Traveling to the USA from Canada can be an exciting adventure filled with new experiences, sights, and sounds. However, one of the most critical aspects of any trip is staying connected. With the rise of technology, traditional SIM cards are being replaced by eSIMs, which offer a more flexible and convenient way to access mobile data while traveling.
In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about eSIMs for travel in the USA, including their availability, benefits, activation process, and much more. Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, understanding how eSIMs work can help you make informed decisions and ensure that you remain connected throughout your journey.
I. Is eSIM available in the USA?
Yes, eSIM is available in the USA and is widely supported by many mobile operators such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. The coverage in the USA is strong nationwide, especially in cities and suburban areas, with rural areas also having good coverage.
- In the US, 4G LTE is available almost everywhere
- 5G is available in most urban areas, but it may be less common in rural regions.
II. Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in USA
When traveling in the US, eSIM can make things easier, here is why:
- Flexibility and convenient
Using eSIM in the USA is very convenient and flexible. You don’t need to swap physical SIM cards because eSIM is built into your phone.
- Easy for activation
Setting up a USA eSIM is very easy, all you need is just scan a QR code. This saves you lots of time especially when you’re in a new country.
- Diverse plans for multi-countries
USA eSIMs offer a variety of plans available for multiple countries, and you can choose from many providers and plans, getting local data packages for each country you visit.
III. USA eSIM – Best Mobile Operators
In the US, major mobile operators include AT&T and T-Mobile. To help visitors choose the best mobile operators, here is a table comparing these two operators in terms of speed, coverage, data allowance, and price range:
| Feature | AT&T | T-Mobile |
| Coverage | Pros: Covers 68% of the U.S. land area, reaching 99% of Americans; strong in rural areas. Cons: Some gaps in extremely remote locations. |
Pros: Largest 5G network, covering 53% of the U.S. land area; strong in urban and suburban areas. Cons: Slightly less reliable in remote rural zones. |
| Speed | Pros: LTE speeds of around 40 Mbps; 5G speeds averaging 86 Mbps. Cons: 5G speeds slower than T-Mobile in some areas. |
Pros: Fastest 5G download speeds in the U.S. at 113 Mbps, 2.5 times faster than AT&T. Cons: Slower speeds in some rural zones. |
| Data Allowance | Pros: Offers plans from 50GB to unlimited with options for hotspot usage. Cons: Potential throttling after 50GB on unlimited plans. |
Pros: Unlimited data with variations in hotspot and premium data. T-Mobile’s plans start at $50. Cons: Deprioritization after 50GB in congested areas. |
| Price | Pros: Reliable service justifies the cost. Cons: Starts at $65/month for basic unlimited plans, higher than some competitors. |
Pros: More competitive pricing with unlimited plans starting at $60/month. Cons: Premium data is limited in lower-tier plans. |
Overall, eSIM plans in the USA typically offer options from as little as 1GB up to unlimited data. Most common plans offer between 5GB to 20 GB. Prices can vary a lot depending on the provider, from about $10 for a small data plan to $60 or more for unlimited data.
IV. Best USA eSIM data plans – Helpful comparison for travelers
To help you decide the best eSIM for the USA for your needs, here is a table comparing many reliable providers:
| Provider | Plan Name | Data Allowance | Price | Validity | Additional Features |
| Canada-eSIM.com | 500MB/day Plan | 500MB per day | $18.50 | 7 days | Daily data limit, easy setup via QR code, 4G/5G speeds, no top-up available. |
| Canada-eSIM.com | 1GB/day Plan | 1GB per day | $38.90 | 12 days | Daily data limit, supports hotspot/tethering, 4G/5G speeds, and instant email delivery. |
| Canada-eSIM.com | 2GB/day Plan | 2GB per day | $141.90 | 30 days | Generous daily limit, covers long trips, 4G/5G speeds, and immediate activation. |
| Airalo | AT&T eSIM (USA) | 3GB | $10 | 7 days | Prepaid, ideal for short trips, no contract. |
| Airalo | AT&T eSIM (USA) | 10GB | $36 | 30 days | Good for moderate users, a simple setup. |
| Nomad | USA eSIM Plan | 10GB | $30 | 30 days | Affordable, no hidden fees, straightforward activation. |
| Nomad | USA eSIM Plan | 20GB | $50 | 30 days | Great for heavy users, 30-day validity. |
| Ubigi | USA Prepaid eSIM | 10GB | $29 | 30 days | Includes 5G where available, global reach. |
| Ubigi | USA Prepaid eSIM | 20GB | $50 | 30 days | Good for frequent travelers, tethering is supported. |
Here are some recommendations for eSIM for the USA based on your specific needs and the duration of your stay in the US:
- For short stay (<12 days): Canada-eSIM.com is ideal if you want a consistent daily data allowance and reliable coverage. But if you need a budget-friendly option for light use, you can also choose Airalo.
- For long stays and heavy users (30 days): Nomad offers reasonable prices and is perfect for social media, maps, or some streaming.
- If visitors want to stay in multiple countries, consider the Canada – USA plan to save the data budget and easy to set up.
V. How to activate the USA eSIM Card
Activating a USA eSIM is usually a straightforward process. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:
- Buy an eSIM plan: Choose a provider and purchase a USA eSIM plan online before your trip.
- Get the activation info: After purchase, you’ll receive an email with activation instructions. (This can be a QR code or an activation code).
- On your phone > Go to Settings > Look for “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” > Select “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM”
- Scan or enter the code
- Follow the on-screen instructions then your phone will guide you through the rest of the setup process.
- Choose your settings: Decide if you want to use the eSIM for data only or for calls and texts too.
- Activate the plan
Remember, the exact steps might vary slightly depending on your phone model and the eSIM provider. If you run into any issues, most providers offer customer support to help you through the process.
VI. Are there eSIM for the USA with unlimited data?
You can get eSIMs for the USA that come with phone numbers. Big carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon sell them. These eSIMs work just like regular SIM cards – you’ll get calls, texts, and data. They’re part of normal phone plans, so you’re not missing out on anything.
VII. Are there e-sim cards for the USA with phone numbers?
Yes, there are eSIM cards for the USA that come with phone numbers. Major carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer eSIMs that include a phone number, giving you the full package of calls, texts, and data.
VIII. When to order an e-sim card for the USA?
You should order an eSIM card for the USA just before your trip, ideally one or two days before departure. This timing allows you to set it up on your device and ensure it’s working correctly before you arrive.
Most eSIM providers, including Canada-eSIM.com, Airalo, etc send the eSIM via email instantly after purchase, so you can activate it when you land or shortly before your trip to ensure seamless connectivity.
IX. Final tips
To make sure you’ll have a great time in the US, here are some small tips:
- You can purchase an eSIM for a USA trip online on the provider’s website and receive instant delivery via email
- You should activate your eSIM before traveling to the US to ensure it works correctly.
- To save data, download offline maps and entertainment content, disable background data for unnecessary apps, and monitor your usage in settings.
X. Conclusion
With these tips, you can choose the right SIM or eSIM for your US trip. Remember to set everything up before you go. And we hope you will have the best time in the US.
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