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Best North America eSIM For Travel

Best North America eSIM For Travel

Planning a trip to North America? Getting a North American eSIM that gives you coverage in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to stay connected during your trip. With an eSIM from Airalo, you can download a data plan, install the eSIM on your device, and connect to a mobile network upon arrival. The best part? You can do it all from your smartphone! Best North America eSIM For Travel

SIM card e SIM shop

 

Here are the best North American eSIMs to keep you connected during your trip.

The Best North American eSIMs

Stay connected while you travel with these North American eSIM plans from Airalo:

Additional information:

  • Data only
  • Top-up available
  • Validity begins when connected to any supported network
  • No eKYC check required

How to Choose a North American eSIM

Here are a few considerations to help you select a North American eSIM:

  • Where are you traveling? A North American eSIM will keep you connected within the country. If your trip includes other countries and regions, consider a regional or global eSIM instead.
  • How long will you be away? Each Airalo eSIM plan has a validity period that tells you how long you can use it (e.g., 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days). If you extend your trip, you can top up or purchase another eSIM to stay connected.
  • How much data do you need? Airalo eSIMs also come with a set amount of data (e.g., 1GB, 3GB, 5GB). The amount you need will depend on how you use your smartphone when you travel. 1GB is generally enough for you to check emails, scroll social media, and browse the internet for 20-30 minutes a day over a month.

Is Your Device eSIM-Compatible? Best North America eSIM For Travel

Before you purchase a North American eSIM, you’ll want to ensure your phone supports eSIM technology. To use an eSIM, your phone must be:

  • Carrier-unlocked. Your device can’t be tied to a contract with a mobile carrier. If you purchased your phone outright, it’s likely unlocked. If you aren’t sure, we recommend contacting your carrier to double-check.
  • eSIM-compatible. Most smartphones manufactured since 2018 are eSIM-compatible, but this can vary depending on your location and provider. You can review our list of eSIM-compatible devices to see if your phone has eSIM capability.

North America SIM card

How to Buy and Install a North American eSIM

If your device is carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible, you’re all set to buy and install a North America eSIM! Follow these steps to set up your eSIM.

Step 1: Buy an eSIM

Visit the Airalo website or download the Airalo app (available on iOS and Android) and pick a North America eSIM for your trip. As a refresher, here are a few things to consider:

  • Data: The amount of data that comes with the eSIM (e.g., 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, etc.).
  • Validity Period: How long you can use the eSIM (e.g., 7 days, 15 days, 30 days, etc.).
  • Price: The value of the eSIM package (e.g., $5, $10, $15, etc.).
  • Location: Where you can use the eSIM (e.g., a single country, a region, or globally).

Step 2: Install Your eSIM

There are three ways to install an Airalo eSIM: directly, manually, and with a QR code. Before installing your eSIM, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection (we don’t want you getting stuck mid-installation!).

Here’s how to start the eSIM installation using each method:

  • Direct: Follow the prompts to install the eSIM right from the Airalo app.
  • QR Code: Scan a QR code to start the installation process.
  • Manual: Enter the eSIM information manually in your device settings.

During the installation, you’ll get a prompt to label your eSIM line. We recommend choosing a label that will make it easy to identify the eSIM when you travel (e.g., North America eSIM).

Step 3: Activate Your eSIM

When your North American eSIM activates will depend on its activation policy (you can find this in your eSIM’s “Additional Information” section). The activation policy tells you when your eSIM’s validity period begins. Some will activate immediately upon installation, while others will activate when you connect to a supported network at your destination.

If your North American eSIM activates immediately, it’s best to wait until right before you travel to install it. If it activates when you connect to a mobile network in North America, you can install it right away.

Step 4: Connect to a Local Network

When you arrive in North America, you can turn on your eSIM line to connect to a network and get online.

Here’s how to turn on your eSIM on iOS:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap Cellular or Mobile.
  • Tap your eSIM line.
  • Toggle on Turn On This Line.
  • Toggle on Data Roaming.
  • Tap Network Selection and select a supported network (you can find a list of networks in the eSIM’s Additional Information section).

Here’s how to turn on your eSIM on iOS:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap Cellular or Mobile.
  • Tap your eSIM line.
  • Toggle on Turn On This Line.
  • Toggle on Data Roaming.
  • Tap Network Selection and select a supported network (you can find a list of networks in the eSIM’s Additional Information section).

And on Android:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap Network & Internet.
  • Tap Mobile Network.
  • Turn on your eSIM.
  • Turn on Mobile Data.
  • Turn on Data Roaming.
  • Select a supported network (you can find a list of networks in the eSIM’s Additional Information section).

Benefits of Using an Airalo eSIM

Some of the benefits of using an Airalo eSIM include the following:

  • There are no roaming fees. Airalo eSIM plans are prepaid. You’ll only pay for the data you purchase upfront or top up along the way.
  • You aren’t tied to a specific carrier. You can choose the eSIM data plan that best suits your needs and easily switch plans as you travel.
  • You can connect like a local. We work with local providers to ensure you get the best prices and service during your trip.
  • Contact us 24/7. The Airalo support team is available 24/7, so you can get the assistance you need no matter what time zone you’re in.

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Driven by wanderlust and a passion for tech, Sandra is the creative force behind Alertify. Love for exploration and discovery is what sparked the idea for Alertify, a product that likely combines Sandra’s technological expertise with the desire to simplify or enhance travel experiences in some way.