Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Have a question? We have an answer!
what's esim? can i use eSIM?
What is eSIM? How does eSIM work? Learn more.
In a rush? Here's the quick summary about eSIM:
An eSIM is a SIM Card that's already embedded inside the circuitry of these phones:
Here's how to check if your phone uses eSIM: dial *#06# and if it displays an EID number which is 32 digits long then your phone uses eSIM.
When you buy an eSIM nothing gets sent in the post. Instead, the instructions for setting up eSIM are in your order confirmation email. Even technophobes can set-up the eSIM because it takes just a couple of minutes. Once you land in the USA everything just starts working and you can use the internet on your phone just like you do at home.
With our eSIM it's exactly the same thing as if you bought a physical SIM Card. You get a USA phone number, 5G/4G data, calls and texts.
eSIM makes everything much simpler for you, and it's better for the environment because there's no plastic and nothing sent in the post.
Want to learn more about eSIM? Here's some more information:
Say goodbye to plastic physical SIM Cards and say hello to the future with eSIM!
With traditional plastic SIM Cards, you need to remove the existing SIM Card in your phone and insert the new USA SIM Card. That means having to find a paper clip to pop out the SIM tray. But with eSIM, it's already built into your phone. So this means you don’t need to worry about swapping out the SIM Card, or worse still, losing it!
Using an eSIM is as simple as scanning a QR code with your phone’s camera. So you don’t need to wait until the plastic SIM Card gets delivered by Australia Post. And eSIM is better for the environment: eSIM eliminates plastic and packaging, and there's nothing sent in the post to you.
And with our eSIM you get exactly the same as if you used a plastic SIM Card.
If you have an eSIM compatible phone we strongly encourage you to buy our USA eSIM rather than a physical SIM Card as it makes things much easier for you and for the environment.
Find out more about eSIM below:
I've never heard of eSIM, What is eSIM?
eSIM is the latest technology found in many newer model mobile phones including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 (the full list of phones is shown below).
An eSIM (or "embedded SIM") is a digital SIM already installed inside the circuitry of many new mobile phones. The eSIM can then be used by any mobile network, by simply downloading an eSIM from that network.
Your phone probably has eSIM!
If your phone has eSIM it means you can buy and download our USA eSIM without the need to insert a physical SIM card into your phone. No more waiting for the SIM Card to arrive by mail. Instead you can now set everything up and be ready to go in the comfort of your own home. Or favourite cafe. Or work. Or even at the airport! Then when your plane touches down in the USA you’re instantly connected to 5G/4G.
But I'm already using an eSIM from Telstra, Optus or Vodafone!
No problem! Our USA eSIM works alongside your existing eSIM. eSIM compatible phones let you install multiple eSIMs on your phone without having to uninstall or delete your Aussie eSIM. And the best part is that some phones (e.g., iPhone 12 onwards) let you have two eSIMs active at the same time (just like having a dual SIM phone) so if you want you can have your Aussie eSIM and your USA eSIM turned on at the same time. The USA eSIM will be the "active" line for data and making and receiving calls and texts, but you can still receive calls and texts to your Aussie eSIM (really useful to get one time passwords from your bank/credit card).
Keep your Aussie number when you're in the USA
With eSIM you can keep using your Aussie number when you're in the USA. Because you don't need to remove your Aussie SIM Card/eSIM from your phone, you can keep it turned on, alongside your USA eSIM. Think of it like having a "dual SIM" phone. (You'll need to have international roaming activated to be able to receive incoming calls and/or SMS to your Aussie number).
This is perfect for receiving important calls or texts (such as one-time passwords from your bank). Or if you want you can remove your Aussie physical SIM Card or turn off your Aussie eSIM for the duration of your trip.
You get exactly the same thing as if you had a physical USA SIM Card
With our USA eSIM you get exactly the same thing as if you had a physical USA SIM Card. This seems to be a common misconception some people have, probably because there are some inferior eSIMs you can buy that give you data only without a phone number. But with our USA eSIM you get exactly the same thing as if you have a physical USA SIM Card: you still get a USA phone number, you can still make and receive calls, you can still send and receive texts, you can still use 5G/4G data, and you can still use any add-ons.
eSIM is super easy to activate!
Don't worry you don't need a PhD in mobile phones to use eSIM! If you can open the Settings App on your phone, then you can use eSIM.
