Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that comes with most newer smartphones. Unlike a physical SIM, there's no need to insert anything — it's all set up electronically.

Using an eSIM means you can connect to mobile networks in the USA quickly and easily, without waiting for a physical SIM card to arrive in the mail. It’s a smarter, faster way to stay connected while travelling.

🚀 How Our USA eSIM Works

Here’s what to expect when you purchase a USA eSIM from us:

1. Place your order on our website

2. Follow the eSIM activation instructions in your order confirmation email

3. The eSIM installs on your phone — the whole process takes about a minute

4. You’re ready to use your phone in the USA just like you would at home

5. You’ll receive a real USA mobile number, with full calling, texting, and unlimited data — just like our physical SIMs.

💡 New to eSIM? Don’t Worry.

We understand that eSIM might be unfamiliar if you’ve only ever used traditional SIM cards. But rest assured, the process is simple and beginner-friendly — no need to remove your current SIM if you don’t want to.

Many eSIM providers only offer data-only plans with no voice or text — but with our USA eSIM, you’ll get:

• A genuine USA mobile number

• Ability to make and receive phone calls

• Send and receive standard SMS texts

• Unlimited 5G/4G data

• Coverage across mainland USA and more

And if you ever need help, our local support team (based in Australia) is here for you — no bots, just real people who care.

📱 Is My Phone Compatible with eSIM?

Most recent phones support eSIM technology. Here’s a list of commonly compatible models:

Apple iPhones

• iPhone XR, XS, SE (2020 and 2022)

• All iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 models

Samsung Devices

• Galaxy S20 through S25 series

• Z Flip and Z Fold models

Google Pixel

• Pixel 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9

Other Phones

• Nokia X30 5G

• Oppo Find N2 Flip, X3 Pro, X5 Pro

• Motorola Razr 40, Razr 40 Ultra

💡 Tip: Dial *#06# on your phone — if you see an EID number listed, your device supports eSIM.

Yes — setting up your eSIM is super easy and even simpler than using a physical SIM card. No need to remove your Australian SIM or worry about swapping anything out.

✅ As soon as you order, you’ll receive setup instructions by email.
✈️ When you land in the USA, your eSIM will automatically connect — no waiting, no fiddling.
📱 It’s all digital, and takes just a minute to install.

Perfect for Aussie travellers, the eSIM means you’re connected the moment you arrive, with no trips to a US store and no SIM tools required.

If you're an Aussie traveller and need a USA eSIM in a hurry, we’ve got you covered. We can usually have your eSIM up and running very quickly — within just a few hours.

If your flight is soon, just place your order and reply promptly to your confirmation email — we’ll do the rest!

Absolutely — and we recommend it! You can order your USA eSIM/SIM as far ahead as you like. It's the smart choice to plan early and avoid last-minute stress before your trip.

No need to worry about the start date either — your eSIM/SIM only activates from the date you select during activation, not the day you purchase it.

So go ahead and get organised early — your eSIM/SIM will be ready when you are.

No — everything on your phone stays exactly the same.

Swapping out your Australian SIM Card with a USA SIM or adding a USA eSIM does not delete or change your photos, contacts, apps, emails or settings. All of that is stored on your phone itself, not on the SIM Card.

So when you insert your USA SIM or install your USA eSIM while travelling, everything remains just as you left it. And when you return home and reinsert your Australian SIM, your holiday photos and all your apps will still be right there on your phone.

Yes — we offer an optional in-home setup service for customers in Australia.

One of our experts can visit you at home to help set everything up, including:

• Inserting the SIM Card into your phone

• Setting the correct APN (internet) settings

• Choosing your activation date

• Answering any questions you have

This personalised service is ideal if you're not confident with tech or just want peace of mind before you travel. The cost is $250, and it’s available by request only.

🛑 This service is not available to purchase on the website — to book or find out more, email us at info@usaprepaidsimcard.com.au.

