Best Prepaid SIM Card USA in 2023
How to Choose the Best Prepaid SIM Card for the USA
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Are you going to travel to the United States and don't know what kind of prepaid SIM card is right for you? There are several options to choose from. The best one is one that's designed to make you stay connected. It will allow you to stay on top of social media, check your emails, and more.
When choosing a prepaid sim card USA, you'll want to find one that provides you with the most data. This will help you to make calls, play games, watch videos, and more. You can also take advantage of apps that will allow you to order a taxi, find local restaurants, and more.
One of the most important features to look for in a prepaid SIM is international coverage. In some parts of the world, such as Mexico, it's easy to find a good network. However, in other countries, coverage is rare. With a prepaid sim card for the United States, you can stay on top of your email and social media accounts while you're away from home.
When buying a prepaid SIM, you'll need to activate it online before you can use it. If you want to save time, it's a good idea to visit a retail store. Official stores usually have a staff member who can answer your questions and recommend the best package. But convenience stores tend to have fewer package options than official retail outlets.
A good prepaid SIM card for the USA will offer you at least 10 gigabytes of data, but you can also get more if you're willing to pay extra. For example, the T-Mobile Tourist Plan will give you unlimited talk and data for $10 more per month. Other options include the Cricket Wireless Complete Start Pack, which is a 3-in-1 SIM card.
Another option is to get an e-sim card. These are cheaper than traditional prepaid SIMs. E-sim cards will only work on unlocked phones, however. They're also a good choice for frequent travelers, as they'll give you access to a reliable internet connection throughout the country.
One of the biggest perks of a prepaid SIM is that you don't have to deal with a contract. Instead, you'll receive unlimited phone calls, texts, and data for a set monthly fee. While most prepaid SIMs are limited to 3G networks, a lot of the better ones are compatible with 4G LTE and 5G networks.
The LycaMobile UNL Talk Text SIM card is a great way to keep your phone charged, and to stay in touch with friends and family back home. This prepaid SIM card allows you to talk and text to 65+ countries for a reasonable price.
The best prepaid SIM card for the USA is one that offers you the most features at the best price. This can be done through online searches, or you can visit an official retailer to pick up a prepaid SIM.
To make sure you're getting the best possible service, you may wish to opt for a prepaid SIM card for the USA from one of the following carriers: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
5 Reasons to Get a Local Prepaid SIM Card When Traveling to the USA
A prepaid SIM card can be an excellent option for travelers traveling to the USA. Compared to purchasing a phone from a local phone store or kiosk, it can be cheaper and much easier to get a prepaid SIM card. In addition, it can provide a wide range of features that can help you stay connected while you are in the U.S. However, it is important to find the best prepaid SIM card for your travels.
The first thing to do is figure out if you need a local or international SIM. If you're only planning on making a few calls and a few texts, you can buy a SIM card locally. There are many options for you to choose from, including T-Mobile and AT&T. Those companies are the most popular carriers in the U.S., and they offer some of the best plans. They also have excellent coverage. For example, T-Mobile offers a prepaid plan with unlimited calls and texting in the U.S. You can even use the T-Mobile SIM as a mobile hotspot, allowing you to connect multiple devices to the internet.
If you're planning on taking a longer trip, you might want to invest in a global SIM card. These cards work much like a prepaid SIM, but you need an unlocked smartphone to use them. Global SIM cards are also much more cost-effective than using a local SIM, and they allow you to access the internet anywhere in the world.
If you're planning on taking short trips to the United States, you might be able to use a Tello Mobile SIM card. This is one of the easiest plans to find, and you'll enjoy a generous data allowance. But, if you're not going to make a lot of calls, you can opt for the Ultra Mobile Tourist plan. It includes enough talk and text to keep you connected, and it comes with a high data limit.
If you're planning to visit Mexico or Canada, an AT&T SIM card is a good option. If you purchase a prepaid SIM card from an authorized reseller, you can use it in both countries. Also, there aren't any restrictions on how many phones you can use, and you can take advantage of AT&T's 4G network in Canada.
Another option is the Orange Holiday World SIM card. With this card, you'll be able to use the phone in 66 different countries, including the U.S. and Europe. It has a 14-day credit and supports WiFI tethering. You can purchase it at a local retail shop, at a supermarket, or from an authorized reseller.
Buying a prepaid SIM is also an easy option for those who travel frequently. Most major airports have official phone company kiosks, and you can purchase a prepaid SIM card there. Additionally, you can buy a SIM kit from various retailers, including Wal-Mart, Target, and Amazon.
Travelers should also look into eSIM data plans. Many providers offer a data plan that can be activated instantly. Those plans also don't require shipping, and you can keep your original phone number. Some eSIM providers include Holafly and SimOptions.
Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for the USA in 2023
A prepaid SIM card is the best way to go while you're abroad and make local calls. Be sure to make sure your phone is not locked and is able to accept SIM cards from other operators before you decide on this option.
If you are visiting the U.S. for a while, the last thing that you want is to return home with a large cell phone bill and all your international roaming fees. Many cell phone companies offer SIM card plans that can be used for short-term visitors to the USA.
Prepaid SIMs give you access to the provider's network and a local phone number. You will not be able to use the service unless you have credit. It will expire if it runs out. There is no contract to sign. This is ideal for travelers.
Although you might find different SIM cards in the USA at airports or mobile shops near you, it is possible that you won't be able immediately to select the one that suits your needs. We've compiled a list of comparisons to help you get more information about the best prepaid SIM cards for the USA.
Your carrier may charge you a lot for your non-American SIM card if you travel to the U.S. Customers are advised to obtain a prepaid SIM card before they travel to the USA. This will allow them to save tons of money on data and calls.
It's well-known that the USA is more expensive than other countries for telecommunications. If you are only visiting the country for a short time, there may be other expenses that you have already planned. If you are going to spend extra on a service, you will want the best.
It is important to understand the differences between CDMA and GSM, especially for the US market in telecommunications. The key differences between these two technologies are their security features, global reach, and LTE data speeds.
CDMA is used almost exclusively in the USA today, with a small portion of it being used in Japan and Canada. More than 210 countries support GSM technology, including Europe. What does this mean for end-users? CDMA phones are tied with the provider If your SIM card slot is unlocked, you can't change providers within the same country. GSM phones can be used on other GSM networks, making roaming easier.
There are few options in the GSM market as Verizon and Sprint use CDMA, a different type of mobile technology. For big providers, this leaves only AT&T or T-Mobile. Which provider offers the best prepaid SIM Card USA?
We compared all the mobile internet providers to see which ones offer prepaid plans with data, talk, and text. These are our top choices for USA SIM cards so that you don't have to rely on Wi-Fi from abroad.