After you place an eSIM order, check your order confirmation email and reply to it with your phone's EID number (that's the serial number of your phone's eSIM found in your Settings), your phone's eSIM IMEI (also found in your Settings), and the date you want your eSIM to start working.
Your eSIM will then be activated by 6am US Pacific Time on the date you request. You can then download the eSIM to your phone. If you have an iPhone then it's as easy as tapping on the eSIM notification on your iPhone to install the eSIM. If you have a Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Pixel or other phone, you'll either get a notification on your phone to install the eSIM (just tap it to install) or you'll scan a QR code, and your eSIM will get set up in a few minutes.
eSIM is better for the environment
There’s no packaging, no plastic, and no petrol used to transport your letter in the post to you.
What phones use eSIM?
Here's a list of the most popular phones that use eSIM:
Apple
- iPhone 16 (all models)
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S21
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Google Pixel 9 all models
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 5a
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 4 XL
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 3a XL
- Google Pixel 3a
Oppo
- OPPO Find N3
- OPPO Find N2 Flip
- OPPO Find X5 Pro
- OPPO Find X5
- OPPO Find X3 Pro
Huawei
- Huawei P40 - Huawei P40 Pro
- Huawei Mate 40 Pro
Motorola
- Motorola Moto G54 5G
- Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
- Motorola Razr 40
- Motorola Edge 40 Pro
- Motorola Edge Plus
- Motorola Razr 5G
- Motorola Razr (2019)
I've got an iPhone - What SIM Card is best for me?
Got an iPhone? Learn more.
If you have an iPhone from iPhone 6 to iPhone 16 you have the choice of three plans: T-Mobile Unlimited Plan, AT&T Unlimited Plan, or T-Mobile 10GB Plan.
The main difference with the T-Mobile Unlimited Plan is that you can buy a 7 day plan, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 or 90 days.
T-Mobile network -v- AT&T network: both networks offer great coverage, but T-Mobile has no coverage in Alaska. If you’re sticking to the major cities only (Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco etc), then you’ll find both networks offer comparable coverage. If you’re heading to more rural or remote areas, such as national parks, or taking a road trip, then the AT&T network would offer better coverage. And if you need coverage in Alaska then only the AT&T network will work there. You can check specific coverage as shown below:
T-Mobile network coverage maps – if your address shows as “Partner” coverage (in some remote areas), you won’t get coverage.
AT&T network coverage maps – first click “AT&T prepaid” before entering an address.
I've got a Samsung, Oppo, Huawei, Pixel or other phone - What SIM Card is best for me?
Got a Samsung, Oppo, Huawei, Google Pixel, or other phone? Learn more.
If you have a Samsung, Oppo, Huawei, Pixel or other phone then you can choose one of our T-Mobile Plans.
Our T-Mobile Unlimited Plan includes unlimited data (with uncapped download speeds and no daily data caps) and unlimited calls and texts, all for use in the USA. You can choose a 7 day plan, 10, 14, 21, 30 or 60 days.
Our T-Mobile 10GB Plan includes 10GB data and unlimited calls and texts, all for use in the USA.
Will my phone work with the usa SIM card?
Our SIM Card works in iPhone, Samsung, Oppo, Huawei, Pixel + others. Learn more.
Almost all phones work with our USA SIM Card. So whether you have an iPhone (from iPhone 6 to iPhone 16), Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Google, Xiaomi, Motorola, Nokia or LG, we’ve got you covered.
Got a question? Confused? Don’t worry we’re here to help! Just head on over to our Contact Page and choose your preferred method to reach out to us with a question and we’ll get back quickly to you with an answer.
Does my phone have to be unlocked?
Your phone must be network unlocked to use the USA SIM Card. Learn more.
Your phone must be network unlocked to use the USA SIM Card (or indeed to use any other SIM Card). Your phone might be locked to your network provider (for example, locked to Telstra). Unlocking your phone means that you can use it with different network providers and with different SIM Cards including our SIM Card.
If you’ve got an iPhone you can easily check if it’s unlocked by going to Settings > General > About. If “No SIM restrictions” appears next to Network Provider Lock, your iPhone is unlocked.
If you don’t have an iPhone then an easy way to check if your phone is unlocked is to insert another SIM Card into your phone from a different provider, restart your phone, and if the different provider name appears in the status bar, then your phone is unlocked. If your phone is locked you’ll get an error message saying you need to insert a valid SIM Card, in which case contact your network provider and request an unlock.
