Best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists 2024

Make sure your phone speaks the right language.

At a glance

Best overall, best for short stays, best budget, best non-mvno, best prepaid data plan, best data-only plan.

SIM cards

At a glance 1. Best overall 2. Best for short stays 3. Best budget 4. Best non-MVNO 5. Best prepaid data plan 6. Best data-only plan FAQ

When you're preparing for a big trip, the last thing you want to worry about is finding the best prepaid SIM card so you can stay in touch with folks at home. Luckily, we've done the heavy lifting so you can spend less time picking out a SIM card and more time packing. 

As long as your Android phone is unlocked for international use and compatible with local networks, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, ordering a SIM card online or through a nearby retailer should be simple. 

Keep reading for all of the best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travelers and tourists alike. If you want to go even deeper, you can also check out our guide to the best MVNO carriers or save some cash with the best MVNO deals of the month. 

Mint Mobile Logo

From $15 at Mint Mobile

Soon to be owned by T-Mobile, a Mint Mobile SIM is a perfect choice if you're staying in the U.S. for three months or longer, with unlimited talk/text, a mobile hotspot, and more. 

Read more below.

Ultra Mobile logo

From $19 at Ultra Mobile

The Ultra Mobile 3GB plan gives you a month of unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide on T-Mobile, up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data, and free Wi-Fi calling.

Read more below.  

Lycamobile logo

From $15 at Lycamobile

If the ability to call abroad is your main focus, all Lycamobile plans come with unlimited talk and text to over 85 countries and a variety of data options.

AT&T logo

From $30 at AT&T

Best non-MVNO 

Choose AT&T Prepaid's 5GB plan for $30 per month and you'll get unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data with 5G access and the ability to text over 230 countries for free.

T-Mobile logo

From $40 at T-Mobile

T-Mobile's prepaid plan is a little pricey, but you get 10GB of data, a free mobile hotspot, and access to the world's largest 5G network. 

Cricket Logo

From $35 at Cricket Wireless

If you only need data on your travels, Cricket's data-only plan offers a minimum of 20GB of high-speed data, as well as usage in Mexico and Canada. 

Mint Mobile homepage on Google Pixel 6 screen

1. Mint Mobile

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Mint Mobile is one of the best MVNO carriers today and uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network, making it a great prepaid SIM card to get if you plan on staying in the U.S. for at least three months. As we found in our Mint Mobile review , Mint's 5G connection is strong, and its phone compatibility is one of the best in the country.

With Mint, you need to purchase at least three months of service upfront. After that, the best deals are offered when you sign up for six months or 12. For three months on the unlimited plan, you'll pay $90 and get unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. Calling to other international locations is available at a per-minute rate but if you use an app to call your friends such as WhatsApp or Line, you'll only need data.

Joining Mint Mobile is easy, and you can even sign up for a trial online to get a free Mint Mobile SIM card . It's especially easy if your phone is eligible for an eSIM since you can then activate the SIM straight from your phone and later continue your service if you like it. You can also get a Mint SIM card from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon.

Ultra Mobile SIM card

2. Ultra Mobile 3GB

Ultra Mobile is an MVNO on T-Mobile's network, meaning that you'll get great T-Mobile coverage at a lower price. Our Ultra Mobile review showed strong coverage and speeds. Though Ultra Mobile offers its own set of prepaid plans, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is a perfect fit for anyone visiting the U.S. for a month or less.

This is a more traditional SIM and after 30 days, the plan will expire, making it great for users who just wanted simple talk and text to a wide range of destinations and don't need a lot of data on their travels. For $19 with the SIM kit included, you'll get unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide, plus free Wi-Fi calling and up to 4GB of 5G/LTE data, meaning you should have no issue reaching friends and family back home.

Lyca Mobile App On Zenfone

3. Lycamobile

Lycamobile is unique because it's a global MVNO, and in the U.S., it's an MVNO on T-Mobile's network. To check whether your phone is compatible, the easiest thing to do is type in your IMEI number on Lycamobile's website, but most GSM unlocked devices should work.

Lycamobile offers several plans to pick from and really caters to those who need unlimited nationwide talk and text and international calling and texting to 85+ countries. Each plan includes these features at no additional charge, making this the perfect plan if you're someone who wants to be able to call abroad whenever you want.

When it comes to data, you have multiple options starting at just 250MB and going up to 60GB. The cheapest 250MB plan costs $15, while the top unlimited data plan costs $59. The 2GB plan is only available to new customers so if you're already signed up, this plan will come with 1GB of data. Each plan includes slightly different bonus features, so you'll have to pick what makes the most sense for you.

Fortunately, Lycamobile SIM cards are pretty easy to get a hold of. They're sold online on Lycamobile's website and Amazon, but you'll also find Lycamobile SIM cards in several retailers, including 7-Eleven, pharmacies, local convenience stores, etc. When in doubt, you can also use the online store locator to find the nearest retailer near you.

AT&T store sign

4. AT&T Prepaid

Known for its great coverage, AT&T is also an excellent carrier to consider getting a SIM card from when visiting the U.S. and one of the best prepaid phone plans . It tends to have better coverage in rural areas than other carriers, so it's also a great option if you plan to be on the road a lot. For $30 (plus taxes and fees), AT&T Prepaid will get you 5GB of high-speed data, which is then throttled to 128Kbps. As always, you should check your device's compatibility with AT&T online before signing up.

On this plan, you're able to use your mobile hotspot, and you can text to more than 230 countries. You'll also be able to talk, text, and use data in Mexico and Canada (though data speeds may be slow). And if you think you'll need more than 5GB of data, you can always upgrade to a 15GB prepaid plan for $40, which is a great deal and definitely worth considering.

5G connected on Zenfone 8 with Android 12

5. T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile not only offers some of the best cell phone plans you could get today, but it also has an excellent prepaid option that will suit most travelers and tourists needs when visiting the U.S. Because T-Mobile's network has improved vastly over the past few years and its 5G network has some of the most expansive coverage and fastest speeds in the nation, you'll likely get excellent service with T-Mobile when traveling to major cities during your stay.

There are four T-Mobile prepaid plans from which to choose, though the ideal plan for most visitors will be T-Mobile's 10GB prepaid plan for $40 per month. This plan includes unlimited domestic talk and text, up to 10GB of high-speed data, free mobile hotspot data, and a music unlimited feature so that any music you stream won't eat up your data. If you want to add international calling, you can do so for $15 extra, or if you're traveling to Mexico or Canada for a few days, you can add talk, text, and 5GB of data to use over there for an extra $5.

Cricket Coverage Map S20+

6. Cricket Wireless

If you don't think you'll need minutes during your stay in the U.S. and really just want data, you could consider a data-only plan from Cricket Wireless , which is an MVNO on AT&T's network. For $35, you'll get 20GB to use during the month, or for $55, you'll get 100GB.

Again, this plan doesn't come with any minutes, so you'll have to be sure you're fine using apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Skype to connect with family or friends. It does come with text and picture messages across the U.S., as well as usage in Mexico and Canada if you plan on visiting those countries as well. It's the perfect plan for anyone who will be spending lots of time on the road and wants to be able to stream, download, and do some high-speed browsing.

You can get a Cricket SIM card by going into a Cricket Wireless authorized retailer, which you can locate with Cricket's online store locator. Other popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart will also sell Universal SIM card activation kits for Cricket Wireless. The good news is that if you do end up wanting minutes, you can always switch to another one of Cricket's plans with the same SIM card.

Back to the top^

Which prepaid SIM card is best for you?

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

You really can't go wrong with a prepaid SIM card on T-Mobile or AT&T's network while visiting the U.S., and the right fit for you depends on the length of your stay and whether you need features like being able to call back home. If you're traveling for only three weeks or less, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is the best choice and offers just enough talk, text, and data to stay connected.

On the other hand, if you'll be in the U.S. for a few months, Mint Mobile will give you the best multiple-month value. And if you're somewhere in between, a prepaid plan from either T-Mobile or AT&T is easy, reliable, and guaranteed to give you great coverage.

Should you use your current carrier's add-ons?

Many carriers have partnerships with international carriers to offer greater service to their own customers. Luckily, this often goes both directions and means there may be a plan add-on that can give you plenty of data without needing to set up and activate a new SIM. While these travel add-ons can be quite pricey, the simplicity of this option will make it worth it to many people. It also gives you the chance to have a connection if you're waiting for a connecting flight in another country.

What about eSIM apps?

Another emerging option is eSIM apps. These apps can use your phone's built-in eSIM slot to quickly activate and pay for a phone plan without needing to remove your old SIM or worry about shipping a physical SIM in the first place. Airalo , for example, allows customers to buy as little as 1GB for a week. If you just need enough data to get around in a new city, this is a good option. It works with Google Pay, credit card, PayPay, and even Alipay.

If you have an iPhone, there's even an official T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app that accepts credit card payments from a number of countries. Regrettably, this app isn't available on Android though there are still other eSIM providers on the platform.

Just be sure to confirm compatibility before taking off. Still, there are other apps available on Android that offer solid deals on data without contacts or physical SIMs necessary.

  • MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Be an expert in 5 minutes

Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android

Patrick Farmer

After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

  • Olivia Lipski
  • Samuel Contreras

Visible’s best wireless plan just got even better (without raising the price)

Mint Mobile launches new BOGO deal — here's how to claim three months of free wireless

Google may have accidentally revealed when Apple will add RCS to iPhones

Most Popular

By Harish Jonnalagadda March 07, 2024

By Tshaka Armstrong March 06, 2024

By Judy Sanhz March 05, 2024

By Christine Persaud March 03, 2024

By Chris Wedel, Namerah Saud Fatmi March 03, 2024

By Samuel Contreras, Namerah Saud Fatmi March 03, 2024

By Andrew Myrick, Namerah Saud Fatmi March 03, 2024

By Christine Persaud February 29, 2024

By Namerah Saud Fatmi February 28, 2024

By Harish Jonnalagadda, Judy Sanhz February 28, 2024

By Namerah Saud Fatmi February 27, 2024

  • 2 Chromebooks are about to change in a massive way
  • 3 Nothing Phone 2a gets its third update already
  • 4 Pixel Watch 3 listing suggests minimal battery improvement
  • 5 Gemini now takes you straight to Google Maps navigation when you ask for directions

travel sim 7 11

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

  • Meet the Team
  • Work with Us
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Budget Travel
  • Work & Travel
  • The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
  • Travel Resources
  • How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Budget Travel » best international sim cards

9 BEST International SIM Cards for Travel (Buyer’s Guide • 2024)

SIM cards are a royal pain in the butt when travelling. Every time you land somewhere new, you have to perform the same song and dance of going out of your way to get a new sim pretty much as soon as possible.

Usually what happens is that you land in the airport and then you either get ripped off buying a SIM card there or navigate to town without any connectivity. Once you’re in town, you have to navigate a foreign city sifting through local SIM providers, various plans, and also probably getting lost along the way. It’s not the ideal way to start a vacation and I cannot even count the hours I’ve lost shopping for sims in new countries.

That’s why buying one of the best international SIM cards is THE way to go.

An International SIM card is one which will work all over the world meaning that you never have to change it again – no more messing around at the O2 Kiosk in strange airports!

Now, to set the record straight, while there are cheaper travel SIM cards in existence, they still aren’t exactly cheap. Nine times out of ten, a local SIM card is always going to be the cheaper option for budget backpackers.

Maybe you’re a digital nomad who always needs to be connected, maybe you’re a high-flying businessperson with fancy business attire who makes busy business calls while on holiday or maybe (like me) you are just sick of having to change sims.

Either way, this is the list of the best international SIM cards on the market! I’ve done all the leg-work and the research to deliver an international SIM cards review in full. So let’s get ourselves connected.

travel sim 7 11

Compare The Best International SIM Cards

What is an international sim card, the best sim cards for international travellers, international data sim cards for digital nomads, social media addicts, and tinder aficionados, a quick review of each sim card, frequently asked questions about travel sim cards, should you buy an international sim card.

This isn’t the whole roundup but it is my personal pick of the best international SIM cards worth looking into, each one serving a different niche.

onesim card for travellers

  • > e-Sim and Traditional Sims available
  • > Wide and reliable coverage
  • > Low SIM-purchasing fees

mockup of a person holding a smartphone in white background with Holafly logo

  • > Virtual sim – no plastic needed!
  • > Excellent range of packages
  • > Download before you leave home

travel sim 7 11

TravelSim Worldwide Card

  • > Cheaper initial cost
  • > Some cheaper rates for off-beat countries
  • > No long-standing reputation

travel sim 7 11

KeepGo Lifetime World SIM Card

  • > Reliable connection
  • > Prone to cutting rates
  • > Coverage could be better

travel sim 7 11

Surfroam SIM Card

  • > Simple rates – no bundle packs
  • > Huge coverage
  • > Requires a PRO account for maximum coverage

travel sim 7 11

Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card

  • > Extremely reliable in Europe
  • > Easily sufficient for a two-week holiday
  • > Excludes a number of countries in Europe

International SIMs, roaming SIMs, travel SIM Cards whatever: a rose by any name can still order you a pizza when you don’t want to leave the guesthouse after all right? That’s what an international SIM card is, a SIM card that will have you hooked up from “anywhere” .

Why did you put ‘anywhere’ in quotes?

Because it’s a highly variable anywhere. “Anywhere” really means from the countries that the international SIM covers. That said, some of these travel SIM providers cover over 200 countries.

That also said, there are only 195 countries in the world so I’m not sure how they mathed those numbers out. Still unsure, have a look at our guide to local vs international SIM cards .

travel sim 7 11

Looking for Best Coworking Hostel in the World?

Come visit  Tribal Bali  – Bali’s first specially designed, custom-built co-living hostel… 

Bali’s most special backpacker hostel is finally open…. Tribal Bali is a  custom-designed, purpose-built co-living hostel  – a place to work, rest, play and stay. A place to find your tribe and hands down the best place in Bali to hustle hard and make new friends…

So, how does an international SIM card work?

Without getting too technical, an international SIM card isn’t programmed to one specific network. It’s programmed to operate on a number of networks in a number of different geographical locations – specifically, networks using the GSM (Global Systems of Management Communications) framework.

That’s why to use your cell phone internationally with a travel SIM card it needs to be:

  • GSM-compatible (many phones are).
  • Unlocked, i.e. not tied to a provider.

Do be sure about that unlocked phone bit before you go ahead and buy a new one.

Hacker googling

Basically, global SIM cards will plug into a local network from the country you’re travelling to… Consensually, of course.

That’s why coverage so strongly varies among the many international SIMs. Some SIM cards are for worldwide use and programmed accordingly. Some SIM cards are for international roaming in certain regions like Asia, the USA, or Europe (usually, omitting a third of Europe in their coverage).

For example, you’ll need a different sim card for the USA and Canada in most cases, but in Europe you’ll more than likely be able to use the same one.

Who benefits from buying an international SIM card?

Well, like I said, not so much the longterm backpacker types . A local SIM card is pretty much always cheaper and much more practical (and reliable) for long stays in any country. Unfortunately, actual cheap international sim cards don’t exist yet.

Country-hoppers , on the other hand, may want to consider buying some sort of prepaid international SIM card. Buying local SIM cards for only 1-2 weeks of use eight times in a trip is nobody’s idea of fun, especially if you care about data usage and double especially if you care about plastic ending up in the ocean.

