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Table of contents:

M-Budget Network Coverage

M-budget cancellation, m-budget mobile phone subscription offers, m-budget internet offers for your home, m-budget tv offers.

The network coverage of a mobile phone provider shows you the availability of a mobile phone network at a certain location. If this is good at a location, good reception can be guaranteed.

There are numerous providers of mobile phone subscriptions in Switzerland, but few of these companies also have their own network. This is mainly due to the high costs involved in building, operating and expanding such a network. Normally, the smaller providers use the existing networks of a large provider. 

The mobile provider M-Budget cooperates with Swisscom and benefits from its nationwide network coverage. According to Swisscom, the following networks are operated: 3G (UMTS/HSPA), 4G (LTE), 4G /LTE Advanced, 5G and 5G+. According to the network operators, almost 100% of Swiss people already benefit from the 4G network.

The providers are now working on comprehensive 5G network coverage, which guarantees even faster internet. According to Swisscom, 96% of the population have already taken advantage of the basic version of the 5G network.

At the end of 2020, Swisscom had more than 1239 antennas in 522 locations with 5G+. Especially in urban regions, the new standard can already be used. The abbreviations 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G are the designations for the different generations of the mobile communications standard. The "G" stands for generation. The individual connection types differ mainly in the speed of data transmission.

Check M-Budget coverage

You can check the network coverage of M-Budget with our coverage map.

Want to cancel your M-Budget subscription? Over time, it can make sense to cancel your mobile phone subscription to get a better deal. That's why we recommend cancelling your mobile phone contract after two or three years or changing your mobile phone subscription.

Cancel Your M-Budget Subscription - This Is How It Works

You should give notice of termination to the provider, M-Budget, in writing. You can give notice by registered mail, email, fax or letter. The letter should include your name, customer number, contract number or mobile phone number and the services to be cancelled. You can also include other contact details, such as your own telephone number, so that you can be contacted immediately if you have any questions.

Send the letter to Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund, Limmatstrasse 152 in 8031 Zurich, Switzerland. To ensure that the cancellation can be assigned to the responsible department more quickly, you can write Customer Service in the address. The cancellation will be sent by e-mail to [email protected].

M-Budget Cancellation Period and Minimum Contract Duration

Before you cancel your M-Budget subscription, you should take a close look at your contract. Among other things, the contract specifies the period of notice and the minimum contract term. The notice period describes the period between the submitted notice and the termination of the contract with the provider. At M-Budget, a notice period of 60 days applies. You should therefore submit the notice of termination two months before the desired termination date.

The minimum contract period, on the other hand, is the time during which the contract is effective and legally binding. The contractual relationship cannot be terminated prematurely within this period.

Cancel M-Budget Mobile Phone Subscription

If you want to keep the phone number, you should register it with the new provider in good time. You will receive the form for transferring the number from the new provider. Also, make sure that you only cancel your M-Budget subscription when you switch to a new subscription. If you cancel your M-Budget subscription first and switch to a new one later, your phone number will be lost and cannot be reactivated. The easiest way is to order a new subscription. The new provider will then take care of the cancellation and the transfer of the mobile phone number.

M-Budget mobile subscriptions Maxi One and Mini One do not have a minimum contract term and can be cancelled at any time subject to the 60-day notice period.

Cancel M-Budget Internet Subscription

For the Internet subscriptions of M-Budget, a notice period of two months applies, taking into account the contract period. You must send the letter of termination by letter to the provider address mentioned above. The date of the postmark is the date of termination. You can also cancel earlier if you paid a flat rate when ordering the subscription, so that you are not bound to a minimum contract period.

Cancel M-Budget TV Subscription

The TV subscriptions included in the combination subscriptions are also subject to a minimum contract term of two years, taking into account the notice period of 60 days. Cancellation must be made by letter to the mobile phone provider.

M-Budget Hotline for Customers

If you have any questions, you can call the M-Budget hotline. The customer service number is 0800840848. If you have a flat rate phone, the M-Budget landline number is free of charge.

M-Budget Mobile offers mobile phone subscriptions ranging from mini subscriptions to packages with extra data volume to mega subscriptions with phone flat rates to and from abroad. Below is an overview of the subscription options.

M-Budget Mobile MINI

With the M-Budget Mobile Mini subscription, you can make unlimited calls and send messages throughout Switzerland for free. You can surf with the M-Budget subscription with a data volume of 1 GB of data per month. Additional volume costs CHF 0.10 per MB. The contract has no minimum term and can be terminated at any time subject to the 60-day notice period.

You pay CHF 19 per month for the M-Budget Mobile Mini subscription.

M-Budget Mobile MAXI

The M-Budget Mobile Maxi subscription offers you higher Internet speeds as well as unlimited SMS/MMS and minutes to make calls in Switzerland.

You have 3 GB of data volume at your disposal per month. Additional volume costs CHF 0.10 per MB.

The contract has no minimum term and can be terminated at any time with a notice period of two months.

The M-Budget Maxi subscription costs CHF 29 per month.

M-Budget Mobile MEGA

The M-Budget Mobile Mega subscription is the provider's high-end tariff. With this subscription, you can make unlimited calls and texts throughout Switzerland and to Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Spain and Portugal.

Every month you get 5 G data volume at your disposal. For additional volume, you pay CHF 0.10 per MB.

There is no minimum contract period. The subscription can be cancelled at any time with a notice period of two months.

M-Budget Mobile Mega costs CHF 39 per month.

Additional tariff dataPLUS

You can add the dataPLUS tariff to the Mega subscription and get unlimited data volume in Switzerland.

For dataPLUS you pay CHF 20 per month, regardless of how much you surf.

Currently, M-Budget is offering a promotion:

With the dataPLUS option for the Mega subscription, you only pay CHF 39 per month for one year instead of CHF 59.

Roaming and international rates for M-Budget Mobile subscriptions

Planning a trip or need to go abroad on business? M-Budget offers additional international options for all mobile subscriptions. The roaming options and data packages are purchased only once.

Below is an overview of the M-Budget international packages:

With EuropePLUS, your M-Budget Mobile subscription is also valid in the EU/Western Europe.

The international tariff costs CHF 10 per month and is automatically renewed. EuropePLUS can be cancelled with a notice period of 60 days.

Europe Fixnet 100 Min.

With Europe Fixnet 100 Min. you can call up to 100 minutes to European landlines during the 30 days.

The option costs CHF 5 and is not automatically renewed.

National Data

With the M-Budget international package National Data you get 500 MB data volume for 30 days for surfing abroad. The package can be used anywhere in the EU or Western Europe.

The price of the international package is CHF 5.00. The tariff is valid for a maximum of one month or until the data volume is used up.

Data Travel

With the M-Budget Data Travel international package, you can use 100 MB or 500 MB of mobile data abroad for 30 days from CHF 3.90. The prices depend on the countries to which you want to travel. The prices depend on the countries you want to travel to.

Voice Travel

With Voice Travel you can make calls and send texts abroad for less. During the 30 days, you have 30 call minutes and 30 SMS at your disposal abroad in the countries listed by M-Budget.

The package can be purchased for 15.00 francs.

FamilyPLUS and combiPLUS offers

With the familyPLUS offer, families save on the M-Budget Mobile Maxi and Mega subscriptions: the first customer in a household pays the full price, while each additional subscription with the same service costs just CHF 19 per month. Up to five subscriptions can be combined.

In addition to the familyPLUS, M-Budget also offers the combiPLUS combination benefit. Here, customers can combine their mobile subscription with the M-Budget Kombi Mini (TV, Internet, fixed network). Up to five people per household each receive 1 GB more data volume.

Surfing is becoming increasingly important in this day and age. Depending on the need for surfing volume, other subscriptions are recommended. On the market, there are data-only subscriptions as well as subscriptions that include a certain internet speed. You can find out which M-Budget data packages are available and how you can find out how much data volume you need below.

Know Your Own Needs

The first question you should ask yourself is how much internet you need. Data-intensive apps and applications are becoming more and more popular and data consumption is increasing year after year. For this reason, it's best to budget a few megabytes more to have enough internet available.

If you don't want to miss out on any applications while on the move and want to stream video content easily via the mobile network, an M-Budget subscription with at least 5 GB data volume is recommended.

If you are occasionally on the go on platforms, stream music and are constantly in contact with others, you belong to the normal users. It is advisable to choose a tariff with 2 to 5 GB data volume.

If, on the other hand, you only use the Internet at home and are logged into WLAN networks almost exclusively, a mobile phone tariff with up to 500 MB data volume is perfectly adequate.

M-Budget Internet Subscription

M-Budget offers an internet subscription that allows you to surf on Swisscom's fast network, which guarantees network quality of up to 5G+.

The contract includes a free Wi-Fi router. With the M-Budget Internet subscription, you can count on a download speed of up to 200 Mbit/s and an upload speed of up to 40 Mbit/s, routed via DSL or fibre.

In addition to the Internet service, a landline connection is included, which is activated at no additional cost. If you want to use the fixed network, you pay the tariff prices of M-Budget.

A notice period of 60 days applies with a minimum contract term of twelve months.

The price of the M-Budget Internet subscription is CHF 49.80 per month. The Internet activation fee is a one-off charge of CHF 49.00.

M-Budget Combi Mini

M-Budget Kombi Mini is a combination offer from M-Budget that allows you to have internet access as well as a telephone connection and TV. With the M-Budget Kombi Mini, you benefit from a download speed of up to 50 Mbit/s and an upload speed of up to 10 Mbit/s.

The M-Budget Kombi Mini subscription includes 250 digital channels, over 100 of which are broadcast in HD quality. It also includes 100 recording hours and a replay function that allows you to watch the programmes you've missed in the last 30 hours.

The contract may be terminated after a minimum contract period of 24 months, subject to the 60-day notice period.

The price of the M-Budget subscription is 49.80 francs per month and a one-off activation fee of 59.80 francs.

Current offer if ordered between 3/23/2021 and 4/26/2021:

The subscription is available for 39.80 francs instead of 49.80 francs for two years.   The following additional services can be added to M-Budget Internet subscriptions:

M-Budget Speed Maxi

M-Budget Speed Maxi guarantees faster Internet. Up to 200 Mbit/s download speed and up to 40 Mbit/s upload speed are possible here.

The price here is an additional 10.00 francs per month.

M-Budget TV Maxi

M-Budget TV Maxi includes 250 TV channels and a replay function of 7 days. In addition, the offer includes 1000 hours of recording memory.

For an additional CHF 20.00 per month, you can buy M-Budget TV Maxi.

M-Budget Voice Maxi

With Voice Maxi you get a flat rate for calls to all Swiss mobile and fixed networks. In addition, the phone number can be taken over. M-Budget Voice Maxi can be purchased for CHF 10.00 per month.

In addition to the numerous mobile phone subscriptions, M-Budget also offers home subscriptions. M-Budget offers various combined subscriptions, which include television, internet and landline. These subscriptions are presented below:

The M-Budget Kombi Mini subscription includes Internet, fixed network connection and television.

With the M-Budget Kombi Mini subscription you get 250 digital channels, over 100 channels are in sharp HD quality. The subscription also includes 100 recording hours and a replay function for 30 days.

With the live pause function included in the M-Budget package, the program currently being broadcast can be paused for up to 60 minutes and continued later. In addition, the M-Budget subscription includes a TV guide that provides an overview of the TV programme.

In addition to the TV selection, the M-Budget Kombi Mini offer also provides 200 radio stations that can be activated with the radio function in the TV menu.

The internet performance of the subscription allows a maximum download speed of 50 Mbit/s and a maximum upload speed of 10 Mbit/s. Fixed network usage is subject to M-Budget tariff charges.

The notice period is 60 days with a minimum contract period of 12 months.

For the M-Budget Kombi Mini subscription, you pay CHF 49.80 per month and a one-time Internet activation fee of CHF 59.80. For an additional TV box, you pay CHF 5 per month and a one-off fee of CHF 99.

If you want more, you can book the M-Budget TV Maxi option in addition to the M-Budget Kombi Mini. This offer also includes 250 TV channels, over 100 of the channels in sharp HD quality. In addition, TV Maxi includes a recording memory of 1000 hours and a replay function of 7 days.

For an additional CHF 20.00 per month, M-Budget TV Maxi can be added to the M-Budget Kombi Mini subscription.

There's a promo going on right now:

M-Budget is offering the subscription for CHF 39.80 instead of CHF 49.80 for orders placed between 23.3.2021 and 26.4.2021. The promotion is valid for two years for new Kombi Mini subscriptions.

M-Budget Reviews

How can you check how good the offers of the provider M-Budget are?

It can be difficult to decide which provider to choose. To help you decide, our comparison page shows you all the tariffs that match your needs. This gives you the opportunity to quickly find a suitable offer.   What criteria should you look for when choosing a subscription? When evaluating subscriptions, performance (network coverage, listening quality, internet speed) is one of the key factors. You should ask yourself whether the price is justified for the service offered. Furthermore, the management of the subscription (billing, call number transfer) plays a role.   According to surveys, network coverage and quality are the most important factors for many people when making their choice. Customer service, discounts and roaming are perceived as less important. In general, we recommend that you look less at the discounts and benefits when making your choice and more at the overall price.

How Reviews Help You Decide

Customer reviews can be very helpful when deciding on your subscription. This will give you a first impression of how satisfactory the offer was rated by previous customers. If you have your own experience with the subscription, you can also write a review and help others with their decision.

User reviews

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The best prepaid sim card data plans for usa travel.

What you need to know about buying a prepaid data plan for visiting the USA.

phones and technology

Having fast and reliable high-speed data for your phone is essentially a requirement when you travel to the USA but visitors are often surprised that prepaid SIM data plans aren’t as widely available or as affordable as in their home country.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying a SIM Card in the US and how to buy the best US prepaid mobile data plans at the best price.

Important Note About Prepaid SIM Card Data Plans in the US

Getting a prepaid data plan in America is a frustrating experience—especially for international visitors. Mobile service is generally much more expensive in the US than in the rest of the world so tourists are often surprised when they arrive expecting easy access to cheap data.

Prepaid data plans aren’t common in the US because most Americans have year-long phone service contracts. To make things more complicated, many mobile carriers also require that you use a US credit card if you’re buying a month-to-month plan.

That’s why many tourists have issues when it comes to buying a data plan when they arrive in the US because they have to go out of their way to find prepaid service in the US.

Even major airports like New York’s JFK have very few options and the ones you’ll find are costly and not convenient.

I’ll cover all this more in-depth later in this article but I wanted to get this out of the way up front.

In short, I highly recommend buying a data plan before arriving in the US if you don’t want to deal with the hassle. Check out SimOptions (physical SIM cards and eSIM plans) or Holafly (eSIM only) for a few different options—I recommend buying an eSIM data plan if your phone is compatible.

How To Buy A Prepaid Data Plan For The US

You have three main options when it comes to buying a data plan for the US:

Prepurchase an eSIM Data Plan (Easiest)

The easiest way to buy a data plan for the US is to buy an eSIM data plan because you can activate it instantly so you don’t have to pay for shipping. All you have to do is buy the service and then activate it once you’re in the US. As an added bonus, using an eSIM allows you to keep your original phone number active on your phone.

