US network signal.

How to use a US travel SIM

When owning a US travel SIM, it is important to know how to use it effectively to ensure a stable and convenient Internet connection throughout the trip. Below are some common uses that you should know.

Easily check Google Maps

A US travel SIM allows you to access the Internet anytime, anywhere with stable speed. Thanks to that, you can use Google Maps to find directions, look up tourist attractions, restaurants or hotels without fear of getting lost. This is a particularly useful feature for those who are visiting the US for the first time.

Calling Domestically and Internationally

Some SIM plans support direct calls to US or international phone numbers at reasonable rates. This is useful if you need to contact a hotel, business partner or emergency support service. For example, if you want to call Vietnam, just enter the syntax 011 (US country code) + 84 (Vietnam country code) + area code such as HCMC, Hanoi (if any) + phone number (omit the first 0).

WiFi hotspot

Many SIM plans allow sharing the Internet with other devices such as laptops, tablets or with companions. This is a cost-effective solution if you are traveling in a group or carrying many devices.

Easy online car booking

You can book an Uber or Lyft with just a few simple steps on your phone. This is very convenient if you are not familiar with the public transportation system or want to save time traveling between destinations.

Check data capacity

To check the data capacity when using a US travel SIM, you can look it up directly on the carrier’s application or via the quick call USSD #932#. In addition, if you use an iPhone, just go to Settings on your phone – Mobile data, in the Current TG Roaming section, the used data capacity will be displayed.

Top up your US travel SIM

Some US travel SIMs support topping up to continue using when the capacity is used up. You can top up directly at a phone store or convenience store by buying a phone scratch card and entering the provided code. In addition, users can also top up through the carrier’s official application or website.

Paying travel expenses

One of the great benefits of using a US travel SIM is that you can easily pay for expenses during the trip thanks to the Internet. For example, buying tickets to tourist attractions, amusement parks or entertainment services in the US. However, because many locations in the US are often very crowded on weekends or peak seasons, we recommend that you still book in advance for a more comfortable and secure experience.

Best US SIM card for tourists: Notes when using a US travel SIM

To ensure that the process of using a US travel SIM goes smoothly and without problems, you should note a few things:

• Do not install the SIM too early: If you buy a SIM in Vietnam, you should not install it immediately because the SIM can automatically activate and consume data. Wait until close to departure or when you arrive in the US to install it to avoid waste.
• Choose a package that suits your needs: Each person will have a different length of stay and Internet usage needs, so consider choosing a data package that is just enough to save costs.
• Keep the SIM frame and invoice: This is important information to get support for returns or troubleshooting if the SIM has problems during use.
• Prepare in advance with eSIM: If you use eSIM, you should download and save the QR code to your phone before going to the airport, so you can activate it quickly when you arrive in the US.
• Save data: Turn off automatic app updates, limit streaming videos on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter to avoid using up data too quickly.
• Limit using WiFi hotspots too much: Using hotspots continuously for multiple devices can cause the network operator to limit access speeds, affecting your Internet experience.

Frequently asked questions

1. Which network should you buy a US travel SIM from?

You should prioritize choosing SIMs from major domestic carriers such as T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. These are the three government networks with the widest coverage in the US and have prepaid packages for short-term guests.

2. Can a US travel SIM be used in Canada and Mexico?

Some plans allow you to use them in all three countries: the US, Canada and Mexico. You can refer to buying a 4G SIM package for all three countries right on Klook, very convenient and at a preferential price.

3. Do you need a passport to buy a US tourist SIM?

Normally, when buying a SIM directly at a store or airport in the US, you will need to present your passport to register. However, if you buy an eSIM online in Vietnam, you only need to pay and scan the QR code, no paperwork is required.

4. Should you choose an eSIM or a physical SIM when traveling to the US?

If the phone supports it, an eSIM is more convenient because you only need to scan the QR code without worrying about losing the SIM, and can be used immediately upon arrival in the US. On the contrary, a physical SIM is suitable for those who need a US phone number to call, receive SMS, or want to create a WiFi hotspot for multiple devices.

5. How much does it usually cost to buy a US tourist SIM?

The price of US travel SIM cards is quite diverse, ranging from 80,000 – 580,000 VND depending on the data capacity and usage period. Normally, 7 – 15 day SIM cards with 10 – 30 GB capacity are the most popular choice for tourists because they are both sufficient and cost-effective.

6. Which popular US carriers are often trusted by tourists?

In the US, the three largest and most popular carriers for tourists are AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. These are all networks with wide coverage, stable 4G/5G speeds, and many convenient travel SIM packages.

7. Which reputable carriers provide US travel SIM cards?

Currently, popular and reputable carriers in the US such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all provide both physical SIM cards and eSIMs for US travel for international tourists.

8. Which US travel SIM packages are suitable for foreign tourists?

Depending on the number of days you travel in the US, you can consider choosing US travel SIMs or eSIMs with a validity of 7 to 30 days. If you travel for 1 week, you can consider choosing the 7-day unlimited package from AT&T. In addition, if you plan to stay longer, the 30-day unlimited package from T-Mobile is also a worthy choice, especially for those who need to use it regularly for work or entertainment.

9. Which network provider provides US travel SIMs with strong transmission?

Currently, T-Mobile is a network provider trusted by many Americans and international tourists. As a network provider with wide coverage across the US, especially in both urban and rural areas, T-Mobile offers stable connection speeds and many flexible data packages suitable for tourists to choose from.

10. Which network has a US travel SIM with many GB to use?

If you need to use a large amount of data, you can consider 50 – 100GB/month or unlimited data packages from T-Mobile and AT&T. In addition, if you want more flexibility, eSIM Holafly USA and Airalo also offer large capacity packages from 20GB to unlimited, easy to activate upon arrival in the US.

11. Essential applications when traveling to the US?

When traveling to the US, preparing applications to support travel, booking tickets and payments will help you save time and explore more easily. Below are some essential applications when traveling to the US that you should download before the trip:

• Google Maps: Used to look up directions, view metro and bus routes, …
• Google Translate: Used for translation.
• Klook: Used to book airline tickets, hotels, sightseeing tickets, …
• Uber/ Lyft: To book a taxi.
• Tripadvisor/ Yelp: Used to find good places to eat.
• Hungrypanda/ Doordash: Used to order food online.

Equipping a quality US travel SIM is the key to a smooth and memorable trip. With detailed experiences on where to buy a US travel SIM, whether to choose a 4G US travel SIM or eSIM, hopefully you have enough information to make the most suitable choice.

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Check out more US guide here.