Need to unlock your phone? If you have an iPhone then the Apple website provides handy information about how to unlock your iPhone. Additionally you can also check out the Telstra website, Optus website and Vodafone website for more information about unlocking your phone.
YOUR PURCHASE HELPS THE VILLAGE ENTERPRISE CHARITY
We donate 1% of our annual profits to the Village Enterprise charity. Learn more.
We donate 1% of our annual profits to the Village Enterprise charity. Village Enterprise empowers the ultra poor in rural Africa to lift themselves out of poverty through small sustainable businesses and savings groups. It delivers a four part program to build businesses that increase household income: entrepreneurship training, a cash grant, business mentoring and a savings group.
Since its founding in 1987, it has trained over 154,000 owners who have opened over 39,000 businesses. There is strong evidence that the Village Enterprise program leads to a significant and persistent increase in income. You can read more about Village Enterprise at https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/where-to-donate/village-enterprise.
WHY CHOOSE US?
We know USA SIM Cards so you know you're getting the best. Learn more.
We’re the experts in USA SIM Cards. We’ve been selling only USA SIM Cards for 10 years. We’re proud to offer value and convenience to savvy travelers like you heading off for a holiday or business trip to the USA. We’ve done the research and can bring to you the best value and most convenient SIM Cards available.
We keep it simple, so you can get things sorted quickly. Learn more.
Simple is SEXY. We love to KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!).
We’ve been selling USA SIM Cards for many years, and we like to keep things simple. If you’ve looked around for a USA SIM Card you might be confused or overwhelmed with choices. You can trust our expertise in keeping it simple for you with our SIM Cards & eSIMs. In fact we regularly travel to the USA ourselves to make sure we’re offering you the best and simplest solution.
Great customer feedback and reviews. Learn more.
Don’t just take our word for it, check out our reviews below. We encourage all of our customers to leave us a review by reaching out to them once by email to leave us a review on Google or Trustindex.
5G data on all our plans. Learn more.
All our plans include 5G/4G data speeds. If you have a 5G compatible phone you’ll get true 5G speeds.
How fast will the data be? We’ve conducted some network speed tests using Speedtest.net on our own SIM Cards:
Speed test 1
T-Mobile Unlimited Plan
Type of phone: iPhone 12
Location and date: Chicago, 18 November 2022.
Speed: 589Mbps download and 56Mbps upload
See the video of our speed test here.
Speed test 2
T-Mobile Unlimited Plan (eSIM)
Type of phone: iPhone 13 Pro Max
Location and date: Los Angeles, 17 March 2023.
Speed: 916Mbps download and 92Mbps upload
See the video of our speed test here.
Speed test 3
T-Mobile Unlimited Plan (eSIM)
Type of phone: Google Pixel 6a
Location and date: Los Angeles, 17 March 2023.
Speed: 189Mbps download and 85Mbps upload
See the video of our speed test here.
Rapid Response Support Team available in USA time zone. Learn more.
Rapid Response Support Team available in USA time zone: our Support Team is available when you need them via WhatsApp, email or phone, whether that’s at 6am when your flight lands at LAX or at 10pm when you’re drinking cocktails in New York, we’ll be there to help with any issues, or answer any questions.
Flexible COVID cancellation policy. Learn more.
Flexible COVID cancellation policy: how we travel has changed, and there’s still some uncertainty around travel, but you can rest assured that if your trip is cancelled because you or a traveling companion/family member has COVID, you can activate the SIM Card up to 12 months from the date of purchase.
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers (FAQs)
Can I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes. Nothing changes with WhatsApp.
WhatsApp stays as your Australian phone number* which means family and friends in Australia just WhatsApp you as usual (nothing changes). And you WhatsApp them as usual (nothing changes).
You’ll keep your number, contacts and all your conversations.
*if you want to you can change your registered WhatsApp number to your USA number, but there'd be no reason to do that unless you were moving to the USA or staying there for a long time.
Does the SIM Card/eSIM work in the new iPhone 16?
Yes!
Is it really unlimited data?
Yes! You get truly unlimited data with our AT&T Unlimited Plan for iPhone and our T-Mobile Unlimited Plan for all phones.
With the T-Mobile Unlimited Plan, if T-Mobile consider you to be a very heavy data user (using more than 50GB of data) then you might notice lower data speeds than other customers using the T-Mobile network during times of network congestion. T-Mobile implement this to ensure people who use massive amounts of data aren't impacting other users on the network.