I’ve personally used both SimOptions and Holafly in the past to buy international data plans. You can also read my guide to the best prepaid USA eSIM data plans .

Not sure what an eSIM is? Here’s a quick video showing you how easy eSIMs are:

Not all phones are eSIM compatible (although most modern phones are compatible) so keep that in mind.

Prepurchase a SIM Data Plan (Easy)

If you want to sort out your data plan prior to your trip, I recommend buying your SIM card before you leave so you’ll have data as soon as you arrive (i.e. no tracking down a SIM card once you arrive in the US).

The main downside is that you’ll have to wait for the SIM card to arrive and pay for shipping so it might not be a great option if you need your SIM Card right away.

Wait Until You’re In The US To Buy A SIM Card (Most Difficult)

The third option is to wait until you arrive in the US to buy your data plan. As I mentioned earlier, prepaid data plans aren’t very popular in the US so you’ll have to go out of your way to find them.

I’ll cover this in more depth further down in this article.

The Best Prepaid SIM Card and eSIM Data Plan You Can Buy Before Arriving In The US

Here’s a list of both prepaid eSIM data plans and physical SIM card data plans that will work in the US.

I’ve tried to list both pros and cons of each plan so spend a little time reading up on each because some have a few quirks.

Holafly US Data Plans (Unlimited Data eSIM)

Holafly  is a new data-only eSIM startup that I’ve personally used on a recent trip and found worked surprisingly well (read my  Holafly eSIM Review  to learn more).

Unlike other companies, Holafly’s plans give you unlimited data (they will throttle your data if you use excessive data but this won’t be an issue for most users) and their plans run from 5 to 90 days. Holafly also connects to both the AT&T and T-Mobile networks—which are two of the largest mobile carriers in the US.

In short, if you don’t want to worry about monitoring your data usage while traveling then Holafly is your best option.

• 5 Days: $19
• 10 Days: $34
• 15 Days: $47
• 20 Days: $54
• 30 Days: $64
• 60 Days: $84
• 90 Days: $99
• Service Speed:  4G/LTE
• Calls:  None
• Texts/SMS:  None
• Tethering:  No

Three 30-Day Pass (Digital eSIM Plan)

Plan Specs:

• PRICE:  $35
• DATA:  20GB
• INCLUDES TEXTS OR CALLS?: NO
• CREDIT VALID FOR:  30 Days

If your phone is eSIM compatible, the Three 30-Day Pass is hard to beat for the price and data allowance. This data plan gives you 20GB of data for $35 and it’s valid for a month.

And since this is an eSIM, you get instant delivery via email and you don’t have to pay for shipping.

Smart Traveller eSIM (Digital eSIM Plan)

• PRICE:  $18
• DATA:  6GB
• CREDIT VALID FOR:  10 Days

The Smart Traveller eSIM is a good budget option for shorter trips since it’s only valid for 10 days. If you’re visiting for longer than 10 days, it makes sense to go with the Three 30-Day Pass for $35.

Orange Holiday World (Physical SIM Card)

• PRICE:  $50
• DATA:  10GB
• USED AS A MOBILE HOTSPOT?:  Yes
• CREDIT VALID FOR:  14 Days

The Orange Holiday World is a very popular choice for travelers for a few different reasons.

First, it’s run by Orange—the largest mobile carrier in Europe and they’ve partnered with major US mobile carriers so the service tends to be better than no-name SIM data plans.

Second, the Orange Holiday World plan includes 10GB of 4G/LTE data in the US. This plan also works in Canada and Mexico if those happen to be part of your trip.

Third, there is no registration needed—simply install the SIM and you’re ready to go.

The main downside is that the data plan only lasts for 14 days so it’s not ideal for longer trips but you can top up the card one time for €29 to get another 14 days of service with an additional 10GB of data.

Three PAYG MBB 12GB (Physical SIM Card)

• PRICE:  $60
• DATA:  12GB
• USED AS A MOBILE HOTSPOT?:  NO
• CREDIT VALID FOR:  1 Year

The Three UK PYAG MBB is another popular SIM data plan option thanks to its 12GB of data for $60. It doesn’t allow data tethering and you can use it with a pocket WIFI. This card is valid for a year after activation so it’s a nice option for longer visits to the US.

Three PAYG MBB 24GB (Physical SIM Card)

• PRICE:  $80
• DATA:  24GB

The Three UK PAYG MBB 24GB data plan gives you 24GB of mobile data for $80 so this is a good option for heavy data users. If you have a pocket WIFI, this can also be a good option for groups traveling together so you can split data over multiple phones.

How To Buy A Prepaid Data Plan In The US

Most prepaid data plans offered by US carriers are billed on a month-to-month basis so if you don’t cancel the plan you’ll be charged when the new month starts. Because of this, many mobile companies require that you have a US credit card.

Verizon Prepaid Data Plans

Verizon of the largest mobile provider in the US and their prepaid plans start at $40/month for 5GB of data. Verizon is also the most expensive option. Visit the Verizon website to learn more.

Verizon also has a new budget service called Visible but you’ll need a US credit card and only certain phones work on their network (visit the Visible phone compatibility checker to see if your phone works).

T-Mobile Prepaid US Data Plans

T-Mobile offers a monthly prepaid data plan that starts at $40/month (not including taxes and fees—a $10 SIM starter kit may be required). The $40/month plan gets you 10GB of data but the $50/month plan has unlimited data. Click here to visit the T-Mobile website to learn more.

AT&T Wireless Prepaid Data Plans

AT&T Wireless has prepaid data plans that start at $30/month for 5BG of data. Visit the AT&T website to learn more.

Google Fi Prepaid Data Plans

Google Fi has a monthly plan and a pay-as-you-go plan. The monthly plan has unlimited data for $50/month and the pay-as-you-go is $20+$10 for every 10GB of data. Visit the Google Fi website to learn more.

Straight Talk Wireless Prepaid

Straight Talk Wireless is a budget carrier that’s mainly sold at Walmart stores. The main problem is that Walmarts are generally located outside large cities so you’ll need a car to reach the store. You can also have the card shipped to a US address.

Get More Budget Travel Tips For The USA

Here are a few articles to help you visit New York City:

• The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To New York City
• Best Hostels in NYC
• The Best Things To Do In NYC
• Best Cheap Restaurants In New York City
• How Much To Budget For Visiting NYC
• The Best Travel Shoes
• The Best Travel Backpacks  and  The Best Travel Backpacks for Women

Traveling to Europe too? Check out my guide on  how to use your phone in Europe  and our guide to  the best SIM Cards and Data Plans for Europe . If you have a newer phone, check out our guide to  the best Prepaid eSIM Data Plans for Europe .

• Recent Posts

• Backpacking Europe Packing List — My Europe Travel Packing Guide - April 6, 2024
• Best eSIM For Europe Travel | Everything You Need To Know About European Prepaid eSIM Data Plans - March 24, 2024
• Holafly eSIM Review | Testing The New eSIM Data Plan from Holafly - March 3, 2024

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Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us .

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

A Guide to Cell Phone Plans for Traveling Abroad

Lauren has popped around the globe since high school graduation through 20+ countries. She has st...

• Before You Go
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You scroll through your phone daily tapping away at your favorite apps. It’s so easy to stay connected. Your phone seems even more important during international travel. Cell phones allow you to chat with family and friends back home, post travel photos on social media, and search for top reviews while abroad. You get lost, maps! You need to communicate, translate! You are unsure of a price, currency converter! Cell phone plans for traveling abroad are a wide range, and it can be a bit overwhelming right off the bat. 

Without your travel apps, who are you?

Before heading abroad, it’s important to have a grasp on travel cell phone plans, sim cards, WIFI, and all things phone related. We know your mom has been asking how to keep in touch, so keep reading!

Why it might be worth it to invest in travel cell phone plans

You board the airplane and listen to the nice flight attendant who reminds you to turn your phone on airplane mode. Hours later you arrive at your destination, turn it on, call home, and you’re good to go! False. You need to make sure that you have a phone that actually connects abroad, doesn’t cost you loads of roaming fees, and is all within your budget. It’s easy enough to find an international travel cell phone plan, but you have to do it right. 

1. Avoid roaming fees. You do not need to pay extra fees while you travel. Cell phone plans under some big name networks are great for going abroad while other carriers may load on fees outside of your home-country. Why waste precious cash on silly phone fees when you could save it for an adventurous excursion wherever you may be? 

2. Less fear of getting lost. Google maps is amazing in most countries, but there are also loads of other map apps that can help you navigate a new city. Many apps are easy to download offline so that you don’t have to waste data or rely on WIFI. Depending on where you are living or traveling overseas, you could easily pinpoint your location constantly so that you can know where to go at all times and star your new fave cafes.   

3. More connectivity to home. Mom and dad will be wondering, “How will I ever talk to you again!?” Luckily, there’s an app for that, well loads of apps for that. With data or WIFI, you can constantly check in with your parents while sending them crazy food pics. There are plenty of free chat apps to stay in touch when you travel. Some popular ones are Whatsapp, Line, Skype, Hangouts, iMessage, FB Messenger, and much more. 

4. Can help you manage your budget (especially if its prepaid). Decide your budget before you snag the first international travel cell phone plans that you find. Do you want a prepaid plan on a burner phone to last you a couple of weeks or are you wanting something more long term with unlimited data? Plan a monthly budget on how much you will spend on your travel cell phone and then stick to it! If that means giving up data, rely on public WIFI. Pro tip: Starbucks’ around the world have free WIFI—#caffeinated. It’s nice to have a phone number in case of emergency, but you likely won’t be making tons of phone calls for lengthy conversations. 

We only approve of a 15 minute phone break once a week… Because you gotta catch up on Twitter.

Things to consider

You may want to snag that first brand new shiny iPhone that’s been screaming “buy me” on all the local ads. But ask yourself what you really need when browsing through the best cell phone plans for international travel. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a travel cell phone. 

How long will you be gone? 

Are you going abroad for just a few weeks? If so, make sure you either have free roaming or turn your smartphone on airplane mode. You can then rely on WIFI and grab a cheap burner phone for emergency calls. If you have an unlocked phone, it’s really affordable to snag a local sim. Just bring your passport to a phone shop and see what’s in your budget range.

If you plan to stay abroad for more than a month, consider a pay as you go or prepaid travel cell phone plan while you shop for the best international phone packages in your new country. Each country will offer different packages for data limits, 3G, 4G, calls, and texts. You need to decide what is right for you.

An even easier option is acquiring an eSIM before traveling, since eSIM is quickly becoming more common than physical sims. Our recommendation is Jetpac eSIM —it's a data-only option that provides coverage in tons of destinations worldwide.

Is it cheaper to buy a phone there and a local data plan? 

You likely will find that it is cheaper to go for a local plan once you are abroad. This especially depends on your destination. For example, in Thailand you can get an unlimited data sim card for just $30 over the course of four months (savings!!). The best way to go about scouting the best cell phone plans for international travel before you arrive would be to join expat community groups on Facebook that are based in your destination city. You can use the search function to find relevant information on sim cards and travel cell phone plans so that you can compare and contrast prices before you take off. 

Is your phone unlocked? 

If you see yourself traveling overseas for a while, it’s ideal to bring an unlocked phone from home. This means you are not tied down to a current phone plan and don’t owe any money on your phone. It’s possible to unlock your current phone or you can get cheap, refurbished, unlocked phones on Amazon for a great deal. Make sure that before you confirm your purchase that you research that the unlocked phone type will still work with a network abroad as not every single phone will. Having an unlocked phone is also a great idea if you are backpacking or moving through various countries because you can swap local sim almost anywhere you go. 

Option: Go so old school you just use payphones.

What type of travel are you planning for?

Are you VOLUNTEERING OR STUDYING abroad? If you are volunteering abroad, remember to minimize your screen time and fully immerse yourself in your project. Yes, it will be nice to have access to your phone during down time or to tell mom and dad what’s going on abroad. But remember that you are helping out a community and don’t need to post pics of you and the kids you’re working with constantly. 

If you are studying abroad, you likely will have WIFI connections across your university campus. If that is the case, ditch the data plan and grab a cheap phone for calls and texts. You can rely on the free WIFI for researching or staying in touch with family back home. Whether you are volunteering or studying, you won’t need to have constant data at your fingertips, so consider a cheap travel cell phone plan for emergencies or setting up study dates. 

Are you TEACHING abroad? If you’re teaching abroad, you will likely have a steady income and be able to afford a bit more while overseas. Do you need data for staying up to date on school events and lesson plans? It might be nice to have a reliable connection in your apartment and the ability to hop on the internet whenever need be. Since teaching usually requires longer contracts, you can usually get a better deal on long term international travel cell phone plans through a local provider.  

Are you WORKING OR INTERNING abroad? Is your job going to require you to constantly be connected? Do you need to be on your email even outside of the office? If working or interning abroad, consider a higher data package so that you can make sure you aren’t missing out on an important work event or an email just because you didn’t have good WIFI or slipped into the terrible world of 3G.

Are you traveling in RURAL AREAS? Will you have limited access to WIFI? Will you even have a cell signal? If traveling abroad in a rural area, you will need to see what works best once you land abroad. Even if you have an international travel cell phone plan, it may not be reliable in the middle of nowhere Cambodia. Local sims are the best plan of action in these areas. If you are really worried about being able to get data access, you can buy or rent pocket hotspots that can connect to your phone. So even if you are completely off the grid, there are options for internet access so that you can email your family back home and keep them up to date about your #nomadlifeabroad.

Are you HOSTEL-HOPPING? WIFI doesn’t grow on trees—meaning it’s not (always) free. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t. But you can’t always just rely on loitering outside of a McDonald’s to connect for a quick second when you are lost. At a cafe, you will likely need to grab a coffee to access the WIFI code and at a hostel you could have an additional fee for the internet password. Keep in mind that when you are traveling it might be nice to have a sim or a travel cell phone plan with some data. 

What is your goal for having easy access to your phone?

Remember that our favorite little devices can become a crutch for escapism or a deterrent from our ability to be immersed into foreign cultures. You didn’t come all this way just to watch more Netflix, did you? Although you may get overloaded with cute doors and foreign food, not everyone is obsessed with it as you are. Put your phone away, look around, meet REAL people, and save your fingers from the arthritis that is bound to hit you sooner rather than later. Yes, we love our phones, but it shouldn’t be your bestie.

Popular phone carriers broken down by region

Each part of the world has their top carriers. The following are some recommended phone carriers for when you are looking at cell phone plans for traveling abroad. 

• Europe: Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile
• US/Americas: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint 
• Africa: Vodafone, Telefónica, Airtel
• Australasia: NTT Docomo, China Mobile, Telstra

Make sure to consider the cost of your current plan versus the most popular carriers in your travel destination to see what is best for you.

International data plans vs. pay as you go vs. prepaid options

Always weigh the pros and cons when looking at cell phone plans for traveling abroad. 

