eSIM USA
Best eSIM for New York: 6 Providers Ranked
Dec
Best eSIM for New York: eSIM4
eSIM4 is our top eSIM for New York City. Plans start at $2.98 for 1GB over 7 days. That is the lowest starting price of the 6 providers on this page, before promo codes.
Its data plans run on T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular, with 5G. One US plan covers all five boroughs and the airports at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.
- Network: T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular, with 5G
- Plans: 1GB to unlimited data, for 3 to 30 days
- Price: From $2.98, up to 59% off the regular price
- Hotspot: Allowed on every plan
- Setup: Instant email delivery, with no ID check
- Calls and texts: US plans with minutes and texts from $4.98, on T-Mobile
New York eSIM: Get Online Without a SIM Card
A travel eSIM keeps you connected in New York without a physical SIM card. You buy it online and receive a QR code by email. Install it at home, then connect to the internet as soon as you land at JFK, LaGuardia or Newark.
eSIM4’s United States plan covers the whole US and Puerto Rico, with limited service in Alaska. One eSIM works in all five boroughs. Use it for Google Maps in Central Park, ride apps at the airport and photos of the skyline from the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. You can keep your regular SIM card in the phone too.
Visiting multiple countries, or more of the US? See our USA and North America eSIM guide.
This guide compares 6 eSIM providers for New York: eSIM4, Saily, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac and aloSIM. Prices are in USD.
NYC eSIM Plans: 6 Providers Compared
eSIM4 has the lowest starting price for New York at $2.98, before promo codes. aloSIM starts at $3.50, Saily at $3.99, Airalo at $4.00, Nomad at $5.00 and Jetpac at $6.00. Prices are in USD, checked October 13, 2026.
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Network Partners |
Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ⭐ eSIM4 | 4.9/5 | T-Mobile / Verizon / U.S. Cellular | From $2.98 |
| 2 | Saily | 4.7/5 | Not listed | $3.99 |
| 3 | Airalo | 4.7/5 | T-Mobile / Verizon | $4.00 |
| 4 | Nomad | 4.6/5 | AT&T / Verizon | $5.00 |
| 5 | Jetpac | 4.5/5 | Verizon | $6.00 |
| 6 | aloSIM | 4.4/5 | T-Mobile / Verizon | $3.50 |
Choosing the Best eSIM for New York City
Check four things before you buy: network, data, setup and calls.
Key Decision Factors
| Factor | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Which US mobile network the plan uses. | eSIM4 uses three local networks: T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular, with 5G. Every other provider here names T-Mobile, Verizon or AT&T, except Saily, which names no network. |
| Data | Maps, ride apps and social media. | 1GB covers a weekend of maps and messages. Pick 5GB or more for a week of photos, or unlimited data if you stream video or share a hotspot with multiple devices. |
| Setup | Install before your flight. | Set up the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi, then switch it on when you land. JFK, LaGuardia and Newark also have free WiFi if you need it. |
| Calls and texts | Do you need to call US numbers? | eSIM4’s main US plans are data plans. eSIM4 also sells US plans with calls and SMS on T-Mobile, from $4.98. On a data plan, the Yabb app lets you call and text real numbers. |
Set Data or Unlimited Data: Which eSIM4 Plan Fits Your Trip?
Pick a set plan for maps and messages, or unlimited data for video and hotspot use. Match the plan to your trip length.
| Your Trip | eSIM4 Plan | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend, maps and messages | 1GB, 7 days | $2.98 |
| Long weekend, more photos | 2GB, 15 days | $5.98 |
| One week, normal use | 3GB, 30 days | $7.98 |
| Two weeks, normal use | 5GB, 30 days | $11.98 |
| Two weeks, lots of photos and video | 10GB, 30 days | $20.98 |
| A month, heavy use | 20GB, 30 days | $34.98 |
| Streaming, video calls or hotspot | Unlimited, 3 to 30 days | From $9.98 |
eSIM4’s unlimited data options run from 3 to 30 days. They give full speed for the first 3GB each day, then about 1 Mbps until midnight local time. If you run out of data on a set plan, buy another plan.