Businessman talking on the phone with a internationally roaming

People living the digital nomad lifestyle may also benefit from a travel SIM. Though a local SIM is much more equipped for longterm stays in a country, sometimes the options or service is crap and sometimes you’ll spend long stretches in transit which is a perfect time to crunch out a few hours. Besides, there is no rule that says you can’t have two SIMs. A prepaid international sim card might be the best option here (more about that later).

Lastly, business people or people that take frequent short trips will benefit from a SIM card for international travel. I might be stereotyping here but I kinda feel that these folk are less concerned with the costs associated. Plus, most SIM cards for overseas use tend to have 1-year validity for purchased credit, so it’s totally viable to park your SIM after a trip and then pop it back in for the next one.

Beginning the list are the top international SIM cards for traveling that do everything a SIM card should do: call, texts, and mobile data . These SIMs have some pretty major coverage globally and for most travellers in the world, are more than sufficient.

Of course, there has to be a best-of-the-best in this international sim card comparison. So first up–the best travel SIM card!

#1 The Overall Best International SIM Card – OneSim

OneSim

Ok, so what makes OneSim the best travel SIM card? It’s a fine difference between the first few candidates but OneSim edges out on top for a combination of versatility, pricing, and reliability.

First up, they offer multiple different SIM cards each catering to different travelling needs INCLUDING (but not limited to) 2 awesome e-Sim options :

  • OneSimCard e-Sim World (From $9.95) – Coverage of 150 countries with free incoming calls on EU numbers.
  • OneSimCard e-Sim Asiana (From $9.95) – Specially designed for Asia and Oceania. Data packages available.

If your phone is not yet e-Sim ready, then worry not because OneSim also offer some excellent deals on plastic sims:

  • OneSimCard Universal ($29.95) – Coverage of over 200 countries but with a more limited data service (50+) countries.
  • OneSimCard Expedition ($34.95) – Offers much the same coverage as the OneSim Universal travel SIM but with way more data coverage. It’s the choice for the explorers.

OneSim

How OneSim Works

You’ll get a $10 bonus credit with any OneSIM roaming SIM card purchase, but once that’s gone, you’ll have to continue buying data plans. Rates vary wildly by both the choice of travel SIM card you are using and the country you’re in so you’ll need to check these rates to see if they suit you.

You’ll receive two numbers: a European (Estonian) number and a choice of one from the USA, UK, Australia, or Canada. Incoming calls on the primary European number is free in a large coverage of countries or starting from $0.25/min otherwise. Outgoing calls also start from $0.25/min (dependent on locations) and receiving texts are free.

Casual data rates start at rather hefty $0.20/MB . However, what makes this such a good prepaid international SIM card is that there is a lot of choices to lower your costs. You can buy data bundles ranging from one/two weeks to a month divided by zone or region. There are also discount plans and bundles available for call rates. This makes the OneSIM one of the best international SIM cards for data as well.

So, is it worth it?

Although not strictly the cheapest international SIM card on the market, the wealth of choices means that you can tailor your SIM card to your world travel needs and minimize costs. The added bonus is that OneSim has been kicking around for a while so they know the market well.

They provide a reliable service, as well as a bunch of neat extras, to keep their clients happy chappies. If you’re looking for the best sim card for international travel, OneSIM is definitely one you should consider getting.

#2 Best Global eSim Provider – Holafly

HolaFly eSIm

If you have a modern phone (iPhone 11 , Samsung Galaxy S21, etc or above) it will probably be eSim compatible. This means that you don’t actually need a plastic SIM card but can simply download an eSim via HolaFly the same way you would download an app.

When I first heard of eSim about one year ago, it was something of a niche product simply because most travellers were using phones and devices that were not eSim compatible. However that is changing fast and by 2024, an estimated 80% of travlers will use eSim. The eSim marketplace is a very exciting one and the providers are contently innovating to come up with some new, better, cheaper packages – according to our research, HolaFly are currently leading the pack.

The HolaFly App is easy to use

How HolaFly Works

Firstly, do note that at this time HolaFly don’t offer a single International Sim Card that covers the entire world. However the beauty of using HolaFly is that once the app is downloaded onto your phone, it is incredibly simple to log into it and select a package for the destination you need.

Furthermore, HolaFly do currently offer an easy-to-use and competitively priced Europe package that covers the entire continent (more or less). Hopefully they will soon offer a similar product for South America and Southeast Asia too.

Simply download the HolaFly app onto your device and then you can use it to browse and compare eSim packages from well over 100 countries. HolaFly also offer data sharing capabilities in some destinations, which is very handy for couples traveling together.

So, Is It Worth It?

The packages available via HolaFly are not the cheapest and you may end up paying a bit more than you would with a plastic sim. Unless of course you use our exclusive THEBROKEBACKPACKER coupon code and bag yourself some savings.

Overall though, in terms of sheer convenience yes HolaFly is worth it – you you can browse for and install an eSim from the comfort your device and get it ready to use before you even leave home which saves a whole lotta hassle. That said, the one I tried in India last year did not work too well.

View on HolaFly

#3 A Cheaper International SIM Card – TravelSim

TravelSim

TravelSim gets a tentative recommendation. It doesn’t quite have the lofty reputation of OneSim, but it does work out pretty well as a cheap(ish) international SIM card. Also, I like that there isn’t a whole range of SIMs to slog through and instead its just one choice, plain and simple.

How TravelSim Works

The initial fee for TravelSim’s universal SIM card is $10 ; already cheaper. You get coverage in 170+ countries with free incoming calls to more than 135 of them.

Much like OneSim, you can buy credit for a pay-as-you-go international SIM card setup, but the rates will be worse. For better rates, you’re better off purchasing one of their zonal/regional bundles .

TravelSim edges out the competition in this regard. A number of their bundles for Zone B countries (off-beat travel destinations) are cheaper than the competition. Not massively so, but enough to make some solid savings in the long run. Outside of that, their rates tend to stand pretty toe-to-toe with OneSim.

It’s a cheap international travel SIM card overall given the lower purchase price. Furthermore, for those that enjoy the adventures in lesser-explored places in the world but still need to stay connected, TravelSim may be the better choice of SIM card for overseas use. The coverage isn’t quite as wide as some other competitors, but the extra savings are nice.

Oh, and as an added bonus, they have a Vietnam-specific bundle that’s really good! I don’t know why – it’s a bit weird – but I suppose that also makes this the best international SIM card for travelling to Vietnam !

#4 Best SIM Card for Travelling Specific Regions – GoSim

GoSim

GoSim, much like OneSim, provides a selection of different international SIM cards for travel to allow you to be a bit more selective with your rates. The difference is that GoSim divides this up more zonally and they all cost the same – $13 .

GoSims travel SIM cards include:

  • International SIM Card
  • Europe SIM Card
  • USA SIM Card
  • Asia SIM Card

You can expect some added bonuses and cheaper rates on their region-specific SIMs, but let’s break down their international SIM card… because this is a ‘best international SIM cards’ guide.

How GoSim Works

With the GoSim International SIM card, you get coverage in over 210 countries (again, there are only 195 in the world, but maybe they know more than us…) with free incoming calls in more than 135. The casual rates, again, don’t differ much from OneSim. The coverage for data services is comparable to OneSim’s Expedition card.

So how do the data bundles stack up? Well, they’re more expensive across the board… damn.

GoSim doesn’t excel past the other options of sim cards on this list. In fact, insofar, it is the most expensive entry on this list, at least in regards to data bundles. If you’re looking for the best international SIM card for data, this might not be the one.

However, while their international card doesn’t really stand out as the best travel SIM card on the market, it is worth taking a look at their region-specific roaming SIMs. If you’re traveling to a specific country or area, these SIMs come with some nice extra perks.

I mean, hell, the Asia Travel SIM Card even advertises being able to bypass the Great Firewall of China. If that’s true, then this it’s definitely the best SIM card for travelling to China . Probably for citizens of China too…

#5 A Worldwide SIM Card – WorldSIM

WorldSIM

WorldSIM gets a mention on this list because it’s another puller in the market with some comparatively awesome rates. It’s also got some really weirdly expensive outlying rates. As such, we certainly don’t feel like it’s a fit for the best SIM card for international roaming.

How WorldSim Works

The WorldSIM international SIM card has no purchasing fee- woo! Now, before you get too excited, it does require a top-up of credit at purchase.

That means that you’re paying a minimum of $33.75 plus shipping . For $67.50 of credit, shipping is free.

The casual rates for outgoing calls, texts, and data usage are the cheapest I’ve found so far with data coverage extending to countries missed out on by OneSim. Except, a lot of the rates in various countries for incoming calls are shockingly high.

As for the data bundles? No idea. Their website isn’t working for that page and is just stuck in an infinitely loading loop.

Our gut says no. But, you do you. You shouldn’t base your decisions on buying an international SIM card on the gut instincts of a stranger online. All the same though, our gut says no.

Between the mildly bait-and-switch-y “$0” SIM purchasing fee, the janky and unwieldy website, and the weird incoming call rates that could potentially trap an unwitting consumer, WorldSIM in review doesn’t feel like an international SIM card worth purchasing, especially in comparison to other choices on the market.

travel sim 7 11

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

Are you turn-of-the-century generational that eschews actually phoning people online for commenting how much you miss them on their latest Insta post? What a coincidence – me too! Rather than risking being ripped off when buying a local SIM card, get your hands on an international data card instead.

These are the best international  data SIM cards for those of us that scoot by without the extras.

#1 Best Data SIM Card for International Travel – KeepGo

KeepGo

KeepGo offers a prepaid international data SIM card that, while not the cheapest, comes out on top in terms of reliability. To reiterate, this is a data-only travel SIM card but in the world of WhatsApp, Messenger, and a million-billion other services, an international data plan is more than sufficient to keep you covered in your travels.

Coverage is decent for the KeepGo World SIM. More than a hundred countries ( here’s the list of coverage ) with locations throughout Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, and others. However, coverage for less-frequented locations (Africa is largely absent) is weak so this may not be the best SIM for international travel for those who prefer their destinations rugged and untamed.

KeepGo advertises unthrottled 4G connections but this is only applicable in countries where 4G is available.

How it Works

The KeepGo worldwide SIM card costs $49 to purchase and comes with 2 GB of data loaded . The data has a “lifetime validity” provided that you top up at least once a year. That’s still pretty good all things considered.

Data can be topped up with a number of plans ranging from 100 MB up to a slammin’ 25 GB ! The prices of data top-ups are:

  • 100 MB – $3
  • 1 GB – $24
  • 3 GB – $58
  • 5 GB – $79
  • 10 GB – $155
  • 25 GB – $250

While this isn’t the cheapest international data SIM card, it is the best for the purpose of getting connected on the road. Reliability and speed is strong in a large array of destinations and, depending on your usage, that 10 GB data pack could keep you set for awhile if you have access to wifi. We’d consider this one of the best pre paid international sim cards on the market.

#2 A Simple Data SIM Card for Worldwide Travel – Surfroam

Surfroam

Yay! No prepaid data packages, no contractual mumbo-jumbo, no running out of data right when you settle in for a long Netflix and poop session: Surfroam keeps it Pura Vida!

It’s data-only with coverage of 200+ countries – even Afghanistan and Yemen are covered! So, what’s the go?

Essentially, you pay €45 for the physical SIM card (which includes €25 credit) and then top-up as you go with pack options starting at €25 . You’re charged a pay-as-you-go rate per megabyte starting as low as €0.01/MB . So that’s way cheaper than the KeepGo data roaming sim card, right? Not quite…

Rates vary substantially by country so while this going to be a cheaper option across, say, Europe, it may not necessarily pan out that way in other places. That said, prices are still pretty cheap for most places and tend to beat out KeepGo.

As a final note, there is an eSIM (€30) available with the same data rates.

Ok, so ‘simple’ might be stretching it upon reflection, however, once you’re away, its streams ablaze! If you’re jet-setting and changing countries a lot, you will need to stay keyed in as to the rates .

Otherwise, the coverage significantly beats out KeepGo, and in many cases, Surfroam will end up being the cheapest international data SIM card you can purchase. It’s the simplest choice for staying connected pretty much anywhere in the world.

#3 The Cheap but Restrictive International Data SIM Card  – GigSky

GigSky

To be perfectly honest, trying to decode the GigSky international SIM card data plans does our head in which doesn’t bode well for its recommendation. It does, however, seemingly come out cheaper than KeepGo in a number of circumstances.

Based on their site, the GigSky data SIM card for world travel works for unlocked phones and devices that have eSIM support. This includes:

  • The iPhone XS and above
  • Apple iPad Cellular
  • Google Pixel 3 and above

There is also support for a number of further devices including those running Android 10.

To utilise GigSky’s service, you’ll need to buy the international SIM card for $9.99 . After the SIM is installed in your phone, you’ll need to download the GigSky app to set the SIM up for use.

Plans are purchased separately and divided amongst country-specific, region-specific (eg. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific), and global plans allowing you to tailor your international SIM card plan to your travels.

Prices vary by locale but noticeably come out cheaper than KeepGo throughout most scenarios.

Notably, a lot of regional data plans can net you 5 GB for 30 days for just $50 while global plans will give you 3 GB of data for 30 days for $60 .

If you meet the device requirements, this a comparatively cheap SIM card for data. However, coverage of countries is nowhere near that of Surfroam, it only offers data packages (no local calls), and the restrictions may not work for everyone and all device types.

Overall, it doesn’t get a strong recommendation considering the difficulty I had deciphering their site and exact terms, but it is worth scoping out for anyone looking for a cheaper option for an international data roaming SIM.

#4 The Best International SIM Card for Europe – Orange Holiday Europe

Orange Holiday Zen/Europe

Are you just doing a little banger holiday in Europe and need a physical SIM card for your travels? Orange has got you covered. Specifically:

  • Orange Holiday Europe SIM Card
  • Orange Holiday Zen SIM Card

The Orange Holiday Zen is for light usage or a short trip. It’s a straight prepaid SIM card for travellers in Europe and it couldn’t be simpler.

For $27.29 , you get 8 GB of data, 30 minutes of calls worldwide, 200 texts, all lasting for 14 days before it expires. The Holiday Zen covers 30 countries in Europe including all the heavy-hitters, but it certainly doesn’t cover all of Europe (my boy Serbia – forever underrepresented). Still, this makes it one of the best European SIM Cards for travellers.

The Orange Holiday Europe takes all of that and just upgrades it: 20 GB in data, 120 minutes, and 1000 texts for $44 . The same coverage of countries applies and it’s a 14-day expiry again.

Orange also partners with a bunch of networks around the world- even offering an Israeli sim card called partner. If you take a look around their website, you can find more far-flung networks than you expected!

Both cards are able to be topped up online for more credit.

Yeah, so I wouldn’t call ‘30 countries in Europe’ an internationally roaming SIM card, but it is a super simple choice for anyone just travelling to Europe for a holiday. It’ll keep you safe in an emergency thanks to that fact that it’s not a data only service. PLus: you’ll have a SIM ready from the moment you land!

Orange is a pretty major provider in France so you’ll have a consistent connection. There’s no constant checking of rates calculators either. It’s just a perfectly simple prepaid SIM card for any travellers heading to Europe.

Y’all want more? Another option to look at is getting an Airalo eSim instead.

audy on top of a mountain in japan with the osprey aether

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Woo – a table for a final sexy summary!

Some commonly asked questions about the world’s best travel SIM cards…

How do I activate my international SIM card?

Each international SIM comes with detailed instructions on how to set up and load your SIM. It’s always a good idea to get things set up before you leave home to avoid any mishaps.

What does international SIM mean?

An international SIM is a type of SIM card that will allow you to use your phone internationally by connecting to global carriers. Some of these SIMs will allow you to make calls as you normally would, while others only offer data plans.