• International data plan. This is great if you are planning to expat in one place for a longer period of time. If you are gone abroad and living in a country for a year or more, you may want to just stick with a local cell phone plan. Depending on where you live, you may find better deals through long-term packages.
• Pay as you go. Pay as you go is best for budget travel and for those scared of commitment. Pay as you go is the most flexible option because you can load up your phone with the minutes and data that you think you will use for a short period of time. On the downside, you would have to continue adding money to your plan which may be a tad inconvenient at times. Also, be cautious of the amount of texts and calls that you are using so you don’t find yourself out of fuel on a motorbike without access to a phone. 
• Prepaid options. You can get a local sim on your unlocked phone and load it up for months at a time. This gives you the opportunity to have your phone bill paid for in full and not have to worry about it for a while. This is great for people on the go who are unsure of how long they will be abroad, don’t want to commit to a data plan, but also don’t want to have to reload their prepaid cards every few weeks. 

Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me.

Recommended travel cell phone plans

Yes, everyone has their own cup of tea, but here are some of the best cell phone plans for international travel. 

For adventure and budget travelers:

• Grab a local sim with your unlocked phone wherever you may be. This is usually very cheap, you aren’t tied down to any sort of contract, and there are a variety of plans to choose from. 
• Don’t have an unlocked phone? Whether you’re an android or iPhone person, you can find refurbished deals on Amazon for a steal. Check out the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active which is dust, shatter, and waterproof while allowing you to snap awesome quality pictures of your adventures. An iPhone will likely be more expensive, but they take great photos. Check out a refurbished iPhone 7 or 7 Plus and take advantage of the iMessage feature to keep in touch with friends and fam back home. But be warned, with iPhones you need to make sure you have the proper adapter for international travel so that you can charge your phone abroad. 
• If you can ditch the calls, consider a Tep Wireless or any sort of pocket WIFI device. This allows you to access internet only when you really need to—even in remote areas. If you’re on the go and staying at hostels or find cafes with WIFI, there’s no need to have data all the time. A pocket WIFI device is a great safety net or backup whenever you need. 

For frequent, short-term travelers:

• T-Mobile offers plans that include unlimited calls, texts, and data in over 140 countries. Keep in mind, you’ll have to make sure you have a compatible phone wherever your destination may be. Although the data speeds will be faster in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, there’s options to snag a data pass whenever you travel to get the same quality speeds that you are used to at home. 
• Sprint has a global roaming package that offers free data and text to select phones. If you have a LTE/GSM capable smartphone, you’re all set! Roam away and bring the world of data with you with no extra hassle. 
• AT&T Passport offers plans for those traveling abroad for 30 days. By prepaying before you jet off, you’ll have unlimited talk, text, and data. The Passport plan is offered in over 200 countries. 

For aspiring expats or long-term travelers:

• If you’re planning on staying abroad and settling for a while, check with your local phone shop for the best options. Keep in mind that if you are abroad long term, there’s no need to make direct phone calls home because there are free apps for that. Connectivity is easy-peasy!

Our final piece of advice

Yes, we love love love our phones—and subsequently cell phone plans for international travel. Phones give parents peace of mind while we are abroad. They allow us to share our favorite moments with friends. They help us when we are lost or in sticky situations. But no matter what, don’t forget to unplug, live in the moment, and to make real friends while abroad. No need to be constantly glued to your little device of internet magic. And most importantly, never ever text and walk. Just don’t do it! 

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Data Travel pour Prepaid

Surfez à moindres frais à l’étranger avec data travel. dès 9.90, vous pouvez choisir entre différents paquets de données pendant 12 mois sur votre prepaid., vos avantages avec l'option data travel pour prepaid.

Découvrez les détails de l’option Data Travel pour votre Prepaid:

• Choisissez entre différents paquets de données pour un grand nombre de pays
• Activation immédiate
• Notification par SMS (lors de l'activation de la consommation et de l'expiration)
• Valable pendant 12 mois
• Pas de renouvellement automatique

Si vous n'avez pas commandé un paquet de données, l’utilisation de données mobiles à l’étranger est automatiquement bloquée.

Pour savoir quelle option convient pour votre destination de voyage, rendez-vous sur la page détailée des tarifs .

Tous les tarifs à l'étranger et frais d'itinérance

Voici comment activer l'option Data Travel pour Prepaid

Via le cockpit:.

• Connectez-vous au Cockpit (gratuit).
• Cliquez sur «Options supplémentaires» et sélectionnez le pays de destination.
• Choisissez entre l'option Data Travel 100 Mo ou Data Travel 500 Mo.
• Cliquez sur «Acheter».

Vous recevrez un SMS de confirmation. Votre option est active dès réception du SMS.

Pour éviter de devoir payer des frais de roaming indésirés, nous vous recommandons de commander votre option avant votre séjour ou si vous êtes sur place, en vous connectant à un réseau WiFi gratuit.

Via «Mon compte»:

• Connectez-vous à « Mon compte ».
• Choisissez entre l'option «Data Travel 100 Mo» et «Data Travel 500 Mo» dans «Gérer mes options».
• Confirmez votre commande.

Découvrir toutes les options Prepaid M-Budget

Options prepaid.

Avec les options Prepaid M-Budget, vous téléphonez et surfez moins cher en Suisse et à l'étranger.

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2024

As you might expect, prepaid cell phone plans require you to pay for cell phone service before you use it. You have more control over these types of plans, compared to traditional or postpaid plans, because you only pay for the amount of data you need. These plans also don’t generally require a credit check.

Popular Cell Phone Plans

Mint Mobile Unlimited  »

Most Versatile Prepaid Plan

*Minimum of 3-month purchase required. Only available for new customers.

Best Group Plan

*via monthly service credits

T-Mobile Go5G  »

Some restrictions may apply.

Tello Economy  »

Verizon 5 GB Shared Plan  »

Why Trust U.S. News

At U.S. News & World Report, we take an unbiased approach to our ratings. We adhere to strict editorial guidelines, maintain a separate business team, and provide transparency on our methodology.

Plans Evaluated

Reviews Analyzed

Table of Contents

• Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
• Compare the Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
• Rating Details

You may not get a lot of extra features with a prepaid plan, but some offer unlimited talk and text as well as unlimited data. When choosing a plan, look for one that allows you to purchase different amounts of data so you can choose what you currently need and have the flexibility to change it later.

Prepaid plans are usually cheaper than traditional cell phone plans, and some offer competitive service. Mobile virtual network operators, which are smaller companies that use larger carriers’ networks, may have more plans to choose from and better prices while offering similar service.

Google Fi, Mint Mobile, Tello, and Visible all made our Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plansrating. You’ll find more information on their prepaid cell phone plans, including services provided and prices, below.

Our Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans Rating

#1 Tello Economy #2 Mint Mobile Unlimited #2 Visible Unlimited Plan #4 Mint Mobile 15 GB Plan #5 Google Fi Simply Unlimited

Compare the Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2024

5G currently available only on compatible devices and in select locations. Some restrictions may apply. See our review for details.

Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans in Detail

Tello economy ».

No contract

$9 monthly cost for the plan

Free international calls

1 GB of high-speed internet

No discounts for multiple lines

Requires the purchase of add-on data passes once you use up your initial data allotment

2G network speed once you use up your high-speed data

Tello Economy - Best Overall

The Tello Economy plan is the Best Cell Phone Plan . It places No. 1 in our ratings of the Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans , the Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans , and the Best Senior Cell Phone Plans . The plan starts at $9 a month for 1 GB of data, unlimited talking and texting, and mobile hotspot usage. There are no set fees to get started with Tello’s Economy plan. It renews monthly and allows you to make changes or cancel at any time. If you use all your high-speed data before the end of the month, you can add more data to your monthly plan or purchase the Pay As You Go credit for a data stipend you can use for 90 days before it expires.

The plan allows free calls within the U.S. and to more than 60 other countries. International calls to countries not covered by the plan can be covered with pay-as-you-go credit. Tello runs on T-Mobile’s network.

Read more in our Tello review.

Mint Mobile Unlimited »

Get 3-month unlimited phone plan for $15/mo!*

Unlimited data

Three, six, or 12-month contract periods

No month-to-month payment option

Must pay the yearly rate upfront to get lowest price

Data speeds slow down after 40 GB of usage

Three-, six-, or 12-month contract periods

10 GB of free hotspot usage

Free calls to Canada and Mexico

Mint Mobile Unlimited - Most Versatile Prepaid Plan

Note that Mint Mobile has increased its data caps since our initial review: The Unlimited plan has increased from 35 GB to 40 GB, which is reflected below.

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan ties for No. 1 in the Best Unlimited Cell Phone Plans of 2024 rating and ties for No. 2 in the Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2024. It costs $90 for a three-month contract ($30 per month), which makes it a great option if you’re not looking for a long-term commitment. There is also a 12-month contract available, which offers the best monthly price. If you want a contract longer than three or six months, the yearlong option is a good way to save money on your plan. Whether you have an iPhone or Android , you can bring your previous phone onto the plan as long as it’s 5G or 4G LTE-supported and accepts a SIM card.

The Mint Mobile plan includes unlimited talk and text, 10 GB of free hotspot usage, free calls to Canada and Mexico, and 40 GB of high-speed data on T-Mobile’s 4G or 5G network. If you need more international calling and roaming, you’ll need to purchase it separately. If you reach your data limit or you are using data in high internet traffic, your speeds will be slowed down.

Read more in our Mint Mobile review.

Visible »

Save up to $99 w/ eligible device purchase

No cap on high-speed data

Taxes and fees included in pricing

Family and group payment option grandfathered in

No Party Pay available for new plans

May be slow during periods of high internet traffic

No annual contract

Limited plan options available

Visible Unlimited - Best Group Plan

Note: Since we determined our rating, Visible's one unlimited plan has been replaced with two new unlimited plans. Please see Visible's website for details.

The Visible Unlimited plan is the Best Group Plan of 2024. It ties for No. 1 in the Best Unlimited Cell Phone Plans of 2024 and Best Family Cell Phone Plans of 2024 . With an introductory rate of $25, the plan includes unlimited talk time, texting, and data. Visible only offers one plan, but you can join a group with its Party Pay option and save up to $15 off your plan per month.

Unlimited hotspot use is included in this plan, and Visible doesn’t throttle your data speed after you reach a cap. It runs on Verizon’s 5G ultra-wideband network where available and with a compatible cell phone. However, Visible says you may notice a slowdown of data speeds when the network is congested.

You can choose to bring your own phone when you initiate service or use Visible’s swap or upgrade options to get a new device. International coverage includes calls and texts to Canada, Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Read more in our Visible review.

Mint Mobile 15GB Plan »

15 GB of high-speed data each month

Option to purchase more high-speed data during the month

Flexibility to upgrade your current plan before contract expiration

Must pay 12 months upfront for lowest rate

Only offers prepaid contracts

Data speeds slow down after 15 GB

Data speeds slow down after reaching the limit

Mint Mobile 15 GB

Note that Mint Mobile has increased its data caps since our initial review: The 10 GB plan has increased to 15 GB, which is reflected below.

Mint Mobile’s 15 GB plan scores 4.0 out of 5 in our ratings and places No. 5 in our Best Cell Phone Plans of 2024 and Best Senior Cell Phone Plans of 2024. It costs $60 upfront for three months of service, which equates to $20 per month. The plan gives you unlimited talking and texting, along with 15 GB of mobile hotspot data. It uses T-Mobile’s 4G LTE or 5G network depending on which you have access to and your cell phone’s compatibility. Once you reach your 15 GB data cap, data speeds are throttled, which means they slow down. However, you purchase more high-speed data as needed.

After the introductory rate for your plan expires, you can renew the plan for three, six, or 12 months at a time. You’ll get the best rate with the 12-month plan, but this costs $240 prepaid. Mint Mobile allows you to upgrade your plan in the middle of a cycle. But if you’re dropping to a lower plan you’ll want to wait until the end of the cycle since all service is prepaid.

Google Fi Simply Unlimited »

35 GB of high-speed data each month

Virtual Private Network included

Parent controls come standard with the plan

Lack of certain features for iPhones

No data while traveling internationally

Google Fi Simply Unlimited

Google Fi’s Unlimited plan places fifth in the Best Prepaid Plans of 2024. The plan costs $60 per month and includes 22 GB of high-speed data per month. After 22 GB of usage, upload and download data speeds slow. However, you can add more high-speed data for $10 per GB. The plan includes unlimited calling and texting along with free calls to Canada and Mexico. There is no hotspot capability, but the plan includes a virtual private network (VPN) and spam blocking software to help your privacy and improve data security. It has parental controls to help you screen calls and manage data usage. There is no contract or activation fee required when setting up your plan.

Read more in our Google Fi review .

What Data Plans Are Available on Prepaid Cell Phone Plans?

How much high-speed data do you need? When choosing a plan, think about:

Data Threshold: Plans in our rating range from 1 GB of data to unlimited. Although most prepaid plans limit data speeds after a certain threshold, providing much slower upload and download speeds after that. Of the three unlimited plans in our rating, two throttle data speeds after 22 GB (Google Fi Simply Unlimited) and 35 GB (Mint Mobile Unlimited). The Visible Unlimited plan is the only plan without a data usage cap to make our rating, but data may slow with network congestion.

Add-On Coverage: Most prepaid plans let you purchase more high-speed data if you need it. For example, Google Fi charges $10 per 1 GB of extra data. Users usually don't end up needing it, though. According to a report from Cisco , more than 82% of cell phone users can manage with 20 GB of data or less per month, with only about 4% consuming more than 50 GB of data per month.

Performance: MVNOs’ prepaid plans are generally more affordable, but you’ll want to consider their deprioritization policies. Since MVNOs lease network access from large carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, their customers are often deprioritized during busy network times, meaning they’ll get slower data speeds. In fact, a report from data company Tutela says MVNOs run 23% slower than large carriers.

Data Thresholds of the Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans

What Prepaid Cell Phone Plan Add-ons Are Offered?

Prepaid cell phone plans are popular with consumers because they are simple to set up and generally low cost. Most do not offer many extra services or perks, however. All of the plans to make our ratings do include extra options for international calls, which are usually free to Canada and Mexico.

Mint Mobile and Google Fi have particular features worth noting. Mint Mobile includes calling to Canada and Mexico and allows you to purchase credits to communicate with more than 160 other countries. With Google Fi’s Simply Unlimited plan, customers can call Canada and Mexico for free and other countries for 20 cents per minute. Google Fi also includes a VPN, spam blocking features, and Family Link, an android-only app that helps you manage your child’s phone use.

Prepaid cell phone plans are flexible in that they allow you to purchase the amount of data you need. So, while none of the plans in our rating included streaming service subscriptions or discounts, the ability to add more data means streaming from your device is still an option.

Add-ons of the Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans

How To Choose the Right Prepaid Cell Phone Plan for You

While data and optional features are important, so are call quality, reliability, and good customer service. It can be daunting to pick a new cell phone plan, so here are some steps you can use to figure out the right one for your needs.