Get eSIM4 for New York →USA eSIM Providers for New York
Six providers sell US eSIMs that work in New York, and eSIM4 ranks first. Each card shows one provider’s network, plans, setup and full price table, in USD.
eSIM4
From $2.98 on T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular
eSIM4 is our top pick for New York. Plans start at $2.98 for 1GB over 7 days, the lowest starting price of the 6 providers here, before promo codes. Its data plans run on T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular, with 5G.
Coverage
eSIM4’s US data plans list the T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular networks. The plan covers the whole US and Puerto Rico, with limited service in Alaska. Its plans with minutes and texts run on T-Mobile.
Features
Every plan allows hotspot use, so you can share data with a laptop. There is no ID check when you buy. Unlimited plans give full speed for the first 3GB each day, then about 1 Mbps until midnight local time.
Activation Process
eSIM4 emails your US eSIM straight away. The email has a QR code and the details for manual setup. On iOS 17.4 or later, tap the Direct Installation link instead. Install it at home on Wi-Fi before you fly. In New York, turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for that line only. Your plan starts when you activate it.
Price
eSIM4 charges $2.98 for 1 GB over 7 days, and the other five providers here all start higher. For a longer stay, 10 GB for 30 days costs $20.98. Unlimited data starts at $9.98 for 3 days, and a week costs $23.98. Plans with minutes and texts start at $4.98, in their own table under Calls and SMS.
eSIM4 USA Plans (New York)
| Data Amount | Validity | Price (USD) | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $2.98 | 59% off (was $7.20) |
| 2 GB | 15 days | $5.98 | 53% off (was $12.60) |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $7.98 | 51% off (was $16.20) |
| Unlimited | 3 days | $9.98 | 52% off (was $20.70) |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $11.98 | 51% off (was $24.30) |
| Unlimited | 5 days | $16.98 | 49% off (was $33.30) |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $20.98 | 48% off (was $40.50) |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $23.98 | 47% off (was $45.00) |
| Unlimited | 10 days | $32.98 | 46% off (was $61.20) |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $34.98 | 47% off (was $65.70) |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $44.98 | 46% off (was $82.80) |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $66.98 | 45% off (was $122.40) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular, with 5G.
- 1 GB from $2.98.
- Hotspot on every plan.
- Plans with minutes and texts from $4.98.
- Instant delivery by email, with no ID check.
Cons
- Unlimited slows to about 1 Mbps after 3GB a day.
Saily
Secure connectivity by Nord Security
Saily comes from the team behind NordVPN. It sells US data plans in its app and on saily.com.
Coverage
Saily gives no network name for its US plans. Saily’s help centre does not list operators for any country. Travellers heading on from New York can add each later country to this same eSIM as a new plan.
Activation Process
Saily’s US eSIM comes from either its app or saily.com. A saily.com order is set up by scanning the emailed QR code, and an app order from your profile’s Install eSIM button. Sort this out before you set off for New York. Saily’s US data switches on automatically once the plane lands.
Price
For $3.99, Saily’s first US plan gives 1 GB across a week. On the 3 GB, 30-day plan, Saily is $8.99 and eSIM4 is $1.01 cheaper. That gap widens to $2.01 for 10 GB over 30 days, with Saily at $22.99. Unlimited starts at $17.99 for 5 days, against $16.98 at eSIM4.
Saily USA Plans
| Data allowance | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $3.99 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $8.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $13.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $22.99 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made by Nord Security, the team behind NordVPN.
- App to install and manage your eSIMs.
- Same eSIM for later destinations.
Cons
- No phone number included.
- Each plan in its table costs more than eSIM4’s.
Airalo
Prepaid Change plans on T-Mobile and Verizon
Airalo sells prepaid US eSIMs called Change, on the T-Mobile and Verizon networks. Its Change+ plans add calls and texts.
Coverage
T-Mobile and Verizon, two national US carriers, carry Airalo’s plans here. Airalo includes 5G on both networks where coverage exists. Beyond the primary network, Airalo’s US page has a link listing all the networks its eSIM may join.
Activation Process
Sign up for an Airalo account before paying, in the app or on airalo.com. Only some Android models support Airalo’s direct install, while iPhones do. Phones without it can scan the app’s QR code, printed or on another device. Some Airalo packages start their days at install; Additional Information tells you which.
