How do I know if my phone is compatible with a US eSIM?

Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and support eSIM technology, which includes most iPhones released after 2018 and recent flagship Android devices. You can verify compatibility by checking if your device settings include an "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" option. If your phone was purchased from a carrier on a contract, ensure it is fully unlocked before traveling to the United States.

How much data do I need for my trip to the United States?

For standard travel activities like using Google Maps, social media, and web browsing, 1GB to 2GB per day is usually sufficient. If you plan to stream high-definition videos, use mobile hotspots, or work remotely, consider a larger 10GB to 20GB package or an unlimited plan. You can easily top up additional data online at any time if you run low.

When should I install my US eSIM?

We recommend installing your eSIM a day before your flight while connected to a stable home Wi-Fi network. Keep the eSIM line turned off until you land in the United States, then activate it in your settings upon arrival. This ensures immediate mobile data access as soon as your flight touches down.

Will WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage still work with a US eSIM?

Yes, all your existing messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage, will continue working without any interruption. The travel eSIM only provides internet data, so your accounts remain linked to your original phone number. You can chat, post, and video call just as you normally do at home.

Does the US eSIM come with a local phone number for calls and texts?

Most travel eSIMs for the US are data-only plans and do not include a local phone number or traditional cellular voice and SMS services. However, you can easily make calls and send messages using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or Viber. If you need to dial local US numbers, data-based calling apps work seamlessly over the eSIM connection.

What should I do if my eSIM data is not working when I arrive in the US?

First, verify that your eSIM line is selected for Mobile Data and that Data Roaming is turned on for that line in your phone settings. Toggling Airplane Mode on and off or restarting your phone often forces the device to connect to local US networks like AT&T or T-Mobile. If you still have trouble, reach out to our 24/7 customer support via Wi-Fi for quick troubleshooting.

How does the price of a US eSIM compare to standard international roaming?

Using a prepaid travel eSIM is significantly cheaper than traditional international roaming, which can cost $10 to $15 per day through your home carrier. eSIM plans offer flat, upfront pricing for fixed data amounts, preventing unexpected bill shock when you return home. Travelers typically save up to 80% on data costs by switching to a local US eSIM connection.

Travel guides·United States

20 fun facts about the United States every traveller should know

The US is massive, varied, and often more nuanced than the movies suggest. From New York to LA, here's what to know before your trip.

Fun facts about United States

1
50 states, 6 time zones
From Hawaii to Maine spans nearly a full working day.
2
63 designated national parks
Yellowstone (1872) was the first national park in the world.
3
Tipping is expected
18–22% for restaurants; $1–2 per drink at bars; ~15% for taxis.
4
Alaska is bigger than Texas + California + Montana combined
But has fewer than 800,000 residents.
5
Route 66 is the classic road trip
Chicago to Santa Monica — about 3,940 km of Americana.
6
The dollar bill has been the same design since 1963
US paper money is one of the least changed currencies in circulation.
7
Iced water is complimentary
Almost every sit-down restaurant serves it before you even ask.
8
Grand Canyon is 446 km long
And up to 29 km wide — no photo really captures it.
9
Sales tax is added at the register
The sticker price is not the final price; taxes vary by state and city.
10
English is de facto, not official
The US has no federally declared official language.
11
College sports fill 100,000-seat stadiums
Michigan Stadium and Beaver Stadium both hold more than 100k fans.
12
Uber and Lyft are everywhere
Even in mid-size cities; taxis at airports are usually more expensive.
13
National parks require reservations at peak times
Zion, Arches and Rocky Mountain now use timed entry in summer.
14
ESTA is required for visa-waiver visitors
Apply online at least 72 hours before flying; valid for 2 years.
15
Public transit varies wildly
NYC and DC are excellent; LA and Miami are car-dependent.
16
Yellowstone sits on a supervolcano
The park's geothermal features — Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic — are powered by a massive underground caldera.
17
America has no federal sales tax
State and local sales taxes stack; Oregon, Delaware and New Hampshire have no state sales tax at all.
18
Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving sees more domestic flights than any other day of the year.
19
Baseball's World Series is not global
Only US and one Canadian team compete — the name predates the sport's international spread.
20
Route numbers hide direction
Odd-numbered US highways run north–south; even-numbered ones run east–west.

Practical tips for first-time visitors

Set up a US travel eSIM before you fly — AT&T and T-Mobile have the best 5G in cities.
Use Google Maps + Uber/Lyft; taxis are pricier and less common outside NYC.
Bring a US-plug adapter (Type A/B) and a 110V-compatible charger.
Tipping is not optional — build ~20% into your restaurant budget.
For road trips, book national park lodges 6+ months in advance.

Staying connected in United States

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all offer 5G coverage across every major city. A travel eSIM avoids expensive airport SIM kiosks and works the moment you land.

eSIM FAQs for United States

How do I know if my phone is compatible with a US eSIM?: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and support eSIM technology, which includes most iPhones released after 2018 and recent flagship Android devices. You can verify compatibility by checking if your device settings include an "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" option. If your phone was purchased from a carrier on a contract, ensure it is fully unlocked before traveling to the United States.
How much data do I need for my trip to the United States?: For standard travel activities like using Google Maps, social media, and web browsing, 1GB to 2GB per day is usually sufficient. If you plan to stream high-definition videos, use mobile hotspots, or work remotely, consider a larger 10GB to 20GB package or an unlimited plan. You can easily top up additional data online at any time if you run low.
When should I install my US eSIM?: We recommend installing your eSIM a day before your flight while connected to a stable home Wi-Fi network. Keep the eSIM line turned off until you land in the United States, then activate it in your settings upon arrival. This ensures immediate mobile data access as soon as your flight touches down.
Will WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage still work with a US eSIM?: Yes, all your existing messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage, will continue working without any interruption. The travel eSIM only provides internet data, so your accounts remain linked to your original phone number. You can chat, post, and video call just as you normally do at home.
Does the US eSIM come with a local phone number for calls and texts?: Most travel eSIMs for the US are data-only plans and do not include a local phone number or traditional cellular voice and SMS services. However, you can easily make calls and send messages using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or Viber. If you need to dial local US numbers, data-based calling apps work seamlessly over the eSIM connection.
What should I do if my eSIM data is not working when I arrive in the US?: First, verify that your eSIM line is selected for Mobile Data and that Data Roaming is turned on for that line in your phone settings. Toggling Airplane Mode on and off or restarting your phone often forces the device to connect to local US networks like AT&T or T-Mobile. If you still have trouble, reach out to our 24/7 customer support via Wi-Fi for quick troubleshooting.
How does the price of a US eSIM compare to standard international roaming?: Using a prepaid travel eSIM is significantly cheaper than traditional international roaming, which can cost $10 to $15 per day through your home carrier. eSIM plans offer flat, upfront pricing for fixed data amounts, preventing unexpected bill shock when you return home. Travelers typically save up to 80% on data costs by switching to a local US eSIM connection.