Tello Mobile
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 1GB to Unlimited
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Free international calls to 60+ countries
Start at $5/month

Mint Mobile
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 4GB to Unlimited
- Free mobile hotspot
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Bulk Savings
Start at $15/month

Ultra Mobile
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 250MB to Unlimited
- Mobile hotspot data
- Free WiFi Calling & Texts
- Free Unlimited Global Text
- Free Unlimited Talk to 80+ INTL Countries
Start at $15/month

Gen Mobile
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 1GB to 5GB
- Unlimited Global Texting
- Mobile Hotspot Access
- Unlimited Direct Dial Calling to 100+ Countries
Start at $10/month

Lycamobile
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 2GB to Unlimited
- Mobile hotspot data
- Unlimited International Talk & Text to 75+ Countries
- Bonus International Minutes, and 500 Bangladesh Minutes
Start at $19/month

Visible
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- Unlimited 4G/5G data
- Free mobile hotspot
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Multi Line Discount
Start at $30/month

Twigby
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 1GB to Unlimited
- Get 50% OFF for 6 Months
- Free international texting to over 180 countries
Start at $19/month

Ting Mobile
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 1GB to Unlimited
- Free mobile hotspot access
Start at $10/month

AT&T Prepaid
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 5GB to Unlimited
- Mobile Hotspot Access
- Unlimited text from the U.S. to over 230 countries
- Rollover Unused Data to the next month
Start at $30/month

T-Mobile Prepaid
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 10GB to Unlimited
- Mobile Hotspot Access
- Wi-Fi calling
Start at $40/month

Cricket Wireless
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 5GB to Unlimited
- Multi line Discount
- Unlimited texts from the U.S. to 37 countries
- Mobile Hotspot Access
- 150GB Cloud Storage
Start at $30/month

Unreal Mobile
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- 4G/5G data range 2GB to Unlimited
- Free international calls
- Mobile Hotspot Access
- WiFi call and text
Start at $10/month
Best Prepaid SIM Card USA in 2023

