eSIM Card: Browse and Call via Internet in the USA

What is an eSIM card for the USA?

• An eSIM card lets you keep using mobile internet on your phone during your trip to the United States without paying roaming charges. When you turn on your smartphone after arriving in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or anywhere else in the USA, it will work perfectly if you have a recent model that supports dual-SIM or multi-SIM technology. However, your phone will connect to a US network partner like AT&T or Verizon instead of your home carrier. Using this network comes with expensive roaming charges.
• Before you leave for the USA, check with your home carrier about what’s included in your plan and how much calls, texts, and data will cost—for example, using Google Maps. Some carriers include a few gigabytes of mobile data, so you’ll need to decide if that’s enough. Carriers are often stingy with data allowances. If your plan isn’t sufficient, an eSIM for the USA is a good solution.
• What is it exactly? An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that replaces your physical SIM during your USA trip, letting you use internet without roaming fees.

How does an eSIM work in the USA?

• eSIMs replace your home subscription and let you browse the internet at reasonable rates. Important: if you want to make phone calls, use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal, or another messaging app instead. The eSIM covers internet only. You can choose from different data plans to find the one that suits you best.
• What does an eSIM for the USA look like? It’s a virtual card with no physical component. We’ll send you a QR code by email that you scan with your smartphone. The plan activates automatically on your phone. This virtual approach means quick, easy setup and no risk of damaging or losing your regular SIM card.
• Once the plan is installed, just use internet on your phone. Good to know: with our eSIM, you won’t face surprise overage charges because it’s prepaid. Once you use up your data allowance, the card deactivates automatically. You can buy a new plan anytime if needed.

Where to buy an eSIM for your USA trip?

• To buy your eSIM, go to our eSIM booking page for the USA. Just verify that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked for any carrier. Then choose your plan start date.
• Select how long you need the eSIM and how much data you want. Choose unlimited plans if you’ll use your phone heavily, especially for FaceTime or WhatsApp video calls. It’s the most convenient option.
• Once in New York, our eSIM lets you access the internet (Google Maps, YouTube, CNEWYORK, and more) and use social media and messaging apps. We emphasize again: the eSIM provides internet access only, not phone calls. That said, you can absolutely call via WhatsApp or FaceTime!
• The eSIM we offer works throughout the entire USA. Use it in New York or anywhere else in the United States.
• You’ll receive the QR code by email within 24 hours before your plan start date. Usually, QR codes arrive around 6 pm the day before activation.
• One last thing: you’re responsible for confirming your phone supports eSIM. If it doesn’t and you order an eSIM anyway, we cannot refund you. All phone plan sales are final.

Which phones work with eSIM?

Important: this list comes from the operator and is provided for reference only. Check your phone’s compatibility with eSIM on the manufacturer’s website. Remember, all eSIM purchases are non-cancellable and non-refundable.

Apple smartphones

• iPhone 11 (Pro, Pro Max).
• iPhone 12 (Mini / Pro / Pro Max).
• iPhone 13 (Mini / Pro / Pro Max).
• iPhone 14 (all variants).
• iPhone 15 (all variants).
• iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
• iPhone 17 (all variants).

Samsung smartphones

• Galaxy S20 / S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 (including Ultra, Plus) / S25 (including Ultra, Plus) / S26 series.
• Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra.
• Galaxy Z Fold6, Fold5, Fold4 series.
• Galaxy Z Flip6, Flip5, Flip4 series.
• Galaxy A54 5G, A55 5G (varies by region).

Google smartphones

• Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold.
• Pixel 8 / 8 Pro, Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a.
• Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a, Pixel 5 / 5a.
• Pixel 4 / 4a / 4a 5G, Pixel 3 / 3a (certain versions only).

Android smartphones

• Xiaomi 12T Pro.
• Xiaomi 13 / 13 Pro / 13 T Pro / Xiaomi 14 / 14T / 14T Pro.
• Sony Xperia 1 IV, 1 V, 1 VI, 5 IV, 5 V, 10 III Lite, 10 IV, 10 V, 10 VI, Xperia Ace III.
• OnePlus 10 Pro, OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12 / 12 Pro.
• Oppo Find X3 Pro / X5 Pro / X8 Pro, Reno 5A, 6 Pro, 9A, Find N2 Flip / N3 Exc.
• Motorola Razr 2022 / Razr 40 / Razr 40 Ultra, Edge 40 / 40 Pro / 40 Neo.
• Fairphone 4 & 5, Gemini PDA, Nokia XR21 / X30 / G60 5G.
• Light Phone III.

How do you receive phone calls in the USA?

Here are two scenarios for calls from Europe to the USA, with and without an eSIM.

• Without an eSIM, friends and family can call your regular number and you’ll receive calls through roaming. However, roaming charges are high, and depending on your plan, each call can be expensive.
• With an eSIM, you can only receive calls through WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal, and other messaging apps. Don’t answer if someone calls your regular number—it won’t go through the internet. You’ll see who tried to reach you and can call them back using WhatsApp or another app instead.

How to check if your phone works in the USA?

• All modern smartphones are dual-band or multi-band and work in the USA, Europe, and Asia. This applies to all iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones. If you have an iPhone or Galaxy, don’t worry—you’ll have no trouble calling and browsing the internet in the USA. The newest phones are even quad-band, supporting all four frequency bands available worldwide.
• If you’re unsure, check your phone’s manual. Another option: dial *#06# on your phone to access your IMEI number. This IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is unique to each phone.