• Decide how much you can afford to spend on a cell phone plan and how far in advance you can pay.
• Decide if you will pay monthly, every three months, or up to a year in advance.
• Calculate how many lines you need. Most plans will decrease the per-line cost when you add more lines to your plan.
• Understand how you plan to use your device. Is it for calls, streaming, gaming, etc.?
• Check to see which network (T-Mobile, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, or AT&T) your prepaid service will run on and choose a reliable company. To gauge reliability, visit the company’s website to use its coverage map. The map can show you if service is available in your area, therefore improving your chances of clear phone calls and consistent data speeds.
• Find out if you can bring your phone number to your new plan.
• Check the compatibility of your cell phone with the cell phone carrier you choose and verify that your phone is unlocked. Unlocked phones can be used with different carriers for cell phone service.
• Decide if you want 3G, 4G LTE, or 5G networks, and make sure your phone is compatible with the type of technology you want to use. Most cell phone companies let you check compatibility on their websites.
• Decide which add-ons you want.
• Be knowledgeable about the company’s trial period and money-back guarantee or lack thereof.

Should I Buy a Prepaid Cell Phone Plan?

If you’re looking to save money but don’t need a lot of extra services, a prepaid plan could be an option. They don’t typically require a credit check, and some allow you to keep your phone or will provide options for an affordable device to work with your wireless service. For those who like being on a set budget, there is less chance of a surprise in your bill when you pay upfront and slim to no chance of overages.

A prepaid cell phone plan is also a good fit if you want flexibility with your plan. Prepaid plans give you the most options for restructuring your service or canceling it altogether because there aren’t normally any fees charged when you make changes.

How To Buy a Prepaid Cell Phone Plan

For most of the companies in our ratings, you can visit their website or speak with a customer service representative to place an order over the phone. Honorable mention Metro by T-Mobile has in-person brick-and-mortar locations and customers can activate new cell phone plans online or in the store. You can look up a store location on its website and visit the store in person to set up a cell phone plan.

Which Prepaid Cell Phone Plans Are Available in My Area?

To find out which cell phone plans are available in your area, go to the company website and enter your address to see which plans are offered. You can also check for 4G LTE and 5G coverage in your area. If the company doesn’t have the information available on its website, you can call its customer support line or visit a store for more information.

Cell Phone Plans

• Boost Mobile
• Consumer Cellular
• Metro by T-Mobile
• Mint Mobile
• Tello Economy

For more information about cell phone plans visit our guides:

• Best Cell Phone Plans of 2024
• Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2024
• Best Unlimited Cell Phone Plans of 2024
• Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors of 2024
• Best Family Cell Phone Plans of 2024
• AT&T vs. Verizon Cell Phone Plans
• T-Mobile vs. AT&T Cell Phone Plans
• T-Mobile vs. Verizon Cell Phone Plans
• Visible vs. Verizon Cell Phone Plans

Other Ratings from 360 Reviews

• Best Internet Service Providers of 2024
• Best Streaming Services of 2024
• Best Password Managers of 2024
• Best VPNs of 2024
• Best Medical Alert Systems of 2024

Our 360 Methodology for Evaluating Cell Phone Plans

Why you can trust us: 18 cell phone companies researched  .

At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Hospitals, Best Colleges, and Best Cars to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. Our 360 Reviews team draws on this same unbiased approach to rate the products that you use every day. To build our ratings, we researched more than 18 companies and analyzed 15 reviews. Our 360 Reviews team does not take samples, gifts, or loans of products or services we review. All sample products provided for review are donated after review. In addition, we maintain a separate business team that has no influence over our methodology or recommendations.

The following describes our 360 approach to researching and analyzing cell phone plans to guide prospective consumers.

1. We researched the companies and products people care most about.

U.S. News analyzed and compared a variety of publicly available data, including internet search data, to determine which Cell Phone Plan companies Americans are most interested in. We found 18 companies that stand out in terms of volume of searches and research among consumers, as well as across the different rating sources.

We compared the available cell phone plans provided by our top cell phone plan companies across several criteria, including monthly cost, data and hotspot limits, network types, and add-ons. Research shows that these are the most important criteria for people shopping for a cell phone plan. We then narrowed the list down to the 10 best cell phone plans using aggregate data points with a focus on professional and consumer reviews.

Because product lines tend to launch or discontinue often, U.S. News made the best effort to review active and available product lines as of the date of publication

2. We created objective 360 Overall Ratings based on an analysis of third-party reviews.

U.S. News’ 360 Reviews team applied an unbiased methodology that includes opinions from professional reviews as well as consumer reviews.

Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on personal opinions or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:

(a) We compiled two types of third-party ratings and reviews:

• Professional Ratings and Reviews . Many independent cell phone plan evaluating sources have published their assessments of cell phone plans online. We consider several of these third-party reviews to be reputable and well-researched. However, professional reviewers often make recommendations that contradict one another. Rather than relying on a single source, U.S. News believes consumers benefit most when these opinions and recommendations are considered and analyzed collectively with an objective, consensus-based methodology.
• Consumer Ratings and Reviews . U.S. News also reviewed published consumer ratings and reviews of cell phone plan providers. Sources with a sufficient number of quality consumer ratings and reviews were included in our scoring model.

Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model. (b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.

The third-party review source data were collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations, and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared accurately with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.

The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source’s scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each company’s score compared to the source’s mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:

• Calculating the Z-Score: The Z-Score represents a data point's relation to the mean measurement of the data set. The Z-Score is negative when the data point is below the mean and positive when it's above the mean; a Z-Score of 0 means it's equal to the mean. To determine the Z-Score for each third-party rating of a company, we calculated the mean of the ratings across all companies evaluated by that third-party source. We then subtracted the mean from the company’s rating and divided it by the standard deviation to produce the Z-Score.
• Calculating the T-Score: We used a T-Score calculation to convert the Z-Score to a 0-100 scale by multiplying the Z-Score by 10. To ensure that the mean was equal across all data points, we added our desired scoring mean (between 0 and 10) to the T-Score to create an adjusted T-Score.
• Calculating the common-scale rating: We divided the adjusted T-Score, which is on a 100-point scale, by 20 to convert the third-party rating to a common 0-5 point system.

(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model. We assigned “source weights” to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight of less than two was excluded from the consensus scoring model.

Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each product, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.

Cell phone family plans should have advantages for the whole family over other individual plans. For this subrating, we include plans that offer free in-family calling, share a single monthly bill, share data or per line allotment, and require a minimum of two lines.

Cell phone plans for seniors should be easy to sign up for and offer incentives or discounts. For this subrating, we looked for plans that did not require any contracts, offered discounts for people above the age of 55 or AARP members. If no discounts were available, we looked for plans with a price threshold of $40 or less.

Cell phone plans can also be prepaid. For this subrating, we looked for plans that had no overcharge fees and gave the individual an option of using their own device when initiating service.

Cheap cell phone plans should be affordable to most people. For this subrating, we looked for cell phone plans with a price threshold of $40 or less.

Unlimited cell phone plans are very popular these days as data is incredibly important. For this subrating, we looked for cell phone plans that came with unlimited data.

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists 2024

Make sure your phone speaks the right language.

At a glance

Best overall, best for short stays, best budget, best non-mvno, best prepaid data plan, best data-only plan.

At a glance 1. Best overall 2. Best for short stays 3. Best budget 4. Best non-MVNO 5. Best prepaid data plan 6. Best data-only plan FAQ

Whether you're going on a quick vacation or moving for good, it's never a bad idea to invest in one of the best prepaid SIM cards so you can stay in touch with friends and family back home. If you're having trouble choosing among all of the options that are out there, fear not: we've gathered all of the best prepaid SIM cards for travelers so you don't have to worry. 

As long as your Android phone is unlocked for international use and compatible with local networks, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, ordering a SIM card online or through a nearby retailer should be simple. 

Keep reading for all of the best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travelers and tourists alike. If you want to go even deeper, you can also check out our guide to the best MVNO carriers or save some cash with the best MVNO deals of the month. 

From $15 at Mint Mobile

Soon to be owned by T-Mobile, a Mint Mobile SIM is a perfect choice if you're staying in the U.S. for three months or longer, with unlimited talk/text, a mobile hotspot, and more. 

Read more below.

From $19 at Ultra Mobile

The Ultra Mobile 3GB plan gives you a month of unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide on T-Mobile, up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data, and free Wi-Fi calling.

Read more below.  

From $15 at Lycamobile

If the ability to call abroad is your main focus, all Lycamobile plans come with unlimited talk and text to over 85 countries and a variety of data options.

From $30 at AT&T

Best non-MVNO 

Choose AT&T Prepaid's 5GB plan for $30 per month and you'll get unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data with 5G access and the ability to text over 230 countries for free.

From $40 at T-Mobile

T-Mobile's prepaid plan is a little pricey, but you get 10GB of data, a free mobile hotspot, and access to the world's largest 5G network. 

From $35 at Cricket Wireless

If you only need data on your travels, Cricket's data-only plan offers a minimum of 20GB of high-speed data, as well as usage in Mexico and Canada. 

1. Mint Mobile

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Mint Mobile is one of the best MVNO carriers today and uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network, making it a great prepaid SIM card to get if you plan on staying in the U.S. for at least three months. As we found in our Mint Mobile review , Mint's 5G connection is strong, and its phone compatibility is one of the best in the country.

With Mint, you need to purchase at least three months of service upfront. After that, the best deals are offered when you sign up for six months or 12. For three months on the unlimited plan, you'll pay $90 and get unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. Calling to other international locations is available at a per-minute rate but if you use an app to call your friends such as WhatsApp or Line, you'll only need data.

Joining Mint Mobile is easy, and you can even sign up for a trial online to get a free Mint Mobile SIM card . It's especially easy if your phone is eligible for an eSIM since you can then activate the SIM straight from your phone and later continue your service if you like it. You can also get a Mint SIM card from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon.

2. Ultra Mobile 3GB

Ultra Mobile is an MVNO on T-Mobile's network, meaning that you'll get great T-Mobile coverage at a lower price. Our Ultra Mobile review showed strong coverage and speeds. Though Ultra Mobile offers its own set of prepaid plans, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is a perfect fit for anyone visiting the U.S. for a month or less.

This is a more traditional SIM and after 30 days, the plan will expire, making it great for users who just wanted simple talk and text to a wide range of destinations and don't need a lot of data on their travels. For $19 with the SIM kit included, you'll get unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide, plus free Wi-Fi calling and up to 4GB of 5G/LTE data, meaning you should have no issue reaching friends and family back home.

3. Lycamobile

Lycamobile is unique because it's a global MVNO, and in the U.S., it's an MVNO on T-Mobile's network. To check whether your phone is compatible, the easiest thing to do is type in your IMEI number on Lycamobile's website, but most GSM unlocked devices should work.

Lycamobile offers several plans to pick from and really caters to those who need unlimited nationwide talk and text and international calling and texting to 85+ countries. Each plan includes these features at no additional charge, making this the perfect plan if you're someone who wants to be able to call abroad whenever you want.

When it comes to data, you have multiple options starting at just 250MB and going up to 60GB. The cheapest 250MB plan costs $15, while the top unlimited data plan costs $59. The 2GB plan is only available to new customers so if you're already signed up, this plan will come with 1GB of data. Each plan includes slightly different bonus features, so you'll have to pick what makes the most sense for you.

Fortunately, Lycamobile SIM cards are pretty easy to get a hold of. They're sold online on Lycamobile's website and Amazon, but you'll also find Lycamobile SIM cards in several retailers, including 7-Eleven, pharmacies, local convenience stores, etc. When in doubt, you can also use the online store locator to find the nearest retailer near you.

4. AT&T Prepaid

Known for its great coverage, AT&T is also an excellent carrier to consider getting a SIM card from when visiting the U.S. and one of the best prepaid phone plans . It tends to have better coverage in rural areas than other carriers, so it's also a great option if you plan to be on the road a lot. For $30 (plus taxes and fees), AT&T Prepaid will get you 5GB of high-speed data, which is then throttled to 128Kbps. As always, you should check your device's compatibility with AT&T online before signing up.

On this plan, you're able to use your mobile hotspot, and you can text to more than 230 countries. You'll also be able to talk, text, and use data in Mexico and Canada (though data speeds may be slow). And if you think you'll need more than 5GB of data, you can always upgrade to a 15GB prepaid plan for $40, which is a great deal and definitely worth considering.

5. T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile not only offers some of the best cell phone plans you could get today, but it also has an excellent prepaid option that will suit most travelers and tourists needs when visiting the U.S. Because T-Mobile's network has improved vastly over the past few years and its 5G network has some of the most expansive coverage and fastest speeds in the nation, you'll likely get excellent service with T-Mobile when traveling to major cities during your stay.

There are four T-Mobile prepaid plans from which to choose, though the ideal plan for most visitors will be T-Mobile's 10GB prepaid plan for $40 per month. This plan includes unlimited domestic talk and text, up to 10GB of high-speed data, free mobile hotspot data, and a music unlimited feature so that any music you stream won't eat up your data. If you want to add international calling, you can do so for $15 extra, or if you're traveling to Mexico or Canada for a few days, you can add talk, text, and 5GB of data to use over there for an extra $5.

6. Cricket Wireless

If you don't think you'll need minutes during your stay in the U.S. and really just want data, you could consider a data-only plan from Cricket Wireless , which is an MVNO on AT&T's network. For $35, you'll get 20GB to use during the month, or for $55, you'll get 100GB.

Again, this plan doesn't come with any minutes, so you'll have to be sure you're fine using apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Skype to connect with family or friends. It does come with text and picture messages across the U.S., as well as usage in Mexico and Canada if you plan on visiting those countries as well. It's the perfect plan for anyone who will be spending lots of time on the road and wants to be able to stream, download, and do some high-speed browsing.

You can get a Cricket SIM card by going into a Cricket Wireless authorized retailer, which you can locate with Cricket's online store locator. Other popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart will also sell Universal SIM card activation kits for Cricket Wireless. The good news is that if you do end up wanting minutes, you can always switch to another one of Cricket's plans with the same SIM card.

Back to the top^

Which prepaid SIM card is best for you?

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

You really can't go wrong with a prepaid SIM card on T-Mobile or AT&T's network while visiting the U.S., and the right fit for you depends on the length of your stay and whether you need features like being able to call back home. If you're traveling for only three weeks or less, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is the best choice and offers just enough talk, text, and data to stay connected.

On the other hand, if you'll be in the U.S. for a few months, Mint Mobile will give you the best multiple-month value. And if you're somewhere in between, a prepaid plan from either T-Mobile or AT&T is easy, reliable, and guaranteed to give you great coverage.

Should you use your current carrier's add-ons?

Many carriers have partnerships with international carriers to offer greater service to their own customers. Luckily, this often goes both directions and means there may be a plan add-on that can give you plenty of data without needing to set up and activate a new SIM. While these travel add-ons can be quite pricey, the simplicity of this option will make it worth it to many people. It also gives you the chance to have a connection if you're waiting for a connecting flight in another country.

What about eSIM apps?

Another emerging option is eSIM apps. These apps can use your phone's built-in eSIM slot to quickly activate and pay for a phone plan without needing to remove your old SIM or worry about shipping a physical SIM in the first place. Airalo , for example, allows customers to buy as little as 1GB for a week. If you just need enough data to get around in a new city, this is a good option. It works with Google Pay, credit card, PayPay, and even Alipay.

If you have an iPhone, there's even an official T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app that accepts credit card payments from a number of countries. Regrettably, this app isn't available on Android though there are still other eSIM providers on the platform.

