The best US travel SIM cards for Canadians
As a Canadian, hopping across the border for an adventure in the USA is just a short journey away. But how can you stay connected without suffering from the vast expenses of roaming?
If you’re traveling to the US, it's most cost-effective to buy a new SIM card when you arrive. This way, you’ll avoid costly Canadian roaming fees and get to choose from a wider range of mobile carriers that boast extended coverage in the country. To complement your US travel SIM, you might like to know about the Wise Card for easy and secure transactions while avoiding hefty transaction costs.
Take complete control over your travel expenses with the Wise Card
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Before you purchase a SIM Card for your trip to the US
As you prepare for your US adventure, having the right SIM card will ensure your trip goes smoothly and that you aren’t struggling to stay connected. After all, mapping your journey and researching the most important attractions will require a reliable data plan. Let's dive into some key aspects you should consider before buying a SIM card for your trip.
- Communication to/from Canada : Make sure the SIM you choose allows for easy international texting and calling to and from the countries you need, including Canada.
- Identification : Does the provider require any special identification documents, or can you easily verify your identity using traditional methods such as your driver’s license and passport?
- Ease of activation : Some SIM cards have an easier activation process than others, so be sure to look for ones that have straightforward procedures.
- Language compatibility : In case you need customer support during your trip, make sure the provider offers assistance in English, French, or other languages you’re most comfortable with.
- Data sufficiency : Your SIM should come with enough gigabytes of data for all your communication needs, including accessing essential online services and managing your finances. For instance, Wise provides a user-friendly app where you can check balances, transfer funds, and track your spending as long as you have ample data.
- Easy top-up options : The provider should offer easy and quick top-up options in case you go over your data or minutes.
- Availability duration : The SIM should last the duration of your trip.
- eSIM vs. Physical SIM : While eSIMs mean you won’t have to deal with a physical card, they’re only compatible with certain devices and only come with data plans.
- Device compatibility : Some devices might be locked to a certain carrier, meaning they can only use a SIM card from that specific provider. If necessary, ask your current operator about unlocking your device. If device unlocking isn't possible, consider purchasing a travel plan from your existing service provider.
Some of the most recommended prepaid plans in the US
Need some help making a choice? Here are some of the top prepaid plans in the US.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is one of the largest mobile providers in the US with the largest 5G network around – bigger than AT&T and Verizon combined.1 SIMs can be bought online or in-store, and there are eSIMs for carrier unlocked compatible phones. There’s also a tourist plan offered through ULTRA MOBILE, which operates under the T-Mobile 5G network.2
| Prepaid Plan | Texts and calls | Data | Cost (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Prepaid 10 GB | Unlimited talk and text | Up to 10GB | $40/month, $5 to expand your call and text area to Mexico and Canada | Until canceled |
| T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited talk and text | Unlimited 5G Data | $50/month | Until canceled |
| T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited Plus3 | Unlimited talk and text | Unlimited 5G Data with 10GB of high-speed hotspot | $60/month | Until canceled |
| 3-Week Tourist Plan (available through ULTRA MOBILE)4 |
| Up to 3GB of 5G, 4G LTE Data | $30 | 21 days |
SimCorner
SimCorner is an Australian multinational company that offers international SIM cards for travelers around the world.5 SIM cards are ordered online and shipped directly to your address, or you can opt for an eSIM if your device is compatible.
| Prepaid Plan | Texts and calls | Data | Cost (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA Sim Card (T-Mobile)6 | Unlimited calls and SMS, no incoming call charges from any country | Unlimited 4G Data | $69 | 30 days |
| eSIM Prepaid USA SIM (T-Mobile)7 | None | Unlimited 4G/5G Data | $69 | 30 days |
There are also many eSIMs and physical SIMs that come with coverage for the US, Canada, and Mexico all in one, as well as SIMs with a set amount of GB for data.
aloSIM
aloSIM offers prepaid eSIM data packages for 170+ countries.8 No need for physical SIM cards or in-store visits – simply purchase, install, and activate wherever you are. eSIMs can be easily managed through the aloSIM up, whether you want to top up or cancel.
| Prepaid Plan9 | Cost (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $4.50 | 7 days |
| 2GB | $8 | 15 days |
| 3GB | $11 | 30 days |
| 5GB | $16 | 30 days |
| 10GB | $26 | 30 days |
| 20GB | $42 | 30 days |
Before purchasing with aloSIM, make sure your phone supports eSIMs using their questionnaire14. If you’re planning to travel around the rest of North America, there are also region-based eSIMs for the area that support Canada, Mexico, and the US.
Airalo
Airalo keeps travelers connected with local and regional eSIMs, as well as global eSIMs with data, call, and text capabilities. Like aloSIM, Airalo has a useful app that allows you to purchase, install, activate, and manage your SIM.
| Prepaid Plan10 | Cost (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $4.50 | 7 days |
| 2GB | $8 | 15 days |
| 3GB | $11 | 30 days |
| 5GB | $16 | 30 days |
| 10GB | $26 | 30 days |
| 20GB | $42 | 30 days |
If you’re looking for eSIMs with talk and text, you can opt for one of Airalo’s global eSIMs that has coverage for 127 countries, including the US. Pricing ranges from 15 USD for 7-day validity to 89 USD for an entire year.11
Tello
Tello Mobile is a phone service provider with cost-effectiveness in mind. They’re a unique wireless carrier that doesn’t charge extra fees or have lock-ins. Plans are entirely customizable and include free calls and texts to Canada.12
| Prepaid Plan13 | Texts and calls | Cost (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| No data with x minutes and free texting | 100 minutes, 300 minutes, 500 minutes, or unlimited minutes. | $5 - $8/month | Until canceled |
| 1GB data with x minutes and free texting | 100 minutes, 300 minutes, 500 minutes, or unlimited minutes. | $5 - $9/month | Until canceled |
| 2GB data with x minutes and free texting | 100 minutes, 300 minutes, 500 minutes, or unlimited minutes. | $6 - $10/month | Until canceled |
| 5GB data with x minutes and free texting | 100 minutes, 300 minutes, 500 minutes, or unlimited minutes. | $10 - $14/month | Until canceled |
| 10GB data with x minutes and free texting | 100 minutes, 300 minutes, 500 minutes, or unlimited minutes. | $15 - $19/month | Until canceled |
| 20GB data with x minutes and free texting | 100 minutes, 300 minutes, 500 minutes, or unlimited minutes. | $20/month | Until canceled |
| Unlimited data with x minutes and free texting | 100 minutes, 300 minutes, 500 minutes, or unlimited minutes. | $25/month | Until canceled |
Save when you spend abroad with Wise
Once you’ve decided on your US SIM card, your next step should be to find a way to manage your finances efficiently while abroad. Spending at stores and restaurants outside of Canada often leads to varying exchange rates, markups, and fees that can result in spending a lot more than you bargained for. One renowned solution for cutting down on these currency conversion costs is using a Wise virtual card.
The Wise card comes as a physical and virtual (compatible with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet) card and can be used anywhere Visa is accepted for shopping, dining out, and more. It’s also free to withdraw up to 350 CAD per month (in two or less withdrawals). Here’s how you can make the most of Wise while travelling.
- Log into your Wise account or get yours in a few steps.
- You can convert your money from CAD to USD on the Wise account at the mid market exchange rate - the exchange rate you usually see on Google.
- Click on Card (on the app) or Cards (if you use a web browser) and follow the instructions. You
- Order your physical card
- Click on Order a new card
- Click Digital and then ‘Order your digital card.’ Your virtual card is now ready for use.
- To add your card to Google Pay or Apple Pay, open the Wise app.
- Tap on the ‘Card’ tab to your available cards, and tap on ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ or ‘Add to G Pay.’
You won’t need to wait for your physical card to arrive, before using the virtual card. No activation is required either, for this card.
* Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks
Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
Where to purchase your SIM card on arriving in the US
While you can head over to a major mobile store or purchase a SIM card online, there are also other places you can buy SIMs. Sure, there are several convenient locations where you can purchase a SIM card upon your arrival in the U.S. These include:
- Airports : Most major airports have stalls or vending machines selling SIM cards so you can get connected right after you land.
- Big box retailers : Stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, or Target often carry SIM cards for various service providers.
- Tourist information centers : Many tourist centers, especially in large cities, sell short-term SIM cards for travelers.
- Convenience stores or gas stations : Some convenience stores or gas stations also sell a limited range of SIM cards.
How to purchase your SIM card with the Wise Virtual card
As the Wise card can be used anywhere online or offline, it can be beneficial to use, especially if you’re purchasing your SIM card in the US. Follow the instructions above to add it to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet, and simply hover your phone over a reader to pay. If you’ve converted your money from CAD to USD, Wise would automatically deduct money from your USD balance. In case your USD balance is low, Wise would deduct money from your main currency and convert it to USD at the mid market rate, ensuring you get the most value for your money.
Conclusion
Smart preparation can save Canadians considerable time, money, and stress when traveling to the United States. Going for a US SIM card over Canadian roaming services can mean better coverage, lower costs, and a smoother experience during your trip. Add in the Wise card, and you can further simplify your financial transactions, taking advantage of superior exchange rates and helping you avoid unnecessary fees.
Just like in the US, the Wise card can also be used elsewhere in the world. You can purchase local SIM cards in the EU, UK, Asia, and more, no matter where you choose to travel.
Sources:
1 - T-Mobile coverage
2 - Ultramobile - Tourist SIM
3 - T-Mobile Prepaid plans
4 - Ultra Mobile Tourist prepaid SIM Cards
5 - SIMCorner
6 - SIMCorner - USA Unlimited 4g
7 - SIMCorner - Unlimited Data eSIM
8 - aloSIM
9 - aloSIM Store
10 - Airalo US eSIM
11 - Airalo Global eSIM
12 - Tello
13 - Tello Custom Plans
14 - aloSIM Questionnaire
Sources verified on 16 February 2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