With the AT&T Unlimited Plan, if AT&T consider you to be a very heave data user (using more than 30GB of data) then you might notice lower data speeds than other customers using the AT&T network during times of network congestion. AT&T implement this to ensure people who use massive amounts of data aren't impacting other users on the network.
What data speeds will I get?
All our plans include 5G/4G data speeds. There's no speed caps, throttling or shaping. If you have a 5G compatible phone you'll get true 5G speeds.
How fast will the data be? We've conducted some network speed tests using Speedtest.net on our own SIM Cards:
Speed test 1
T-Mobile Unlimited Plan
Type of phone: iPhone 12
Location and date: Chicago, 18 November 2022.
Speed: 589Mbps download and 56Mbps upload
See the video of our speed test here.
Speed test 2
T-Mobile Unlimited Plan (eSIM)
Type of phone: iPhone 13 Pro Max
Location and date: Los Angeles, 17 March 2023.
Speed: 916Mbps download and 92Mbps upload
See the video of our speed test here.
Speed test 3
T-Mobile Unlimited Plan (eSIM)
Type of phone: Google Pixel 6a
Location and date: Los Angeles, 17 March 2023.
Speed: 189Mbps download and 85Mbps upload
See the video of our speed test here.
Will the SIM Card work in my phone? Is my phone compatible?
All iPhones (from iPhone 6 to iPhone 16) and Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Google, Xiaomi, Motorola, Nokia, LG + others work with our SIM Card.
Isn't it just cheaper to buy a SIM Card when I get to the USA?
No - in fact it costs considerably more! Because we activate SIM Cards in bulk, we get discounted rates from T-Mobile and AT&T.
For example, our T-Mobile Extreme 30 day plans costs AUD $66.95. If you buy this in the USA it will cost around USD$61, which converts to AUD $91 (and you can't buy 7, 14 or 21 days from a T-Mobile store).
Take a look here at the receipt from a T-Mobile store in California for the exact same product we sell.
We paid USD$61.16 (that's AUD$91) AND we had to stand around in the store for 20 minutes while other customers got served.
I have an iPhone - what's the best plan?
If you have an iPhone from iPhone 6 to iPhone 16 you have the choice of three plans: T-Mobile Unlimited Plan, AT&T Unlimited Plan, or T-Mobile 10GB Plan.
The main difference with the T-Mobile Unlimited Plan is that you can buy a 7 day plan, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 or 90 days.
T-Mobile network -v- AT&T network: both networks offer great coverage, but T-Mobile has no coverage in Alaska. If you’re sticking to the major cities only (Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco etc), then you’ll find both networks offer comparable coverage. If you’re heading to more rural or remote areas, such as national parks, or taking a road trip, then the AT&T network would offer better coverage. And if you need coverage in Alaska then only the AT&T network will work there. You can check specific coverage as shown below:
T-Mobile network coverage maps – if your address shows as “Partner” coverage (in some remote areas), you won’t get coverage.
AT&T network coverage maps – first click “AT&T prepaid” before entering an address.
I have a Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Google, Xiaomi, Motorola, Nokia, LG - what's the best plan?
If you have a Samsung, Oppo, Huawei, Pixel or other phone then you can choose one of our T-Mobile Plans.
Our T-Mobile Unlimited Plan includes unlimited data (with uncapped download speeds and no daily data caps) and unlimited calls and texts, all for use in the USA. You can choose a 7 day plan, 10, 14, 21, 30 or 60 days.
Our T-Mobile 10GB Plan includes 10GB data and unlimited calls and texts, all for use in the USA.
Are the SIM Cards & eSIMs really with AT&T and T-Mobile or is it a reseller?
Our SIM Cards and eSIMs are directly with AT&T and T-Mobile. We don't sell reseller/MVNO SIM Cards.
For example, in Australia there are three mobile networks: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. But there's also many "resellers" (called MVNOs: Mobile Virtual Network Operator) such as Aldi Mobile, Coles Mobile, Kogan Mobile etc.
The same applies in the USA: there is the AT&T network and the T-Mobile network, but there's many resellers/MVNOs of AT&T and T-Mobile such as Ultramobile, Simple Mobile, Cricket, Net10, H2O, Tracfone and many others.
Although the reseller/MVNO may use the network of the big telco, they often don't get full access so this means coverage may be limited, or data speeds capped/slowed. For example, in Australia Aldi Mobile (a Telstra reseller/MVNO) only has access to parts of the network.
