I’m traveling to the USA for the first time this century, it seems a dumb question, but usually I just get a prepaid SIM when I arrive in a country, but the USA has weird rules about stuff for foreigners and security - are there any ID requirements or something that would make this a hassle? Is it the same as Asia or Europe where I can just buy a SIM card by showing my passport and paying cash/credit card on the spot? My travelers will require a physical SIM.
I have to provide service for an OPPO Neo x2 and an iPhone 12, so don’t anticipate any dramas around compatibility.
Happy to be told “you are dumb, America is still a first world country, duh”
Prepaid SIM for The USA
mskeggs on 15/10/2023 - 22:09
Comments
How about for India? Thinking of using Airalo App because I've heard it's hard to get a sim in India (especially without a permanent address, which I don't have).
No idea, sorry. I would imagine an eSIM would be the most convenient option.
Fair enough. You displayed such great knowledge of USA, so thought I'd ask.
These free trials may or may not work.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/723026
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/722988
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/770079You can also purchase eSIMS locally in Australia, and then turn the SIM on once you've landed in the states. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/797733
While I haven't been to the states (yet, I'll probably go next year) airports do sell prepaid SIMS to travellers but they often stock the more expensive options. Basically the same trick all over the world: if you want cheaper prepaid sims don't buy them from the airport, get it from a department store or from the telco's store itself.
If you need physical sims you can get them delivered for free to a US address and then pay $12.50 USD for a 30GB/30 day plan on US Mobile.
Last time I was in the states i purchased a sim from walmart.
No problems getting it
Got back from the US last week, and would recommend the eSIM from TravelKon. Did have some issues activating it, but they have a WhatsApp for support
The one I got was
USA T-Mobile Travel eSIM | Unlimited Data, Calls & Text | 30 Days | Add-on: (Canada + Mexico (5GB) & Intl. Calls & Text - T-Mobile eSIM USA 30 Days - Unlimited
As an established OzBargainer, you really should be trying a free hack!
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/770079
It needs eSIM, but if you can overcome that little problem, and you're staying for less than 30 days, this is the way to go.if you can overcome that little problem
So buy a new phone?
My travelers will require a physical SIM.
only USA? length of stay? data usage?
besides deals posted by sim providers, there's USAPrePaidSimCard, also roaming with Australian sim?
Using a Mobile phone Overseas – eSIM, Travel SIM, International Roaming
Thanks, I’ve ordered a t-mobile sim, and gonna give the trial eSIM mentioned up thread a go, with a back up of just buying local sims if it doesn’t work.
You can buy SIM cards off Amazon here which will work fine. Sim2Roam is the one I get and never had an issue. Example: https://www.amazon.com.au/T-Mobile-Unlimited-Internet-Domest…
You can get SIM cards from airport or literally Walmart or any other store: https://www.walmart.com/search?q=sim+card
You can even walk into a carrier store (like T-mobile), they're littered everywhere and just ask for a prepaid one-month plan or whatever duration you want.
They don't ask for more than usual passport and local address details.
Sticking to T-mobile would be the preference to ensure they work on the bands your devices support. Some US handsets have different frequencies.