A prepaid SIM card is the best way to go If you are visiting the U.S. Prepaid SIMs give you access to the provider’s network and a local phone number with no contracts, no early termination fees, and no activation fees for its service.
Buying a prepaid sim card in the USA is easy, it takes just a couple of minutes and you are connected straight away. You can acquire a prepaid SIM card for free and recharge data plans in it. However, you have to make sure your phone is unlocked if you want to use a US prepaid sim card.
You can purchase prepaid SIM cards through the operator’s websites, in a physical store, or even in supermarkets such as Walmart or Bestbuy.
Here are our top picks for prepaid sim cards for the USA in 2023
Tello Mobile
If you’re on the hunt for the best prepaid sim card in the USA, Tello Mobile may be just the ticket. Tello makes it easy to order a SIM card kit online, and get your new plan started. Tello is a prepaid phone service provider that offers flexible plans and low rates.
Tello is known for its customizable plans that give you full control of your minutes, texts, and data. You can choose exactly how much you need of each to cut out things you don’t use to hopefully save some money.
Tello’s plans are all prepaid, so there are no contracts, no early termination fees, and no activation fees for its service.
All of Tello’s plans include free calls to Canada, Mexico, and China, and mobile hotspot access with WiFi calling through their application at no extra cost, along with visual voicemail and unlimited 2G data. If you are not happy with your plan, you still can change it at any time.
Tello uses T-Mobile’s network to provide service. So, before you decide to sign-up with Tello, you’ll want to be sure that the coverage is good in your area. They have a handy coverage map on their site and you can plug in your home address to see if the area is covered.
Tello allows you to bring your own phone or purchase one from them. To bring your own phone to Tello, just check if it’s compatible with the Bring Your Own Device page.
The Tello SIM card start kit contains everything you need to make the switch. You can choose your plan and order online. It will be delivered right to your home. Follow these instructions to activate your plan.
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is another popular option for those looking for the best prepaid sim card in the USA. Mint is becoming a popular choice among MVNOs with a special twist on how you can buy service. Mint’s hook is that you can save big if you’re willing to pay for multiple months of service in advance, which can be 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months, with “buying in bulk” saving you more money in the long run.
Mint Mobile offers plans that start at just $15 per month with at least a three-month commitment. All plans come with unlimited talk, and text, along with the choice of 2GB, 5GB, or 10GB of 4G LTE data. You can also use your data as a hotspot if you want to get another device connected like a laptop or tablet and if you need extra LTE data speeds during a month, you can easily get an additional 1GB for $10 or 3GB for $20.
Mint Mobile users get free calls to Mexico and Canada and have variable rates for other countries. Mint Mobile’s international data must be paid for individually at different rates depending on the country.
Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s network, so your experience with Mint Mobile will heavily depend on how well T-Mobile works in your area. If you’re unsure how well T-Mobile works around you, Mint Mobile has a coverage map to check your area. Also mint works with any phone compatible with that network including most GSM phones. You can check your phone on Mint Mobile’s website to be sure.
Mint Mobile will send you a welcome pack when you order your first prepaid data plan. It will contain your SIM card and other essentials. A SIM starter pack can be purchased at Amazon and Target. These packs are available for $5 and offer limited functionality for testing purposes.
Ultra Mobile Tourist
Ultra Mobile is an MVNO of T-Mobile’s network. This means that you will get excellent T-Mobile coverage for a lower cost. Ultra Mobile has its own set of plans but the Ultra Mobile Tourist plan works well for those who are visiting the U.S.A for less than three weeks. This plan expires after 21 days. It is convenient for those who don’t want the hassle of canceling. You won’t have the ability to recharge your Ultra Mobile SIM Card, so don’t think about extending your stay.