Our USA SIM Cards are actual AT&T or T-Mobile SIM Cards/eSIMs directly with the primary network provider.
I have an iPad - what's the best plan?
If you have an iPad that has a SIM Card, then our AT&T Data Plan for iPad comes with either 15GB or 100GB of 5G/4G data.
What is eSIM?
With our USA eSIM you get to keep your Aussie number in the USA, there's no physical SIM Card to send in the post, eSIM is super easy to set-up, and it's better for the environment.
If you have an eSIM compatible phone we strongly encourage you to buy our USA eSIM rather than a physical SIM Card as it makes things much easier for you and for the environment.
What's eSIM?
eSIM is the latest technology found in many newer model mobile phones. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM already installed inside the circuitry of many new mobile phones. The eSIM can then be used by any mobile network, by simply downloading an eSIM from that network.
If your phone has eSIM it means you can buy and download our USA eSIM without the need to insert a physical SIM card into your phone. No more waiting for the SIM Card to arrive by mail. Instead you can now set everything up and be ready to go in the comfort of your own home. Or favourite cafe. Or work. Or even at the airport! Then when your plane touches down in the USA you’re instantly connected to 5G/4G.
But I'm already using an eSIM from Telstra, Optus or Vodafone!
No problem! Our USA eSIM works alongside your existing eSIM. eSIM compatible phones let you install multiple eSIMs on your phone without having to uninstall or delete your Aussie eSIM. And the best part is that some phones (e.g., iPhone 12 onwards) let you have two eSIMs active at the same time (just like having a dual SIM phone) so if you want you can have your Aussie eSIM and your USA eSIM turned on at the same time. The USA eSIM will be the "active" line for data and making and receiving calls and texts, but you can still receive calls and texts to your Aussie eSIM (really useful to get one time passwords from your bank/credit card).
Keep your Aussie number when you're in the USA
With eSIM you can keep using your Aussie number when you're in the USA. Because you don't need to remove your Aussie SIM Card/eSIM from your phone, you can keep it turned on, alongside your USA eSIM. Think of it like having a "dual SIM" phone. (You'll need to have international roaming activated to be able to receive incoming calls and/or SMS to your Aussie number).
This is perfect for receiving important calls or texts (such as one-time passwords from your bank). Or if you want you can remove your Aussie physical SIM Card or turn off your Aussie eSIM for the duration of your trip.
You get exactly the same thing as if you had a physical USA SIM Card
With our USA eSIM you get exactly the same thing as if you had a physical USA SIM Card. This seems to be a common misconception some people have, probably because there are some inferior eSIMs you can buy that give you data only without a phone number. But with our USA eSIM you get exactly the same thing as if you have a physical USA SIM Card: you still get a USA phone number, you can still make and receive calls, you can still send and receive texts, you can still use 5G/4G data, and you can still use any add-ons.
eSIM is super easy to activate!
Don't worry you don't need a PhD in mobile phones to use eSIM! If you can open the Settings App on your phone, then you can use eSIM.
After you place an eSIM order, check your order confirmation email and reply to it with your phone's EID number (that's the serial number of your phone's eSIM found in your Settings), your phone's eSIM IMEI (also found in your Settings), and the date you want your eSIM to start working.
Your eSIM will then be activated by 6am US Pacific Time on the date you request. You can then download the eSIM to your phone. If you have an iPhone then it's as easy as tapping on the eSIM notification on your iPhone to install the eSIM. If you have a Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Pixel or other phone, you'll either get a notification on your phone to install the eSIM (just tap it to install) or you'll scan a QR code, and your eSIM will get set up in a few minutes.
eSIM is better for the environment
There’s no packaging, no plastic, and no petrol used to transport your letter in the post to you.
What phones use eSIM?
Here's a list of the most popular phones that use eSIM:
Apple
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S21
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 5a
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 4 XL
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 3a XL
- Google Pixel 3a
Oppo
- OPPO Find N3
- OPPO Find N2 Flip
- OPPO Find X5 Pro
- OPPO Find X5
- OPPO Find X3 Pro
Huawei
- Huawei P40 - Huawei P40 Pro
- Huawei Mate 40 Pro
Motorola
- Motorola Moto G54 5G
- Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
- Motorola Razr 40
- Motorola Edge 40 Pro
- Motorola Edge Plus
- Motorola Razr 5G
- Motorola Razr (2019)
How do I set up the eSIM? Is it easy to do?
eSIM is super easy to set-up. In fact, it's even easier than buying a physical SIM Card because with eSIM you don't have to fiddle about with swapping SIM Cards. eSIM is set-up via email.
