United States: Why You Should Visit at Least Once in Your Life
From the mesmerizing lights of New York to California’s golden beaches, from Utah’s national parks to the skyscrapers of Chicago… a trip to the US is a dream for many!
The USA is vast and fascinating, offering incredible natural diversity and plenty of unique experiences—from urban culture to outdoor adventure.
When planning a trip to the US, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—between health insurance, visas, choosing destinations, booking attractions, and so on. That’s why internet connectivity often gets overlooked. But if you don’t plan it ahead of time, roaming charges can have a serious impact on your travel budget.
What Is International Roaming?
International roaming allows you to keep using your SIM card abroad to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data. Charges can be extremely high, since your usual provider routes you through a local network that applies extra fees.
How Roaming Works in the United States
In the US, your mobile provider connects you to an American network (such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon) to provide service. This comes with out-of-bundle rates that are typically very high.
Unlike within the EU, where roaming costs have been reduced for citizens (with some limitations), there are no such regulations for the US.
If you don’t plan your internet usage before leaving, even limited data use can rack up huge charges! Just a few minutes of browsing or watching a video can cost you dozens of euros.
💡 Want to reduce international roaming costs?
Check out our guide to data saving tips.
Average Costs of Roaming in the United States
Roaming in the United States is notoriously expensive for travelers from most countries outside North America. Since the U.S. is not part of any international roaming agreements like those in the European Union, mobile operators typically charge high rates for using data, calls, and SMS while connected to American networks such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile.
Without a dedicated roaming package, here are the typical costs you might face:
- Mobile data: up to $10–$25 per MB
- Outgoing calls: between $2 and $4 per minute
- Incoming calls: around $1.50 to $3 per minute
- Text messages: about $0.50 to $1 per SMS
Even with pre-paid roaming packages, daily or weekly plans can be pricey, especially if you’re a heavy data user. Streaming videos, using maps, or uploading content to social media can quickly burn through your allowance and trigger overage fees.
For long trips or frequent travelers, relying solely on international roaming is rarely cost-effective. That’s why many people look for alternatives like local SIM cards, Wi-Fi hotspots, or, most efficiently, eSIMs, which offer flexible and affordable data options tailored for the U.S.
How to Avoid Roaming Costs in the US
Want to stay connected in the US without spending a fortune? Here are your main options:
- Free Wi-Fi: Available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés… but beware: the connection may be slow or insecure.
- US SIM card: You can buy one locally, but finding the right deal takes time, and the process can be slow. Plus, you’ll lose access to your regular number.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: A portable router that works with local SIM cards. You’ll need to buy a SIM and carry the device around (which has limited battery life). The advantage? You can still use your regular number by connecting to the pocket Wi-Fi.
- eSIM: The most modern and instant way to get internet in the US, here’s why!
Why eSIMs Are the Smartest Choice for Travelers
An eSIM is a virtual SIM built into the latest smartphones. Just scan the QR code you receive after purchase and activate it with a few taps once you arrive.
No need to remove your physical SIM, wait for a SIM card delivery, or go store-hopping to find the best deal.
The Main Benefits of an eSIM in the US
- No roaming charges: Your eSIM connects directly to US networks.
- Instant activation: As soon as you land, activate the eSIM (pre-purchased and installed on your phone) and get online immediately.
- Flexible and affordable data plans: Choose the plan that fits your real needs.
- Reliable coverage, even outside major cities.
Why Choose eSIM.sm for Your US eSIM?
On www.esim.sm, you’ll find eSIMs designed especially for travelers, easy to buy, fast to activate.
Our data plans are clear, affordable, and reliable.
What eSIM.sm Offers
Why choose us to stay connected in the US?
- Up to 5G speeds
- Keep your phone number : Continue using WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.
- Flexible data plans: From 1GB to 100GB, always rechargeable from your personal account
- Unlimited plan available
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
👉 Before purchasing, make sure your phone is compatible by checking our device compatibility list.
Whether you’re traveling for tourism, study, or work, eSIM.sm is the smartest way to get internet in the US—without stress or hidden costs!
