Even seasoned travelers have the dilemma of finding the best prepaid cell phone plan for tourists in the USA. The need to buy a SIM card for every country we visit is a cycle we go through time and again. And usually, we are left with only one of two things – either we allow ourselves to get ripped off at the airport for buying ultra-expensive SIM cards or go through local stores to buy one but not know which is most suitable. One thing is for sure: either way is a pain.
So, what is the best prepaid cell phone plan for tourists in the U.S.A.?
The Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plan for Tourists in the USA: Local Providers
There are multiple benefits to choosing a prepaid cell phone plan over getting local mobile subscriptions, especially for short-term travels. If you are looking for the best prepaid cell phone plan for tourists in the USA, these are the most recommended local providers for you:
Mint Mobile Unlimited Plan
Monthly Fee:
- 4GB per month at $15/month
- 10GB per month at $20/month
- 15GB per month at $25/month
- Unlimited at $30/month
Validity or Expiration: Minimum purchase of three months
Best Features:
- MOST AFFORDABLE prepaid plan
- Offers nationwide coverage
- Free international calls to Mexico and Canada
- Unlimited Nationwide Talk & Text
- SIM card comes in normal, micro, and nano sizes
Ultra Mobile Tourist Plans
Monthly Fee:
- 3GB for $30 valid for 3-weeks, **not-rechargeable
Validity or Expiration: Comes with 3-week validity
Best Features:
- Specifically designed with tourists in mind
- Comes with 100 minutes of international calls to more than 80+ destinations
- Unlimited international texts
- Unlimited domestic calls and texts
- No credit checks or deposits required
AT&T Prepaid SM 5GB
Monthly Fee:
- 5GB per month at $30/month
Additional discounts:
AT&T also offers an 8GB plan for a $300 yearly payment
Validity or Expiration: Monthly subscription, no annual contract
Best Features:
- Universal SIM card
- Easy activation
- No credit check, great for tourists
- AT&T is one of the most recognized providers in the U.S.
- Can use your existing number
Verizon’s No Annual Contract Monthly Plan
Monthly Fee:
- Calls and Text only for $35/month
- 5GB data for $40/month
- 15GB data with unlimited international calls to Mexico and Canada for $50/month
- Unlimited data, Unlimited international calls to Mexico and Canada for $65/month
Additional discounts:
- $5/month savings for 4-9 month early payments
- $10/month savings for 10-12 month early payments
- $5/month savings for the AutoPay option
Validity or Expiration: Monthy subscription
Best Features:
- Comes with no activation fees
- You may bring a device you already own over to any Verizon retail store
- Unlimited calls and texts within the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands
- Offers loyalty discounts and AutoPay services
The Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plan for Tourists in the USA: International SIM cards
Constant travelers may find comfort in owning an international SIM card as they are very handy. However, the fact that local subscriptions are more affordable is an issue many international SIM card owners face. Looking on the bright side though, you would not have to buy a SIM card every time you travel to a new country, especially if you travel often. And, your loved ones would always know where to contact you whenever you’re out of the country. Here are some of the most recommended international SIM cards for you:
Orange Holiday World
Monthly Fee:
- Price varies depending on the country of origin
Validity or Expiration: six (6) months after recharge expires
Best Features:
- SIM cards can be used in hundreds of countries as long as they are under the same “zone”
- Safety feature – may require online registration for more than one (1) month of usage and will need to be renewed every six (6) months
OneSimCard
Monthly Fee:
- One time payment of $29.95, top-up costs vary (minimum consumable recharge of $25)
Validity or Expiration: ten (10) months after the last recharge
Best Features:
- Offers international cell phone rental (phone, SIM card, travel adapter package) for $19.95 a week
- Have corporate accounts
- Live customer support from anywhere
- Free incoming SMS fees everywhere
Traveling without a SIM card is possible but overall unwise. Some countries offer rentals of portable wifi packages at the airport for short-duration travels. However, this may not be the best idea if you are staying in the U.S. for longer than a week. Besides, free international calls are always a plus!
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