What is the best SIM card for international travel?

Some of the best SIMs for international travel include OneSim , Nomad , KeepGo , and TravelSim .

Do international SIM cards expire?

Most of the SIMs on this list require you to recharge at least once a year, but in doing so all your data will remain usable.

will hatton working with a business partner

That depends on how you travel. If you’re adept at buying prepaid SIM cards locally when you hit the ground, then I wouldn’t worry.

However, for the people that an international SIM card suits the travelling style and needs of, then yes, definitely. I think if you’re that person, then you probably already know that you’re that person.

People looking for the all-round ol’ reliable, OneSim is the go-to choice of travel SIM cards. For those who want the best data SIM card they can use overseas, that choice is KeepGo .

Skip the lines and skip the painful errand days in a foreign city. Buy one of the best international SIM cards you can and have yourself connected before you even touchdown on the landing.

Want another kind of sim card? Check out the revolutionary new Nomad e-sim , an app-based sim card covering over 100 countries that can be organised before you leave home! If that’s not enough, there’s another new service from HolaFly which offers similar coverage and deals so check them both out and see which fits your needs best.

Maxwell Smart calls Agent 99 with a roaming SIM card installed in his shoe

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

Ziggy Samuels

International Sim Cards Pinterest Image

Share or save this post

travel sim 7 11

I think eSIMS are the future gamechanger here. You can download a digital SIM to your phone which has eSIM support.

I use a second phone to provide data to my main phone via bluetooth internet sharing. Wifi sharing can be used as well but bluetooth uses less power. On my main phone I leave the mobile data turned off and use the paired second phone for data. This allows me to use my main phone for Whatsapp, iMessage, email, etc.

10/10 review – exactly the type of info I was after. Plus, I liked your no BS style of writing. Thanks.

Thanks! Very useful! My main concern is regarding how long do the sim cards remain active if you are not buying credit regularly. I usually travel at least once or twice to congresses per year, but I wonder if some of these cards would stop working after a long time inactive. Is that information available for the cards discussed here? Cheers!

Heya, absolutely you can find that info! It’ll be in the terms and conditions/fine print for individual cards/plans. I’d like to say most last at least a year (which always seemed standard for SIM cards in general), but defs check that before you go buying any SIMs. Good question though!

You guys should definitely include DENT, a block chain based international E-Sim card, that offers flexibel data exchange. You can sell your unused data and always find the cheapest offer worldwide and cross boarder operational. Can’t be missed from this list!

Dude – hectic! I’m defs not about to go and update this article, but I looked and DENT seems pretty legit and totally worth the investigation. Anyone reading these comments, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not scoping them out at least! 😀

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Best eSIMs for travel of 2024

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage

Best eSIM overall

  • Best for customizable plans
  • Best for easy installation
  • Best value for money
  • Best for security
  • Best for network coverage
  • Best for unlimited data
  • Best for global plans
  • Best for Europe
  • Best for data-only plans
  • eSIMs for international travel FAQs

sim cards

1. Best eSIM overall 2. Best eSIM for customizable plans 3. Best eSIM for easy installation 4. Best eSIM for value for money 5. Best eSIM for security   6. Best eSIM for network coverage  7. Best eSIM for unlimited data 8. Best eSIM for global plans 9. Best eSIM for Europe   10. Best eSIM for data-only plans 11. eSIMs for international travel FAQs

eSIMs have gained a lot of traction in recent years, especially in international travel. Admit it, you do not like getting into huge queues to buy an eSIM just after you’ve landed at your dream location. You can now skip the queue with the best eSIM for international travel, with plans ranging from 3 days to as long as a year.

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage. However, with so many providers offering eSIMs, which one should you purchase? I have done the hard yards to find and review the best eSIM you can get for international travel, regardless of whether you want to travel to Europe, the USA, Asia, Africa or Australia. So, make sure you read till the end to know everything you could ever need before purchasing your next eSIM.

What is an eSIM?  

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

eSIM cards are digital SIM cards already embedded in the mobile device, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. It is a small rewritable chip fixed inside your phone, which connects with an antenna to function as a SIM card. The antenna is nothing but a network selected by you. 

Since it is rewritable, you can change your operator with just a simple phone call. There’s no need to go through the hassle of purchasing a new SIM card and waiting for it to arrive in the mail. 

Actually, eSIMs have been around for quite some time now. You can find many devices that are compatible with eSIMs. But when iPhone decided to remove the good old SIM card slot and shift the device to being completely eSIM featured, this feature got its attention. The main reason eSIMs are being preferred is because of their ease of use and convenience. 

Another advantage of eSIM is that it saves space accommodated by the SIM card holder, leading to either smaller phones or larger batteries, both of which are interesting propositions. Not to mention, the enormous amount of plastic being used to make all these SIM cards will no longer be required. 

eSIMs could be pretty revolutionary as they can be used to enable 5G connectivity in almost anything we would want it to, preferably glasses or a fitness tracker, as it doesn’t take up as much space inside the device.  

While there’s no major difference between using an eSIM card and a physical SIM card, eSIMs could be a slight turnoff when you want to switch phones. That said, the benefits of eSIM certainly outweigh a few cons here and there.

Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?  

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s dive into why it’s so beneficial for international travel. The best thing about them is that you can store as many as eight (sometimes even more) on your phone and activate the SIM when needed without having to pay additional roaming charges. 

Of course, if your current network operator provides free roaming service, there's no need to consider a travel-specific or local SIM from the place you're traveling to. But if that's not the case, it can be quite a task to find the right operator and negotiate with language barriers.

eSIMs are also generally more secure than physical SIMs since there’s no need to remove them in case you want to change your SIM card, so they practically can’t get lost. And if your phone gets lost or stolen, tracking it through the eSIM card is much easier since it cannot be removed from the device. 

Note that international roaming works the same way on physical and eSIMS. The only difference that sets the two apart is that while you can add only two physical SIMs at a time, you can conveniently purchase an eSIM from a local carrier of the place you are visiting without losing your old numbers. This is especially handy when you are visiting multiple countries. 

With eSIMs, switching SIMs is as easy as purchasing a plan online and activating it after completing the payment. If you travel frequently for business or any other purpose, switching contact numbers could be quite a frequent task. With eSIMs, you can shuffle between SIM cards as soon as you enter the airport or right when you leave the country.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?  

Most phones manufactured after 2018 are compatible with eSIMs, except for a few exceptions depending on the location and carrier. IPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are among the first eSIM-compatible iPhones that came out in 2018. 

Follow these steps to see if your iOS is eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked:

  • Go to Settings > General > About
  • Scroll down to find the Carrier Lock section
  • If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions" If that's not the case, you need to unlock your device first. 
  • If you have an iOS 15 or later, Scroll down to "Available SIM" and if you have earlier iOS versions, find "Digital SIM"
  • If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number 

The following are the latest models that support eSIM: 

  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE 3 (2022)
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max

You can also use eSIMs on the following iPads: 

  • iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068 onwards)
  • iPad Air (model A2123 onwards)
  • iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069 onwards)
  • iPad (model A2198 onwards)
  • IPad 10th generación (2022)
  • iPad Mini (model A2124 onwards)

For Android numbers, it is best to check with the manufacturer if your device is compatible with eSIM. This, too, depends on the model, place of manufacturing, and the carrier used for the Android device.  

Another way to check is by going to the settings > Network & Internet and tapping on the "eSIM cards". If you find a "Download a SIM instead?" option, your device is eSIM-compatible 

You can also check if your phone has an EID (Embedded Identity Document Number), which is the serial number that matches with the eSIM embedded in your device. 

  • Dial *#06# and press call
  • If your device is eSIM-compatible, you'll be able to view your EID number

Some popular Android phones that support eSIMs include: 

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 models
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 models
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20
  • Samsung Galaxy Fold Series
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Series
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 models
  • Google Pixel 7
  • Google Pixel 6
  • Google Pixel 4
  • Google Pixel Fold
  • Google Pixel 3 XL
  • Huawei P40 Series
  • Oppo Reno 5A
  • Oppo Find X5
  • Sony Xperia 1 V
  • Xiaomi 13 Series
  • Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
  • Motorola Edge+
  • Motorola Razr 2019

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list — it’s only an indicative list of popular smartphones that support eSIMs. In case you do not find your phone year, check with your manufacturer. 

Reader Offer: 5% off for Techradar readers

<a href="https://alosim.com/how-to-install-esim/?uid=553&oid=9&affid=122" data-link-merchant="alosim.com"" target="_blank"> Reader Offer: 5% off for Techradar readers Techradar editors love AloSIM's prepaid data SIM for its transparency, auto-installation feature, and affordable price. <a href="https://alosim.com/how-to-install-esim/?uid=553&oid=9&affid=122" data-link-merchant="alosim.com"" data-link-merchant="alosim.com"" target="_blank">Techradar readers can save 5% off with code TECHRADAR5. 

Preferred partner ( <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/content-funding-on-techradar" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="alosim.com"" data-link-merchant="alosim.com"" target="_self"> What does this mean? ) 

Top 10 eSIM providers for international travel 

Airhub

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Airhub is a huge online store from which you can buy eSIMs in over 190+ countries worldwide. It has a massive variety of eSIM plans that include data, local call minutes, SMS, and international call minutes. 

While most eSIM providers usually have around 3-5 plans per country, Airhub provides up to 15 plans to choose from for a single country which gives you the flexibility to select the plan that resonates best with your needs. Also, Airhub has truly managed to make some of the best partnerships with local companies to offer the cost-effective deal that it does. 

If you're going to hang in a country for multiple months, you can simply go for the monthly subscriptions. Some of these plans also include unlimited voice minutes and SMS - you truly get the best deal here. 

The majority of plans that you will find on the website are prepaid, with a few postpaid plans and a postpaid monthly subscription in a few countries, the most important one being the United States. However, it doesn't have strong coverage in Latin America. For example, I found them offering only a single plan in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Moreover, there are no plans for countries like Cuba, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador. 

The regional plans offer an attractive price proposition as well, with options available in APAC, Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Europe. We highly recommend the Europe plan if you're about to go on a Europe tour. Airhub covers up to 49 countries in the plans, with the plans starting at just $11 for a month with a 3GB data limit. We could also spot a few 1-year plans in Europe ranging from 10GB to 100GB for the year.  

When you open the Airhub app, there's not a lot going on like most other eSIM apps — the interface is clean and intuitive. After logging in, you will find a page that lets you select the country, with three tabs differentiating local eSIMs, regional eSIMs, and Monthly plans (note that the global package is included in the regional eSIM category). 

Concluding, Airhub stands out with its great plans, minimalist apps, and websites and ticks all the boxes of travelers and remote workers looking for an affordable and effective eSIM. 

Best eSIM for customizable plans

Airalo

Airalo is easily one of the best eSIM providers for travelers looking for an affordable and reliable SIM card, which plans in more than 200 countries. The stand-out thing about Airalo is its great collaborations with local telco companies all over the world which makes it the cost leader that it is today. 

Keep in mind that this also means the cost of Airalo depends on the place you're traveling to, and the cost of data there — validity and data limit being the other two factors that affect its price.

It also offers 7 regional plans, including Latin America and Caribbean Islands — regions that aren’t well catered by other eSIM providers.

It also has a specific global plan that provides access to around 84 countries worldwide — perfect for international travelers. You can choose between 1GB to 20GB of data spread across 7 days to 180 days validity. 

To buy the eSIM, you simply have to go to the app, create an account, choose the place you are traveling to, the package of your choice, and then install the eSIM. After that, you’ll need to follow a simple eSIM activation procedure, and that’s it. The payment can be made through a credit card or Apple Pay. 

One major thing to look out for getting an Airalo eSIM is that most of them don't offer voice minutes — there's only a data plan. So if you're someone who makes a lot of voice calls throughout the day, you might want to look out for an alternative here. That said, you can always communicate via Internet calls when needed. 

Airalo has a loyalty feature where you get credit every time you purchase data from the service provider. Initially, you get a 5% Airalo credit for every purchase, which keeps increasing as you collect more and more credit. So, initially, if you spend $20 on a package, you get a $1 credit that you can use for future purchases. 

Best eSIM for easy installation

AloSIM

AloSIM is a Canada-based tech company that offers great prepaid data SIMs at affordable prices. One innovative feature of the app is its AloSIM data calculator that helps you find the estimated data that you will require depending on the things you use your internet for on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Once you have decided on the amount of data you need, you can head over to the eSIM area and select a plan to your liking.

The reason why this is so great is because it bears testimony to the brand's transparency and genuineness. Being able to calculate your daily requirements won't let you overspend on something you don't need. 

Another thing I love about AloSIM is that you get to see which partnering networks you're gonna be connected with before you purchase any package so that you can assure that you are connected to a reliable network. You can also check the speed availability in the region (3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE). This is something most eSIM providers do not offer.

Installing the eSIM is also easy with AloSIM. There are three ways in which you can do that:

1. Automatic installation — if you want to start using your plan straight away, you should go with this option. 

2. Scanning QR code — this option is available in almost all eSIM providers — you just have to scan the QR code to activate your network. 

3. Manual installation — You will have to go through a step-by-step instruction manual to adjust your settings and activate your eSIM. 

The prices at AloSIM are among the most reasonable I’ve seen. You can get the 5 GB for 30 days plan for as low as $16 in the US. That's a lot of difference compared to the plan your home SIM can provide you. Plus, data sharing is supported, so you can use your personal hotspot to connect to other devices or let a friend free ride with you. AloSIM also offers as many as 11 regional plans — one of the highest on our list. 

However, I couldn’t spot a regional plan for Africa or an extensive Asian plan. The Asian regional plan covers just five countries in Southeast Asia. Thus, it isn’t a great option if you’re traveling East.

Just like every data-only eSIM, you will not get a phone number with AloSIM. Also, there's no unlimited plan for you to rely on if you're a data junkie. Overall, AloSIM stands out with its transparency, auto-installation feature, and affordable price. 

Best eSIM for value for money

Nomad

Nomad eSIM is a great option if you’re on short trips and need a travel eSIM that doesn't cost you a fortune. It is well-known for its short-duration plans of 7 and 15 days. Its offerings are divided into regional plans and individual country plans. 

You can also purchase an unlimited data plan in selected individual countries, such as the UK, something that isn’t available with regional plans. With Nomad, you can purchase one GB of data for as low as $1.30 (in Asia and the Americas).

It has an incredible value proposition in North America, Asia, and Europe. However, when it comes to Latin America, you can definitely find cheaper options. For example, 1GB of data with a 7-day validity costs $9 on Nomad. However, the same plan is available at $6.5 on Airalo, with both of them covering the same three counties —Canada, USA, and Mexico,

What we love about this provider is that it doesn't charge you any one-time connection fee or even a fee for the SIM card itself. There's no hidden cost, and you don't have to worry about enormous roaming costs as well. Just pay for the upfront amount of the package, and you’re good to go.

There are eight regional plans - APAC, Nordic, Europe, SEA - Oceania, Global, North America, Africa, and Middle East. Regional plans allow you to buy the plan once and use it in a specific group of countries - no need to buy a new eSIM for every country you travel to. For example, if you’re visiting France, Germany, and Italy, simply get the Europe regional plan. You’ll not need to buy a separate eSIM in each country.

The global plan is decent, with an option to purchase a global e-Sim for either 110 countries or 140 countries. The 110-country plan starts at $25/GB (validity of 7 days), while the 140-country plan starts at $19/GB for the same validity period.