Price
$4.00 buys 1 GB over 3 days, the start of Airalo’s US range. A 10 GB, 30-day plan is $22.50, and 50 GB for the month is $42.00. Paying $11.50 gets 3 days of unlimited data, which eSIM4 sells for $9.98. Half a month of unlimited, 15 days, is $46.00, which tops eSIM4 by $1.02. Change+ plans with calls and texts start at $6.00 for 1 GB over 3 days. For the same data and days, eSIM4’s plans with minutes and texts cost $1.02 less.
Airalo USA Plans
| Data allowance | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 3 days | $4.00 |
| 5 GB | 15 days | $13.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $13.50 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $22.50 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $36.50 |
| 50 GB | 30 days | $42.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile and Verizon.
- 5G on both networks.
- Direct install on iPhone.
Cons
- 1 GB costs $1.02 more than eSIM4’s.
- 1 GB plan lasts only 3 days.
Nomad
5G on AT&T and Verizon
Nomad sells US data plans from 1 GB to 100 GB, on the AT&T and Verizon networks.
Coverage
Nomad’s US page lists AT&T and Verizon, both nationwide carriers. Nomad’s US plans can use 5G on AT&T or Verizon in areas with 5G service. Bought a plan? Its Network line in the Nomad app’s Plan Details names the networks.
Activation Process
Nomad recommends the QR code it emails after a paid US order. Scan it while still at home; the line stays off until New York. There, it needs to be your data line with roaming allowed, followed by a restart.
Price
A week with 1 GB is Nomad’s smallest plan, at $5.00, or $2.02 above eSIM4. Its 30-day plans run from 3 GB to 50 GB, and it also sells 75 GB and 100 GB plans for 180 and 365 days. Unlimited plans run no longer than 7 days, from $11.00 for 3 days, against $9.98 at eSIM4.
Nomad USA Plans
| Data allowance | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $5.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $6.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $10.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $15.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $25.00 (Sale) |
| 50 GB | 30 days | $30.00 (Sale) |
| Unlimited | 3 days | $11.00 |
| Unlimited | 5 days | $16.00 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $23.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plans up to 100 GB, for up to 365 days.
- 5G on AT&T and Verizon.
Cons
- 1 GB costs $2.02 more than eSIM4’s.
- Unlimited plans stop at 7 days.
Jetpac
Short 1-day plans
Jetpac sells US data plans from 1 to 30 days, starting at $6.00 for 3GB over 1 day.
Coverage
For New York and the rest of the US, Jetpac’s help centre table lists Verizon. Verizon runs a nationwide US network. Because that table dates from January 2025, a network change since then would not show in it.
Activation Process
Set up the Jetpac eSIM at home through the app, the QR code in your order email, or typed SM-DP+ details. Its first switch-on comes in New York; then allow data roaming and set mobile data to Jetpac. For a later trip, buy another pack and it goes onto this eSIM, with no new download.
Price
Of the six providers here, Jetpac has the highest starting price. Jetpac comes within 2 cents of eSIM4 on 20 GB for 30 days, at $35.00. eSIM4 charges $9.02 less than Jetpac’s $30.00 for a 10 GB month. For 3 days of unlimited, Jetpac wants $15.00, and a week of it is $37.00.
Jetpac USA Plans
| Data allowance | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 4 days | $7.00 |
| 3 GB | 7 days | $7.99 |
| Unlimited | 10 days | $55.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plans from 1 day.
- Runs on Verizon.
Cons
- Highest starting price of the six.
- 3-day unlimited costs $5.02 more than eSIM4’s.
aloSIM
Data plans with a Hushed number
aloSIM runs on the T-Mobile and Verizon networks. Each plan comes with a phone number in the Hushed app for calls and texts.
Coverage
T-Mobile and Verizon are the two current networks aloSIM lists for the US. After buying, check eSIM features in the app for the same pair.
Activation Process
aloSIM’s app can install the eSIM automatically. Nothing counts down until the package goes live on a supported US network. On the day you fly to New York, turn on the eSIM line and give it data roaming. That day, also check Allow Cellular Data Switching is off.