If you choose eSIM, check your order confirmation email for eSIM set-up instructions. Then when you get to the USA your eSIM will be working as soon as your plane lands. No need to remove your Australian SIM Card and insert a USA SIM Card.
Urgently need an eSIM? Read the FAQ "I'm leaving tomorrow! Can I get an urgent eSIM?"
How quickly can you set-up an eSIM?
Urgently need an eSIM? At the airport right now? Already in the USA?
If you urgently need an eSIM, we can usually get it set-up for you very quickly. eSIMs are submitted to the respective US networks (T-Mobile/AT&T) so we work on US Pacific Time (you could use Google to find out the current US Pacific Time).
| If you order... | Your eSIM will be activated... | Details |
| Between 4pm-5am US Pacific Time | By around 6am US Pacific Time | Make sure to reply immediately to your order confirmation email with the required information we need to set-up your eSIM |
| Between 5am US Pacific Time and 4pm US Pacific Time | By around 8pm US Pacific Time, or no later than 6am US Pacific Time the next day | Make sure to reply immediately to your order confirmation email with the required information we need to set-up your eSIM |
What do I do with the SIM Card / eSIM when I get back to Australia?
If you choose a physical SIM Card then you can just remove it from your phone and throw it away. If you're traveling to the USA again within 90 days you could keep the SIM Card and recharge it (but it's actually cheaper to buy a new SIM Card).
If you choose eSIM then you just delete the eSIM from your phone's settings. If you're traveling to the USA again within 90 days you could just turn the USA eSIM line off until you return and recharge it then (but it's actually cheaper to buy a new eSIM).
What happens to the photos, apps, emails etc on my phone?
Swapping SIM Cards doesn't change or delete the photos, apps, emails or settings on your phone. These are all stored on your phone, and not on the SIM Card.
So, for example, if you take photos on your phone in the USA and then come back to Australia and put your Australian SIM Card back in your phone, all those photos remain on your phone. Or when you put your USA SIM Card into your phone, all your contacts stay as they are on your phone.
Does the SIM Card work in Hawaii?
Yes our SIM Cards & eSIMs work in Hawaii. Hawaii has some remote locations so there will of course be areas where there is limited or no coverage.
Does the SIM Card work in Alaska?
Only our AT&T Unlimited Plan works in Alaska, and it's only for iPhone.
Unfortunately our T-Mobile Unlimited Plan and T-Mobile 10GB Plan does not work in Alaska.
Does the SIM Card work in Canada or Mexico?
Our AT&T Unlimited Plan includes free roaming in Canada and Mexico. Our T-Mobile Unlimited Plan and T-Mobile 10GB Plan both have an optional Canada & Mexico Pack Add-On.
However, for the AT&T Unlimited Plan you must first use the SIM Card/eSIM in the USA to be able to use it in Canada or Mexico. So if you're traveling direct to Canada or Mexico the SIM Card won't work. But if you're transiting via Los Angeles or San Francisco, or another US city, just use your phone for a bit at the airport (make a call, send a text, use some data). You'll then be able to use it in Canada and Mexico.
Our T-Mobile Unlimited Plan doesn't have that restriction: you can use it first in Canada/Mexico (just purchase the Canada & Mexico add-on with your SIM Card/eSIM).
What's the network coverage like?
T-Mobile network coverage maps – if your address shows as “Partner” coverage (in some remote areas), you won’t get coverage. Also there is NO coverage in Alaska.
AT&T network coverage maps – first click “AT&T prepaid” before entering an address.
The coverage maps show the scope of the coverage area. Map depicts an approximation of outdoor coverage. Actual coverage area may differ substantially from area shown on the maps, as coverage may be affected by terrain, weather, foliage, buildings and other construction, signal strength, customer equipment and other factors which do not allow the network operator to guarantee coverage or network availability.
Can I hotspot my phone?
If you want to hotspot your phone and share the data here's some information:
For the AT&T Unlimited Plan you can purchase a hotspot add-on and 10GB, 25GB, or 35GB of hotspot data for use in the USA only (no hotspot in Canada or Mexico).