Yes — our USA SIM Card is compatible with virtually all modern smartphones, including:

• All iPhones from iPhone 8 up to the latest iPhone 16

• Most Samsung Galaxy models

• Most Huawei, Oppo, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Motorola, Nokia, LG and many more

✅ Yes — our SIM Cards and eSIMs work in Hawaii. You’ll get coverage in most populated areas across the islands. However, like many remote or mountainous regions, there may be limited or no signal in certain isolated locations.

🚫 Alaska: Please note that our T-Mobile Unlimited Plan and T-Mobile 10GB Plan do not include coverage in Alaska. 

Yes — both our T-Mobile Unlimited Plan and T-Mobile 10GB Plan offer an optional Canada & Mexico Add-On Pack.

With this add-on, you can use your SIM or eSIM while travelling in Canada and Mexico, including:

• Unlimited calls & texts to the USA, Canada, and Mexico

• 5GB of 4G data (per 30-day period, depending on your plan)

👉 You’ll need to select this add-on at the time of purchase, as it can’t be added later. See your plan’s product page for more details and pricing.

Our SIMs and eSIMs run on the T-Mobile USA network, which offers extensive 4G and 5G coverage across most of the country — including cities, highways, and many regional areas.

However, please note:

• There is no coverage in Alaska.

• The coverage maps on the T-Mobile website provide an approximate guide to outdoor coverage only.
• If your location shows as “Partner” coverage (often in remote regions), service may not be available.

Coverage can be affected by:

• Local terrain and elevation

• Weather conditions

• Buildings and obstructions

• Signal strength and phone model

📍 Always check the T-Mobile Coverage Map using your exact address before purchase to confirm service availability in the areas you’ll be visiting.

Yes — our USA SIM Cards and eSIMs are directly from T-Mobile, one of the major mobile networks in the United States. We do not sell reseller or MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) products.

To explain: in Australia, Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the three main networks, but there are many resellers that operate under them — like Aldi Mobile, Kogan Mobile, or Coles Mobile. These MVNOs typically have limited access to the full network, which can result in reduced coverage or slower data speeds.

The same is true in the USA. T-Mobile is a major carrier, but there are dozens of resellers using its infrastructure — such as Ultra Mobile, Simple Mobile, H2O, Net10, and Tracfone. These MVNOs often offer cheaper plans, but they may come with speed restrictions, reduced priority on the network, or limited roaming support.

✅ With us, you're getting a genuine T-Mobile product — not a third-party reseller SIM. That means full network access, reliable speeds, and broader coverage where T-Mobile operates.

No — our USA SIM Cards and eSIMs will not work in Australia. They are designed exclusively for use in the United States (and optionally Canada/Mexico if you purchase the relevant add-on).

There is no roaming or local network support in Australia, which means the SIM or eSIM won’t connect to any Australian mobile networks. If you’re hoping to use the SIM/eSIM while still in Australia — for example, to verify social media accounts, bank logins, or receive SMS — it will not work.

🛑 Important: Please do not purchase our SIM Card or eSIM if you need a USA number for verification while still in Australia. You’ll need to wait until you’re physically in the USA to use it.

✅ Yes — we do!

We offer both eSIM and physical SIM Card options for travellers heading to the UK and Europe.

Visit our dedicated website: ukprepaidsimcard.com.au to browse plans, check compatibility, and purchase online.

Our UK & Europe SIMs give you:

• A real UK mobile number

• Unlimited calls and texts in the UK and Europe

• High-speed data (4G/5G depending on coverage)

• Easy activation with full instructions provided

• Reliable service on the Three UK network with roaming across 40+ European destinations

• 100% Aussie customer support

Whether you’re going to London, Paris, Rome or beyond — we’ve got you covered.

✅ Yes — your phone must be network unlocked to use our UK & Europe SIM or eSIM. The good news? Most Australian phones are already unlocked — but it’s worth checking just in case.

