Complete Guide for Travelers · Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in United States. Compare 3 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $15 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$15
Providers
3
Network
Currency
USD
Any Best Buy, Target, Walmart, or carrier store. Airport SIM vending machines also available.
Compare all 3 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in United States. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile Prepaid Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $40USD 10 GB / 30 days | 2plans | Carrier StoreOnlineAirport |
Mint Mobile | MVNO | Good | Good | $15USD 5 GB / 30 days | 3plans | OnlineSupermarket |
AT&T Prepaid | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $40USD 15 GB / 30 days | 2plans | Carrier StoreSupermarketOnline |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$40
10 GB / 30 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Plan 10GB | 10 GB | $40 USD | $40 | 30 days | Unlimited US |
| Tourist Plan Unlimited | Unlimited | $50 USD | $50 | 30 days | Unlimited US |
From
$15
5 GB / 30 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB Plan | 5 GB | $15 USD | $15 | 30 days | Unlimited US |
| 15GB Plan | 15 GB | $20 USD | $20 | 30 days | Unlimited US |
| Unlimited Plan | Unlimited | $30 USD | $30 | 30 days | Unlimited US |
From
$40
15 GB / 30 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 15GB | 15 GB | $40 USD | $40 | 30 days | Unlimited US |
| Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited | $50 USD | $50 | 30 days | Unlimited US |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 3/3 selected.
Mint Mobile
5GB Plan
$15 USD USD
Mint Mobile
15GB Plan
$20 USD USD
Mint Mobile
Unlimited Plan
$30 USD USD
T-Mobile Prepaid
Tourist Plan 10GB
$40 USD USD
AT&T Prepaid
Prepaid 15GB
$40 USD USD
T-Mobile Prepaid
Tourist Plan Unlimited
$50 USD USD
AT&T Prepaid
Prepaid Unlimited
$50 USD USD
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in United States
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$15
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in United States, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in United States.
Carrier counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and handle registration on the spot.
Official brand stores with the widest plan selection. Staff can help with activation and troubleshooting.
Available at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and similar stores. Look near the checkout counter.
European supermarkets (Carrefour, Tesco, ALDI) sell house-brand SIM cards at the best prices.
Order online before your trip and pick up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.
United States does not require identification for prepaid SIM purchases, making it one of the easiest countries to get connected.
United States uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for United States
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
mvno carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
United States has minimal registration requirements. Follow these steps for a quick and smooth activation.
Prepare these before buying a SIM in United States
Unlocked phoneRequired
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a local SIM card
PassportOptional
Valid passport for SIM registration
SIM ejector toolRequired
Or use a paperclip to open the SIM tray
Cash in local currencyRequired
Some vendors do not accept credit cards
Photo ID (backup)Optional
A second form of ID in case your passport is needed elsewhere
major carrier
Step 1
None (no ID required for prepaid)
mvno carrier
Step 1
None
major carrier
Step 1
None
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for United States.