Best eSIM for USA Travel in 2025 - Compare Top eSIM Cards for the United States

A few years ago in San Francisco, I turned up to my Airbnb feeling pretty proud of my solo travel skills... until I realised I couldn’t get in. The door code was in an email, my phone had no data, and the café down the street had “Wi-Fi for paying customers only.” I ended up pacing the footpath like a confused extra from a sitcom.

Since then, I’ve made one small change that’s made a huge difference: I always set up a USA travel eSIM before I leave. No roaming bills, no dodgy public Wi-Fi, just instant data when I land.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best eSIM options for USA travel, from value picks to unlimited plans and even ones with a local number. I’ll also cover setup steps and a few tips to help you stay connected without the chaos.

Why eSIMs Are Perfect for USA Travel

If you're planning a trip to the States, sorting out your mobile connection ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle. A travel eSIM for the USA gives you instant access to local networks without having to visit a kiosk, swap physical SIM cards, or get hit with surprise roaming charges. It’s quick to set up, prepaid, and way more flexible than old-school options.

I work at ZenSim, so I’ve chatted with tonnes of travellers heading to the US. Whether it’s for work, fun, or that long-awaited road trip across Route 66, one thing’s clear - an eSIM is one of the easiest things to tick off your to-do list before you fly.

What Makes eSIMs Ideal for Travelling to the US?

The US is massive. You can go from big cities to national parks in a matter of hours, and not all places have reliable public Wi-Fi. Having a local data connection on arrival makes a big difference - especially when you need to order an Uber, navigate on Google Maps, or get through a flight delay with a bit of Netflix.

Traditional roaming can also get expensive fast. Aussie telcos like Telstra charge $10 per day to roam in the US, which adds up quickly. With a USA travel eSIM, you know exactly what you're spending upfront and can avoid that dreaded post-holiday phone bill.

You also won’t need to worry about queuing at airport SIM stands or carrying a paperclip to eject your SIM tray. Just scan, install, and you're good to go.

Who Should Consider Using a USA Travel eSIM?

We see all sorts of people using eSIMs for USA travel - and the convenience really does suit just about everyone. Aussies heading to the US for a few weeks of adventure love the no-fuss setup. Business travellers appreciate having a data connection ready before they land. Students doing a semester abroad find it easier than hunting down a local SIM. And families travelling together? They usually grab a few eSIMs so everyone stays connected and no one has to hotspot their data the whole time.

Best USA eSIMs Compared (2025 Edition)

Trying to find the best eSIM for travel to the USA can be a bit of a rabbit hole. There are plenty of providers out there offering similar-looking plans, but the differences become pretty clear when you line them up side by side. Pricing, support, their app (or lack of), whether or not you can hotspot - these things all matter, especially when you’re relying on your phone for maps, transport, and staying in touch.

Below is a comparison of some of the top USA travel eSIM providers in 2025, including a few thoughts from my experience helping customers choose the right fit.

Top eSIM Providers for USA Travel (Listicle)

1. ZenSim

ZenSim keep things simple and affordable. Our 30 day 20GB plan comes in at just A$45 ($24 USD), which is easily the best value in the bunch. We’ve also got an Unlimited option if you know you’ll be using a lot of data which is also the most affordable. Customers often mention how easy our app is to use and how fast our support is over WhatsApp or Messenger. Plans range from 5GB up to Unlimited and can be topped up mid-trip.

2. Roamless

Roamless is a solid mid-tier option with plans ranging from 500MB to 20GB. Their 30 day 20GB plan is A$58 ($34.95 USD). No unlimited option though. They come in with a 3.7/5 review score so not my first choice.

3. AloSIM

AloSIM is a bit pricier at A$66 ($42 USD) for 20GB, but they do include a US phone number with their plans. That can be useful if you need to receive calls or texts on a US number. If that’s important to you, it’s worth considering.

4. Airalo

Airalo is well-known in the eSIM space and easy to find online. Their 20GB USA plan also sits at A$66 ($42 USD), but they don’t offer unlimited data. They do offer phone numbers on some plans, but their review ratings are a bit lower than others, which gives me pause.

5. Saily

Saily is another solid contender. Their 20GB plan is priced at A$59 ($36.99 USD), and they also offer Unlimited plans with built-in VPN options, which some travellers like. Just note their site only lists prices in USD, so conversions vary.

Most Affordable USA eSIM Plan

If value is your top priority, the ZenSim 20GB plan for A$45 ($24 USD) really is the best deal you’ll find. It works out to just A$1.50 per day for full-speed data across the USA. Compared to other providers sitting in the A$58 to A$66 range for the same data, it's a pretty big difference.

The plan lasts for 30 days, and you can top up via the app anytime. For most travellers, 20GB is more than enough unless you're streaming or working full-time from your phone – in which case see below.

Best eSIM for USA with Unlimited Data

Unlimited plans make sense for digital nomads, heavy streamers, or anyone who doesn’t want to track usage while abroad. ZenSim’s 30 day Unlimited USA plan is priced at A$98 ($59 USD), which breaks down to just A$3.27 per day ($1.97 USD).

The next best Unlimited option is from Saily, who offer a similar plan for A$115 ($71.99 USD) - around $17 more than ZenSim. Holafly also offers unlimited eSIMs, but they tend to sit on the expensive end and aren’t included in this list.

