How to use an eSIM to travel to the USA

One of the most annoying things about traveling to a new country is having to constantly search for reliable Wi-Fi sites or figure out how to buy a local SIM card to connect. Or worse, being exposed to exorbitant international roaming charges.

if I were Traveling in the United StatesIt’s helpful to have a constant internet connection to help you navigate public transit systems, follow Google Maps on road trips and quickly look up restaurant reviews when looking for a place to eat.

Well, now you can stay connected with an eSIM for US travel.

We recently partnered with Holaflythe international eSIM service provider, to tell you all about how eSIMs work and why you should get one for your next trip to the US (or anywhere outside of your home).

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a virtual or digital SIM card built into your mobile phone. Modern cell phones have microchips installed that allow you to install multiple “eSIM profiles,” which are similar to physical SIM cards with both phone numbers and data plans.

You don’t need to insert any physical card into your phone (as it is already built in) and you can use your eSIM plan right away (without having to wait for it to be delivered). It also allows you to purchase a data plan from another country to avoid paying high roaming rates.

Simply put, an eSIM allows you to use multiple lines at the same time. You can easily switch between different carriers directly from your phone’s settings. Just make sure your phone is unlocked!

Does the US support eSIM?

Yes, eSIMs are supported by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the US. There are also many different eSIM services in the US, including Holafly, which offers several US eSIM plans.

You just need to make sure that you have an eSIM compatible phone. Current compatible phones include:

• All iPhone XS, XR and later models, including iPhone SE 2 (2020)
• From Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 +, S20 Ultra onwards
• From Samsung Galaxy Fold, Fold 2 and beyond
• From Samsung Galaxy Note 20 onwards
• From Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and beyond
• Huawei P40, P0 Pro and later models
• Huawei Mate 40 Pro and later models
• Google Pixel 3, 3a (some versions do not allow eSIM)
• Google Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 5 and later models
• Oppo Find X3 Pro
• Oppo Reno 5A
• Motorola Razr (2019)
• Motorola Razr 5G (Dual SIM)

You can also find a complete list over here. The eSIM is quickly becoming a standard for all new mobile phones, and eventually, all of them will support eSIM.

How does the international eSIM work?

The first thing you need to do is to check if your phone is compatible (which is mentioned above). Once you know your phone is compatible, you can choose an eSIM provider in partnership with the country you’re traveling to. Most eSIM service providers are connected to a wide range of countries across North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

Then all you have to do is buy a data plan in the country you are traveling to. For example, you can purchase unlimited US data plans that are valid for five to 90 days.

You will then get a QR code to activate the plan via the eSIM on your mobile device. And that’s it, you can start browsing the web right away for free.

Why is a travel eSIM useful when visiting the US?

There are many benefits to using an eSIM for travel when you are in the United States, including:

• Save high international roaming costs by easily buying local data packages
• Not having to risk losing your traditional SIM by removing it to replace it with a local SIM
• eSIMs allow for dual SIM settings, so, for example, you can have a personal and business phone number on the same device.
• No need to search for Wi-Fi or stay offline
• You will get better rates than buying local SIM cards

eSIM prices for USA

You get an unlimited data plan and you only pay for the number of days:

5 days = $19
10 days = $34
15 days = $47
20 days = $54
30 days = $64
60 days = $84

This connects you to the best network, so that you do not need to search for WiFi points.

Stay connected in the United States

eSIM is the best way to stay connected internationally (provided your phone is compatible). You’ll get better rates and speeds than when roaming, and you’ll have a local phone number to call – so handy when you need to call to make restaurant reservations.