Just be sure to confirm compatibility before taking off. Still, there are other apps available on Android that offer solid deals on data without contacts or physical SIMs necessary.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

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After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

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The best prepaid phone plans in 2024

The best prepaid phone plans will help you save on your cell phone bill

• Best overall plan
• Best value plan
• Best plan from a big carrier
• Best prepaid unlimited data
• Best family plan

Best low-cost prepaid plan

• Best free plan
• Best range of plans
• Best low-data plan
• Prepaid plans explained
• What to consider
• Free trials
• How we pick the best plans

1. The quick list 2. Best prepaid phone plan overall 3. Best value plan 4. Best prepaid plan from a big carrier 5. Best prepaid unlimited data plan 6. Best prepaid plan for families 7. Cheapest prepaid plan 8. Best free prepaid plan 9. Best variety of prepaid plans 10. Best low-data prepaid plan 11. What is a prepaid phone plan? 12. What to consider 13. Free trials 14. How we pick the best prepaid plans 

The best prepaid phone plans put a hard cap on your monthly cell phone bill so that you always know what the cost will be. With a prepaid plan, you pay in advance — sometimes up to a year in advance in exchange for a lower rate — removing any chance of overage charges when your bill arrives. Even better, prepaid plans usually cost less than postpaid plans from big-name phone carriers.

The trick to finding a top prepaid plan is to broaden your search. Yes, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have prepaid plans of their own — some of them are quite good — but you can find additional savings if you consider mobile virtual network operators (also known as MVNOs ). These services use other carriers' networks and cut back on perks to offer lower-priced plans.

A prepaid plan doesn't necessarily mean settling for limits on how much data you get each month. The best cheap phone plans do include some options aimed at low-data users, but our picks for the best prepaid phone plans also include unlimited data for a lot less than what you'd pay elsewhere.

When we research the best cell phone plans overall, we're also looking at prepaid plans from carriers big and small. That means considering price and data as well as whether your data might be slowed if there's a lot of traffic. We also look at what happens to your service when you use up all your data in a given month. Using that criteria, here are our picks for the best prepaid phone plans.

The quick list

15GB for $20 at Mint Mobile

Anyone of Mint's four prepaid phone plans would be an excellent choice depending on your needs, but 15GB is plenty for most people. After three months at $20, you pay for a full year to keep that low rate.

Read more below

Unlimited for $25 at AT&T

AT&T's plan features unlimited data, letting you use a generous 16GB of high-speed data before slowing down your speeds. But the low month rate of $25 requires you to pay for a full year of service upfront. If you can afford to spend $300 all at once, you get a big pile of data to use on a very good network.

15GB for $35 at Verizon

Verizon's best prepaid plan offers the most data of any big carrier for a reasonable monthly price. Sign up for autopay, and your monthly bill drops $10 to $35, and you'll get 15GB as part of the deal. 5G coverage is included.

Unlimited data for $45 at Visible

Of Visible's two unlimited data plans, the $45/month Unlimited Plus option is the best (especially when you can get it at a discounted rate). With Unlimited Plus, you get faster 5G coverage on Verizon's network and the ability to make overseas calls. Taxes and fees are included.

Unlimited data (four lines) for $100 at Metro

Metro by T-Mobile is one of the few carriers to offer escalating discounts as you add more lines to your prepaid plan. An in-store offer delivers unlimited data to four lines for just $25 per line each month.

5GB for $15 at T-Mobile

It's hard to find a deal much cheaper than the Connect by T-Mobile offering, which has grown to include 5GB of data. Access to T-Mobile's 5G network comes with this plan.

Expand list...

0GB for free at TextNow

Ad-supported TextNow doesn't actually charge for its phone service, letting you call and text on T-Mobile's network for free. Data comes via Wi-Fi connectivity by default, but you can add extra data over cellular for a fee.

5GB for $14 at Tello

We're focusing on the 5GB plan at Tello, as that's a decent amount of data, but the low-cost carrier has a whole range of offerings whether you need just 1GB or unlimited data. Tello uses T-Mobile's network for its service.

If you need a little data, but not a lot, turn to Ultra Mobile, which has a cheap talk and text plan for $15/month. You also get 250MB of 5G and LTE data on T-Mobile's network for when you need data.

The best prepaid phone plan overall

Mint Mobile | 15GB | $20/month - Best value prepaid plan Mint Mobile has a good range of plans, with the carrier's 15GB offering providing a nice chunk of data at a low monthly price. That $20 monthly charge comes with a caveat, though — that's what you pay for the first three months of service but if you want the low-rate continue, you'll need to pony up for a full year in advance. That means you'll pay $240 a year to keep your 15GB plan at $20 per month. Mint slows down your data when you hit your monthly limit, though you can buy extra data. Your service comes from T-Mobile's network and includes 5G coverage. A promotion at Mint is cutting the first three months of coverage to $15/month for every plan right now. Pros: Very affordable price, free hot spot data Cons: Best prices require longer commitment

Best prepaid plan value

AT&T | Unlimited 12-month prepaid | $25/month - Great value prepaid on AT&T Usually, the big carriers don't offer much in the way of prepaid plans, leaving that to the MVNOs instead. However, the best AT&T phone plans include an unlimited data option through AT&T's prpaid service, costing just $25 a month when you prepay for a full year. While you get unlimited data, your speeds will slow down to 1.5Mbps speeds after you hit your 16GB limit. (16GB is still a big chunk of data for most people.) AT&T's plan requires $300 in one upfront payment, but you get some perks in exchange, including hotspot data, HD video streaming and 5G service. Pros: Outstanding amount of data for price Cons: Requires you to prepay for a full year, speeds slowed significantly after 16GB

The best prepaid plan from a big carrier

Verizon | 15GB prepaid | $35/month - Best prepaid for coverage Among the best Verizon phone plans , you'll find a prepaid option with 15GB of data for $45/month. But that's just the starting price — enroll in autopay, and Version takes $10 off your monthly bill. Unfortunately, the loyalty discounts Verizon applies when you keep your prepaid account can no longer be combined with the autopay discount — it's either one or the other. But $35 is still a low rate, and it includes nationwide 5G coverage. Use up your data before the month is out and Verizon slows your coverage to 2G speeds. Pros: Lots of data, great coverage and speeds, 5G coverage included Cons: Not the cheapest prepaid around; Ultra Wideband 5G requires a more expensive plan

The best prepaid unlimited data plan

Visible | Visible Plus| $45/month - The best unlimited data prepaid on a budget Verizon-owned Visible's entry-level plan may cost just $25, but we think Visible Plus is the way to go. This $45/month option features a lot of perks, such as access to Verizon's faster Ultra Wideband network for 5G coverage. Visible Plus customers also can make calls to more than 30 countries from the U.S. at no extra cost and get up to 50GB of data without seeing their speeds slowed by Verizon. You now get a Global Pass that gives you one day of text, talk and data usage in 140 countries. Visible Plus customers can also add a smartwatch to their plan at no addition cost. Pros: Very affordable, 5G unlimited data, smartwatch connectivty included Cons: There are cheaper prepaid plans, no more discounts for multiple lines

The best prepaid plan for families

Metro by T-Mobile | Unlimited data plan | 4 lines | $100/month - A good option for families Families looking for unlimited data should turn to Metro by T-Mobile, now that the T-Mobile-owned carrier is running a promotion that gives you a discount on a four-line unlimited data plan. Normally $160/month for four lines of data, T-Mobile's entry level unlimited plan has been discounted to $25 a line. With this plan, you get unlimited data (though after 35GB of use, your speeds may be slowed) as well as 5G coverage from T-Mobile's nationwide network and access to T-Mobile Tuesday giveaways for customers. Pros: Uses T-Mobile's network, includes 5G, big discount right now on multiple lines Cons: Fewest perks of any Metro plan

T-Mobile Connect | tGB data | $15/month - Low cost cell phone plan from a big name carrier The amount of data in the T-Mobile Connect plan has reached 5GB after T-Mobile added more data for the year. If you can get by with less data, you can drop your bill to $10/month with the 1GB plan, while the $25 monthly plan now features a generous 8GB. Just be aware that once you use your data for the month, you have to wait until the next billing cycle for more data; other prepaid plans usually just slow down your speeds when you hit your cap. Pro: Low costs, includes 5G service Con: Out of data once you hit your cap

The best free phone plan

TextNow | 0GB | Free - Free calling and texting It's hard to beat a monthly fee of zero dollars, but that's what you'll pay for unlimited calling and texting with TextNow. You will need to pay $4.99 for a SIM card, and download an app for your iPhone or Android device, but once you do, you'll be able to call or text using T-Mobile's network. There are some additional caveats — the app features ads, and if you want data, that costs extra. (A day pass costs $4.99 for 2GB of high-speed data while a month with 10GB of high speed data will run you $39.99; use up your high-speed data and you get unlimited data at slower speeds.) This approach won't be for everyone, but bargain hunters can use it to stay connected for cheap. Pros: No charge for unlimited talk and text Cons: App features ads, data costs extra

The best range of prepaid phone plans

Tello Economy | 5GB | $14/month - Low-priced cell phone plans Like Mint, Tello offers a range of plans at different prices and data allotments. While bargain hunters who don't need much data will jump at Tello's 1GB plan — it's just $9 a month — most of us will find the 5GB plan to be enough data for our needs, at a reduced price of $14 a month. If you need more data, there are 10GB, 15GB and unlimited options that are also quite affordable, with the most expensive plan topping out at $25/month. Tello uses T-Mobile's network, and slows you down to 2G speeds should you go over your allotted data. Pros: Wide range of plans including the cheapest option, unlimited calls and texts Cons: Limited phone selection

Best low-data prepaid plan

Ultra Mobile | 250MB | $15/month — Low-cost plan for low data users Not everyone needs a lot of data, which is where Ultra Mobile's entry-level plan comes in. For $15/month, you get unlimited talk and text, plus 250MB of data for those times when you do need to connect. Paying for a year in advance lowers your monthly cost even further down to $8 thanks to a sale going on as of this writing. Need more data? Ultra Mobile has an extensive range of plans, between 3GB and unlimited data, all delivered on T-Mobile's top performing network. Pros: Low monthly cost, coverage through T-Mobile Cons: Low data cap isn't for everyone 

What is a prepaid phone plan

There are two kinds of cell phone plans — prepaid and postpaid. With a prepaid plan, you pay for data at the beginning of the month; that way, you know your precise costs for budgeting purposes. (Prepaid plans also don't require credit checks, so it's easier to get service if you've got a low credit score.)

Should you use up your allotted data for a month, many carriers will just slow down your data speeds for the rest of the billing cycle. In some cases, you'll need to top off your plan with data. That's why it's important to pick a prepaid phone plan with the right amount of data for your needs.

Many phone carriers prioritize traffic from postpaid customers, so it's possible that data rates can be slowed if you're using a prepaid plan. That's especially true when you use a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO , such as Mint, Metro or Cricket, where your phone service is piggy-backing on another carrier's network.

Best prepaid phone plans: What you should consider

When shopping for a prepaid phone plan, price is paramount. That’s because prepaid plans don’t often come with the kind of benefits postpaid cell phone plans offer. That said, some carriers — notably, Metro By T-Mobile — do work in a few perks, so be aware of those when picking your plans.

You'll also want to pay attention to discounts and special offers. Often, larger carriers like AT&T and Verizon will adjust the size of their autopay discount, which can make a pricier plan more attractive. Metro by T-Mobile has been known to increase discounts for each line of data you add, too, making it a good choice for families.

Besides price, one of the most important things to consider is what carrier offers the best coverage around your home and workplace. That’s true even if you look beyond the Big Three carriers for service. MVNOs use the cellular networks of AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon for their coverage. So if Verizon’s network is particularly strong where you are, for example, MVNOs that use Verizon’s network for coverage will perform well, too. As we mentioned above, MVNOs can see their traffic slowed if a carrier’s network gets too crowded.

5G coverage is included with most MVNO service by now. Metro subscribers can access T-Mobile's 5G with an eligible phone, as can Mint Mobile customers. Visible has added 5G access on Verizon's network to select phones, and Cricket customers can now use AT&T's 5G connectivity with any of that MVNO's plans.

For more on MVNOs, read our guides to AT&T MVNOs , T-Mobile MVNOs and Verizon MVNOs — we'll tell you which discount carriers use which parent networks. 

The best prepaid phone plans and free trials

Some prepaid carriers offer free trials, in which you can test out their service on your current phone without having to switch carriers first. It's a convenient way of seeing if a prepaid carrier's coverage is strong in your area.

Mint Mobile's free trial lets you sample the service for seven days. You're given 250MB of data, 250 minutes of talk time and 250 texts to see what Mint's service is all about.

The free trial at Cricket , which AT&T owns and operates, runs for 14 days and lets you use up to 3GB of data.

Visible's free trial runs the longest at 15 days. In addition to iPhones, it's now open to Samsung and Google Pixel devices that can support eSIM. 

How we pick the best prepaid phone plans

Finding the best prepaid phone plans means widening our search beyond the major carriers, though AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all have prepaid offerings. We also research plans from smaller carriers who use the Big Three's cellular towers to provide their coverage. As smaller carriers usually offer their service at a discount, they make up a majority of the candidates that we consider for best prepaid phone plans.

When we pick the best plans, we put a premium on the monthly price, though we also pay attention to how much data comes with that plan. After all, a carrier may not charge you a lot for data, but it also may not provide enough data for your needs. We're picking plans that offer the best mix of cost and data. We also consider a wide variety of data allotments, since some people can get by very happily using just a couple gigabytes of data each month, while others need an unlimited plan.

As noted previously, prepaid plans don't offer much in the way of perks. That said, we do take note of any special add-ons included with the best prepaid plans, as those can add value to a plan above and beyond its monthly cost.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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• Mighty Sea Tide 💪🌊 I've been using Total Wireless, which is one of TracFone's subsidiaries and an MVNO for 2+ years, and they are fantastic. For $35 a month I get unlimited talk and text, 5 GB of high speed data on Verizon's network that I've never noticed being throttled, and if I would use all 5 GB, which I never have, I still have data but the speed would drop to 3G or slower. I have a Moto G7 phone--their phones are very affordable and they have frequent flash sales on various phones on their website. The voice network quality is outstanding, as is the data network availability and speed. I've used Virgin Mobile, regular (not prepaid) AT&T, and Straight Talk in the past and none of them even come close to the quality and value for the cost compared to Total Wireless. I very highly recommend Total Wireless. Reply
• Ksc65 Verizon's purchase of TracFone is worrisome to me. I dropped straight talk after 7 years because of the bad customer service. I'm now on AT&T prepaid $75 plan which is $60 with autopay and it's incredibly better. The perks include Better customer service, 5G access, Visual voicemail Unlimited everything with a hotspot. Hard to beat that deal! Reply
• Wolfshadw Thread is over a year old. Closing Wolfshadw Moderator Reply
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M-Budget Mobile:  Internet, TV and Mobile Plans Comparison

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M-Budget Mobile is a Swiss telecommunications brand that offers affordable mobile services, internet deals, and TV plans. M-Budget (or Migros Budget) is a project founded in 1999 on the initiative of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives to provide a range of products and services at affordable prices. M-Budget Mobile has been operated since 2005 as a low-cost brand of Swisscom, and since then, M-Budget Mobile has become a popular choice for consumers looking for reliable and cost-effective services for their mobile or home connection.

