Our recommended eSIMs for the USA
US carrier roaming can be expensive, and buying a local US SIM as a visitor is more hassle than it is worth for most trips. An eSIM sidesteps both: install before you fly, keep your home number for calls and codes, and let the travel plan carry your data.
Airalo
Best valueThe broadest coverage — 200+ countries — and strong value. Buy exactly the data you need.
Check Airalo plans →Yesim
Most flexiblePer-country, regional, pay-as-you-go and a global plan across 150+ destinations.
Check Yesim plans →Saily
NordVPN teamA reliable, security-minded eSIM from the team behind NordVPN, with a clean app.
Check Saily plans →Holiday.com
ExpressVPN teamA global travel eSIM for 150+ destinations from the team behind ExpressVPN — one eSIM you top up as you go, with a privacy focus.
Check Holiday.com plans →Plans, prices and coverage change often — confirm the current plan on each provider's own page before buying. Links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Coverage in the USA
Travel eSIMs ride the major US networks, so coverage is strong across cities, suburbs and along interstates. As with any network, remote areas — deep in national parks or on back-country roads — can be patchy, so download offline maps before you head off-grid.
How much data do you need?
- ◆Light use (maps, messaging): 1–3GB per week is typically enough.
- ◆Normal use (social, navigation, photos): a 5–10GB plan covers most trips comfortably.
- ◆Road trips and heavy navigation/streaming: buy a larger data allowance.
Getting connected on arrival
- 1Buy your plan before you fly, while you still have your home connection.
- 2Install the eSIM when prompted (scan the QR code or tap install in the provider's app), and label the line so it is easy to find.
- 3On arrival, turn the travel eSIM's data on and enable data roaming for that line.
- 4Set your home line to 'data off' so you are never billed for roaming, and keep it active for calls, texts and two-factor codes.
Sort the rest of your the USA trip
Compare car-hire deals across the USA from all the major rental companies in one search — most bookings come with free cancellation, and prices are usually lowest when you book ahead.
Compare car hire in the USA →Find somewhere to stay in the USA — from city hotels to coastal boltholes — with free cancellation on most rooms. Filter by area and read verified guest reviews before you book.
Where to stay in the USA →City passes, theme-park and attraction tickets across the US.
Book tours & attraction tickets →Frequently asked questions
Does an eSIM work in the USA?
Yes. Travel eSIMs connect to the major US carrier networks, giving strong coverage across cities and highways. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in the USA?
For most visitors, yes — a travel eSIM data plan is usually far cheaper than a home carrier's US roaming rates, and you keep your own number for calls and texts over the internet.
Will it work in national parks?
In and around most parks, yes, but remote back-country areas can lose signal for any network. Download offline maps before heading into remote areas.