📱 How to check if your phone is unlocked:

For iPhone users:

1. Go to Settings > General > About

2. Scroll to Network Provider Lock

3. If it says “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked ✅

For Android or other phones:

1. Insert a SIM card from a different provider (e.g., Telstra if you’re with Optus)

2. Restart your phone

3. If the new provider name appears, your phone is unlocked ✅

4. If you get an error like “Invalid SIM”, your phone is locked ❌

🔓 Need help unlocking your phone?
Visit your provider’s unlock info page:

• Apple – Unlocking an iPhone

• Telstra – Unlock your phone

• Optus – Unlock your mobile device

• Vodafone – Unlock your phone

Still unsure? Our Aussie-based team is happy to help!

✅ Yes — it’s truly unlimited data on all our T-Mobile Unlimited Plans.

You can stream, browse, hotspot, and stay connected across the USA without worrying about running out of data.

🚦What about speed limits?
If you use more than 50GB of data in a 30-day period, T-Mobile may prioritise other users during times of heavy network traffic. This means you might experience slightly slower speeds in busy areas or at peak times — but your data will never be cut off.

This is a standard fair use policy across US mobile networks to make sure everyone gets a great experience, even when the network is busy.

All our T-Mobile Unlimited Plans come with uncapped 5G and 4G data speeds — no throttling, no shaping, and no slowdowns based on your plan. If your phone supports 5G, you’ll enjoy true 5G speeds across the USA.

📱 Real-world speed tests (on our actual SIMs/eSIMs):

Speed Test #1
• Plan: T-Mobile Unlimited (physical SIM)
• Phone: iPhone 12
• Location: Chicago – 18 November 2022
• Result: 🚀 589Mbps download / 56Mbps upload
🎥 Watch the speed test video

Speed Test #2
• Plan: T-Mobile Unlimited (eSIM)
• Phone: iPhone 13 Pro Max
• Location: Los Angeles – 17 March 2023
• Result: 🚀 916Mbps download / 92Mbps upload
🎥 Watch the speed test video

Speed Test #3
• Plan: T-Mobile Unlimited (eSIM)
• Phone: Google Pixel 6a
• Location: Los Angeles – 17 March 2023
• Result: 🚀 189Mbps download / 85Mbps upload
🎥 Watch the speed test video

These results show the incredible speeds possible on the T-Mobile 5G network, depending on your phone model and location.

Yes — you can hotspot your phone and share your data with other devices like laptops, iPads, or gaming consoles.

📶 T-Mobile Unlimited Plan:
• Includes unlimited hotspot data, but connected devices will be limited to 3G speeds.
• Want faster speeds? You can upgrade by choosing the 30-day plan + 5GB of 5G/4G hotspot data. This gives you high-speed hotspot access (for up to 5GB). After that, your hotspot will revert to 3G speeds.

📶 T-Mobile 10GB Plan:
• You can use your full data allowance (up to 10GB) as a hotspot at 5G/4G speeds. Great for travellers who want fast, reliable internet on the go.

✅ Perfect for Australian travellers needing to stay connected during work trips, road trips, or while navigating with Google Maps on a tablet.

No problem — if your trip ends up being longer than expected, you’ve got options:

🔁 Option 1: Recharge Your Existing eSIM/SIM
You can recharge your current SIM for an additional 30 days via our website. Just keep in mind:

• Recharges are only available in 30-day blocks (not shorter durations).

• If you’re unsure of your exact travel length, it may be better to choose a longer plan upfront to avoid gaps in service.

📱 Option 2: Buy a T-Mobile eSIM
If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, you can purchase a new T-Mobile eSIM plan for:
5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60, or 90 days — choose what fits your needs.

📝 Important: eSIMs come with a new U.S. phone number. It’s not possible to transfer your number from your previous SIM or eSIM.

Yes — you can reuse your eSIM/SIM within 90 days of activation. Just purchase a 30-day recharge on our website to reactivate it for another trip.

🛑 Important: After 90 days with no recharge, the eSIM/SIM is permanently deactivated and cannot be reused.

💡 Tip: In most cases, it’s actually cheaper to buy a new eSIM/SIM than to recharge an old one.