You get $30 worth of talk, text and up to 3GB 4G LTE data for $30. You will also be able to access 80+ international destinations for 100 minutes. This means you can make calls to family and friends back home without the need to download an app.
You can purchase an Ultra Mobile Tourist Plan online or in a T-Mobile Store. Ultra Mobile also offers a store locator that allows you to locate Ultra-branded stores in your area.
Gen Mobile
Gen Mobile is a prepaid service that operates on T-Mobile network. Instead of focusing on complicated plans that add extra costs, Gen Mobile focuses on simple plans that are cost-saving. Gen Mobile is committed to providing quality mobile phone service at affordable prices. Gen Mobile offers unlimited international text messaging and all plans cost $25 per month.
Gen Mobile offers six affordable plans starting at $5-$25 per month with a variety of international calling and texting options. They also offer high-speed data from Sprint 4G LTE and mobile hotspot usage.
Unlimited calling to over 100 countries is included in any plan above $15 The $5 per month plan does not include unlimited talk and data. However, it includes unlimited text messaging. $25 per month offers unlimited text and talk, as well as international texting and 3GB of 4G data. Unlimited talk and text are included in the $15 per month plan, as well as international texting and 1GB 4G LTE data.
Gen Mobile offers plans in 3-month packages to save even more and a referral program. Refer friends to receive $5 each in account credit. Gen Mobile offers a money-back guarantee within 7 days and no hidden fees. You won’t be charged if you decide to cancel after the first three months.
Lycamobile
Lycamobile’s uniqueness is that it is a global MVNO and, in the U.S. it is an MVNO on T-Mobile. It is easy to check if your phone works with Lycamobile’s network by simply entering your IMEI on Lycamobile.com. However, most GSM-unlocked devices should work.
Lycamobile offers several plans and is able to cater to customers who require unlimited nationwide talk, text, and international calling to 75+ countries. All plans include these features for no extra charge. This makes Lycamobile the best plan if your goal is to be able to call abroad at any time you wish.
You have a variety of data options, starting at 1GB and increasing to unlimited. The lowest 1GB plan starts at $19 and the most expensive unlimited data plan starts at $50. Each plan comes with different bonuses, so you will have to decide what is most important for you.
Lycamobile SIM cards are easy to obtain. Lycamobile SIM Cards can be ordered online through Amazon and Lycamobile. But you’ll also find Lycamobile SIM Cards in many other retailers such as 7-Eleven, pharmacies, and local convenience stores. If you are unsure, you can use the online store locator.
Twigby
Unlike other MVNOs, Twigby gives its customers a chance to build their own phone plan with the add-ons they require. The first thing they have to consider is how many minutes they want their plan to include. And if needed, they can purchase a data add-on package to the plan they have selected.
All voice packages come with unlimited domestic and global texting. All data packages include unlimited 2G data once the high-speed allotment gets used up. Free talk and text roaming on the Verizon network are also included.
Twigby also offers to Bring Your Own Phone options so you can keep your compatible device and phone number when you switch. You can quickly and easily check if your current phone is compatible by using Twigby’s compatibility checker.
Twigby is giving its new customers 25% off on their first 6 months of service and provides overage protection along with family phone plans to keep the whole family covered under the same account.
Twigby uses two networks to provide coverage, the Sprint network which is the primary network, and the Verizon network which runs only as a backup network for talk and text.
Twigby SIM Card Kit comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for phones and plans (under 300 mins, 300 texts, or 300 MB data). This makes your purchase safe and secure. You will need to create a Twigby account in order to activate the Twigby SIM card, Kit.
Ting Mobile
Ting Wireless allows you to save hundreds on your cell phone bill by only requiring you to pay for what you use. Paying only for the talk, text, and data that you use is a great benefit to have instead of committing to a plan that charges high rates and fees each month.
