Buying an eSIM for the USA: Your Complete Guide

The US is absolutely bursting with different cultures, landmarks, and world-famous experiences – all the more reason, then, to start thinking about preparing your phone and other devices for when you want to travel. After all, there will likely be moments when you want to use mobile data to share photos and social updates!

However, if you travel to the US on your home SIM, there’s a good chance you'll get charged high rates for roaming. In which case, traditionally, the best option has been to get a local SIM that covers you for data while you explore the States.

But, there’s now an even more convenient way to stay connected when you visit the USA! With a SIMOVO eSIM, you only have to do a minimal amount of activating and settings adjustment to start connecting to some of America’s best data networks – and save a stack of money wherever you wish to go.

Let’s dive into the crucial information you’ll need to remember when setting up and using an eSIM on your next trip across the US.

Where to get a US eSIM

SIMOVO offers a regional eSIM that will cover you for the whole of the United States. All you need to do is choose an eSIM that covers you for the USA. If you’re exploring the rest of North America – say, if you want to venture into Canada - you can also purchase an eSIM that will give you complete access to data networks across the continent.

Once you’ve bought your US eSIM or equivalent, you can scan our QR code and change a few settings to get your data plan up and running before you leave. That means, instead of having to find the best value data SIMs wherever you travel in the US, your device is always ready to connect to the best available networks.

What do eSIMs do?

eSIMs are essentially digital SIM cards that embed to your device. You can use them in smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearable tech, and more. Once embedded, you can use SIMOVO eSIMs to connect to US data providers while you travel, and you won’t have to switch out the physical SIM that you might still have in your device.

That’s great news if, say, you want to connect to mobile data in the US but still want to keep your current mobile number. You won’t have to worry about getting a temporary number while you’re away, which could make things super confusing!

You can use a SIMOVO eSIM alongside your current SIM, but remember, it’ll only provide you with access to mobile data, not calls and SMS / MMS messages. That said, you can still send messages via IM, such as through WhatsApp, Snapchat, Messenger, and iMessage. Your mobile data via eSIM will also let you make calls via Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet.

Why it’s worth buying a US eSIM

Buying an eSIM to use in the US means:

• You don’t have to worry about taking on a temporary phone number while you travel
• You’ll save money on roaming data fees that your network might usually charge You won’t have to swap physical SIMs in and out
• You’ll save on plastic waste 
• You can get started from home and don’t have to fumble around with physical SIMs while travelling
• You don’t have to spend hours looking for the best US data network

Simply check out our list of eSIM-compatible devices before you travel, and you’ll be able to leap from one network to another with ease.

Remember, of course, that SIMOVO eSIMs will expire – meaning after your trip to the US, you’ll need to purchase and activate a new one if you want to make further use out of SIMOVO.

Getting your US eSIM activated

We know how much of a hassle it can be to activate SIMs and get started with some technology! That’s why we’ve made it as easy as possible for users on all kinds of devices and operating systems to get up and running as soon as possible.

The way you activate your USA eSIM will depend on the device you use. However, the general rule of thumb is to ensure your device is activated for roaming through its settings and that you can use eSIMs before you start!

Then, simply scan the QR code after purchase, and follow the instructions. You can check out our further advice on how to activate your eSIM on different phones, laptops, and more.

Within minutes, you’ll be up and running, ready to connect to the best data networks in the States!

Using an eSIM in the USA: The costs

Using an eSIM in the US is highly cost effective – especially when you consider the alternative is to run up charges on a standard network SIM with high roaming fees!

Here’s a breakdown of the general costs you’ll face when using a SIMOVO eSIM in the US: 

• $2.20 for 1GB (7 days)
• $6.40 for 3GB (30 days)
• $9.40 for 5GB (30 days)
• $16.40 for 10GB (30 days)
• $30.00 for 20GB (90 days)
• $97.40 for 50GB (180 days)
  

 Is buying an eSIM better than buying a physical SIM for the US?

SIMOVO makes it simple and cost-effective to set up data roaming across America. You don’t have to purchase a specific network SIM – our eSIMs will connect you to the biggest networks in the States, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.

And, you’ll never have to worry about swapping physical SIMs around ever again – you can keep your existing SIM in place and rely on our eSIM to keep you connected to the internet!

FAQs About eSIMs in the USA

What should I do if my eSIM stops working

Make a point of contacting our technical support team – if you’ve made sure your device accepts eSIMs and you have roaming activated, we’ll help troubleshoot from there.

Will I need to renew my eSIM?

Yes – your eSIM will have an expiry date, meaning you will need to purchase and activate a new one if you’re going on further trips.

Will my eSIM cover me for calls and texts?

No – but, you can use your eSIM alongside your traditional SIM, and you can still call and send messages through data-driven apps such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and Messenger.