Heading for a vacay in the good ole’ US of A? If you’re in need of mobile data while visiting the Unites States, a SIM card or an eSIM are both great ways to go. Let’s get into how you can get the best American SIM card for tourists.
The United States can make for a fun holiday destination for groups of friends, families, or even solo travellers.
Whether you’re hitting up the big cities like New York or Los Angeles, taking a barbecue tour of Kansas or Texas, or hiking your way through Colorado or maybe the Appalachian trail, you’ll need a reliable connection for booking accommodations, navigating your travels, and keeping in touch with your loved ones back at home.
You might already be considering an American SIM card for tourists, but do you know all the factors to consider? Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and what kind of plan will fit best for your visit to the United States.
Why bother with a SIM card?
The US is bigger and more vast than you might realize. Public Wi-Fi isn’t alway reliable or available (or secure, for that matter).
If you’re driving through the wilds of Maine, passing through small towns, or setting up camp in a national park, you’re going to need an alternative way to stay connected for your own safety and peace of mind.
A SIM card with a solid data plan will ensure that you still have access to maps and emergency contacts at any time, even when there’s no Wi-Fi signal for miles.
Physical SIM card vs. eSIM
While a physical SIM requires inserting a tiny chip into your phone, an eSIM can be downloaded onto your device instantly—no swapping or mailing required. If your phone is compatible with a SIM card as well as a digital eSIM, you’ll need to choose which is the best option for you.
In addition to the convenience of a digital set-up, eSIMs also mean:
- No need to visit a bricks and mortar location
- Switch between plans or carriers whenever needed
- Use dual SIM mode to keep your home SIM and travel eSIM in use simultaneously
- Instantly connect to a network upon arrival at your destination
Factors to consider
Coverage
Having a reliable signal is crucial for your great American road trip (or any kind of trip). Your SIM provider should use strong and available networks that offer broad coverage.
Plans
Overestimate how much data you will need. You’ll likely be accessing it for directions, translations, and all sorts of other apps. Find a plan that will match your usage expectations.
You wouldn’t want to run out while you’re checking your email or streaming media. aloSIM has a number of plan sizes to cover your needs as well as top up with ease if you run out.
Activation
You don’t want to waste valuable holiday time trying to figure out how to access and activate your SIM. An aloSIM eSIM can be activated instantly. Just download an eSIM plan for the USA or North America from the app, activate it, and then you’re good to go with a reliable connection.
Price
Roaming charges and international packages from your home carrier are expensive. An eSIM is a fraction of the price—often just a few dollars with no contracts and no hidden fees.
Customer support
Not really into tech? No problem. Travel and other factors can be unpredictable, so choosing a provider with good customer service is essential to solving any potential issues that may arise in a timely manner. Having aloSIM’s helpful customer support ready to assist as needed can make all the difference.
Don’t let roaming fees ruin a good trip to the United States. With the right SIM card—or better yet, an eSIM—you can stay connected for an affordable price and city-hop (or state-hop, if that’s your thing) without worrying about surprise fees.