Your eSIM/SIM begins from the activation date you select, not the day you purchase it.

🗓️ When you receive your physical SIM card, simply follow the instructions included in your delivery. You’ll be directed to an online activation form, where you’ll choose the USA start date for your SIM. That selected date becomes Day 1 of your plan. Or with eSIM you’ll specify the start date when activating the eSIM.

⏰ Your plan will end at 11:59pm US Central Time on the final day of your plan.

This lets you plan ahead and ensures your SIM is ready to go the moment you land.

Absolutely — with any of our eSIMs/SIMs, you can stay connected to friends and family in Australia using WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, and other messaging apps. These use your included data, and are the most popular way to stay in touch while overseas.

📞 But what if you need to call or text someone who doesn’t use a smartphone? Or contact a landline, a business, or your bank back in Australia?

Here’s how to do that:

• With our T-Mobile SIM Card, you can add an optional International Call & Text Pack, which gives you:

  • Unlimited texts to Australian mobile numbers

  • Unlimited calls to Australian landlines

This add-on ensures you’re covered for those important calls — even when data-based apps aren’t an option.

Absolutely — both WhatsApp and FaceTime work perfectly with our USA SIM and eSIM. They’re a great way to stay connected while travelling, without paying international call or SMS charges.

✅ WhatsApp:

• Keep your Australian number, contacts, and message history

• No extra setup needed — it continues working just like at home

• Make free audio and video calls using mobile data (4G/5G) or Wi-Fi

• Send and receive messages, photos, and videos with no issues

• Uses your plan’s data — no charges for calls or texts

✅ FaceTime:

• Make FaceTime audio and video calls as normal

• Uses mobile data or Wi-Fi

• No additional cost — included in your data allowance

💡 Whether you’re video chatting from Times Square or texting from your hotel, these apps let you stay in touch with friends and family in Australia — without worrying about international calling fees.

Yes — every one of our USA eSIMs/SIMs comes with a real American mobile number. You can:

• Write it on your baggage tags and travel forms

• Share it with tour operators, friends, and family in Australia

• Use it to update your number on apps like Uber and WhatsApp

📱 How do I find out my USA number?
Once you arrive in the USA and your eSIM/SIM is actiated, you can find your number in your phone’s settings.

✈️ Need to know your number before you leave Australia?
You’ve got this option: 

1. Activate early: Choose an activation date a few days before your departure. Once it activates, just email us the next day and we’ll give you your number. Just be aware: the plan days start from your chosen activation date. So if you activate early, your days will count from then — make sure your plan has enough days to cover both early activation and your actual trip.

This is a handy option if you’re travelling for 22 days and choose a 30-day SIM — you’ll still be covered!

If you have an iPhone 8 or newer (including iPhone 16), you can choose between two great options:

✅ T-Mobile Unlimited Plan

• Unlimited data, calls & texts

• Flexible durations: 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60, or 90 days

• Ideal if you want longer coverage, more data freedom, or flexible travel dates

✅ T-Mobile 15GB Plan

• 15GB of high-speed data + unlimited calls & texts

• Great if you’re a light or moderate data user and want a fixed 30-day plan

💡 Both plans include a real USA phone number, hotspot support, and full access to the T-Mobile 5G/4G network — the fastest in the USA.

If you have a Samsung, Google Pixel, Oppo, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, or any other Android phone, you’ve got two great USA SIM plan options:

✅ T-Mobile Unlimited Plan

• Unlimited data, calls & texts across the USA

• Choose your travel length: 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 or 90 days

• Perfect for travellers needing lots of data or staying longer in the USA

✅ T-Mobile 15GB Plan

• 15GB of high-speed data + unlimited calls & texts

• Fixed 30-day plan — great for light to moderate data users

💡 Both plans include a real USA mobile number, hotspot capability, and run on T-Mobile’s ultra-fast 5G/4G network, the #1 network for speed in the USA.

It’s usually more expensive to buy a SIM Card once you’re in the US.