M-Budget Mobile Plan: Best Current M-Budget Subscriptions

In this section, you can discover the subscriptions currently offered by M-Budget Mobile, complete with descriptions of the key features of these offers and advice on selection from internet-offer.ch. Below, we present the top M-Budget deals:

Best M-Budget Internet Plan

Best M-Budget Mobile Deal

Best M-Budget TV and Internet Bundle

Best M-Budget Prepaid Mobile Plan

M-Budget Internet: All Offers for Landline, Internet, and TV by M-Budget

M-Budget offers various home internet plans to meet the needs of the entire family and for every budget, creating predefined product bundles but always leaving the final choice to the customer. M-Budget usually offers various time-limited promotions that last for a few weeks, during which customers can subscribe to a very affordable M-Budget Mobile offer with a discounted fee that can last either permanently or for the first two years of the subscription.

Here are the main common features of all M-Budget home internet plans: ​​

In every M-Budget internet subscription, whether for fiber optic or DSL connections, a free-to-use Internet Box is always provided. Currently, two highly performing Internet Box models are available, supplied with a manual for proper installation.

Activation costs are CHF 99 , as with other internet offers on the Swisscom fiber optic network.

For all subscriptions, whether internet only or internet and TV, the M-Budget Fixed Telephone consumption call package is included for free.

The minimum contract duration for M-Budget internet contracts is usually 12 months, and the notice period is 2 months.

For all M-Budget internet subscriptions, you can also add the M-Budget TV option for only CHF 15 per month.

The currently available M-Budget internet subscriptions are two and have some specific features regarding price and speed.

M-Budget Internet Classic

M-Budget Internet Classic subscription can be activated for both fiber optic and DSL connections and is designed for small families, offering download speeds of up to 80 Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 20 Mbit/s. The price, however, is budget-friendly at just 39.80 CHF per month, indefinitely.

M-Budget Internet Pro

M-Budget internet Pro plan is currently on offer at 49.80 CHF per month. For an additional 10 francs, you can enjoy download speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s and upload speeds of up to 200 Mbit/s. With this network performance, you can seamlessly utilize the Swiss IPTV plan .

Now, compare M-Budget offers with those of other providers in the market!

M-Budget TV: The Optional Migros TV Subscriptions

M-Budget has also thought of an affordable proposal for the world of home television. With the M-Budget TV subscription, users can enjoy the following features:

M-Budget TV Channels: Over 250 TV channels, including more than 100 in HD, featuring RTL, SRF, RTF, and RAI.

M-Budget TV Features: Live Pause function, 400 hours of recordings to save favorite programs, 7-day Replay function.

Additional M-Budget TV Box: available for CHF 5/month plus a one-time CHF 99.

The base price of this M-Budget subscription is CHF 15.00 per month and includes all these features.

Note: M-Budget TV is an IPTV subscription that uses the transmission of the signal via the internet, so an M-Budget internet connection is necessary to activate this function.

Are you looking for a new offer and are not yet convinced that the M-Budget TV Internet package is the right one for you? Find the best one now on our comparison site!

M-Budget Telephone: The Affordable Switzerland Landline Subscription

As mentioned above, with all M-Budget internet subscriptions, the default inclusion is the pay-as-you-go landline offer. The M-Budget Phone subscription is free, and you will only pay for calls actually made during the month, with a price starting from 0.05 cents per minute for calls to the Swiss landline network and from 0.30 CHF/min for calls to the mobile network.

If, however, you want to have unlimited minutes from your home phone, you can activate the voicePLUS option directly at the time of purchase or through the customer portal on the website. This additional package costs 5 CHF/month.

As with TV, in the case of the M-Budget landline, you are required to have an internet subscription with the same company.

If you are not convinced by this M-Budget subscription and are looking for a standalone telephone offer, you can find it using our comparison portal: Try it now!

M-Budget Mobile: All the Mobile Phone Plans by M-Budget Mobile

M-Budget Mobile was born as a low-cost mobile service provider and continues to do so, ensuring affordable prices with the quality guarantee provided by the Swisscom network .

The main features of each Migros Budget mobile plan are as follows:

M-Budget Mobile Speed : High-speed 4G or LTE included in the price and without preset limits.

Migros Benefits : Access to Migros benefits to save even more for the whole family both in Switzerland and abroad, obtaining discounts on the second subscription linked to the same contract.

Activation M-Budget Mobile : The activation cost is a one-time fee of 49.00 CHF.

M-Budget Contract : All M-Budget Mobile subscriptions can be activated without any minimum duration and with a notice period of only 2 months.

Below are the M-Budget Mobile offers currently available on the Swiss market for calls and navigation both in Switzerland and abroad in roaming, both in subscription and prepaid mode:

M-Budget Mobile Mini

M-Budget Mobile Mini is the most economical among those currently offered. This M-Budget Mobile plan includes 2 GB of data for use in Switzerland. The offer boasts an excellent base price of 19 CHF per month, which is sometimes discounted by 50% for the first two years of the subscription.

M-Budget Mobile Maxi

Among M-Budget Mobile subscriptions, M-Budget Mobile Maxi the second most affordable option and offers unlimited calls and SMS in Switzerland, along with 4 GB of national data traffic, all for 29 CHF per month.

M-Budget Mobile Extra

M-Budget Mobile Extra allows for a higher data quota in Switzerland (8 GB) and includes minutes (200 min.) for use in the EU and the UK. The price is 39 CHF per month.

M-Budget Mobile Mega

M-Budget Mobile Mega costs the same as the M-Budget Mobile Extra package, which is 39 CHF per month, but comes with different benefits. Data available in Switzerland is slightly less (6 GB), but it already includes 1 GB of data in the EU/UK. Calls are unlimited within these regions, and SMS messages are unlimited worldwide.

M-Budget Mobile Giga

M-Budget Mobile Giga subscription is self-explanatory: it's an all-inclusive mobile plan (including Gigabytes) offered by Migros. The standard price is 59 CHF per month, but it's sometimes heavily discounted, even up to 50%.

Additional Migros Benefits Activatable on M-Budget Mobile Subscription

As an M-Budget Mobile customer, you can benefit from two initiatives that allow you to save even more:

familyPLUS: With familyPLUS, every additional M-Budget Mobile subscription with the same features as the head of the family's subscription will always cost 19.00 CHF/month. This option is excellent if a second family member wants to switch to M-Budget. However, be sure to check that the selected offer allows the activation of familyPLUS: M-Budget MINI and M-Budget MAXI currently do not allow the activation of this benefit.

europePLUS: europePLUS is the advantage for M-Budget Mobile customers traveling abroad in Europe or the UK. In this roaming zone, for an additional 10.00 CHF/month, you can use all the internet data, calls, and SMS included in your subscription in Switzerland without paying any additional roaming charges.

M-Budget Mobile Prepaid: M-Budget's Prepaid SIM Cards

M-Budget Mobile aims to offer excellent performance and savings to both subscription and prepaid customers, allowing you to pay only for what you actually use. On the official website, these phone offers are described as ideal for the first mobile phone for children, but also for the whole family or for tourists. The Swiss prepaid SIM cards offered by M-Budget are characterized by:

SIM card activation cost of 19.80 CHF.

Initial credit of 15 CHF and 100 MB included.

10 MB of data per month already included.

Monthly price of 4 CHF with no contractual obligations.

Cost per data usage, SMS, and calls at 0.28/MB, 0.20/SMS, and 0.28/min, respectively.

In addition to the basic package, monthly M-Budget Mobile Prepaid Easy plans can be activated, differing in these 3 packages:

Prepaid Easy S: 4 CHF for 30 days, including 40 MB of data, 40 minutes of calls, and 40 SMS.

Prepaid Easy M: 9 CHF for 30 days, including 200 MB of internet traffic, 2 hours of calls, and 200 messages.

Prepaid Easy L: 14 CHF for 30 days, including 400 MB of data, 4 hours of calls, and 400 SMS.

If you want to switch from a prepaid offer to a mobile subscription, simply send the code of the package you want to activate via SMS to the number 444. For example, if you want to activate the M-Budget Mini subscription, send a message with "MBUDGETMINI" to the number 444, and in a few working days, the new M-Budget Mobile subscription will be activated, with the remaining prepaid credit credited to the new M-Budget Mobile subscription.

Attention: If you want to buy a new M-Budget Prepaid SIM and are not yet an M-Budget Mobile customer, you cannot do it online but must go to an authorized retailer (e.g., a Migros supermarket or Migros Electronics store).

If you want to find the right prepaid mobile plan for you and activate it online, compare them all now on internet-offer.ch and save:

M-Budget Mobile: Experience and Reviews of M-Budget

M-Budget Mobile is a low-cost mobile telephony brand born in collaboration with Swisscom . M-Budget customers can enjoy reliable and reasonably fast network coverage throughout Switzerland. M-Budget Internet offerings are excellent for those seeking a medium-speed connection (up to 1 Gbit/s) and can be enriched with M-Budget TV starting from 15 CHF/month. Nevertheless, some M-Budget reviews are negative, highlighting an issue with the website shop.m-budget.migros.ch , which lacks English language support, and due to a not optimal customer service.

On which network does M-Budget Mobile rely?

M-Budget Mobile provides its telephony services utilizing the Swisscom network. The network coverage of M-Budget Mobile is therefore over 99.9% of the population. The mobile technologies used include LTE and 4G+. Currently, M-Budget Mobile does not offer 5G connections to its mobile customers.

How is the experience with M-Budget TV evaluated?

The M-Budget TV platform is based on the Swisscom TV Box and provides access to various additional features as well as over 250 TV channels and 200 radio stations. Additionally, it allows installing your preferred apps directly on the M-Budget TV platform. One of the common issues with M-Budget TV is the inability to install additional apps like Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV+ on your TV Box: in this case, you can use the app store directly on your smart TV.

Free SMS M-Budget Mobile: The codes and M-Budgets to use

M-Budget Mobile allows autonomous management of your subscription by sending free SMS. There are two M-Budget numbers to which SMS can be sent for different purposes:

404 : This number is used to obtain useful information about your Migros Budget Mobile or internet subscription by sending specific keywords. For example, you can activate or deactivate the receipt of M-Budget Mobile promotions with the codes START PROMO or STOP PROMO, recover your Combox password by sending COMBOX, or know details about missed calls by sending START INFO.

508 : By sending some keywords to the number 508, you can activate a mobile subscription from an M-Budget prepaid offer. For example, if you send the word MBUDGETMAXI, you will have the opportunity to activate the M-Budget Mobile Maxi subscription instantly.

To know all the keywords, visit the official M-Budget Mobile website in the help/FAQ section.

If you are not sure whether M-Budget Mobile is the right operator for you, go to the Swiss mobile plan comparison or the broadband internet plan comparison to see all the operators available in Switzerland and activate the one most suitable for your needs.

M-Budget Mobile Customer Service: All M-Budget  Contacts

M-Budget offers free customer service to its customers, including a dedicated hotline for support and assistance in case of issues. The Migros Budget customer service team is available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays from 8:30 to 16:30 for live support. To get in touch with M-Budget and receive assistance, you can use the telephone channel (M-Budget Hotline), write via traditional mail, or use the contact form.

[0800 15 17 28] M-Budget Hotline: The M-Budget Mobile Helpline for Assistance

For support and assistance, customers can call the M-Budget Hotline at 0800 15 17 28 (free) or if abroad, at +41 58 262 82 28 (standard rate). The phone line is available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays from 8:30 to 16:30. The customer service staff is competent and friendly according to some online reviews.

My M-Budget Account: The Personal Customer Area of Migros

You can independently manage your subscription and resolve most requests using My M-Budget Account. To log in to M-Budget, go to the link selfcare.m-budget.migros.ch/eCare and use the credentials provided by the operator (registration email or phone number and password). If you forget your password and need to log in to M-Budget, you can request a new one at any time, which will be sent to you via email or SMS.

M-Budget Mobile Subscription: How to Manage Your M-Budget Contract Effectively

Managing your subscription is easy by using your M-Budget customer account or through the M-Budget Cockpit. Here, you can perform various operations. Cancelling subscriptions for an M-Budget contract is a straightforward process. Customers can cancel their subscription by calling the hotline or visiting an M-Budget sales point. It's important to note that early termination penalties may apply if the subscription is canceled before the contract expires.

M-Budget Cockpit: Managing M-Budget Mobile Roaming

If you are abroad and need to keep track of your expenses, you can use the M-Budget Cockpit by accessing the link cockpit.m-budget.migros.ch/cockpit . After entering your M-Budget phone number, you can view all information about costs and consumption during the billing period.

How to Check M-Budget Mobile Credit?

To check the credit of M-Budget Mobile Prepaid, simply send a free SMS with the text STATUS to the number 444 or check the credit section in "My M-Budget Account."

With the SMS, you will receive a free response message indicating the percentage of minutes, SMS, and MB consumption included in the active M-Budget package.

How to Top Up M-Budget Mobile?

To top up M-Budget Mobile credit , you can do so in three ways: by visiting the M-Budget website and navigating to the credit top-up page, using My M-Budget Account, or going directly to one of the sales points.

However, if you have a contract-free M-Budget Mobile plan, you do not need to top up your credit.

Compare M-Budget Mobile with Other Swiss Operators

As you've learned in this guide, M-Budget Mobile offers a wide range of mobile phone, home internet, and TV subscriptions. Remember, you can easily compare M-Budget with all the other Swiss providers to find the perfect offer that suits your specific needs using the internet-offer.ch comparison tool.

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For more information visit  M-Budget website

The Best Prepaid SIM Card Data Plans For USA Travel

In This Article

Sim swap protection, protect your calls and data. get efani now, introduction.

The United States might be an exciting place to visit, but it can also be expensive, particularly regarding keeping connected. It would be beneficial if you had a solid phone plan to keep in touch with friends and family back home and continue with your business while traveling. Prepaid SIM cards are a fantastic option for vacationers to save money and stay connected while traveling. The perfect plan for your needs may take time because so many options are available. In this article, I'll examine the top prepaid SIM card data plans for travel to the USA. I'll go through each option's advantages, costs, and network coverage so you can choose the one that best meets your needs and financial condition while preserving connectivity no matter where you are in the US.

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Introduction: The Importance of Staying Connected While Traveling in the USA

Staying connected is essential for a seamless and pleasurable trip to the United States. Having a dependable method of communication is crucial whether you're a tourist experiencing the energetic cities, a business traveler attending meetings, or a student studying abroad. A prepaid SIM card with a sufficient data plan might be your ticket to remaining connected during your travel, whether for staying in touch with loved ones or accessing crucial information while you're on the go.

The days of relying on costly international roaming fees or having trouble finding Wi-Fi hotspots are long gone. With a prepaid SIM card, you can enjoy the convenience of a local phone number and cost-effective data plans customized to your needs. That makes it simple for you to make local calls and send texts. It also guarantees smooth internet access for social media updates, navigation, and even streaming your favorite TV shows or music.

