The top 6 best eSIMs for travelers in North America
Michael Harbour
February 27, 2024 08:00
Deal & Promotions
Are you dreaming of a trip to North America? Or perhaps you’ve already booked your tickets and need one last detail worked out – a solid eSIM solution for making calls, sending texts, and checking emails on the go. Look no further! We have compiled the top 6 best eSIMs in North America that travelers should check out before they embark on their next journey.
What is an eSIM, and why do you need it to travel? #
When it comes to international travel, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First and foremost, among those considerations should be your cellphone service. After all, what's the point of going on vacation if you can't document and share every moment with your friends and followers back home?
Sure, you could buy a local SIM card when you land at your destination. But let's be honest, that's a pain in the butt. Who wants to deal with the hassle of finding a store, buying a new SIM, transferring their contacts, and then selling with an unfamiliar interface? Nobody, that's who. That's where eSIMs come in.
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be programmed remotely and doesn't require you to swap out your SIM card physically. In other words, it's the perfect solution for international travelers who want to avoid the hassle of buying a new SIM card every time they cross a border.
The top 6 best eSIMs for travelers in North America #
There are a lot of eSIM providers out there, but not all of them are created equal. To save you the trouble of researching yourself, we've compiled a list of the six best eSIM providers for North American travelers. So, without further ado, here they are:
T-Mobile #
T-Mobile G.B. is one of the most popular cellphone carriers in the United States. For just $5, you can get 512MB to use within 24 hours with T-mobile 1 Day Pass. If that's not enough for your plans, opt for 5GB, which will last ten days - for $35! But if you're planning on staying away longer or need more gigs than ever, there is always an option: The 15 G.B. International pass provides ample connection time and up to 30 days worth of access for 50 bucks! Need some extra? Purchase another once your current one expires or runs out entirely.
AT&T #
AT&T is another primary U.S. carrier that offers an excellent eSIM option for international travelers called "AT&T International Day Pass." For just $10 per day, AT&T customers can get unlimited talk and text in more than 190 countries worldwide, plus 100MB of high-speed data to use each day they're abroad. If you need more data than that, AT&T also offers an International Data Pass, which gives you 250MB of high-speed data to use per day for $25 per day.
Google Fi #
Google Fi is Google's cellphone service, available in 170+ countries worldwide (including Canada and Mexico). With Google Fi, you can get unlimited talk & text plus 2G speeds for just $20 per month when traveling internationally (data rates vary by country). If you need faster speeds than 2G, you can purchase high-speed data passes at $10 per GB—not bad!
FreedomPop #
FreedomPop G.B.G.B. is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that piggybacks off Sprint's network in the United States. They offer a variety of plans starting at just $0 per month (yes, really!) But even their most expensive plan is only $20 monthly, including unlimited talk & text plus 1GB of 4G LTE data (data overage charges apply after 1 GB). For international travelers, FreedomPop offers an excellent "Global Voice & Data" plan starting at just $5 per month, which gives you 200 minutes of calling plus 200 texts plus 200MB of data to use each month while abroad—not bad!
Telus #
Telus G.B. G.B. is one of Canada's largest cellphone carriers. They offer an excellent "Roam Mobility" service, which gives Canadian travelers access to unlimited talk & text plus 2GB of high-speed data each month for just CAD 9 (USD 6). And if 2GB isn't enough data for you, Telus also offers an "Unlimited" plan, which gives you unlimited talk & text plus 5 G.B. of high-speed data each month for just CAD 19 (USD 14). Not bad!
Roamify eSIM #
Roamify eSIM is one of the best flexible eSIM providers. Don't be locked to any carriers by mobile phone contracts. With Roamify eSIM, you must shop for data plans online, install an eSIM on compatible devices, and use it immediately. Roamify eSIM also helps you connect to the most secure and reliable internet as it will look for the fastest local wireless networks for you - even in Alaska. Regarding the prices, Roamify eSIM U.S. data plans are perfect for budget travelers searching for a big deal as low as $4.59. With Roamify eSIM, you can forget about bulky physical SIM cards and costly roaming fees.
How to pick the best eSIM for your needs #
When deciding on the best eSIM for your needs, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to ensure the network provider is compatible with your device. Not all networks are compatible with all devices, so checking before you commit is essential. You'll also want to know what data and voice plans are available from that provider. Different plans offer different service levels and coverage, so it's a good idea to compare several providers before selecting one.
Once you've selected a network provider, you can choose an eSIM plan that meets your needs. Consider how much data you need and how much time you'll be using the service abroad if applicable - this will help narrow down your options. Additionally, consider what kind of customer support is available from that provider and any fees associated with their services, such as activation or roaming charges for international use.
Don’t forget to read and evaluate the customer reviews for each potential provider to get an idea of how satisfied other individuals have been with their service. This can give you valuable insight into what kind of experience you can expect when working with them in the future. Researching user feedback will also provide more information about the quality of customer service each company offers and whether they are reliable when resolving customer issues quickly and efficiently.
By considering all these factors, you should be able to identify the best eSIM option for your needs and make an informed choice when selecting a plan. While researching various providers may seem daunting initially, having some knowledge beforehand can save time in the long run - plus, it could mean finding the perfect plan for your requirements!
How to Activate your eSIM #
Activating your eSIM and using it on your next trip is a great way to stay connected while you’re away from home. To get started, you’ll need an eSIM-compatible device – many modern smartphones have this capability built-in. Still, if yours doesn’t, you can purchase an eSIM-compatible device or adapter to convert your current phone into one. Once you have the necessary hardware, here’s how to activate your eSIM:
Step 1: Purchase an eSIM plan from your carrier. Many carriers offer prepaid plans for travel so that you can easily pick the right amount of data and minutes for the duration of your trip. If you already have a cellular plan with a supported carrier, see if they also offer an eSIM option.
Step 2: Download the appropriate setup app. Depending on what type of phone and mobile network operator you have, you may need to download and install a specific app to activate your eSIM. For example, Apple users must use the “My Carrier” app. In contrast, Android users may need to use their specific carrier's app, such as Roamify eSIM, AT&T's “Smart Setup,” or Verizon's “My Verizon Mobile.” Make sure that the app is up-to-date before proceeding.
Step 3: Scan the Q.R. code provided by your carrier when purchasing an eSIM plan. The QR code contains all the necessary information for activating your new SIM card, so ensure it is adequately scanned for activation to be successful.
Step 4: Activate the new line on your phone's settings menu. Once the Q.R. code is successfully scanned, go into settings on your phone and navigate to where it says "Cellular" or "Mobile Data" – depending on what type of phone you have – then select "Add Line." On this page, there should be an option for adding an eSIM; follow any additional steps until activation is complete.
Step 5: Make sure everything works correctly by test-calling a few numbers or connecting online using data services (WiFi hotspots are recommended whenever possible). If everything looks good, congratulations – you're ready to start using your eSIM on your travels!
Get eSIM for your North American Travel. #
Upon arrival, buying a physical SIM card seems a good solution until your new carrier doesn’t have the best prices or most desirable coverage. Unfortunately, changing your mind after you buy a physical SIM is not as easy as it should be. This is where eSIMs come in handy for global travelers.
With an eSIM, all you need to do is activate your plan before departure and then add the profile of your chosen carrier onto your phone–no cutting or swapping required. If you plan to travel to North America soon, check out Roamify eSIM iOS or Android App to get the most flexible and affordable North American data plans.
Related eSIM destination plans
Frequently asked questions
- What will I learn in The top 6 best eSIMs for travelers in North America?
- You will learn how eSIM activation works, how to compare data plans, and which setup steps matter most before and during your trip.
- How do I choose the right eSIM plan for Japan?
- Match your plan to trip length, expected daily data use, hotspot needs, and network quality in your destination. Short stays usually need less data, while remote work and video calls need more.
- Where can I buy travel eSIM plans for Japan and Thailand?
- Use the destination links in this guide to go directly to Roamify country pages, compare plan options, and complete checkout before departure.