Recently, Nomad added an SMS plan available in selected countries like Canada, the United States, and the UK. I found the plan to be pretty reasonable, too, starting at 100 texts for $4. 

What's more, Nomad has one of the most user-friendly apps. You can easily find all the plans, and the interface is very clean. You can also track your data usage on the go and add more data if you seem to be outrunning your current limit. 

If you're not an expert at understanding chunky instructions, you'll love its setup process that takes you through the app step by step and even includes pictures to clearly illustrate what you need to do. 

If there's still something you need help understanding, there's built-in 24/7 message support, and the response time is quick and reliable. It doesn't have a live chat feature like most of the peers.

Concluding, Nomad is a solid option for frequent travelers with its short-term packages at affordable prices and easy-to-set-up interface. With the commendable user-friendliness of this provider’s app and reliable customer support, it’s one of the best travel eSIMs. 

Best eSIM for security

Instabridge

5. Instabridge

Instabridge has been around for a while, and its eSIM services are truly one to consider if you are looking for a safe and seamless internet connection. This is especially recommended if you're going to stay in one place for a long time — you can find plans that last up to a year.

It is the #1 app on iPhone for global internet access, and with access to more than 190 countries and over 200 million app downloads, you can guess that it's a hot pick among travelers.  However, you do not get any call minutes or SMS facility with Instabridge’s eSIM. Thus, you’ve to rely on Internet-based voice calls and texts — certainly not a deal-breaker.

If you are tight on budget but want to purchase a plan, you can score mobile data packages by watching ads on the app. The collection won't be too grand, of course, but it'll get you a decent data pack if you spend your free time on the app. 

The app in itself is pretty modern and intuitive. You can simply select the country you’re traveling to and choose the amount of data you need. Next, select the duration — one-time, monthly, or yearly. You’re done — simply make the payment and enjoy your internet.

Note that the website on the desktop version doesn't show all the local plans, so it's important to check the plans on the app if you don't find a suitable plan for you. You can pick between subscriptions and one-off plans depending on your needs. The website typically doesn’t show data plans for more than 30 days.

Customer support isn't always the fastest — it can take a few hours to get a reply if you're stuck in the middle of something. But you can look out for the FAQs and manuals to help you out, and the app is easy to use, too. So there are chances that you might not even need customer support.  

You can purchase multiple plans with the same eSIM, so there's no need to collect a hefty number of eSIMs if you're traveling to multiple places. For example, if you're going to visit USA, Germany, and France over the holidays, you can just purchase a plan for each of these places and track the data usage of each of these packages through the app. 

Instabridge has a strong commitment to bringing the internet to everyone. For the same, it has decided to give away 1GB of data to someone in a developing nation for every 1 GB of data you purchase.

Concluding, Instabridge is a solid provider of data-only plans, a must-have for users who value security over anything.

Best eSIM for network coverage

BNESIM

BNESIM offers mobile data contracts in over 170 countries —greater than most providers in our list, like Nomad. You can rest assured that no matter which country you are traveling to, you will definitely find a plan or more with BNESIM. 

Where this provider wins against the competition is its “pay-as-you-go” plans. These are plans with no expiration date. For example, if you purchase the 1GB USA data plan for $6.73, you can use the plan as long as you do not exhaust the entire data without any time restriction. This is particularly helpful for users that use minimal data and end up wasting their data by the end of the plan. 

What I like about BNESIM is its diverse regional plans. It currently offers Regional plans in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa. Apart from this, there are two unlimited data regional plans - something other providers don’t offer. 

1. BNESIM Infinity Europe

2. BNESIM Infinity Asia

For example, the Infinity Aisa plan covers 28 countries with options to purchase one-time, daily, and monthly plans. I found the “Daily Plan’ really useful in the modern data usage context. It offers a certain data limit for each day of the plan. For example, the 1GB daily data Asia plan costs just $8.85 — a steal, in my opinion.

I also found an extensive “Support” section on its website with guides on installing eSIMs on various devices, such as iPhone, iPad, and Android phones. Each of these guides includes pictures that make your job easier. Just like Airalo, BNESIM also partners with local networks to provide reliable bandwidth, which makes the network stronger in some areas.

However, if you’re looking for a longer-duration plan, BNESIM doesn’t get the job done. With a maximum validity of 30 days, their plans primarily focus on short-duration plans. Another weird thing about BNESIM is its “auto-renewal” feature — your plan will be auto-renewed at the end of the term. You’ll have to cancel the plan manually on its website or app.

All in all, BNESIM is an ideal choice for travelers looking for a flexible and cost-effective global roaming solution for frequent travel. 

Best eSIM for unlimited data

Holafly

Holafly eSIM cards are among the few options offering unlimited data plans — you can send as many videos and photos with your family without worrying about the data limit. In the few countries that it doesn't give unlimited data, it offers higher data limits than most other providers. 

In terms of duration, too, there's great flexibility. You can get plans that last 5, 10, 15, 20, 60, and 90 days. In short, there will always be a plan close to the number of days you're traveling for in about 160 countries that Holafly caters to.

On the price front, Holafly is a little high-end, but it's worth the unlimited data and stress-free traveling it offers. For example, its 5-day unlimited data plan for the USA costs $19. It also offers regional plans. However, I found it tough to locate these plans on its website, as there’s no dedicated “Regional Plans” section as in some other websites like Nomad and Airhub.

Brands like Airalo are significantly cheaper than Holafly, but you will have to get top-up plans if you exhaust your data mid-journey, which can be troublesome if you travel alone and don't have anyone to provide you hotspot in the meanwhile. 

Installing the eSIM is also a breeze with Holafly. Simply scan the QR code you receive after purchasing a plan and follow the prompts. You will be guided through each step of the process, and the payment can be made through various portals like a credit card, debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. You can also use a code for manual installation if you don't want to scan the QR code. 

Holafly‘s customer support is one of the best in the market. You can expect a reply from them within less than a minute of entering your query. With language support in English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, you can easily access the 24/7 support via WhatsApp or chat. On top of that, there's a frequently asked questions section that will solve most of your queries regarding the installation of the eSIM. 

However, if you plan to buy a single Holafly eSIM for your family, thinking that the unlimited data plan will do the trick, beware. Holafly eSIM doesn't allow data sharing with other devices as of now. 

While Holafly has great data plans, it doesn't include calls with all plans or SMS service. Currently, you can make calls up to 60 minutes and receive calls for up to 60 minutes in Europe, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. However, I didn’t find this off-putting due to the sheer non-functionality of SMS and calls these days. You can always make calls or send texts through Holafly’s unlimited Internet (WhatsApp, Skype, or other apps).   Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.

Best eSIM for global plans

GlobaleSIM

8. GlobaleSIM

GlobaleSIM provides global and local data plans for travelers and tourists in more than 150 countries, and you get extendable coverage with over 400 network carriers. It was among the first providers of eSIM when it first launched in 2016.

There are four broad plans that GlobaleSIM offers:

1. Most Popular Plan - available in 63 countries

2. Most Popular+ Plan - available in 93 countries

3. Special Plan - available in 115 countries

4. Special + Plan - available in 143 countries

For example, its “Most Popular Plan” starts at $3.00 for 500MB of data for 5 days. You also get the option of adding call minutes to your plan and selecting either a US, a UK, or a Canadian number. As there are several countries being covered under a single plan, you obviously cannot expect to get a local number to the place you're visiting, and since there's no roaming charge, a US, UK, or Canadian number isn't that bad, too, after all.

Many eSIM providers ask you to create an account before purchasing, but this one doesn't. You just have to fill out the required information, like your name, surname, and email address, and you're done. You can complete your payment via either PayPal or a credit card.  

However, I couldn’t find many single-country plans on GlobaleSIM. Even for a popular destination like the US, you’ll have to get a bundled plan which includes both the US and Canada. Moreover, despite being in the market for so long, it's a little disappointing that the provider doesn't have an application of its own, so you'll have to purchase the eSIM directly from the website. 

Unlike most other providers in the market, GlobaleSIM doesn't have chat support, the only way that you can connect to them is through emails, and the response time isn't as fast as chat support either. 

At first, you won't even find customer service or a way to get in touch with them on the front page of the website or while skimming through plans. You will have to go all the way down the page to find it. Simply put, the customer support is disappointing. 

All in all, GlobaleSIM is a great eSIM to consider if you're looking for a global plan that's easy to set up and purchase.  

Best eSIM for Europe

Holiday eSIM

9. Holiday eSIM

Holiday eSIM is the best-prepaid service provider if you're traveling to Europe, with robust connections in every European country for high-speed data.  

What I like the most about this provider is that, unlike others, you get a French number with the eSIM. Its most popular plan includes unlimited calls and texts in Europe, 120 minutes of worldwide calling, and 1,000 texts. That's more than enough proposition for whatever your needs are. But of course, if all you are looking for is a data eSIM, you can also purchase the data-only packages it offers. 

The Orange holiday app is user-friendly and doesn't require any registration prior to installing the eSIM. All you have to do is install the eSIM, and the provider will automatically connect to the strongest local European mobile network provider in that area.  

Costing around $44.10 for 10GB of data with a validity of 14 days, you might argue that this isn't a cheap option. However, if you're looking to have amazing internet no matter which European street you are wandering on, this is worth the penny it costs.

Besides the European plan, there's also a competent data-only global plan with 6GB of data with a 15-day validity. What’s more — you can share your data as a hotspot, so if you want to work on your laptop while away, it won't be a problem. 

However, it doesn’t offer a lot of plan options. Thus, you do not have much flexibility, either in terms of the validity period or data limits. Moreover, I did not like the website interface as much as some other providers on our list. Finding your destination country is difficult — you’ll have to choose from a long list of options. Even when you do, you’ll find “Regional” and “Global” plans in every country. This essentially means that Holiday eSIM does not offer as many individual country plans. 

In conclusion, if you value your network connection more than your product's budget-friendliness, you should consider this for your European trip. While we're not trying to take away that this provider's plans will cost you more than the local plan you can buy from a local provider, there are also a few cheaper options that might work for you if your internet usage isn't a lot. 

Best eSIM for data-only plans

Flexiroam

10. Flexiroam

eSIMs are an important part of Flexiroam's wide line of products, and it's one of the best data-only eSIM lines out there. You get access to more than 500 mobile networks worldwide through its partnership with Jersey Telecom, with multiple networks in a single place, meaning you are never limited to just one network with this one. 

When traveling, the eSIM automatically connects itself to the strongest network connection in that area for reliable and strong coverage no matter where you go.  If you still don't feel content with the connected network, you can manually switch to the provider of your choice and use it if you find that more comfortable. 

Most providers like Airalo and BNESIM work with one single provider in one area, and it’s possible that the local provider might not be the best for the area you're visiting. This is never the issue with Flexiroam.

There are more than 700 eSIM plans to choose from. However, these plans aren’t as neatly categorized as some other providers. You’ll have to select from a long drop-down list when looking for individual country plans. Its regional plans are a mixed bag of chocolates. While there are two unique regional plans - Greater Europe and Greater China, I couldn’t find a regional plan for Asia that is offered by almost every other competitor. If you’re on an Asian trip, you’ll want to look at some other eSIMs on our list.

Having said that, Flexiroam is among the few providers that include plans for less than 7 days, and unlike Holafly, it allows data sharing through both tethering and Hotspot. So if you're traveling in a group, you can just buy a single pack and share it with your entire group.

Being a data-only eSIM, you don't get a phone number to call in case there's a network coverage issue and your internet stops working. This can usually be a problem if you're traveling to remote places.

Concluding, Flexiroam is definitely worth your bucks if you are looking for a data-only eSIM for its affordability and wider network coverage.  

Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs

How to choose the best esim for international travel .

While all the providers have something or the other to offer,  it's important to know the factors that make an eSIM the best among them. 

1. The place that you are traveling to 

It's important to check the network coverage of an eSIM in the place you're visiting. eSIM providers often offer amazing coverage in particular countries but mediocre performance in others. This is because eSIMs collaborate or partner with local service providers in different countries to enhance network coverage. So make sure that you check the service of the local provider that's accessible to you and select the eSIM provider that has coverage to the place you're traveling to. 

Depending on the number of places you are going to visit, you can select local, regional, and global eSIMs. Here's how they differ:

  • Local eSIM — you should go for this eSIM if you're traveling to just one country. For example, if you're traveling to Paris, you can get a local France eSIM. 
  • Regional eSIM — This is a perfect option if you're going to travel to a couple of countries within the same region. Let’s say you're planning a Europe trip; in that case, instead of buying a local SIM for each country, it’s a lot more convenient to get a regional eSIM that will work on all the countries in Europe you're visiting. 
  • Global eSIM — global eSIM allows you to connect several countries all over the world, which is perfect if you're going to travel worldwide or counties that are in different regions.  

2. How much data will you need?

If your data requirements are ambitious, you should preferably look for a cheap eSIM or one that provides unlimited data. On the other hand, if your data needs aren't too demanding, but you need internet in remote places, you might have to shell out a bit more for quality internet. To get an idea of how much data different apps use up, have a look at this: 

  • Google Maps: 5MB per hour
  • Social Media: 50MB per hour
  • Internet Browsing: 50MB per hour
  • Online Gaming: 70+MB per hour
  • Streaming Music: 100MB per hour
  • SD Video: 1GB per hour
  • HD Video: 4GB per hour
  • 4K Video: 7GB per hour

3. How long will you be abroad?

All eSIM providers have different validity options — you can choose between 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90 days plans, and so on. Find a plan with a validity period that outlines how long you're going to be using the eSIM. 

Some eSIM providers provide plans shorter than 7 days; look out for them if you're going to be away for the weekend. On the other hand, if your data usage is moderate, but you are traveling for longer periods, an unlimited plan might be the best for you. 

How do eSIM work?  

An eSIM card or embedded SIM card is a chip in your phone that lets you connect to a network by simply downloading an eSIM profile and activating it without having to swap the SIM card physically. 

eSIMs function similarly to physical cards — the only difference is that the card, instead of being inserted into the devices, can now be downloaded through an app and activated by scanning a QR code or following the steps provided in the manual. 

It is very easy to install an eSIM into the devices that are compatible with it. You can use multiple operators simultaneously and add several data plans according to your needs, as there's no physical space required to limit the number. 

You just have to change the profile to switch between one eSIM to another. This way, you can find the network in another eSIM if one SIM doesn't have a network. You can even have one SIM each for business and personal purposes.  

Since eSIMs can be updated electronically, providers in the US and UK are using eSIMs for the Internet of Things, adding a mobile network to almost anything that could use one, like cars and traffic lights.

While all the latest Apple devices are eSIM-compatible, most Android devices are also catching up. For example, the new Motorola Razr doesn't have a physical SIM card slot and only supports eSIM. Google Pixel phones and other Android devices, including laptops and tablets, have started providing eSIMs too. 

If you have already set up eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps to activate your SIM:

  • On turning on your phone, you will find a notification appearing that says "Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed", tap on it.
  • If it doesn't pop up right away, In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.
  • You will find a "Continue" at the bottom of the screen. After that, the plan must have been activated. 
  • Make a call on your iPhone to check its cellular connectivity. 
  • If you're unable to make the call, contact your carrier. If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, your eSIM has been activated. Now remove your physical SIM. Then restart your iPhone.

After this, your eSIM will actively run on your phone, and you can use it along with your physical SIM cards too. This will especially be appreciated by those who don't like to give away their phone numbers when traveling abroad. 

Can I use more than one eSIM provider when traveling abroad? 