Staying connected has advantages that go far beyond just convenience. Having internet connectivity in a foreign location can be a lifesaver for getting around, learning about surrounding attractions, and getting up-to-date information on local happenings or emergencies. Additionally, it enables you to maintain contact with your professional, academic, or personal obligations, preventing you from missing out on crucial communications, deadlines, or chances.

Maintaining contact while traveling also gives one a sense of assurance and tranquility. Having a dependable method of communication enables you to seek help in the event of any unanticipated events, whether via contacting emergency services or connecting with your traveling companions.

Understanding Prepaid SIM Cards and Their Benefits

Travelers are increasingly using prepaid SIM cards since they are practical and economical. Unlike conventional postpaid plans, prepaid SIM cards let you pay for your mobile services in advance with no long-term commitments or contracts. This flexibility benefits visitors to the USA since it avoids exorbitant roaming fees and offers an economical and dependable method to stay connected while traveling.

• Managing your mobile spending is one of the main advantages of having a prepaid SIM card. You may choose a specific budget for your internet consumption, calls, and texts with a prepaid plan, ensuring you only spend what you can comfortably afford. Travelers wishing to prevent unpleasant shocks on their phone bills when they go home may benefit from this.
• Prepaid SIM cards also allow you to select the plan that best meets your needs. Several prepaid alternatives are available to accommodate various consumption patterns, whether you need limitless internet for streaming, many phone minutes, or both. This flexibility enables you to customize your plan to meet your unique needs and guarantee access to the services most important to you while visiting the USA.
• Prepaid SIM cards are also easily accessible and offer hassle-free activation. Prepaid SIM cards are conveniently available online or in several retail locations, including kiosks operated by mobile network providers, airports, and convenience stores. The activation procedure is often simple, involving little paperwork and allowing you to use your SIM card as soon as you arrive.
• Prepaid SIM cards also frequently provide extra benefits and features, an advantage. Free international calling or texting, access to Wi-Fi hotspots, or reduced prices for particular applications or services are all possible included in some plans. These extra perks might make your trip more enjoyable overall and give you even more bang for your buck.

In conclusion, it's critical for travelers looking for a cheap and dependable option to stay connected during their journey to the USA to comprehend the advantages of prepaid SIM cards. Prepaid SIM cards are a wise choice for anybody wishing to save money while enjoying uninterrupted communication and data services when traveling because of their flexibility, control, and added benefits.

The Best Prepaid SIM Card and eSIM Data Plan You Can Buy Before Arriving in the US

Holafly us data plans (unlimited data esim).

On a recent trip, I utilized Holafly, a new data-only eSIM company, and was pleasantly surprised by its performance (see my Holafly eSIM Review for more information).

Holafly's plans differ from other providers in that they offer unlimited data (they will restrict your data if you use too much, but most users won't notice this) and range from 5 to 90 days. As two of the biggest mobile providers in the US, AT&T, and T-Mobile, Holafly is also connected to their networks.

Holafly is the most excellent choice if you want to avoid keeping track of your data consumption while traveling.

Prices For Unlimited Data are around $19 to $99 depending on the days for the plan (Check Holafly for details)

Service Speed: 4G/LTE

Calls: None

Texts/SMS: None

Tethering: No

Three 30-Day Pass (Digital eSIM Plan)

The Three 30-Day Pass is difficult to match for the price and data allotment if your phone is eSIM compliant. This data package costs $35 for 20GB of data and is suitable for one month.

Additionally, since this is an eSIM, you receive email delivery immediately and at no additional cost.

Plan Specs:

Includes texts or calls?: NO

Credit valid for 30 Days

Smart Traveller eSIM (Digital eSIM Plan)

The Smart Traveller eSIM is a wise financial decision for shorter journeys since it is only usable for ten days. The $35 Three 30-Day Pass makes sense if you'll be in town for over ten days.

Credit valid for 10 Days

Orange Holiday World (Physical SIM Card)

Travelers frequently choose The Orange Holiday World for a variety of reasons.

First, the service is usually superior to no-name SIM data plans since Orange—the most prominent mobile provider in Europe—runs it and has collaborated with major US cell operators.

Second, the Orange Holiday World package for the US includes 10GB of 4G/LTE data. The same strategy applies if your journey includes Canada or Mexico.

Third, you don't need to register; just insert the SIM, and you're ready.

The primary drawback is that the data plan lasts only 14 days, making it unsuitable for longer journeys. However, for €29, you can top up the card once to obtain an additional 14 days of service with 10GB of data.

Used as a mobile hotspot?: Yes

Credit valid for 14 Days

Three PYAG MBB 12GB (Physical SIM Card)

The Three UK PYAG MBB is another well-liked SIM data plan choice, with 12GB of data for $60. You can use a pocket Wi-Fi, which doesn't permit data tethering. This card is a good choice for extended stays in the US because it remains valid for a year following activation.

Used as a mobile hotspot?: NO

Credit valid for 1 Year

Considerations for Selecting a Prepaid SIM Card Data Plan

There are several things to consider when selecting a prepaid SIM card data package for your trip to the USA. These elements will make it more likely that you choose a plan that satisfies your data requirements and stays within your budget.

• Before anything else, you must evaluate your data needs. Think about how much data you ordinarily consume per day or month. Are you a frequent consumer of data who downloads and streams vast files? Or do you mainly use data for social media, texting, and web browsing? By understanding your data consumption patterns, you can decide how much data you require in your prepaid plan.
• After that, consider the service provider's network quality and coverage. It's essential to get a prepaid SIM card that provides dependable service in the areas you intend to travel to because different regions in the USA may have variable network strengths. To understand the network performance, read customer evaluations and examine the service providers' coverage maps.
• Cost is still another essential aspect to think about. Examine the value for money of various prepaid SIM card data plans by comparing their costs. Look for affordable plans that give a significant amount of data. Additionally, be mindful of any potential extra or hidden costs, such as roaming or activation fees.
• The length of your stay is an additional consideration. A shorter prepaid SIM card plan can be more economical if you only temporarily visit the USA. A longer-term plan, though, can be more cost-effective if you're considering a stay that will last a while.
• Lastly, consider any extra features or advantages the prepaid SIM card data plan could provide. Some plans also provide extra benefits, such as unlimited talk and text, access to some streaming services, or the capacity to utilize your data across various nations. Examine these extras to see whether they suit your unique requirements and tastes.

By carefully taking into account these variables, you may select the finest prepaid SIM card data plan for your trip to the USA, one that provides:

• The ideal data allowance.
• Dependable coverage.
• Budget-friendly price.
• Any extra features that improve your entire experience.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Best Prepaid SIM Card Data Plan for Your USA Travel Needs

To stay connected and save money, picking the best prepaid SIM card data package for your needs when visiting the USA is critical. Making a choice might be difficult due to the enormous amount of possibilities accessible. However, you may reduce your options and discover the ideal plan by considering elements like coverage, data allotment, validity periods, and other benefits.

• Consider your data needs carefully before buying a prepaid SIM card. Determine whether your primary data needs are for social networking, streaming, or online surfing. It will assist you in selecting a plan that provides adequate data limits without exceeding your budget.
• When planning your trip to the USA, ensure the network coverage is dependable by reading customer reviews and looking at coverage maps. Nothing is worse than being stranded in a rural area without a signal.
• Last but not least, keep an eye out for any special offers or discounts that could be made. Carriers sometimes provide cheaper rates or other benefits like international roaming or unlimited calling for a certain period. Utilizing these deals can improve both your experience and your savings.

You may have seamless connectivity, stay in touch with loved ones, easily explore new areas, and share your vacation experiences in real-time while avoiding expensive roaming fees by finding the best prepaid SIM card data package for your USA travel requirements. To guarantee a convenient and economical trip to the United States, do your homework, evaluate your options, and make a wise choice.

I hope our blog post on the top prepaid SIM card data plans for travel to the USA was instructive and valuable. When it should not break the money, staying connected when traveling is essential. While on vacation, you may save money and have a dependable, quick internet connection by choosing the correct prepaid SIM card data package. Remember to investigate and evaluate several choices to locate the best strategy for your demands and budget. Have fun touring the USA while staying in touch and saving money!

I founded Efani after being Sim Swapped 4 times. I am an experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of working in the crypto and cybersecurity industry. I provide Secure Mobile Service for influential people to protect them against SIM Swaps, eavesdropping, location tracking, and other mobile security threats. I've been covered in New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Mashable, Hulu, Nasdaq, Netflix, Techcrunch, Coindesk, etc. Contact me at 855-55-EFANI or [email protected] for a confidential assessment to see if we're the right fit!

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CEO & Founder

Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.

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5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services

Amanda Webber

About Amanda

Amanda has 20+ years of experience as an educator. Her teaching career, paired with her love for research and technology, has led her to MoneySavingPro. Her personal experience with eSIMs and MVNOs after switching her entire family away from big wireless in the last few years has taught her the ins and outs of the industry. And saved her hundreds per month.

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Writing, editing, proofreading, researching, blogging, collaborating, communicating, CMS, eSIMs, MVNOs, 5G home internet & comparison

The key to finding the best value prepaid unlimited plan is all about leveraging the competitive rates offered by low-cost carriers. You'll get the same coverage for a fraction of the cost without hidden fees and price hikes. Here are the most affordable providers to consider.

We helped over 2 million users compare phone plans in 2023

We've reviewed 30 carriers & compared over 120 phone plans

Over 15 years of experience helping people save money on their phone bills

Our editorial process

Top plans list

• Mint Mobile unlimited data plan : Best overall prepaid unlimited plan
• Tello unlimited data plan : Best prepaid unlimited data plan
• US Mobile unlimited data plan : Best prepaid unlimited plan for one
• Twigby 20GB plan : Best prepaid unlimited family plan
• Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan : Best unlimited data plan

Table of contents

My list of recommended prepaid unlimited plans in April

What network coverage do you prefer, how much data do you need, is hotspot data included, what's the monthly cost, what if i need multiple lines, can i bring my own phone or buy a new device, what promotions do they offer, are there any additional perks, what international features are available, do they have parental controls, find the best prepaid service in your area, cheapest prepaid unlimited data plans, can you get unlimited data with prepaid service, can i bring my postpaid device to my prepaid plan, what's the advantage of choosing a prepaid unlimited data plan, what is the cheapest prepaid unlimited data plan, what is the best prepaid unlimited cell phone plan, prepaid plan guides, how we choose the best carriers and plans.

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy .

Unlimited data plans don't have to come with an expensive price tag.

With Mobile Virtual Network Operators - MVNOs , you'll find a great selection of unlimited data plans starting from as low as $30 per month.

Prepaid plans give you the flexibility to customize your plan, and with no contract, you can amend it or cancel it if your needs change.

Check out the latest prepaid unlimited data plans from these low-cost carriers below.

Best overall prepaid unlimited plan

Mint mobile unlimited data plan.

• T-Mobile coverage Info Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

*$45 for 3 Months

Pros & cons

The Mint Mobile unlimited plan is powered by T-Mobile, giving you the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage at a lower cost. Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.

They are transparent in their communication of the benefits of signing up for longer periods, showcasing how it can help you maximize your savings. Check out our review about best cell phone plans .

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
• Free calls to Mexico and Canada
• Free mobile hotspot with all plans
• eSIM compatible
• No international roaming
• Limited customer service
• 3-month minimum sign-up

Plan details

• Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all of their plans, so you can use your phone to tether to tablets or other mobile devices. The unlimited plan includes a 10 GB hotspot data limit.
• A minimum 3-month upfront commitment is required to subscribe. The longer commitment period means more savings. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
• They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the service.
• You have the option to bring your own device, so there's no need to upgrade unless you want to. However, if you'd prefer a new smartphone, there's a wide range of choices available, including iPhones, Samsung devices, and other Android models, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
• Through the Mint Mobile app, it's easy to monitor your usage and manage multiple lines and plans.
• While calls to Canada and Mexico are free, making calls to other countries abroad comes with additional fees. International roaming also incurs an extra expense. If these international features are important, this can be one disadvantage.

Best prepaid unlimited data plan

Tello unlimited data plan.

• T-Mobile coverage Info Tello operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.

Not only do you get unlimited talk, text, and data, but with the Tello unlimited plan , there are no hidden fees or long-term contracts.

You'll also get the benefits of free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico. Check out our review about the cheapest phone plans for one person .

• Free international calling to 60+ countries
• Free mobile hotspot included
• Excellent score on Trustpilot
• No multi-line discounts
• Even with a Tello unlimited plan, you can build your own plan. So maybe your focus is unlimited data, but you don't want or need unlimited calls or texts; you can customize your plan to fit your needs.
• Mobile hotspot is available with an allowance of 5GB.
• Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. So, if you're looking for an unlimited plan for another family member, each line will be charged at the full price. But, you can still save money because of the affordability of their individual plans.
• The fact that Tello is an online-based service means that activating an eSIM plan only requires a few clicks, or alternatively, you have the option to have a SIM card delivered to your address.

Best prepaid unlimited plan for one

Us mobile unlimited data plan.

• Verizon & T-Mobile coverage Info US Mobile operates on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.

*30 Day FREE Trial

The US Mobile unlimited plan provides an affordable option on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, accompanied by excellent customer service and flexible choices.

Along with unlimited talk, text, and data (capped at 40GB or 100GB or high-speed data), you'll have mobile hotspot access, and they support eSIMs. Plus, there are no binding long-term contracts, allowing for the freedom to switch plans or carriers at any time. Check out our review about best bring your own phone plans .

• T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
• Mobile hotspot allowance
• Multi-line discounts for family plans
• Free trial available
• TV, music, & gaming subscription perks available
• International calling not fully available
• International roaming is an extra cost
• With 24/7 support by phone or online chat, they have exceptional customer service that consistently gets top marks.
• Try before you buy on a 50-day trial period.
• Mobile hotspot data allowance depends on the unlimited plan you choose. You'll get either 5 GB, 10 GB, or 50 GB.
• If you need a family plan, you can get an unlimited plan at a discounted rate for each additional line you add. Save hundreds of dollars on your cell phone bill, as the more lines you add, the bigger the discount.
• With an unlimited prepaid plan and at least three additional lines, there's the option to choose streaming services like Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more.
• Streaming services are available to new and existing US Mobile customers. You'll need to pay for the subscription yourself and verify it every three months for a maximum of 12 months. The extra cost will be credited to your account via Autopay.
• US Mobile's international features are more complex. With their unlimited plan, you get access to unlimited international calling to 200+ countries on their GSM 5G network, and roaming is available at an extra cost.
• International calling and roaming are coming soon on their Warp 5G network, although you can make calls to Canada and text abroad from the US at no extra cost.

Best prepaid unlimited family plan

Twigby 20gb plan.

• Verizon coverage Info Twigby operates on the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.

*$25/mo for 1st 3 Mths

The Twigby unlimited plan gives you the option to customize your plan and only pay for what you need. Powered by the Verizon network, you can access the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless network for less.

So you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility. And if you have loved ones abroad, Twigby offers free international calling to 80 countries. Check out our review about the cheapest family phone plans .