For the T-Mobile Unlimited Plan you get unlimited hotspot data but at 3G speeds only for the connected devices. But you can also purchase the 30 day plan + 10GB 5G/4G hotspot data.
For the T-Mobile 10GB Plan you can use as much of your data for hotspot (at 5G/4G speed).
Will I get a USA mobile number?
Yes - you'll have a real USA phone number with our SIM Card. You can write the phone number on your baggage labels, government forms, give to tour operators, update your Uber phone number, and give to family and friends in Australia.
You can find out your phone number by looking in your phone settings once you get to the USA.
If you need to know your USA phone number before you leave for the USA there's two options:
(a) you could request an activation date that is earlier than the actual date you arrive in the USA. Then email us the next day to find out your number. If you do this remember that day 1 is the activation date you request and time doesn't stop. This won't be a problem if, for example, you have a 30 day SIM Card, you're in the USA for 22 days, and you request an activation date that's five days before you arrive.
(b) if you have our AT&T SIM Card you can pay a $50 early activation fee and we can tell you your USA phone number up to one (1) week before the date you arrive in the USA. Day 1 will still be the day you arrive in the USA. For this option you'll find more details in the activation instructions that come with the SIM Card.
If someone in Australia needs to call or text you, they’ll be calling or text a USA number, so it will cost them whatever their phone plan charges to call or text a USA number (some phone plans included unlimited free calls and texts to USA numbers).
I'm not leaving for several weeks/months. When should I buy my USA SIM Card?
You can order your SIM Card as far in advance as you want. In fact, that's the best thing to do, rather than leave it to the last minute! Don't worry because your SIM Card only starts from the date you select when you activate the SIM Card.
How and when do I activate the SIM Card?
When you receive your USA SIM Card, follow the easy activation instructions where you'll go to our website to activate your SIM Card. Select the date you want your SIM Card to start, and your SIM Card will be working from that date. Then just insert the SIM Card into your phone on arrival in the USA and you'll be good to go!
Do I have to get my phone unlocked to use the USA SIM Card?
Your phone must be network unlocked to use the USA SIM Card (or indeed to use any other SIM Card). Your phone might be locked to your network provider (for example, locked to Telstra). Unlocking your phone means that you can use it with different network providers and with different SIM Cards including our SIM Card.
If you've got an iPhone you can easily check if it's unlocked by going to Settings > General > About. If "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Network Provider Lock, your iPhone is unlocked.
If you don't have an iPhone then an easy way to check if your phone is unlocked is to insert another SIM Card into your phone from a different provider, restart your phone, and if the different provider name appears in the status bar, then your phone is unlocked. If your phone is locked you'll get an error message saying you need to insert a valid SIM Card, in which case contact your network provider and request an unlock.
Need to unlock your phone? If you have an iPhone then the Apple website provides handy information about how to unlock your iPhone. Additionally you can also check out the Telstra website, Optus website and Vodafone website for more information about unlocking your phone.
Can I call and text Australia?
With all of our SIM Cards you'll be able to use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger etc to call and send messages to family and friends in Australia. These apps use your data.
Sometimes though you might need to call or text someone in Australia who doesn't have a Smartphone, or you need to call a home phone number, or call your bank, or things like that. For this we offer the following:
(a) with our AT&T SIM Cards you get unlimited free texts to Australia included, and you can buy an optional international calling pack to call Australia (mobiles and landlines).
(b) with our T-Mobile SIM Card you can buy an optional international calling and texting pack to text Australia and call Australia (landlines only).
When does my SIM Card start? From the moment I purchase it?
The days on your SIM Card start from the date you request when you activate the SIM Card.
The days DO NOT start from the moment that you purchase the SIM Card on our website.
When you receive your SIM Card, follow the easy instructions which explain how to go to the activation request website and input the USA date that you want the SIM Card to start working. That date will be day 1. The SIM Card will expire after 11:59pm US Central Time on the final day of your SIM Card. For our AT&T SIM Card that will be the 30th day, but for our T-Mobile SIM Card that will be either the 15th day, 21st day or 30th day (depending on which plan you bought).
Can I recharge my SIM Card if I stay longer?
If you're traveling for longer than the number of days you purchased here's what you can do:
1. You can recharge on our website for 30 days. You can only recharge for 30 days though (you can't recharge for just a few extra days). So if you're unsure of exactly how long you'll be in the USA you may wish to purchase a longer duration SIM Card.