Because we activate SIMs in bulk directly with T-Mobile, we’re able to offer exclusive discounted rates that are often much cheaper than what you’d pay in a US store.

For example, our T-Mobile Unlimited 30-Day Plan costs just AUD $66.95. But if you walk into a T-Mobile store in the USA, you’ll pay around USD $50 + taxes + activation fee — roughly AUD $90, and you’ll also have to wait around while other customers are served.

Plus, US stores typically don’t offer short-term options like 7, 14, or 21 days — only standard 30-day plans.

💡 Save time, avoid hassle, and get better value by purchasing your SIM before you travel.

✅ Physical SIM:
Once your trip is over, simply remove the SIM Card from your phone. You can dispose of it or keep it if you’re heading back to the USA within 90 days — just be aware it’s usually cheaper to buy a new SIM than to recharge an old one.

✅ eSIM:
You can delete the eSIM from your phone in your device settings. Alternatively, if you’re planning to return to the USA within 90 days, you can leave the eSIM installed and just switch it off — and reactivate later. But again, it’s often more cost-effective to purchase a new eSIM.

💡 Recharging is possible within 90 days, but for most travellers, starting fresh is the simpler and cheaper option.

We dispatch all SIM Card orders from Sydney.

📦 Free Regular Post:
Included with every order — delivery takes up to 4-7 business days (Australia-wide).

🚀 Express Post Upgrade:
Need it fast? Choose Express Post at checkout for just $9.00, and we’ll ship your order on the next business day.

💡 Tip: Order early to avoid last-minute delays before your trip!

We accept a wide range of secure payment options:

💳 Credit & Debit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express
💻 Digital Wallets – PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay

🔒 Website Security
Our entire website, including the checkout page, is protected by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption — the same technology trusted by banks and major retailers. SSL ensures that any personal or payment information you enter is encrypted and secure from third parties.

✅ We do not store your credit card details

Shop with confidence knowing your data is protected.

No — we do not share your personal details (such as your name, address, email, or Australian phone number) with T-Mobile when activating your SIM Card or eSIM.

If you purchase an eSIM, we do provide T-Mobile with your phone’s EID and IMEI number, but that’s standard practice. These device identifiers are automatically detected by any mobile network you connect to, and are required for the eSIM to work properly.

Your privacy is important to us — we only share the technical information necessary to get you connected.

Yes — our entire website, including the checkout page, is protected by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption.

SSL is a security technology that safeguards your personal and payment information by encrypting the data sent between your browser and our website. This means that sensitive details like your credit card number are scrambled and cannot be read by hackers or third parties.

When you shop with us, your information stays private and secure.

We’re confident you’ll have a smooth experience using our USA eSIMs and SIM Cards. But in the rare event that something doesn’t work due to a faulty or defective SIM, we offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee — no hassles. Here’s how it works:

1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours
   If your eSIM or physical SIM isn’t working when you arrive in the USA, you must contact us within 24 hours of your requested activation date.
   Simply connect your phone to Wi-Fi and reach out via:
   📞 WhatsApp: [+44 7882 165 545]
   📧 Email: [help@usaprepaidsimcard.com.au]
   Please note: The guarantee doesn’t apply if you contact us after the 24-hour window or once you’re back in Australia.

2. Provide Your Details
   Include your full name and order number when you get in touch so we can quickly locate your order and assist you.

3. Give Us Time to Help
   We’ll do our best to fix the issue promptly — typically within 1–2 hours (maximum 24 hours). Our support team is fast and responsive.

4. If It’s Faulty, You’ll Get a Full Refund
   If we confirm the SIM or eSIM is defective and cannot be fixed, we’ll refund 100% of what you paid for the SIM or eSIM. Easy as that.

5. When the Guarantee Doesn’t Apply
   The money-back guarantee won’t apply if:

   • Your phone is network locked

   • Your phone is not compatible with USA networks

   • You don’t follow activation instructions

   • You fail to contact us within 24 hours of activation