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
• Free international calls to 80+ countries
• Wide range of plan choices
• Free mobile hotspot access
• No International roaming
• Not eSIM-compatible
• Twigby provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
• Being 100% online based, you can purchase your unlimited plan from home, and your SIM card will be sent in the mail.
• Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
• There are no multi-line discounts, unlike other MVNOs. So, if you require more than one line, they may not be the ideal low-cost carrier for you.
• International roaming is not offered by Twigby, which means that using your phone abroad could result in a significantly high cost, especially if using the internet and roaming.

Best unlimited data plan

Ultra mobile unlimited data plan.

• T-Mobile coverage Info Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.

*138 for 3 Mths

With an Ultra Mobile unlimited plan , you'll get low-cost access to the T-Mobile network. With a data cap of 40GB of high-speed data on their unlimited plan, there's plenty of allowance for even heavy data users.

There are no contracts, and if you've got loved ones abroad, they offer free international calls to 80 countries. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans .

• Free international calls to 80 countries
• Mobile hotspot access included
• Extra cost for International roaming
• Ultra Mobile offers a variety of options for affordable cell phone plans with good coverage on the T-Mobile network.
• You'll get free international calls to 90+ countries and unlimited talk & text in Canada and Mexico.
• Mobile hotspot access is available with a limit of 10GB on unlimited plans.
• While the plan doesn't include international roaming, you have the option to purchase the UpRoam add-on, which allows you to access roaming services at a discounted rate by adding credit.

How to choose the best prepaid unlimited data plan

MVNOs are powered by the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as the big three wireless networks. Among the various carriers, T-Mobile obtained the top position in this J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study in terms of 5G coverage. If you have a preference for a particular network, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Or, to identify the best cell phone service in your area , you can use our coverage checker tool.

Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big 3 may try to persuade you otherwise, but the reality is that the majority of people only consume approximately 10GB of cellular data each month. Furthermore, if you primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work, your consumption of cellular data will probably be even lower. With cheap cell phone providers , you can choose a data plan that fits your requirements and pay a reduced amount if your data usage is lower.

Most carriers allow the usage of hotspot data; however, there are limitations on the quantity of data that can be used via tethering. The actual limit depends on the prepaid plan you choose and the carrier. Moreover, certain carriers offer prepaid mobile hotspot plans specifically tailored for use on mobile hotspot devices, iPads, and tablets.

While the big wireless usually charge between $75-90 per month for unlimited plans, the best MVNOs offer inexpensive plans that range from $5-35 per month. Despite their affordability, these options still offer dependable wireless coverage and fast data speeds. It's crucial to be mindful of extra fees and taxes, as some carriers include them in their pricing while others, such as AT&T and Verizon, do not.

When it comes to the big wireless networks, the price advertised is only valid if you buy four lines. While with MVNOs, the price displayed is the price you pay, even if you only have one line. Furthermore, plenty of affordable carriers currently offer further reductions for additional lines with prepaid family plans .

Despite the big 3's love of keeping their customers locked into a constant cycle of phone upgrades, MVNOs advocate the choice of bringing your own phone . This gives you the power to stay in control and only switch phones when it suits you. If you do choose to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer the opportunity of 0% financing for 1-2 years.

The big wireless promotions may appear appealing at first, but with further scrutiny of the fine print, you'll find they frequently include unnecessary items and the commitment to a lengthy 3-year phone contract. On the other hand, many Mobile Virtual Network Operators provide special discounts to new customers and offer no contract phone plans and clearer pricing structures.

A lot of the plans from the major networks include "free" TV subscriptions, but these eventually turn into paid subscriptions and are automatically added to your bill if you forget to cancel them after a few months. However, there are some prepaid carriers, like US Mobile, that offer free subscription services. But in our opinion, it's better to keep these subscriptions separate so that you have better control over them.

If you travel often, it's recommended that you check whether your prepaid carrier offers these services. International calling and roaming are distinct features, and several MVNOs provide free international calls; however, the countries available may vary depending on the carrier. Roaming is typically offered as an optional feature, with the cost differing depending on the country you are traveling to.

Many MVNOs offer parental control features that enable parents to supervise their children's phone usage and data consumption. With these controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to particular apps or websites, and even track your child's location. These capabilities are available either as part of plans or can be configured in your cell phone's settings.

Check out our prepaid cell phone comparison to help find the best deal.

Prepaid unlimited plans FAQs

Prepaid plans do offer unlimited data. However, it's not unlimited high-speed data. All unlimited plans have a high-speed data cap, where speeds are slowed once reached until your next billing cycle. But the good news is you'll never have overage charges.

Yes, you can. As long as the device is paid off from your previous carrier and unlocked, it should be compatible with your prepaid plan.

With a prepaid plan, there are no credit checks and no contracts. So you can switch at any time. Plus MVNOs also offer much more affordable prepaid unlimited plans.

Mint Mobile offers one of the most affordable unlimited data plans, and they're powered by T-Mobile, so you get access to the same coverage at a fraction of the price.

The best will depend on your personal preferences, but low-cost carriers like Mint Mobile, Tello, and Boost Mobile offer the best value unlimited plans for between $25-30 per month.

Recap: What are the best prepaid unlimited data plans?

If you really need unlimited data, a prepaid unlimited data plan with a low-cost carrier like Mint Mobile, Tello, or Ting can save you up to $600 per year.

Make sure to check the small print, as unlimited never really means unlimited, and once you reach your data cap, your speeds will be slowed significantly.

You can estimate your average data usage with our data usage calculator to see if you can save money with a set data plan.

• Best Prepaid Phone Plans
• Best Prepaid Unlimited Data Plans
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• Best Value Prepaid Verizon Phone Plans
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To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.

Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

• Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
• Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
• Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
• Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
• Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.

Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process .

We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.

Related Content

4 Best eSIMs for Mexico 2024 (Affordable Prepaid Data)

Are you struggling to find the perfect eSIM for Mexico?

An eSIM is one of the easiest ways to get mobile internet access when you travel to Mexico. Instead of wasting time getting a local Mexico SIM card when you land, you can get an eSIM now and have a fun trip.

At A Glance: Best eSIM for Mexico

• best unlimited data esim Holafly
• Most Flexible eSIMs Maya Mobile
• Cheapest Mexico eSIM Nomad

Below I will highlight the best eSIMs for anyone traveling to Mexico who wants a great data connection.

Choosing The Perfect Mexico eSIM

From my recent experience traveling around the world, I want to share with you the simplest way to pick and eSIM for your trip to Mexico. It boils down to a few simple questions about what features you need in your eSIM:

• Unlimited data – Holafly or Maya Mobile
• Smaller GB packages for occasional use – Maya Mobile or Nomad
• Data sharing (Hotspot/Tethering) –  Some Maya Mobile , Nomad  or Holalfly North America
• Regional plans in North America – Holalfly North America (Unlimited), Nomad North America

ESIM Product Comparison

Holalfy is all about eSIMs with unlimited data which means you can use your phone and be online as much as you like while in Mexico.

They also use AT&T so you know you have a reliable mobile provider while you are traveling too.

You might be thinking that their plans will be expensive, but that is not the case.

You can choose from these unlimited data eSIMs for Mexico or for North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) :

MEXICO ONLY – No Hotspot/Tethering

• 5 days for $19
• 7 days for $27
• 10 days for $34
• 15 days for $47
• 20 days for $54
• 30 days for $64
• 60 days for $84
• 90 days for $99

NOTE: Get a 5% discount with coupon: EXPERTWORLDTRAVEL

USA, CANADA & MEXICO

Hotspots/Tethering allowed for this package!!

• 5 Days – $27.00
• 7 Days – $34.00
• 10 Days – $44.00
• 15 Days – $54.00
• 20 Days – $64.00
• 30 Days – $87.00
• 60 Days – $144.00
• 90 Days – $214.00

The only downside is that you can not use the data with a hotspot or data sharing. Connecting to your laptop for work isn’t allowed, unfortunately.

• Unlimited data eSIMs
• Best price per day
• Quick and easy to set up
• Fast speeds and broad coverage
• Hotspot/data sharing is not allowed

Maya Mobile

If you want to buy a prepaid Mexico eSIM  before you leave, then Maya Mobile is the best option.

They have the cheapest eSIMs and a flexible eSIM with unlimited data for Mexico and Latin America. They have expanded the eSIM offerings a lot lately, so now you can choose exactly how long you want it for and how much data you need (1-10GB or Unlimited).

Below are some examples to give you a feel for the pricing:

• 1GB, 5 days, $6
• 3GB, 10 days, $14
• 5GB, 15 days, $22
• 10GB, 30 days, $36
• Unlimited, 30 days, $129 (Mexico)
• Unlimited, 30 days, $129 (Latin America)

The Latam option includes 16 countries in Central & South America, so if you move around, it is perfect. And it’s the same price as the Mexico-only option. Crazy, I know.

Unlimited Data Selection

Just be aware that Maya Mobile has some subtleties in their Unlimited data packages. I dived a little deeper on their page and saw you can select

• The timespan – 5, 10, 15, 30 days
• Data sharing allowed or not
• When data speed throttling occurs

So, although they allow sharing for some extra money, they also throttle the speed after 3 or 5 GB a day. Holafly does not do this.

Networks Used In Mexico

They work with Telcel and AT&T, giving you the best coverage in Mexico. So, whether you are in Mexico City or on a small beach in Baja, you will have coverage.

They also give the auto-renew option, so you don’t always have to watch your data usage. Just switch it on, and your data is topped up automatically.

• Lowest prices per GB
• Great esims with Unlimited data
• Best mobile networks
• Latin America eSim option
• Not the cheapest for unlimited data

Nomad is a global eSIM provider that is both reliable and offers a great service in a lot of countries, including Mexico.

They offer three different prepaid Mexico eSIM plans that are data only. You can choose from

• 1GB/7 days for $9
• 3GB/30 days for $14
• 5GB/30 days for $20
• 10GB/30 days for $3 2

The 5GB/30-day plan is the most affordable at $6 per GB which is pretty good. There are more affordable 7-day plans available from other providers like Maya and Airalo.

• Simple to buy and activate
• Fast connection and good coverage
• A range of plans to suit you
• Unlimited data is not available
• Short plans are a little expensive

Airalo (Chorro Fon)

Airalo has long been known as one of the best international eSIM providers as they have affordable prices, great customer support, solid speeds and coverage.

Airalo offers a great range of Mexico travel eSIMs using local Mobile networks, including AT&T, Movistar, and Telcel . So they can connect you to the best option in each location.

You have 4 to choose from, starting at

• 1GB / 7 days for $8
• 2GB / 15 days for $15
• 3GB / 30 days for $21
• 5GB/30 days for $32.50
• 10GB/30 days for $4 9 (Currently 50% off)

Their most affordable Mexico eSIM card is $4.9 per GB, which is average. Maya has cheaper options when you go above 1 GB.

If you are traveling further afield in North America, Airalo also offers regional packages that include the USA, Canada and Mexico. They are a little more expensive per GB

• 1GB / 7 days for $6.5
• 2GB / 15 days for $12
• 3GB / 30 days for $17
• 5GB/30 days for $25.50
• 10GB/30 days for $46

Again, unlimited data is not available with Airalo for heavy users.

• Affordable pricing
• Quick to buy and activate
• The best customer support
• Excellent speeds and coverage
• No unlimited data

Benefits of Getting an eSIM

The benefits of getting a Mexico eSim include:

• convenience
• flexibility
• keep your number

With a Mexico eSIM card, you can be connected to a local network within minutes of landing, and don’t have to go to a store to get a local SIM card.

With a Mexico eSim, you can keep your sim card from home, including your normal phone number. So, you will receive any calls or texts as normal.

An eSim is usually the cheapest way to get data while traveling in  Mexico. You can choose the perfect eSIM to match your trip time data needs. And you won’t be punished with roaming fees when you get home.

Buying a virtual SIM or eSim is also more eco-friendly. SIM cards use metals from mines and come covered in plastic, eSims are digital, so you will feel good about it!

Devices Compatible with a Mexico eSim

Not all devices are equipped with eSim technology. An eSim is an embedded SIM card built into your phone or tablet.

Since the technology is relatively new, only newer phones or tablets will be equipped with eSims. Generally, any high-end smartphone made in the last 3 years should have an eSim, other devices older than this probably won’t.

For example, the iPhone XS is the oldest iPhone model with an eSim inside it. So, how do you check if your device is compatible with an eSim? It’s very easy.

Dial *#06# on your phone. This will bring up all the unique information about your phone, including its IMEI number and maybe an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number. If you see an EID number, your phone is compatible with an .

The final step to using an eSIM on your device is ensuring it is unlocked from your provider. If you bought your phone or tablet through a contract, it might be locked to your mobile provider.

To check and unlock your phone, call your provider and ask them to unlock it. It should only take a few minutes to do.

Local Mobile Operators Offering eSIMs in Mexico

For the best network coverage in any country you visit, choosing an eSim that partners with a local network provider is always the way to go.

This will ensure you always have a data connection, and fast connection speeds, and may be able to add call minutes and SMS to your eSim data plan.

Currently, there are only three local mobile operators offering eSims in Mexico and these include Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T. Look for eSim providers that use these networks for the best experience while you are there.

Data Needed When Traveling to Mexico

How much data do you need while traveling around Mexico? This all depends on your budget and how you want to browse while you are there.

If you want to use your cell phone as you would at home, then you should find a data plan to match your usage.

Most people use about 5GB per week on average, but this can be as high as 20GB a week for those uploading to Instagram all the time or watching movies on their phones via a data connection.

You should be able to see your data consumption over time as a report on your smartphone or get a report from your provider. Once you know how many GB per week you use on average, you can find a data plan to match.

If you are traveling on a tight budget, you do have the option to choose less GBs per week but you’ll have to be smart about reducing your data consumption. Also, be careful not to run out of data and have to top up as this will almost double your local eSim costs.

Tips for Using eSIM in Mexico

Do not activate your esim until you land.

When you buy eSim data plans, they come with a limited time frame such as 7 days or 30 days. The data plan start date is the day you activate it. Therefore, if you activate it before you are in Mexico, you are losing days on your plan.

Make sure you only activate your eSim once you have landed in Mexico to make the most of the data plans.

Turn Data Off For Some Apps

If you are trying to conserve your data usage, go into settings on your phone and turn data off for the apps you don’t need. Apps that download photos and videos use the most data and Instagram is the biggest culprit.

By turning data off, these apps can never use your data allowance but they will still work on WiFi.

Download Google Map Areas

Did you know you can download specific areas on Google Maps and then use them offline without any data?

Google Maps is so helpful when traveling, I am on it more than anything else! I find everything from good restaurants to secluded beaches using it. By downloading the areas you are visiting on WiFi, you can use Google Maps as usual without using any of your data allowances.

Turn On Airplane Mode

Airplane mode stops your phone from connecting to a network so no apps can secretly use data in the background. This is a great way to conserve data and you can still use GPS with maps plus take pictures too.

Use Whatsapp

Whatsapp is the most used messaging app in Mexico. The free app allows you to send messages and make calls using data only, so it is perfect for an eSim data plan. Plus, you can communicate with hotels, taxis, tour guides, and more through the app.

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