Yes, you can use more than one eSIM, depending on whether you use Android or iOS. When traveling, you’d want to use at least two SIMs simultaneously so that you don't lose touch with the older SIM contact when using the new local SIM. 

iPhones can store up to 5-10 eSIMs on the device, depending on the exact model. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Mini allow you to use two eSIMs simultaneously. On the flip side, you can use only one eSIM with iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

Similarly, Androids can also store 5-7 eSIMs on the device. However, you can only activate and use one eSIM at a time. 

This makes your work a lot easier. Suppose you’re traveling to Asia and Europe within a short span of time; you can purchase two eSIMs on your device. Simply activate the eSIM once you transition from one destination to another. This is more convenient compared to traditional SIMs, where you would have had to physically purchase a SIM at every destination you visit.

Traditional phones generally feature a maximum of 2 SIM cards in devices with dual SIM slots. In devices like iPhones that usually don't have a dual SIM feature, you will have to get a student device if you wish to use more than one SIM at once. 

How to set up and activate an eSIM on iOS

Devices like iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later support eSIM. And recently, it completely ditched the physical SIM card slot in all the US models of iPhone 14. While other countries still have the SIM card slot, Apple has made it clear that it will soon completely get rid of the physical SIM card.  

Note that Apple’s eSIM feature is not yet available in mainland China and a few parts of Hong Kong and Macao. These countries are still fully dependent on physical SIMs.  

Setting up and activating an eSIM is super easy if you follow the instructions below:

  • On your iOS device, follow Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If this doesn't work, try Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
  • Click on the “Transfer from Nearby iPhone” option. At this point, remember that both iPhones have to be on iOS 16 for this to work.
  • You will find instructions on the old model to help you through the process. Either tap the transfer button or enter the verification code on the older phone, which will be sent to the new iPhone. 
  • Once you transfer the eSIM to the newer iPhone, it is deactivated from your old device, and your carrier will send you a notification to complete the setup on your new iPhone.

QR code support:

  • If your carrier has issued you a QR code, you can simply select “Use QR Code” while setting up the new iPhone.
  • You can find the “Use QR Code” option under Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM. 

Are eSIM better than physical SIM cards?  

eSIM card is a recently developed digital version of a physical SIM card that solves most problems faced while using a physical SIM card. While the functionality of both the SIMs has no difference, eSIM has an almost negligible chance of getting damaged, and since they cannot be physically detached from the device, it is impossible to lose them. 

If your device gets stolen, the thief will first throw out your SIM card because the device can be easily tracked through its SIM card. With eSIMs, this option just isn't there, so you can easily locate your device if it's ever stolen or lost. 

Also, eSIM frees up the space that a SIM card blocks. This space can be used to better optimize the device and leave less room for dust to enter. It also makes it better for devices like smartwatches to have an eSIM. 

On the other hand, eSIMs aren't as widely recognized yet, and physical SIM cards are supported on all devices. If your device doesn't support it, you'll have to get another one to switch to eSIMs.  

Plus, if you want to change your device, it is a lot more convenient to just place your SIM card in a different device, and just the day started. The same thing goes for a situation when you want to transfer contacts that are saved in your SIM card. 

eSIMs store data on the cloud. You can simply download it when needed. This way, your data remains safe and doesn't use up any storage on your device. 

Finally, both eSIMs and physical SIM cards have benefits of their own, and the better option definitely depends on personal preference, but objectively, eSIM is definitely the better option.  

Final verdict 

eSIMs have, undoubtedly, made traveling much easier. With affordable plans, excellent connections, and various validity options to choose from, eSIMs are the future of telecommunication. 

The only question is — which eSIM should you purchase? If you do not require voice call minutes (which I believe most wouldn’t), Airalo is your best bet. It has a lot of plan options to choose from, with validities as long as 180 days. It offers affordable local plans in as many as 200 countries, besides 7 regional plans and a value-for-money global plan. And since it partners with local network providers, you can rest assured of seamless connectivity as well. 

If you do want to make voice calls and send text messages, Airhub should be your go-to option. It offers plans in more than 190 countries, with more than 15 plans to select from in most countries. Like Airalo, it is also a value-for-money proposition and wouldn’t cost you a fortune. 

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

Krishi covers buying guides and how-to's related to software, online tools, and tech products here at TechRadar. Over at Tom's Guide, he writes exclusively on VPN services. You can also find his work on Techopedia and The Tech Report. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.

5 ways to improve email security

High-value transaction in the digital era: ensuring trust and compliance

What’s new at Adobe Summit 2024: The latest updates you need to know about

Most Popular

By Barclay Ballard February 27, 2024

By Krishi Chowdhary February 26, 2024

By Barclay Ballard February 26, 2024

By Barclay Ballard February 24, 2024

By Barclay Ballard February 23, 2024

By Barclay Ballard February 22, 2024

By Barclay Ballard February 21, 2024

By Jess Weatherbed, Dom Reseigh-Lincoln February 21, 2024

By Krishi Chowdhary February 19, 2024

  • 2 Engineers spent 75 days to calculate Pi to 105 trillion digits using some very powerful hardware
  • 3 Android 14 powered Doogee T30 Max has a 4K IPS screen and retails for under $300
  • 4 Western Digital's new QLC NAND drive, SN5000S, outperforms its TLC predecessor in terms of speed and endurance
  • 5 Apple iPhone is not a monopoly – and you really don't want the US Government to win its antitrust suit
  • 2 1200TB SSD modules are in the pipeline thanks to Pure Storage — but you definitely won't be able to plug one in your workstation PC and it will be shockingly expensive
  • 3 Obscure Chinese tablet maker quietly unveiled a tablet with a sought-after feature no other tablet vendor dare launch — a 4K display that not even Apple, Google or Samsung can match
  • 4 Windows 11 is forcing users to upgrade Mail app to new Outlook client which comes with a nasty addition – adverts
  • 5 Another driver update, another set of huge performance boosts for free, as Intel Arc GPUs keep getting better

Why is the Singtel Tourist eSIM your best option?

Pre-order your tourist esim now.

Skip the airport queues and be all set upon arrival when you pre-order your eSIM. Register and activate it seamlessly via hi!App.

How to order → How to register → How to install eSIM on your phone

Singtel prepaid tourist esim up to 120gb 5g data - powered by singtel 5g, a wide suite of tourist sims or esims for all your travelling needs, with up to 120gb of 5g data., get your tourist sim with up to 120gb of 5g data from any of these outlets., hitourist sim card, ez-link card.

© Singtel (CRN: 199201624D) All Rights Reserved.

  • Electronics
  • Smartphones

The SIM Card Is Going Away. That Might Be Annoying.

A person holding a phone displaying a "Set Up Cellular" task.

Most people rarely think about SIM cards, the tiny plastic circuit boards inside cell phones that contain the phone number. And soon no one will be thinking about them—the days of the physical SIM card are numbered.

Phone makers, led by Apple, and wireless carriers are making the move to embedded SIMs, or eSIMs, which are essentially digital cards that let you activate a new phone number through a carrier either locally or internationally. Newer iPhones sold in the US don’t support physical SIM cards at all.

Meanwhile, Google is now prompting Pixel owners to move their phone numbers to eSIMs, and Samsung’s latest flagship phones often default to eSIM when you buy your handset from your carrier. Embedded SIMs promise to make your life easier for international travel and switching phone numbers, among other benefits, but they can also be frustrating to use. Here’s what you need to know.

What is an eSIM?

SIM cards, which have been around since the 1990s, were once the size of credit cards but are now the size of a pinky nail. The gold contacts that occupy one entire side of the especially small nano SIMs allow your phone to talk to the embedded chip, which contains your subscriber ID. An eSIM does the same job, but you can’t remove it from your phone.

In the age of big SIMs, it was common to store contacts on the card as well, which allowed you to move your address book along with your phone number. Now that everyone has the internet on their phones, there’s no reason to do that, as your contact list lives in the cloud. Today, SIM cards serve only to store your account information, and that’s a minuscule amount of data, small enough to be downloaded to an eSIM over even the weakest internet connection.

How eSIMs make life easier and more secure

Traveling is simpler, because you can activate multiple numbers on the same phone. In the past, only those phones with room for two SIM cards, also known as dual-SIM phones, could have multiple phone numbers. Such devices were rare in the US, but eSIMs have now changed things because they’re fully programmable. For instance, current iPhones support eight stored eSIM phone numbers and two active ones, so if you’re traveling, you can simply download a new SIM to your phone. And if you change carriers or just want to change your number, you can do that as many times as you want, though how simple the process is depends on your carrier and your smartphone manufacturer. If you have multiple numbers or travel frequently, an eSIM should make your life a lot easier.

An eSIM can make it harder for attackers to steal your phone number. For many people, their phone numbers have increasingly become a key identifier, as a way to receive two-factor login codes and password-reset links. If your phone is lost or stolen, the ease with which a person can remove its physical SIM card becomes a security issue. Once someone moves that card to another phone, they own your phone number for all intents and purposes. A determined fraudster with control of your phone number can do a lot of damage in a short time. And as for your phone, without a SIM card, tracking it or remotely resetting it becomes difficult. With an eSIM, in contrast, there’s no card to take, so your phone number is subject to fewer risks . And if your phone is locked with a password, no one has any way to transfer that SIM to another device.

But eSIMs can cause new frustrations

If you break your phone, the eSIM is also toast. That means you can’t transfer it to a new device. With traditional SIM cards, you can simply remove the card from your broken phone. You can then plug the card into another phone and be up and running in mere moments, and you never have to sit on hold for assistance while you do it. With an eSIM, you’ll probably have to talk to your carrier about your busted phone.

Carriers have more control over eSIMs. Using a nano SIM works the same way on every phone: Stab the SIM drawer with a pin, pull the card out, and slot it into a different phone. The process for downloading an eSIM is anything but universal. For example, buying a new phone from your carrier should make the eSIM transfer seamless and instant, but if you buy an unlocked phone or you just want to use a different device that you already own, you may have to sit on hold with your provider or deal with other inconveniences.

Downloading a new eSIM is still hit-and-miss. If the built-in download menu fails, you’re at your carrier’s mercy. Apple, on iPhones, is the closest to standardizing the use of eSIMs; when you buy a new phone, if your phone number isn’t automatically transferred during setup, you can go to the cellular settings to download it manually. All major US carriers support this process. Some Android phones, such as the Google Pixel models, include a transfer tool, but it often gives people error messages telling them to contact their carrier. For Verizon and T-Mobile Android phones, you may have to call customer service (on a different phone) and read off a 15-digit phone identifier. Meanwhile, AT&T has a self-service website where you can log in with a PC and scan a QR code with the phone to download your eSIM. If you don’t have another phone or a PC handy, you might not be able to move your eSIM phone number.

eSIM can’t stop phone-number theft at the carrier level. Keeping your phone number on a non-removable eSIM is helpful should you lose your phone, but that isn’t how most people get scammed. The most common way criminals compromise phone numbers is with “SIM jacking.” That’s when the attacker convinces (or pays) a carrier employee to transfer your phone number to a device that they control. Moving to eSIM doesn’t prevent this tactic—your carrier needs to enact and enforce good security practices, and carriers sometimes miss the mark by giving outsourced customer service too much control over your account and not requiring a PIN or password for SIM changes.

Get ready for eSIMs

Even if you prefer to use a physical SIM card, that may not be an option the next time you buy a phone. Apple doesn’t sell any current-gen iPhones in the US with a SIM slot, and it’s only a matter of time before the same happens with Android. Transfers and activation still run into some inconsistencies on Android, but Google has started rolling out a more functional eSIM-transfer tool that should work even with phones from different manufacturers.

The pain points will decrease as eSIM becomes the default way that everyone manages their phone number. eSIMs offer real benefits, too.

It just might be a little annoying when you first make the switch—and you won’t have a choice.

This article was edited by Arthur Gies and Caitlin McGarry.

Meet your guide

travel sim 7 11

Ryan Whitwam

Further reading

Several SD Cards we tested.

The Best SD Cards

by Eleanor Ford and Justin Krajeski

After extensive research and testing, we think the 64 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best SD card for use in digital cameras or other devices.

Various travel gear items laid out on a yellow background.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

travel sim 7 11

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

travel sim 7 11

Bug Control Gear That Actually Works

by Harry Sawyers

Here are the pest repellents and traps that experts agree can effectively keep bugs away.

Traveltomtom<span>.</span>

Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for the USA in 2024

travel sim 7 11

Avoid high roaming costs and stay connected when traveling to the USA! It sounds easier than it actually is as the prepaid sim card market in the USA is not as advanced as in Europe, Asia or in other parts of the world. But don’t worry, it isn’t that complicated either, rather just expensive.

Buying a prepaid sim card or ordering an e-sim card for the USA is the best way to get data on your phone when traveling to the USA. This is a complete guide with everything you need to know: where to buy a USA sim card, up to date prices as per March 2024, the best 4G/5G network in the USA, my recommendation, a vlog with my experiences buying a sim card in the USA, the best e-sim cards for the USA, info about international sim cards for the USA and more.

Don’t expect to have a lot of options! In world’s most famous country there are only 3 mobile internet providers that sell prepaid sim cards for tourists.

Very much recommended are  international sim cards that cover the USA , more about that later. But the cheapest and easiest way to stay connected when traveling to the United States is an e-sim card for the USA, more about e-sims later.

Related:  Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to the USA in 2024 .

As a full time nomadic world traveler for more than 10 years  who is also trying to visit every country in the world  and visited more than 155 countries as of March 2024 I can tell you that buying a local prepaid sim card in the country you are visiting is often the cheapest way to get a lot of data on your phone. The network coverage will be the best, the data speed maximum and locals calls are included and often unlimited.

However, that said when traveling to the USA in 2024 definitely check out e-sim cards as for less than $15 USD you already get 10 GB data. The last 3 times I visited the USA I used an e-sim card.

Since I like to document all my travel tips you can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all around the world: Canada , Mexico , Italy , Germany , France , Spain , United Kingdom ,  Israel , Hong Kong , Malaysia ,  Turkey , Thailand , Vietnam , Panama , South Africa , Europe , Saudi Arabia ,  Dominican Republic , Brazil , Colombia , Bali , Singapore , Dubai  and many more.

So next time you are planning your trip abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your next destination. Bookmark me! 

Prepaid sim card prices in the USA are NOT competitive, for cheaper USA sim card deals check out international prepaid sim cards with data or e-sims card for the USA to stay connected when traveling in the USA in 2024.

Why buying a sim card in the USA

at&t t mobile usa

WiFi is everywhere these days, but when traveling in the USA, I am sure you want to be connected on the road as well and not only in your hotel room. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby recommended restaurants, using Google Maps for directions and simply staying in touch or for checking social media apps and emails, being connected to your bank apps, etc.

Being connected the internet makes traveling so much easier and also safer! Don't get stuck somewhere because you don't have a data connection on your phone.

Buying a sim card for the USA is easy, it takes just a couple minutes and you are connected straight away, it is like plug and play. If you buy a sim card in a store in the USA you put it in your phone and it instantly works. However, you have to make sure your phone is unlocked if you want to use a prepaid sim card or an e-sim card abroad.

Also don't rely on public WiFi. There is never a guarantee and internet speed varies often. Also keep in mind that surfing the web on public WiFi is through an UNSECURED connection. The use of a VPN is recommended in these cases.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a T-Mobile sim card for the USA if buying a prepaid sim card on arrival in the USA. T-Mobile has a very extensive 5G network all over the USA and for $50 USD you get unlimited data for 30 days, it is cheaper than AT&T and Verizon.

