There are a lot of options for staying connected to the internet in the US, and some are even totally free!
Here are the top 5 ways to get internet in the USA.
Use Your Phone Plan
The easiest way to make sure you always have data services while travelling in the US is to use the same SIM card you use at home.
If you have a contact or pay as you go phone, activate international roaming and usually these let you connect to 3G/4GG, and charge a fee.
Most phone providers also offer international plans, which can range in price, and although not usually cheap, will allow you to have access as you go.
2. Use Public Wi-Fi
Throughout the United States you can find hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, malls and public areas that offer free Wi-Fi. Some of the most popular places to find Wi-Fi include coffee shops like Starbucks, fast food restaurants like McDonalds, public libraries, and even some public parks.
If you plan to travel within the US on a budget, this is likely going to be your best option. This is the cheapest way to use the internet as most Wi-Fi hotspots are completely free. The only negative is you won't have internet access on the go, you will specifically have to find places with free Wi-Fi.
2. Get an eSIM (Virtual SIM Card)
One of the cheapest ways to have internet access on the go on your mobile phone while in the U.S. is to purchase an eSIM.
This is one of the newest ways to get online and also one of the cheapest and most reliable.
If you are totally new to this, an eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone for example and use two phone numbers at the same time.
Most modern phones support eSIMs and hundreds of telecom providers offer prepaid plans for the USA. With the ability to compare and select from a variety of plans tailored to your needs (such as trip destinations, data allocation, trip duration, etc), you can compare the best eSIMs for the USA on comparison sites like esims.io and ensure you get the best value plan wherever you travel.
4. Buy a Local SIM Card
Online or on arrival you can buy a local SIM card to buy a package with data.
Some of the best places to buy a prepaid sim card in the USA is at an official retail store. Staff will usually be able to give you the best advice on which SIM is best for you.
Prices are very affordable with T-Mobile being one of the most popular prepaid sim cards to buy in the USA.
5. Purchase a Mobile Hotspot
A mobile hotspot or hotspot device is like a personal, portable router that helps you to connect to the internet with a compatible device when there are no public hotspots available. It uses a cellular signal to connect to the internet the same way your phone does, but you can't use it to make or receive calls.
Mobile hotspots can be bought online before departing. These devices can be a very expensive but reliable to keep a connection no matter where you are going.
No matter if you are travelling to the US for a holiday, business or you are a blogger or working remotely, hopefully our guide has highlighted some of the best ways to get an internet connection in the USA.