2. You can buy a T-Mobile eSIM if you have an eSIM compatible phone. T-Mobile eSIMs are available for 7 days, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days. Doing this does mean a new phone number (it's not possible to transfer the number from the first SIM to the second eSIM).
Can I re-use my phone SIM Card for another trip?
Yes you can re-use the SIM Card within 90 days of when it was activated. Just buy a recharge on our website. But it's actually cheaper to buy a new SIM Card.
Does the SIM Card/eSIM work in Australia?
Our SIM Cards and eSIMS do not work in Australia.
However we do have a solution if you want an American phone number on which you can receive calls and texts in Australia.
We can provide you with a USA phone number that you can use right here in Australia to receive calls & texts and make calls to the USA (when you make a call the receiver will see your American number as the caller ID).
However, this phone number will not work if you want to receive one time passwords or verification texts from American banks, Paypal, government etc (we have no solution for this and have no suggestions unfortunately). It will only work to receive calls and texts from humans e.g., friends, family, customers etc.
It's the perfect solution if you need to look like you have a presence in the USA. Great if you are starting business in the USA, or looking for work in the USA, or for anything else where you need an American number. You'll get a regular local USA phone number (you can pick the city/area code e.g., 424 area code Los Angeles, 347 area code New York). People in the USA will call/text just like a regular local USA number and you'll answer right here in Australia on your mobile phone!
You can also have voicemail and a full auto-attendant IVR if it's for your business (for example "Welcome to XYZ Business. For sales press 1. For accounts press 2. For customer service press 3. etc")
To find out more or purchase just email info@usaprepaidsimcard.com.au. This product isn't available for purchase on the website -- you need to email us to purchase.
Do you have an eSIM for any other countries?
We now offer eSIMs for the following countries listed below. Interested in buying? Email us at info@usaprepaidsimcard.com.au for more information.
All eSIMs last for 30 days from activation. eSIMs are data only and not include a phone number, or the ability to receive or make calls or SMS text messages (but you can use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime etc for that).
China
5GB eSIM: $49
10GB eSIM: $59
20GB eSIM: $89
Japan
3GB eSIM: $39
5GB eSIM: $49
10GB eSIM: $59
Indonesia
5GB eSIM: $49
10GB eSIM: $59
20GB eSIM: $69
Thailand
5GB eSIM: $39
South Africa
3GB eSIM: $49
5GB eSIM: $59
Turkey
5GB eSIM: $39
10GB eSIM: $49
20GB eSIM: $59
Can you help set up the SIM Card and teach me how to use it?
We can come to you in your home and help with setting everything up, including showing you how to insert the SIM Card, set up APN settings on your phone, select the activation date and answer any questions you have. There is a fee of $250 for this service.
To find out more email info@usaprepaidsimcard.com.au. This product isn't available for purchase on the website -- you need to email us to purchase.
What are you delivery/postage options?
We post your SIM Card from Sydney. You can choose Regular Post for free which takes up to five (5) business days. Or if you urgently need a SIM Card you can choose Express Post for $6.00 and we’ll post your order on the next business day.
What payment methods can I use?
We accept Paypal, credit card (Visa, Mastercard & American Express), Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Our entire website, and our checkout page, is protected by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) which is a security protocol that provides privacy, authentication, and integrity to Internet communications. SSL encrypts data that is transmitted across the web. This means that anyone who tries to intercept this data will only see a garbled mix of characters that is impossible to decrypt.
We don't store/keep any of your credit card details.
You can click the little padlock icon in your browser's address bar to verify that the checkout page is secure before entering your credit card details.
Do you share my personal information with the USA network?
No. We don't give any personal information about you to T-Mobile or AT&T (the US mobile networks) when we activate your SIM Card. This means we do not share your name, address, email address, or Australian phone number with T-Mobile or AT&T.
Is your website secure?
Our entire website, and our checkout page, is protected by SSL.
SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a type of technology that helps protect online credit card transactions. It does this by encrypting, or scrambling, the information that is sent between a customer's computer and the website they are making a purchase from. This makes it much harder for anyone to intercept and read the information, such as credit card numbers, during the transaction.
When you see a website that uses SSL (likes ours does), it will typically have a padlock icon in the address bar and the website address will start with "https" instead of "http". These are signs that the website is using SSL and that your information is being transmitted securely.
In simple terms, SSL helps ensure that when you make a purchase online, your credit card information is kept private and secure, and only the intended recipient (the website) can read it.