Best USA eSIM for Phone Number & Calls

If you need a USA eSIM with a phone number, your best bet is AloSIM. They include a US number with many of their plans, which is handy if you need to take local calls or receive SMS while you're in the States. Airalo also offers this on some plans, but their customer reviews aren’t as strong, so I usually recommend AloSIM over them for this use case.

Just keep in mind that adding a phone number isn’t essential for using apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or even Uber. Data only eSIMs typically work for most people unless you have a specific need for a phone number.

How to Buy and Set Up a USA Travel eSIM

If you're ready to buy an eSIM for USA travel, the good news is the whole process is refreshingly easy. There’s no shipping delays or SIM cards in the mail - once you choose your plan, everything is delivered digitally and can be activated in minutes. That means no lining up at the airport or scrambling to connect while you wait for a ride share.

We’ve made it as straightforward as possible to get your USA eSIM up and running, whether you’re a tech pro or it’s your first time using an eSIM.

Compatible Phones and Devices

Before purchasing, the first thing to check is whether your device supports eSIM. Most modern phones do, but not all models and regions are eSIM-ready.

Generally speaking, if you have:

• an iPhone XS, XR or newer (including all Pro models)
• a Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer
• a Google Pixel 3 or later

You’re likely good to go. To be sure, just run your phone through our eSIM compatibility checker. It only takes a few seconds and will tell you if you’re all set.

Installing Your USA eSIM Step-by-Step

Once you’ve chosen a plan and completed checkout, you’ll receive your eSIM details via email. Here’s how to get it set up:

Option 1: QR Code (most popular)
Scan the code using your phone’s camera from another screen. Your phone will prompt you to add the new mobile plan, it’s as easy as that.

Option 2: ZenSim App (iOS one-tap install)
If you’re on an iPhone, you can skip the code entirely and install your eSIM directly from the ZenSim app with a single tap. This is the smoothest option if you already have the app downloaded and are running a newer version of IOS.

Option 3: Manual Setup
For those who prefer or need to enter details manually, you can log into the ZenSim app, click on the install button and you will have all the info you’ll need. Just copy and paste the activation code into your phone’s eSIM settings directly from the app and follow the instructions.

Activating Your USA eSIM

A lot of people get confused around the difference between activating and installing. Activation happens when you arrive in the USA and installation is when you scan the QR code to put the eSIM onto your phone. Now these often happen at separate times.

If you have an iPhone and you encounter an activation error before you arrive in the USA, you can safely ignore this as activation will not occur until you land. A couple of other things to check when you arrive just to make sure your phone knows to use your new eSIM:

Apple iOS (iPhone)

• Go to Settings > Mobile (or Cellular)
• Tap Mobile Data and select your eSIM (usually labelled Travel, Personal, or Secondary)
• Tap into the plan and make sure “Data Roaming” is turned ON

Samsung Galaxy (Android)

• Open Settings > Connections
• Tap SIM Card Manager and select your eSIM for Mobile Data
• Go back and tap Mobile Networks
• Ensure “Data Roaming” is ON

Google Pixel (Android)

• Go to Settings > Network and Internet
• Tap SIMs and choose your eSIM plan
• Enable Mobile Data and Data Roaming

Smart Tips for Using Your eSIM in the States

Travelling with a USA eSIM is meant to make your trip easier, and with just a little bit of prep, you can avoid the common hiccups and stay connected the entire time. From managing data to avoiding the usual tech traps, here are a couple of quick tips to help you get the most out of your eSIM for travel to the USA.

How to Track Your Data Usage and Top Up

If you're using a ZenSim plan, you can keep tabs on your data directly in the ZenSim app. It shows how much you've used, how many days are left, and gives you the option to top up whenever you like.

One smart move is to top up before your data runs out. When you do this, the new plan will automatically activate the moment your current one ends, so you won’t lose connection mid-scroll or while booking an Uber. It’s a nice way to avoid stress when you're deep in a national park or rushing between airports.

Hotspotting is supported too, so if you’re planning to tether your laptop or share data with a travel buddy, no worries there.

Common Mistakes When Using a USA Travel eSIM

We’ve seen a few avoidable issues come up, especially for travellers using an eSIM for the first time. The most common one is forgetting to enable data roaming. This setting needs to be switched on for your phone to use the eSIM network in the US – and by default, it’s sometimes off when you first install the plan.

Another one is skipping the compatibility check. Just because your phone is recent doesn’t always mean it’s eSIM-ready or supported across all regions. It’s always worth running your phone through our compatibility checker before purchasing.

If you’re ever unsure, just reach out – we’re always happy to help get things sorted.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right USA eSIM for You

If you’ve made it this far, you’re well on your way to avoiding roaming fees, airport SIM chaos, and unexpected connection dropouts. Choosing the right USA eSIM for travel doesn’t need to be complicated – it just comes down to your data needs, travel plans, and what kind of experience you want on the ground.

ZenSim offers some of the most affordable and flexible plans out there, from short-term 5GB options all the way to 30-day Unlimited. But as you've seen, there are plenty of solid providers to choose from depending on what matters most to you – whether that’s price, speed, unlimited data, or having a US number.

Still unsure? No worries. You can explore our USA eSIM plans, run your device through our compatibility checker, or get in touch for personalised help. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction.