How to use your phone in New York without breaking the bank?

Check your plan for calls from abroad

• Before you use your regular phone in the United States, check your plan’s terms. Depending on your carrier, international charges can add up quickly, especially if you use data.
• Many carriers now offer international calling plans. Compare what’s available and choose based on how much you plan to use your phone.

Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs

• If your phone is unlocked, you can use a prepaid SIM card. If you’ve had your phone for more than 3 months, unlocking is usually free—contact your carrier to request it.
• In New York, walk into any T-Mobile store and ask for a “Prepaid SIM Card.” Choose the prepaid plan that suits you best. You’ll get a SIM card you can use right away.
• You can also buy an eSIM in advance. It lets you connect to the internet and make calls based on your chosen plan. We offer an eSIM for the USA with several plan options. Pick how long you need it and how much data you’ll use. Unlimited plans are available if you’d rather not worry about tracking your usage.

WiFi on your phone

• WiFi keeps you connected everywhere—as long as you can find it. New York has free WiFi in many places.
• Here are some spots where you can connect via WiFi in New York:
  • Nearly all parks in New York City.
  • WiFi is free in the New York subway.
  • The New York Public Library, located on Bryant Park, offers free WiFi. It’s worth visiting this impressive building while you’re there.
  • On Times Square, you can connect through free WiFi provided by the Times Square Alliance, which manages the area.
  • Cafés like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.
  • New York hotels provide WiFi to guests. Note that some hotels charge for this service.