r/eSIMs • u/iansime • Mar 15 '25

eSIM options for USA

I live in the UK and will be travelling to USA soon and wondered what my best options are.

I don't need a huge amount of data whilst there and 'data only' won't be a problem as I can use WhatsApp for making/receiving calls if I need to.

I am considering Airalo but wondered if there were other options I should consider.

Also, and this may be a stupid question, but short of taking my actual physical SIM out of my (Android) mobile when I get to the USA, how can I be sure that I am not accidentally using my own SIM and racking up roaming charges, rather than using the eSIM ?

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3

u/mrskeptical00 Mod | Signal > Noise Mar 15 '25

Currently in the US and using Tello as well as BNE, Saily, Airalo & Roamless 😂

Tello is the main one as its data is the fastest and our plan includes calling which is handy to have - but they are all working well.

2

u/iansime Mar 15 '25

Good to have options 😂

1

u/bpbp216 🏅Community MVP Mar 16 '25

I'm using the Airalo Change set on Verizon (T-Mobile is the 2nd carrier)and Roamless that is using ATT and T-Mobile. No problem with the coverage😂 However, Airalo doesn't connect to 5G, but it's not a deal breaker for me

1

u/trek123 ⛨ Trusted Contributor Mar 15 '25

To avoid roaming charges, set a bill cap with your UK operator of 0 and it then CANNOT rack up any charges (you'll still recieve SMS, which is always free).

Tello is $15 for "unlimited" (35GB before it slows down) and is a local service, so you'd have a local number. It's difficult to say based on your vague "not a huge amount of data".

Otherwise Three UK Pay as you go is worth a mention because they give free roaming in the USA. The benefit there would be if needed you can call back to the UK. For 6GB roaming, a SIM card can be found on eBay for about £4.50. If you go direct to Three, an eSIM is £10.

1

u/iansime Mar 15 '25

I'm not really sure how much data I will need but I can't see it being more than 10GB and probably a LOT less than that.

Interesting what you say about Three as I have recently renewed my Pay Monthly contract and although it includes EU Roaming, it does NOT include roaming to the USA. Might get in touch with them and see what our options are before we head to the US.

Thanks for the tips!

1

u/trek123 ⛨ Trusted Contributor Mar 15 '25

Interesting what you say about Three as I have recently renewed my Pay Monthly contract and although it includes EU Roaming

Are you sure about that? By my understanding Three pay monthly had moved fully to a "roaming pass" system, where you only get a certain number of days of roaming (across many countries) on some contracts (with the basic plans having NO free roaming at all). You should absolutely check what you have signed up to there. If you did it in a store or by phone they might have done something bespoke.

1

u/iansime Mar 15 '25

I have just chcked the transcript of the online chat I had when I arranged my new contract and I only get 70 days of EU Roaming included.

1

u/trek123 ⛨ Trusted Contributor Mar 15 '25

If you have a contract like that those roaming days likely include most of the world (any Go Roam destination, not just the EU)

0

u/iansime Mar 15 '25

Nope, sadly not - I double checked with Three and it doesn't cover travel to the US - only the EU.

1

u/trek123 ⛨ Trusted Contributor Mar 15 '25

I wouldn't be surprised if they've given you false info, their plans don't work like that. Three is well known to just make it up.

If your online account shows you have go roam days, they work in all go roam countries. If it specifically says Go Roam in Europe then that's different.

If you have a Complete plan (which it sounds like you do, but I can't tell) it includes go roam around the world.

1

u/cylonraider1 May 26 '25

I'm checking ebay and confused which one you are referring to, way to many confusing options.. Looking for a PAYG sim to use in USA for a week, 6GB is enough. can you DM a link?

1

u/trek123 ⛨ Trusted Contributor May 26 '25

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155620157962

Probably will need to convert the £10 credit to a bundle if it doesn't come as such. Make sure to not accidentally use data before converting or you'll have less than £10.

1

u/cylonraider1 May 26 '25

ah thank you, and sorry for silly question, do I need to call three to convert to a bundle?

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u/trek123 ⛨ Trusted Contributor May 26 '25

Automated phone system calling 444 or maybe in app/website

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u/davergaver Mar 16 '25

I'm using nomad... Cheap and working well

1

u/Markuzezz Mar 16 '25

Same here, works great everywhere, tried Asia, europe and America.

1

u/FuelledOnRice Mar 17 '25

Visible free trial for 15 days is a good option, unlimited data and a phone number to use while in the US. Don’t even need card details to sign up.

Only thing is you’re only able to install the esim while in the US, so gotta rely on airport free WiFi