Choose your eSIM United States according to the length of your stay and your expected data use. 5 GB is generally enough for maps, messaging and social media, while video streaming and hotspot use require more data. The plans shown range from 5 to 100 GB and start at $6.90. They are fully refundable within 30 days provided the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination. The activation link is sent by email after purchase.
United States eSIM plans
Prices in USD. Instant QR activation. Pick your data, land connected.
Drift plans show a fixed data allowance, validity period and final price before checkout.
About “unlimited” plans: Plans marketed as unlimited, including Holafly plans, may still be subject to local network Fair Usage Policies (FUP) and temporary speed reductions after heavy use. Unlimited data does not always mean unlimited full-speed data.
Buying a local SIM instead
Where to buy: carrier stores, Best Buy, Walmart and Target; prepaid SIMs widely available, though airport options are limited
Price: 30-50 USD
US prepaid SIMs are relatively expensive and often require a US address or ID for some plans. A travel eSIM avoids that friction and works the moment you land, which matters on a tightly scheduled trip.
Source: DriftAmericas open dataset · updated monthly
The verdict
Our eSIM wins when: you want to land connected without hunting for a prepaid store, or you are on a short trip and do not want to pay for a full US prepaid month.
A local SIM wins when: you are staying a month or more and want a high allowance US prepaid plan with unlimited data and the best in country speeds.
Bottom line: For a one to three week trip a travel eSIM is the simplest and often cheaper call. For a long stay a US prepaid unlimited plan wins on allowance.
United States eSIM FAQ
Is 4G or 5G better in the United States in 2026?
5G is now broad across the main cities and tourist regions, and 4G was already fast enough for maps, calls and streaming. Pick a plan on coverage where you are going, not on 4G versus 5G. The realistic weak spots are the wide open spaces of the Mountain West, desert and national park interiors such as parts of Yellowstone, Death Valley and remote Alaska, where signal disappears between towns.
Does an eSIM work on arrival at the airport in the United States?
Yes. Available networks depend on the selected plan and are shown with each plan. Check the selected plan's activation conditions before travelling.
Which operator is best for a tourist in the United States?
T-Mobile is the safest single choice with the widest reach. Verizon is a solid alternative, excellent rural and highway coverage, often the best in remote western and northern areas. Available networks depend on the selected plan and are shown with each plan.
Cities & islands in United States
Local coverage, the best network by area, and the same plans that work nationwide.
AtlantaVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideAustinVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideBostonVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideCharlestonVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideChicagoVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideDenverVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideGrand CanyonVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideHonoluluVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideKey WestVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideLas VegasVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideLos AngelesVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideMiamiVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideNashvilleVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideNew OrleansVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideNew YorkVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideOrlandoVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysidePhiladelphiaVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysidePortlandVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideSan DiegoVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideSan FranciscoVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideSavannahVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideSeattleVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideWashington DCVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countrysideYellowstoneVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all strong in the city; Verizon has the broadest reach across the quieter areas and the countryside