The monthly cell phone bill varies based on usage and customers are not locked into a long-term contract. You start at $6 per line per month and use all of the talk minutes, text messages, and data you need.
Ting supports international coverage in a wide selection of countries. You can find international rates on their website. It also offers an international calling add-on to call 80 countries with your Ting plan. Learn more on their website.
Ting Mobile has the option to bring your own device, you just need to check if your device is compatible by entering its IMEI ID on twiggy’s Compatibility Checker.
Ting runs on T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon’s networks, so users can enjoy the same reliability of coverage as found on these carriers. (click here to check if your phone is compatible).
AT&T Prepaid
AT&T is known for its excellent coverage and offers one of the most affordable prepaid phone plans. You will find it has better coverage in rural areas than most other carriers. This makes it a great choice if you are planning to travel a lot. AT&T Prepaid is $30 and includes taxes and fees. This will give you 5GB of high-speed data. The speed is throttled to 128Kbps. Before signing up, make sure to check the compatibility of your device with AT&T online.
This plan allows you to access your mobile hotspot and send text messages to over 100 countries. You can also talk, text, and use data in Mexico or Canada, though data speeds may be slower. You can also upgrade to a 15GB plan for $40 if you feel you will need more data than 5GB. This is a great deal that you should definitely consider.
Online, you can buy an AT&T SIM card and a prepaid plan. Or, you can visit an AT&T shop. Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Walmart also sell AT&T SIM Cards for $10. This is more expensive than what you’d pay online, but still an option.
T-Mobile Prepaid
T-Mobile is the best option if you’re only going to be in the US for a few weeks. T-Mobile’s network uses GSM, which makes it more compatible with European-based phones.
The prepaid SIM card includes unlimited text, calls, and data for 20 days. This makes it ideal for travelers who only stay in the USA for a few weeks or days. It can be used on all smartphones (nano, micro, and regular SIM slots).
It must be activated before you can use it. Follow the instructions and your SIM will be activated in 24 hours.
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is also one of the best prepaid carriers for travelers looking for a prepaid sim card. During your time in the US, keep your phone number. This SIM card is compatible with unlocked and GSM-compatible phones. Simply insert the SIM card and follow the instructions to activate it.
Cricket Wireless has a variety of prepaid phone plans that will suit your needs. Unlimited text and phone calls for $30 per month It will cost $50 per month to add unlimited 4G LTE data. Although it is more expensive than T-Mobile’s Prepaid, it has a lot of features and coverage that covers not only the US but also Mexico and Canada.
Cricket International is also available if you need to call the US from other countries (up to 35 countries).
Unreal Mobile
UNREAL Mobile – Unlimited Talk, SMS & Data SIM Card Starter Kit. Get unlimited talk, text, and data on UNREAL Mobile’s nationwide GSM network using UNREAL Mobile’s 3-in-1 SIM Card Starter Kit. You can choose the monthly 4G LTE data amount you need. The included data rollover feature allows you to roll over 500MB/month of unutilized high-speed data.
UNREAL Mobile operates on both the AT&T and Sprint networks. Unreal Mobile offers service on either one of the major wireless networks, at a fraction of the cost or even less. There are three options for phone plans: 1 GB 2 GB or 5 GB 4G LTE data.
Unreal Mobile Plans start at $10 per Month You can modify your plan and the price according to what cell services you require. You can access unlimited talk, text, and data for $10 per month. Plus, 1GB high-speed 4G LTE data. This plan is ideal for someone who uses very little data per month or is an extreme penny-pincher.
You can increase the data cap to 2GB for $15 per month. This gives those who aren’t using their phone a lot while on LTE more freedom. For $30/month, you can get 5GB faster data speeds if your phone is connected to LTE. This is the plan that I have been testing.
Unreal Mobile is based on the Sprint CDMA network. It recently partnered with AT&T to expand its coverage. Unreal Mobile SIM cards can be purchased at Target, Best Buy, and Amazon.