However, my recommendation is to order a sim card for traveling in the USA on the internet, not on arrival in the USA. The best USA sim card deals for tourists in 2024 can be found online. Why? It is simply easier and cheaper!

Unfortunately buying a prepaid sim card at any international airport in the USA is pretty much a disaster. Some airports don't even have sim card shops like at JFK Airport in New York or you can only find extremely overpriced sim card in a vending machine. Or what about a $82 USD sim card with 15 GB data at LAX?

you may also like...

Buying a Sim Card at Los Angeles Airport in 2024

Check out my guides for buying a sim card at Los Angeles , Newark , Miami and New York JFK .

So what does Traveltomtom recommends? The best, cheapest and easiest way to get a sim card with data for traveling to the USA in 2024 is an e-sim card. You can already get a USA e-sim card with 10 GB data for less than $25 USD.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for the USA via either  SimOptions  or  Airalo .

There are also  international physical prepaid sim cards with global network coverage  for those that don't have an e-sim compatible phone. In the link you will find a review and comparison of the best international sim cards for traveling in 2024. You order one online before your trip to the US and get them delivered to your home address. Plug and Play!

Make sure your phone is unlocked, before buying a sim card for the USA. International, e-sim cards and local prepaid sim cards for the USA only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is locked/unlocked ask your provider in your home country before your trip to the USA.

Best e-sim cards for the USA

The most convenient and easiest way to stay connected when traveling to the USA in 2024 is an e-sim card. You can easily order them online within just a couple clicks.

You order an e-sim card for the USA on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a USA e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in the US it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for USA. For a much more detailed guide and an answer to all FAQ's about using e-sim cards check out my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for the USA in 2024 .

airalo esim card plans for usa 2024

Airalo is a reputed and trusted e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the Airalo e-sim card deals for the USA in 2024:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $42 USD

Click here for more info or to  order an Airalo e-sim card for the USA directly online .

The above Change e-sim cards are valid only in the USA and they operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Verizon and T-Mobile. Yes, the Airalo e-sim cards for the USA supports 5G.

These e-sims are provided by Airalo and are the only 5G ready e-sim cards for the USA available and therefore also Traveltomtom's pick and recommended e-sim card for traveling to USA.

SimOptions is another e-sim card provider that sells USA e-sim cards. Traveltomtom has been using SimOptions e-sims and physical sim cards for more than 5 years.

international esim card plans for usa 2024

They offer international e-sim cards for the USA that are valid in multiple countries:

  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD

The Three HK international e-sim cards are valid in 6 countries: New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, United Kingdom and USA. These are the only USA e-sim cards that come with a phone number and technically they support incoming phone calls and sms.

simoptions esim card plans for usa 2024

SimOptions also has the following e-sim cards for the USA:

  • 1 GB data for 30 days = $4.90 USD
  • 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD
  • 10 GB data for 15 days = $19.90 USD 

Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for the USA via SimOptions .

nomad esim card plans for usa 2024

Nomad is another great e-sim card provider and they actually have the best USA e-sim card deal. 

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD

Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for USA from Nomad .

The Nomad e-sim with 20 GB data for $25 USD is only $1.25 USD per Gigabyte. Which makes a Nomad e-sim card the cheapest e-sim card for the USA or the one with the best value for money.

However, lately Traveltomtom has had some concerning issues with Nomad and experienced some unfortunate errors and had I had to wait for about 24 hours to finally get connected. Very frustrating! Nomad definitely has things to improve when it comes to reliability and costumer service and is therefore not Traveltomtom's first pick.

Very important is that before buying an e-sim card for the USA make sure your phone is e-sim card compatible. There are more USA e-sim card providers like Holafly and many others, but those offer e-sim cards for the USA with unlimited data. Traveltomtom does NOT recommend e-sim cards with unlimited data.

For more tips and tricks and info about USA e-sim cards click on the link to read my complete guide for buying an e-sim card for the USA in 2024 , including a comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to the USA.

Where to buy a USA sim card

International airport on arrival.

buying a sim card in usa

Unlike any other country around the world it is NOT easy to find sim card shops or resellers at international arrivals in most of the airports in the USA. I still can't get my head around this! Like for real America? At Houston Airport the guy from the information desk was like, uh what... a prepaid sim card?

That said, I am determined to continue writing sim card guides for USA airports and already started with the Big Apple. Flying to New York? Check out my guides for buying a sim card at New York JFK Airport or buying a sim card at Newark Airport in New Jersey . The newest addition is my guide for buying a sim card at Miami Airport  and my Los Angeles Airport sim card guide .

I have written uncountable sim card guides for international airports: Paris , London , Rome , Amsterdam , Barcelona , Madrid , Dublin , Johannesburg , Dubai , Riyadh , Tel Aviv , Istanbul , Cairo , Panama City ,  Bangkok , Bali , etc. At every international airport worldwide you will find sim card shops next to car rental companies and money exchangers, unfortunately not in the USA!

In the last years I landed in Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas/Forth Worth, New York JFK, Newark, Miami and there are literally no sim card shops or phone stores. Even more reasons for you to order a sim card for traveling to the USA on the internet.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering e-sim cards via  Airalo  or  Nomad  and  SimOptions  sells e-sims as well as physical prepaid sim cards for the USA.

Official retail stores

t mobile kansas city

The best place to buy a prepaid sim card for the USA is at an official retail store. The staff will give you the best advice on your needs and everything will be set up quickly and within just a couple minutes. You will walk out of the store with a working data connection on your phone. But I will later show you the prepaid sim card prices and you will see that e-sim cards are much cheaper.

Best way to find the nearest phone shop is to go to Google Maps and type in for example: t-mobile. Google Maps suggest: 'T-Mobile (see locations)'. Click on it and find the nearest store. The bigger shopping malls in big cities mostly all have mobile phone provider stores.

Convenience stores

Yes, it is possible to buy USA tourist sim cards at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CVS and of course at Walmart. They are mostly located behind the counter and gathering information about the data packages is a little challenging. Don’t expect the staff to know exactly what these tourist sim cards are about. It is not Traveltomtoms first recommendation to buy a sim card in the USA at a convenience or grocery store.

If you want to get connected and are in a hurry this is an option. You have to active these sim cards yourself by uploading your passport to the mentioned website on the sim card package.

Train stations

lycamobile prepaid sim card kiosk new york penn station

In the bigger cities like New York, Chicago, San Fransisco you can sometimes find sim card kiosks at the bigger train stations, like the above photo from Penn Station in New York. These sim card shops are resellers of MVNO sim cards. MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator, a well known example is Lycamobile.

lycamobile prepaid sim card usa for usa

A Lycamobile sim card operates on the T-Mobile network in the USA and they sell the above data plans and packages including unlimited calls/text. These tourist sim cards are not cheap either and 7 GB data will already cost you $29 USD + tax.

Keep in mind that there are already e-sim cards for the USA with 20 GB data for just $15 USD.

As mentioned before an e-sim card is the cheapest but also the easiest way to get data on your phone when traveling to the USA and Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for the USA via either  SimOptions ,  Airalo  or  Nomad .

If your phone is not e-sim compatible you can also order physical prepaid sim cards on the internet via SimOptions. Check out my article about the best international sim cards for travelers in 2024 , it has some really good alternatives and you can order directly online.

The downside of the sim cards for the USA you order online is that they are data-only. Sim cards you buy in a store in the USA including data, text and talk.

Mobile internet operators in the USA

verizon phone store atlanta usa

In a country with more than 300 million people it is almost unimaginable that there are only 3 main mobile internet operators:

On top of that there are many MVNO's in the USA, so called Mobile Virtual Network Operators. What they basically do is use the network of one of the above main internet providers to offer their mobile services. Well known MVNO's in the USA are Sprint, Mint Mobile, Lycamobile and Boost. You can buy their sim cards in shops like Walmart, etc.

Verizon did not use to sell prepaid sim cards for tourists for many years, but the tables have turned and also Verizon now offers prepaid plans for tourists that can be bought in their Verizon stores.

Registration process

The registration process for prepaid sim cards in the USA is very standard. When buying a sim card you will need to bring your passport. In the store a copy of your passport or a photo will be taken and will be attached to your registration. Your new US sim card and number will be registered on your name and passport number.

To avoid this you can order a physical prepaid USA sim card online and get one delivered to your home address before your trip or order an e-sim card for the USA . For these sim cards there is no form of ID verification needed, only your email address.

Prices prepaid sim cards USA in 2024

Prices below are in United States Dollar and info and prices are updated as per March 2024. E-sim cards are available for an extra fee, but only in the official stores of T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. You can not buy an e-sim card on the international airports in the USA on arrival.

T-Mobile USA

t mobile usa prepaid sim card plans 2024

Officially T-Mobile USA charges a $10 USD activation fee for a prepaid sim card for tourists in stores around the USA, but in most cases this activation fee is waived if you buy one of the above prepaid sim card plans. Ask for it in store!

They offer 3 different sim card packages, see the above photo. All of the prepaid sim card deals come with UNLIMITED CALLING & TEXTING in the USA, the use of max data speed at 5G network and are valid for 1 month.

  • 10 GB data = $40 USD
  • Unlimited data + 3G hotspot = $50 USD
  • Unlimited data + 10 GB 4G hotspot = $60 USD

The data is only for use in the USA, you pay $5 USD extra for max 5 GB data to use in Canada and/or Mexico . But when you travel to Mexico as well I recommend buying a sim card for Mexico instead.

T-Mobile offers e-sim cards for tourists in their T-Mobile stores for an extra fee of $4.99 USD. So if you want to have a T-Mobile e-sim card with unlimited data for the USA that will cost you a minimum of $55 USD and if you are unlucky they will also charge you the activation fee of $10 USD.

These are the latest T-Mobile prepaid sim card deals as per March 2024, for more info check the T-Mobile USA website .

AT&T USA

at t usa prepaid sim card plans 2024

The activation fee for an AT&T USA prepaid sim is $15 USD, but also waived when in most cases when buying one of the above prepaid sim card plans. AT&T offers 2 prepaid USA sim card plans for tourists, don't get fooled by the sim card deals above. The middle column is a prepaid offer for 12 months!

E-sim cards are available but you pay an extra fee of $4.99 USD.

Both prepaid sim card deals include unlimited calls/sms in the USA, max data speed on 5G and are valid for 1 month:

  • 5 GB data = $30 USD
  • 15 GB data = $40 USD
  • Unlimited calls/sms and data = $65 USD

The $65 USD deal is only $50 USD if you renew automatically every month, so for tourists not applicable. Also it says unlimited calling, text and data in Mexico and Canada, but on 2G speed. That means an E signal on which you can barely check your email or use WhatsApp. Totally useless!

These are the latest AT&T prepaid sim card deals as per March 2024, check the  AT&T USA website  for more info.

When traveling to Canada on the same trip is better to buy an international sim card for North America .

verizon usa prepaid sim card plans 2024

Verizon charges a staggering $35 USD activation fee, so therefore already I would not recommend buying a prepaid sim card of Verizon. However, on the Unlimited plans they wave away the activation fee.

All the prepaid plans from Verizon are valid for 1 month and are 5G ready. They also include unlimited calling and teting:

  • 15 GB data = $45 USD
  • Unlimited data + 5 GB data for hotspot = $60 USD
  • Unlimited data + 25 GB data for hotspot = $70 USD

For more info check the Verizon website . Verizon offers physical prepaid sim cards as well as e-sim cards for tourists.

When we look at the comparison of the USA prepaid sim cards the conclusion is simple:  AT&T and Verizon are more expensive than T-Mobile. So b ased on the price I am definitely recommending a T-Mobile USA sim card over an AT&T or Verizon sim card.

But summarising all the above prizes means that if you want an AT&T e-sim card with unlimited data for 1 month you pay $70 USD at Verizon you pay $60 USD (if activation feee is waived) and at T-Mobile you pay $50 USD.

Therefore, once again showing you that it is much cheaper and easier to buy an e-sim card for the USA on the internet.

Best 4G/5G network in the USA in 2024

Whether you are traveling to the USA as a tourist or for business the chances of not having a phone signal are very small. The network in the USA is countrywide pretty good and yes there is of course 5G in the United States. Prepaid sim cards that you buy in the USA support 5G, international sim cards and e-sim cards for the USA do NOT support 5G!

An exception are the Airalo e-sim cards for the USA , these e-sims are 5G ready!

Let's compare the 4G/5G network of T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T and find the best mobile data network in the USA in 2024.

AT&T 4G/5G network coverage map

att 4g 5g network coverage map usa 2024

T-Mobile 4G/5G network coverage map

t mobile 4g 5g network coverage map usa 2024

Verizon 4G/5G network coverage map

verizon 4g 5g network coverage map usa 2024

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in the USA in 2024.

All the main mobile internet providers in the USA have an excellent 4G/5G mobile data network across the country and cover pretty much every tourist destination in the USA.

From the above USA mobile network coverage maps  we can clearly see 2 things:

  • AT&T and Verizon have better coverage in remote areas
  • T-Mobile has the best 5G network

Click here for the official network coverage of T-Mobile and AT&T , according to their websites if you want more info.

After comparing the mobile data network coverage maps of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that all in all Verizon has the best mobile data network in the USA in 2024.

What is the best prepaid sim card for the USA in 2024

When comparing all the prepaid sim cards for the USA we can come to the very simple conclusion that T-Mobile is the best prepaid sim card in the USA in 2024. They offer the best prepaid sim card deals for tourists and also have the best 5G network in the country.

However, in 2024 we also take the online sim cards into consideration and then Traveltomtom concludes that ordering a sim card on the internet is cheaper than buying a sim card in the USA on arrival.

E-sim cards are the cheapest way to get a lot of data on your phone. For $21 USD you get 20 GB data and you can arrange everything online within just a couple minutes. Keep in mind that e-sim cards are data only sim cards and calls are NOT supported.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for the USA via either  SimOptions ,  Airalo  or  Nomad .

Check out Traveltomtom's guide with a  comparison of the best e-sim cards for the USA in 2024  for more info about USA e-sim cards.

But if you want the fastest data speed and a sim card that supports 5G on your trip to the USA then you have to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in the USA. In that case Traveltomtom recommends a USA sim card with unlimited data from T-Mobile. You will pay $10 activation fee + $50 plan = $60 (+tax), but you are sorted for the rest of your trip! If you want an e-sim card instead of a physical prepaid sim card then add another $5 USD.

This sim card is valid for 1 month and T-Mobile has the biggest 5G network in the country.

When I took a road trip from Las Vegas to New York and I bought a T-Mobile sim card in Las Vegas and traveled around the US for about 3 weeks. I never had a problem connecting and the T-Mobile 5G network experience was amazingly FAST! Even in some of the National Parks that I visited there was either a 5G or 4G signal: Zion in Utah, Grand Canyon in Arizona, Shenandoah in Virginia, everywhere I had an excellent signal throughout my journey with a T-Mobile sim card.

However, on my last trip to the USA just recently I bought an e-sim card for the USA. It is done so fast and is so easy and convenient. I only needed 5 GB data anyway as I was in the USA for only 5 days.

at&t times square new york

At Times Square New York you will find a T-Mobile store and a AT&T store within 100 meter from each other. You can walk in, buy a prepaid sim card and you are connected within 5 minutes, but yeah it will cost some time and energy to get connected if you decide to buy a prepaid sim card in the USA rather than order a sim card for the USA on the internet.

If that sounds like too much hassle then order an e-sim card for the USA. Another reminder that e-sim cards for the USA are actually CHEAPER! Through Airalo you can find e-sim cards with 3 GB data for just $11 USD. SimOptions offers a USA e-sim card plan with 10 GB for $24.90 USD and Nomad has USA e-sim cards with 20 GB data for $32 USD.

Or if you want a physical sim card then check out my article about the best prepaid global sim cards in 2024  including free roaming in the USA.

Buy a prepaid sim card for the USA online

international prepaid sim cards for usa 2024

You can only buy the above mentioned USA prepaid sim cards from T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T on arrival in the USA. But if you rather arrive prepared you can order a sim card on the internet. If your phone is not e-sim compatible then look into the following.

Arrive prepared in USA with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in the US, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.

SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for the United States:

1. Three Data Pack - $24.90

  • Valid 30 days
  • Valid in 55 countries
  • Incoming/outgoing calls not supported

2.  Orange Holiday World - $49.90

  • Valid 14 days
  • Valid in 197 countries

Click here for more info or to  order an international physical prepaid sim card for the USA via SimOptions .

Comparing the above international prepaid sim cards for the USA then personally I would recommend the sim card with 10 GB data for $24.90 USD. But you have seen that e-sim cards were cheaper.

However, buying a sim card for the USA on the internet is even cheaper than buying a sim card on arrival in the USA. Plus you save the hassle of going to a mobile phone shop when arriving in the USA. Especially since buying sim cards at airport in the USA is a nightmare.

By now you know that Traveltomtom recommends e-sim cards for traveling to the United States for those who have e-sim card compatible phones. You can buy them through  Airalo ,  SimOptions  or through Nomad .

E-sim cards are also the cheapest way to stay connected when traveling to the USA. Go to my guide for finding the best e-sim cards for traveling to the USA in 2024 .

On my recent trip to the USA I also recorded a vlog about buying a prepaid sim card in the USA, check it out below.

Here are some more North America sim cards for traveling to the USA. Sim cards for Canada and sim cards for Mexico also work in the USA.

As said before I DO NOT RECOMMEND global sim cards, but check out my article to find the best international sim cards for traveling the world . Even some of the best Europe sim cards have free roaming in the USA included. Check them out in the link above.

Order your USA sim card online before your trip, get it delivered to your home address… Switch the sim card in the plane and enjoy a data connection as soon as you land!

If you have any more questions please leave me a comment below, Im happy to help.Looking for some serious wanderlust inspiration than head to my Instagram @traveltomtom and follow along my journey to visit every country in the world . As per March 2024 I have been to more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Travel & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to the USA!

Some links in this article about the best ways to stay connected when traveling to the USA are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link in this article I earn a small commission. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

  • philadelphia
  • usa sim card
  • los angeles
  • san fransisco

Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone

Learn about the options and benefits for using eSIM while traveling abroad.

Learn about the benefits of traveling with eSIM

eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.

With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail.

You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home and another eSIM for the place you're visiting.

You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active simply by changing your selections in Settings. This might be helpful if you travel regularly to the same places.

What you need

An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later

A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM

Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network*

If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling internationally

Learn more about eSIM on iPhone

eSIM on iPhone isn’t offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao . For travelers visiting China mainland who wish to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by many worldwide service providers .

Roam internationally with your existing carrier

Carriers might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees.

Alternatively, your carrier might offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use at your destination.

International roaming with an eSIM works the same as roaming with a physical SIM.

Your carrier might offer the ability to digitally manage your eSIM plan and add more data as needed.

To learn more, contact your carrier.

Learn more about cellular data roaming options for traveling internationally

Purchase an eSIM from a local carrier in the country or region you're visiting

Find carriers around the world that support eSIM on iPhone .

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier, it can be used only by that carrier. You can add multiple eSIMs and plans through that carrier. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is unlocked, "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Carrier Lock. Learn how to unlock iPhone for use with a different carrier .

Many carriers offer prepaid plan options that you can purchase from the carriers' websites or apps before you arrive, or in person after arrival, through a carrier kiosk at the airport, carrier store, or other location. Carriers will provide steps to activate your eSIM digitally, like with a QR code or carrier app. Depending on local regulations, you might be asked to show identification (like your passport) to purchase. These prepaid carrier options might offer more affordable local plans for data, voice, and text. Check with individual carriers for details.

In addition to purchasing a prepaid eSIM plan, you might wish to get a postpaid account if you plan to be in another place for an extended time.Carriers around the world that support eSIM offer postpaid plans. Depending on the country or region, you might need proof of local residency, an established local bank account, or credit card.

On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you can use two eSIMs at the same time . Carrier fees might apply. Contact your carrier for information.

Purchase a prepaid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider

Many worldwide service providers offer prepaid data plans . These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries and regions when you travel. Carriers offer plans that differ by the amount of data and duration. You can also purchase a plan before you travel.

Apps that offer data only eSIM plans are available on the App Store on your iPhone .

While you're abroad, you can use a data-only eSIM as your secondary line and have two active eSIM plans on supported iPhone models.

The capabilities on your primary line will continue to work when you add a data-only eSIM for cellular data. For example, you might keep your primary line for your home and set up a data-only eSIM plan as your secondary line while traveling.

To choose your data line, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. You can continue to use FaceTime, iMessage, and other apps to make VoIP calls or send messages while you're traveling.

You can also turn data roaming on and off on your home line in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Carrier fees might apply.

If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States but will use it while living in a different country or region

You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model or later that you purchased in the United States with over 400 carriers in 100 markets worldwide that support eSIM on iPhone . Contact your carrier to confirm that they support eSIM on your cellular plan. Also, check iPhone cellular band support for country compatibility.

Many worldwide service providers also offer prepaid eSIM data plans for long-term use in countries and regions across the world.

* iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM-only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.

travel sim 7 11

Explore Apple Support Community

Find what’s been asked and answered by Apple customers.

travel sim 7 11

Contact Apple Support

Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

travel sim 7 11

  • Hub iD Login
  • Manage my account

travel sim 7 11

  • Tablets & Watches
  • Accessories
  • Discover Buy now, pay later
  • Star Plan (No contract SIM only)
  • 2-year contract plans
  • Corporate deals (CIS & NTUC)
  • Tourist plans
  • Latest Promotions
  • Device Trade-in
  • Why Switch to StarHub
  • Broadband Plans
  • Broadband & TV+ Bundles
  • Digital Voice Home Phone Line (DVH)
  • JuniorProtect
  • Improve Your Home WiFi
  • Premier League
  • StarHub TV+ App
  • StarHub TV+ Web
  • TV+ Set-Top Boxes
  • Channel Listing
  • TV+ & Broadband Bundles
  • Disney+ with TV+
  • Amazon Prime
  • SafeHub+ Overview
  • SmartSupport
  • CyberProtect
  • SmartSupport Home
  • GeForce NOW
  • Mobile Play
  • Instant Play!
  • Prime Gaming
  • Travel Protection
  • Membership Tiers
  • Hub Club Go
  • Play & Win Winners
  • Exclusive Partners
  • Small Business Day

Prepaid SIM Card

Surf & chat with FREE 120GB, 5000 mins local calls, $100 IDD & more.

travel sim 7 11

Get our Prepaid SIM Cards from these 7-Eleven stores.

  • Mobile Phones & Plans
  • Prepaid SIM Cards
  • Prepaid SIM Cards at 7-Eleven Stores

Improve your Experience

travel sim 7 11

Contact Us Follow Us on facebook Follow Us on Instagram Follow Us on LINE Follow Us on YouTube

travel sim 7 11

Travel Club SIM Thailand Data SIM

Limited Offer: $52 (Standard Price: $58) Valid until: 27 Feb, 2024

5-Day Travel Data applicable to Thailand. Experience 24 hours always-be-connected data pass *Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.​

travel sim 7 11

Birdie Travel SIM

Standard Price: $75

5 Days roaming data applicable to China, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, Bangladesh, South Korea, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Macau

*Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.

travel sim 7 11

Travel Club SIM APAC Data SIM

Standard Price: $88

7-Day Travel Data (Extra 2-Day for new users) applicable to Mainland China, Australia, Cambodia, India, indonesia, Japan, Malaysis, New Zealand, The Philippines, Sinapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Experience 24 hours always-be-connected data pass *Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.​

travel sim 7 11

Standard Price: $120

Roaming service in 100 +Destination

Fleixable Roaming package

Reusable sim

Europe countries including France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Itlay, Austria, Denmark…etc.

travel sim 7 11

CMHK Sing-Mal-Thai 7-Day Data SIM

Standard Price: $118

7 days 4GB + Unlimited^ mobile data in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong

Allowed to connect to any social network platform and Hong Kong website

Tethering is supported

travel sim 7 11

​csl. 4G Travel Card

-3GB selected APAC regions* Roaming Data -2GB Local Data -Free 500 Local Voice Mins / 30 days​

* Selected APAC regions: China, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Cambodia, New Zealand & Australia .

Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.​

Convenient to Load?

Order the Trans@ct Prepaid Mastercard ® from 7-Eleven Today! [1]

Managed by Netspend

Why Trans@ct Prepaid is Right for You

It's reloadable.

To use the prepaid card, just load money at the register at any 7-Eleven. Spend it, then reload again at 7-Eleven. [2] It's simple.

Free ATMs at 7-Eleven

No one likes ATM fees. Go to an ATM at participating 7-Eleven locations and you can withdraw cash, fee free. [4] Find a participating ATM at a 7-Eleven near you .

You can shop in stores, over the phone, [3] online…anywhere that Debit Mastercard is accepted.

Pay your bills both in store and online at www.transact711.com or download the Trans@ct Mobile App [5]

More Reasons to Trans@ct at 7-Eleven

Get paid up to 2 days faster [6].

Have your paycheck or government benefits direct deposited and have your funds up to 2 days faster. It's your money. Why wait?

Access your money

Use our mobile app, Anytime Alerts ™ [3] , and Online Account Center to access your account information wherever you are.

Send Money to family & friends

Add another person to your Prepaid Card Account and share funds with a secondary cardholder. [1]

Load Checks with your phone [7]

With Mobile Check Load, you can load funds to your Card Account using the camera in your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Keep Trans@cting and Good Things Will Happen

Loyalty is rewarded. Keep using the Transact prepaid card and you'll get:

  • Every 4th Reload Free [8]
  • Every 4th Monthly Plan Fee Waived [9]

Ready to Trans@ct?

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes
  • Travel Products
  • Trends + Deals We Love

Dermatologists Say You Should Never Travel Without These 11 Beauty Products — Prices Start at $7

Keep your skin hydrated and nourished with these expert-approved picks.

travel sim 7 11

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

It can be hard enough to find a skincare regime that works for you in general, let alone one that you can travel with. Between airport regulations on what you can and can’t pack to trying to preserve as much space in your toiletry bag as possible, curating a travel skincare routine can be challenging, but not impossible. That’s why we tapped the experts on the subject, a.k.a. licensed dermatologists and aestheticians, to share some insight on what’s worth packing and leaving at home to get your routine ready for travel. 

Complete with an sunscreen that can do double duty and a facial cleansing bar that’ll not only cleanse, but control puffiness from long flights, this list features the 11 best skincare and beauty picks, hand-selected by dermatologists themselves. Better yet, prices start at just $7, so curating the perfect travel skincare stash is just a budget-friendly scroll away.   

Carbon Theory Labs Vitamin C and Caffeine Facial Cleansing Bar 

Dr. Nava Greenfield is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist that recommends travelers to “prioritize the basics and prescriptions. Don't pack the exfoliators that you use one to two times weekly, don't pack the eye cream that takes up room but only requires one pin drop size when applying.” 

As for her go-to skincare product, she loves this vitamin C and caffeine cleansing bar that “works to control the under-eye puffiness that can occur from flights and lack of sleep, and also as an antioxidant cleanser. This comes in a resealable bag, which is perfect for the hotel and then to bring back home to use again for the next trip.”

Ren Skincare Mini Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream

Ren Skincare

Dr. Greenfield also suggests leaving behind your “large fluid moisturizer and cleanser that can't go on the carry-on." She continued, "Skip the morning antioxidant serum that also needs to be checked. Instead, pack travel-sized products that accomplish multiple functions in one.” 

So, what does she pack when her skin needs a little extra hydration and nourishment post-flight? Dr. Greenfield told Travel + Leisure that she's a fan of Ren Clean Skincare because of the brand's toxin-free products, which are not only clean for your skin, but also for the planet. Snag this powerful balmy moisturizer, which is formulated with soothing and reparative ingredients to keep your skin relaxed and free of redness ,irritation, and dryness when you're traveling.  

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser Travel Size

Although many hotels come equipped with their own toiletries, these products don’t always cater to every skin type or your complexion's unique concerns. In a TikTok video, dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez bluntly shared that “hotel toiletries are horrible" and implored her followers to " do yourself a favor and pack a hydrating facial cleanser,” this way you can ensure that you're effectively washing your face without stripping or disturbing your skin barrier. 

Her top pick is the incredibly popular and travel-sized Hydrating Facial Cleanser from CeraVe, which is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. It features skin barrier-strengthening ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture after cleansing, so your skin will never feel tight or look red after using it. 

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Two-Pack

In that same video, Dr. Suarez also recommended snagging a travel-sized version of Aquaphor to fend away cracked heels, chafing, and, of course, chapped lips. At just a quarter of an ounce, this versatile travel superstar will take you far, and save precious toiletry bag space in the process. Leave your lip balm, foot ointments, and chafing creams at home in lieu of this convenient, effective product. It can also come in handy for minor injuries and sunburns with its healing properties, and even double as a dewy highlighter when applied to your cheekbones. 

Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat SPF 50

According to dermatologist Dr. Tia Paul , “It's essential to take care of your skin, considering factors like sun exposure, changes in climate, and environmental stressors.” This is especially true during the warm-weather travel seasons, which is why she wholeheartedly believes that the most important skincare product is sunscreen. 

Need help picking a new, do-it-all SPF? Dr. Paul loves the Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat SPF 50 that has a clear, gel-based formula that “doesn't just offer UVA/UVB protection, but it also has antioxidant such as vitamins C, D, E, and F to help prevent the early signs of aging that can be caused by sun damage.”

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum 

Between the stale air of flights and the stress of long travel days, the skin can become incredibly dry and irritated. To keep your skin plump and hydrated, New York-based dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Bauer suggests packing a hyaluronic serum for a daily boost of moisture. 

His go-to is the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum because it “combines various humectants in one product. It helps hydrate and plump the skin with hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and vitamin B5 — the perfect all-in-one serum for your next excursion.”

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

Nurse practitioner and founder of Destination Aesthetics Medical Spa Dr. Shawna Chrisman travels a lot for both work and pleasure, and if there’s one thing that you can bet always stays in her travel bag, it's her Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. The genius two-in-one product is both your powder compact and sunscreen with its color-correcting, oil-absorbing, and broad-spectrum SPF 50 technology. 

“Even on the airplane your skin can be exposed to sunlight so it’s important to reapply. This powder, all-mineral sunscreen breezes through TSA and goes on easily over my makeup for all-day, on-the-go, reapplication.” 

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

Dr. Chrisman also advocates for travelers to pack products that do more than just one thing, which is why she’s also a fan of the brand's Total Eye Renewal Therapy SPF 35, a three-in-one tinted eye cream that conceals dark circles, reduces puffiness, and protects the sensitive under-eyes from the sun with its SPF 35 formula. 

“This product allows me to streamline my eye routine because it is a treatment serum, mineral SPF for the eyes, and concealer all in one product. The cooling applicator feels amazing on tired eyes and it helps depuff and make me look like I got eight hours of rest, even after a red-eye.”

RoC Retinol Anti-Aging Wrinkle Night Serum

Dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah (otherwise known as the @dermdoctor ) has accrued a massive following on TikTok thanks to his helpful skincare advice and tips. I’m one of his 18 million followers, and I recently came across a video of his where he recommends these genius retinol capsules from RoC that he dubs “perfect for travel.” 

He went on to explain that you only need to use one capsule at night and that the formula is packed with incredibly potent anti-aging ingredients (retinol is great for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and more). They're also incredibly travel-friendly as well. Snag a pack for half off at Amazon.

Mrsdry Travel Toiletry Bottles

Stocking up on travel-sized versions of your favorite products is undoubtedly convenient if you’re packing for a last-minute trip, but if you want to save money and space, Dr. Shah also urged viewers to purchase travel toiletry bottles or pouches to fill up with their go-to products. 

If you have sensitive skin and like to stick to a routine, this is a smart way to get the most out of your trip, and products. Plus, this specific set from Mrsdry is on sale for just $8 today if you want to kickstart curating your perfect travel skincare regime. 

Mirabella Defense CC Cream

Licensed aesthetician Serynne Evans Atwell, who is an in-house aesthetician and education lead at Mirabella , recommends paying extra close attention to your skin during transitional seasons and times when it's put under stress (particularly during travel). As such, she recommends packing Mirabella's Defense CC Crème Foundation because it's a true “M.V.P. skincare and makeup essential for pulling double duty while traveling.” 

She went on to explain, "Infused with skin-loving ingredients, this multitasking wonder not only perfects and renews the skin's appearance but also provides mineral-based sun protection equivalent to SPF 20, guarding against harmful UV rays. As you apply, vitamin E beads burst onto the skin, imparting a luxurious feel and creamy consistency that blends effortlessly to a natural finish." Other key ingredients include bamboo extract, lavender, avocado oil, and rosemary to soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin, while salicylic acid keeps oil and breakouts at bay. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. 

See More T+L Shopping Deals

travel sim 7 11

CrazyEngineers Logo

Moscow Metro To Deploy SIM Card Snooping Devices To Retrieve Stolen Mobile Phones

Mayakovskaya Station In Moscow

You are reading an archived discussion.

Related Posts

Veebot draws your blood more accurately than your doctor, how to make a sign wave ups, testing and commissioning of grid stations, sony & panasonic to launch 300 gb optical discs by 2015, world's thinnest organic electronic circuits developed in japan.

  • Bahasa Indonesia
  • Slovenščina
  • Science & Tech
  • Russian Kitchen

Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

  • Train Times
  • Seasonality
  • Accommodations

Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

Go local from moscow, trending routes, weekend getaways from moscow, international routes from moscow and nearby areas, other destinations from moscow, other popular routes.

Your browser is not supported

Sorry but it looks as if your browser is out of date. To get the best experience using our site we recommend that you upgrade or switch browsers.

Find a solution

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to navigation

travel sim 7 11

  • Back to parent navigation item
  • Projects & planning
  • Policy & Strategy
  • Technology, Data & Business
  • Infrastructure
  • Operations & Services
  • Light Rail & Tram
  • Suburban & Commuter Rail
  • Peoplemovers & Monorails
  • Buses & Road Vehicles
  • Middle East & Africa
  • Maps & Data
  • Digital Magazines
  • Tenders & Jobs
  • Sponsored Content
  • White Papers
  • More from navigation items

Next section of Moscow metro Line 11 opens

By Railway Gazette International 2018-02-26T14:55:28+00:00

tn_ru-moscow_metro_line_11__2.jpg

RUSSIA: Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin opened a 10·5 km metro line on February 26. The line from Delovoy Tsentr to Petrovsky Park with five stations will initially be operated as part of Line 11.

Construction started in November 2011. Later this year the line is due to be extended from Petrovsky Park to Nizhnyaya Maslovka. The northeastern section of Line 11 is scheduled to open next year, with completion of the route in 2023.

When completed, Line 11 would form a 69 km ring. This would incorporate the existing 3·3 km line between Kashirskaya and Kakhovskaya. The Delovoy Tsentr – Khoroshyovskaya section would then be operated as a branch, before becoming part of the future of Line 13 in 2025.

  • Urban transport projects

Related articles

tn_ru-moscow_metro_line_11__2.jpg

Moscow metro expansion funding announced

2019-12-04T10:25:00Z By Metro Report International

The funding covers several projects, including Line 11. RUSSIA: The Moscow city authorities have announced plans to invest around 700bn roubles in metro projects in 2020-22, with majority of this funding to go towards network expansion. The funding package includes completion of the 69 km circular Line ...

tn_ru-moscow_metro_khovrino_extension_first_train.jpg

Moscow metro reaches Khovrino

2018-01-03T11:10:00Z By Railway Gazette International

RUSSIA: Line 2 of the Moscow metro was extended by 2·9 km on December 31, with the opening of a northern extension from Rechnoy Vokzal to Khovrino. Construction started in 2014, with Stroygazconsulting acting as main contractor. Khovrino station was built by SGK Avtostrada and Mostotryad-114, and is 14 ...

An extension of the western section of Moscow metro Line 8 opened on March 16.

Moscow metro Line 8 extension opens

2017-03-16T14:25:42Z By Railway Gazette International

RUSSIA: Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin opened an extension of the western section of metro Line 8 on March 16. The 7·3 km southwestern extension from Park Pobedy to Ramenki adds three stations. Construction of the extension started in April 2013, and test runs commenced on December 30 2016. Already ...

  • Advertise with us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Cookie policy
  • Privacy policy
  • © DVV Media International      

Site powered by Webvision Cloud

Controversial military reproductive health care travel policy was used just 12 times in 7 months

WASHINGTON — A controversial military policy that allows service members to be reimbursed for travel if they or a family member have to go out of state for reproductive health care — including abortions — was used just 12 times from June to December last year, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin instituted the policy after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 to ensure that troops who were assigned to states where abortions or other types of health care such as IVF treatment were no longer provided could still access those services.

The policy sparked outrage in some circles and led Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville to hold up hundreds of military promotions for months in a failed attempt to get the Pentagon to rescind it. Tuberville ultimately withdrew all of his holds in December.

The travel policy was used by service members or their dependents 12 times during that seven-month period at a cost of roughly $40,000, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Tuesday. The money covered lodging, meals and transportation for out-of-state travel to receive care.

The Pentagon said it did not have data on the first five months of 2023 because the services did not establish a way to track those uses when the policy was first implemented.

The policy does not cover the cost of abortions, and it’s not clear how many of the 12 trips were for abortions or other type of reproductive health care, such as IVF treatment. Singh said the Pentagon would not have a specific breakdown of what services were sought by the service members or their dependents due to medical privacy issues.

Under federal law, Defense Department medical facilities can perform abortions only when the life of the pregnant person is at risk or in cases of rape or incest, and those instances have been extremely rare. According to the department, there were 91 abortions performed in military medical facilities between 2016 and 2021.

For months, many of the military officers directly affected by Tuberville’s holds declined to speak out, for fear any comments would be seen as political. But as the pressures on their lives and the lives of the officers serving under them increased, they began to speak about how the uncertainty surrounding their next move was hurting not only them but their children and spouses.

They talked about how some of their most talented junior officers were going to get out of the military because of the instability they saw around them, and about how having to perform multiple roles because of so many vacancies was putting enormous additional stress on an already overworked military community.

The issue came to a head when U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith suffered a heart attack in October, just two days after he’d talked about the stress of the holds at a military conference. Smith fully returned to his duties only in the last few weeks.

travel sim 7 11

IMAGES

  1. Best Travel Sim Card

    travel sim 7 11

  2. Singapore Travel Sim Card

    travel sim 7 11

  3. Best Travel Sim Card

    travel sim 7 11

  4. TRUEMOVE-H TRAVEL SIM เล่นเน็ตสะใจ สูงสุด 6Gb รองรับ 55 ประเทศ

    travel sim 7 11

  5. 9 BEST International SIM Cards (2020 Roundup)

    travel sim 7 11

  6. Truemove Travel SIM Asia 399 บาท

    travel sim 7 11

VIDEO

  1. carrom pool lucky shot trick🔥carrom pool lucky shot trick vpn😍#carromboard

  2. Pokhara to Kathmandu by Flight || Flight got Delayed #nepal #kathmandu #nepal #nepaltravel

  3. I flew JAL Suite for the first time and it was INCREDIBLE

  4. Microsoft Flight Simulator

  5. AirportSim: Official Release Date Trailer

  6. Massive SCAM Uncovered! Indian SIM Cards Smuggled to Foreign Countries

COMMENTS

  1. International SIM Cards

    Savvy Travellers Choose Travelsim for Peace of Mind, 4G Speed, and to. Save up to. 85%. on International Roaming Charges. Limited Time Offer- 20% OFF. Use discount code "20" during the checkout process. Get your SIM Card Get your eSIM. Works in over 135+ countries, with a single card & phone number. (And get your card FAST with express delivery).

  2. Best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists 2024

    Best non-MVNO. Choose AT&T Prepaid's 5GB plan for $30 per month and you'll get unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data with 5G access and the ability to text over 230 countries for free. Read more ...

  3. 9 BEST International SIM Cards For Travel (2024 Update)

    OneSimCard Universal ($29.95) - Coverage of over 200 countries but with a more limited data service (50+) countries. OneSimCard Expedition ($34.95) - Offers much the same coverage as the OneSim Universal travel SIM but with way more data coverage. It's the choice for the explorers.

  4. The 6 best eSIMs for international travel in 2024

    For example, 1GB of data that's valid for 7 days is just $2.49 in the Czech Republic, $4.69 in the UK and $5.59 in Hong Kong. However, the company does not yet offer a global data plan, so you'll ...

  5. Best eSIMs for travel of 2024

    With Nomad, you can purchase one GB of data for as low as $1.30 (in Asia and the Americas). It has an incredible value proposition in North America, Asia, and Europe. However, when it comes to ...

  6. International and Travel SIM Cards

    WorldSIM is a travel SIM provider with a website that looks like it's straight out of 2007. Its SIM cards are free, and you're given the option of adding credit to them in increments of $47, $54, $74, and $135 when you check out. ... XS Max, and iPhone 11 through 13 series, as well as Android phones like the Google Pixel 6 Pro. The ...

  7. Buy the best Tourist SIM or eSIM In Singapore

    Receive your eSIM reference number and verification code via email. STEP 3. Download Singtel hi!App before arrival. Register your eSIM via hi!App in Singapore. Upon successful registration, you will receive your eSIM QR code and mobile number via email. Click here for the full registration guide. STEP 4.

  8. Mobile Prepaid SIM and Refill E-Voucher

    Simply purchase a Mobile Prepaid SIM Card that suits your needs at any 7-Eleven store near you. To refill the stored-value of your Mobile Prepaid SIM Card, an e-voucher is available at all 7-Eleven stores. Enjoy high-quality mobile communications services and be connected to the world anytime, anywhere. *According to the Telecommunications ...

  9. How to Set Up and Use an eSIM for International Travel

    Step 1: Pick an eSIM. The main reason to use eSIM services for travel is to save money. The big U.S. carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer international roaming options, including $10 day passes ...

  10. TravelSim Worldwide

    TravelSim is your go-to for international prepaid SIM cards. Want to make phone calls and use data roaming while traveling abroad? We have got you covered!

  11. Tourist SIM Card Singapore: Travel Prepaid SIM Cards

    Get 100GB and stay connected with our Tourist Travel SIM cards. 1. 2. Start your trip right with our. Tourist SIM and eSIM. Get 100GB local data, talktime and more from $12 on Singapore's best mobile network. Chat, surf and share all your travel moments with ease. Plus, call your loved ones back at home with the bundled IDD calls.

  12. SIM Cards in Thailand: The Best Prepaid Plans

    Note: the AIS SIM2FLY Travel SIM cards, like the ones below, are travel SIM cards. They only give you 500 MB to be used in Thailand… so do not confuse them with the AIS Thailand Tourist SIM cards. ... (7-Eleven, 108 Shop, Big C, FamilyMart, Lawson 108 & Tesco Lotus) & the following international airports: Bangkok - Don Mueang International ...

  13. The SIM Card Is Going Away. That Might Be Annoying

    The tiny plastic card with your phone number attached is on its way out. eSIMs are replacing SIMs, and they're bringing some new features in the process.

  14. Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for the USA in 2024

    Airalo is a reputed and trusted e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the Airalo e-sim card deals for the USA in 2024: 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD. 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD. 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD. 5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD.

  15. 7-Eleven Club Sim

    7-Eleven Club Sim (Available at all 7-Eleven store) Defaulted Service Pack Local Data: 1 month 20GB + Unlimited* Local Voice Minutes: Unlimited Admin Fee: Waive Free 7-Eleven HK$20 E-cash voucher^ RSP: $58 *First 20GB speed up to 42Mbps, thereafter capped at 128kbps.

  16. Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone

    This might be helpful if you travel regularly to the same places. What you need. An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later. A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM. Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network* If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling ...

  17. Buy Prepaid SIM Cards at 7-Eleven Stores

    435 Orchard Road #03-14 Wisma Atria Singapore 238877. 437 Orchard Road #B1-21 Orchard MRT Station Singapore 238878. 545 Orchard Road #01-14 Far East Shopping Centre Singapore 238882. 583 Orchard Road #01-K4 Forum The Shopping Mall Singapore 238884. 313 Orchard Road #01-35/36 313@Somerset Singapore 238895.

  18. For Outbound Users to Thailand

    Travel Club SIM Thailand Data SIM. Limited Offer: $52 (Standard Price: $58) Valid until: 27 Feb, 2024. 5-Day Travel Data applicable to Thailand. Experience 24 hours always-be-connected data pass *Remark: The above charges and terms & conditions are set by the telecommunications supplier, and are subject to change without notice.

  19. Sim Cards

    PHONES & SIM CARDS. ACCESSORIES. Prepaid. Simplified. SpeakOut Wireless brings a simple way to start using our services with our 3 in 1 SIM Cards that fit most devices. Learn more & buy online!

  20. Transact Prepaid Mastercard

    Every 4th Monthly Plan Fee Waived [9] Get the Transact Prepaid Mastercard from 7-Eleven to pay bills in store, withdraw from free ATMs, & more. The Transact prepaid card is reloadable & simple to use.

  21. 11 Dermatologist-loved Beauty Travel Essentials

    Dermatologists Say You Should Never Travel Without These 11 Beauty Products — Prices Start at $7. Keep your skin hydrated and nourished with these expert-approved picks.

  22. Moscow Metro To Deploy SIM Card Snooping Devices To Retrieve Stolen

    For retrieving stolen mobile phones, the Russian Metro Police have come up with an interesting idea. They are planning to install devices across various subway stations in Moscow that shall be ...

  23. Moscow metro to be more tourist-friendly

    Previously, foreign visitors using the Moscow metro had to rely solely upon deciphering the Russian-language signs hanging from the ceilings. However, this new solution has a significant drawback ...

  24. The Washington Post

    The Washington Post

  25. Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

    Moscow to Elektrostal by train. The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as .

  26. Next section of Moscow metro Line 11 opens

    RUSSIA: Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin opened a 10·5 km metro line on February 26. The line from Delovoy Tsentr to Petrovsky Park with five stations will initially be operated as part of Line 11. Construction started in November 2011. Later this year the line is due to be ...

  27. Controversial military reproductive health care travel policy was used

    The travel policy was used by service members or their dependents 12 times during that seven-month period at a cost of roughly $40,000, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Tuesday ...