Price
At $3.50, aloSIM’s smallest plan covers one day with 1 GB. aloSIM asks $19.00 for 5 days of unlimited, so eSIM4 saves $2.02 there. With 3 GB for 30 days, the difference drops to $1.02, as aloSIM charges $9.00.
aloSIM USA Plans
| Data allowance | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $5.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $9.00 |
| 5 GB | 15 days | $13.50 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $14.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $23.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Phone number in the Hushed app.
- Runs on T-Mobile and Verizon.
Cons
- The 1 GB / 7-day plan costs $2.02 more than eSIM4’s.
- 3 GB for 30 days costs $1.02 more than eSIM4’s.
Our Pick for New York Travel: eSIM4
Pick eSIM4 for your New York trip. Take 1GB for $2.98 for a weekend, 5GB for $11.98 for two weeks, or unlimited data from $9.98 for 3 days. Pick a plan with minutes and texts if you need to call US numbers.
Get eSIM4 for New York →Stay Connected in New York: Airports, Subway and Manhattan
One eSIM4 US plan works at the airports, in subway stations and across all five boroughs.
At JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airports
Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi. When you land, turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for that line. You can then book a ride or message your hotel before you leave the terminal.
If the eSIM needs a fix, all three airports have free WiFi. Pick _Free JFK WiFi, _Free LGA WiFi or _Free EWR WiFi from the list of networks (JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airport pages). Newark is in New Jersey, and your US plan works there too.
Cell Signal in the Subway
You get signal in the stations, and the tunnels are still being wired. The MTA says all underground subway stations have cell service and Wi-Fi (MTA, July 2022). It is adding cell service to all 418 track miles of subway tunnel. The L train tunnel under the East River and the 42 St Shuttle tunnel already have service for AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile customers (MTA, September 2024).
Save your route in Google Maps before you board, in case the signal drops between stations.
Free Wi-Fi in Manhattan and the Boroughs
Your eSIM4 data works in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island on the same plan. LinkNYC kiosks on the street also give free public Wi-Fi and device charging in all five boroughs (LinkNYC). Use hotel or kiosk Wi-Fi for video and big downloads, and keep your eSIM data for maps, rides and messages.
Day Trips Outside the City
Your US plan also works on day trips to New Jersey, upstate New York and other states. It does not cover Canada or Mexico, so add a plan for those countries.
Get Your New York eSIM →Prepaid SIM Card or eSIM in New York?
A travel eSIM is easier than a local SIM card, because you set it up before you fly.
In New York, you can buy a prepaid SIM card from a carrier. T-Mobile, for example, sells SIM cards online and in T-Mobile stores (T-Mobile Support). It also sells a prepaid eSIM for visitors, the U.S. Pass, in its app. T-Mobile says: “Your plan must be purchased and activated while in the United States.” Its page also says advance purchase is not available (T-Mobile Prepaid).
Why eSIM4 Is Easier
- Buy before you fly: eSIM4 emails your eSIM straight away, and you install it at home. There is no SIM card or pocket WiFi to pick up.
- No ID check: no store visit and no paperwork.
- Works on landing: switch the line on at JFK, LaGuardia or Newark. Your plan starts when you activate it.
- Keep your home number: leave your home SIM on for calls and bank texts. Your carrier may charge roaming fees for them.
- Hotspot: every eSIM4 plan allows it.
Calls and SMS in New York: eSIM4 Plans With Minutes
Pick an eSIM4 US plan with minutes and texts, or use the Yabb app over a data plan.
eSIM4 US Plans With Minutes and Texts
These plans run on T-Mobile and include data, minutes and texts. Incoming calls also use your minutes. Outgoing international calls are not allowed, so use Yabb to call home (eSIM4 plan page).
| Data + Minutes + Texts | Validity | Price (USD) | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB + 10 Mins + 10 SMS | 3 days | $4.98 | 54% off (was $10.80) |
| 1 GB + 20 Mins + 10 SMS | 7 days | $5.98 | 53% off (was $12.60) |
| 2 GB + 40 Mins + 20 SMS | 15 days | $10.98 | 51% off (was $22.50) |
| 5 GB + 100 Mins + 50 SMS | 30 days | $17.98 | 47% off (was $34.20) |
| 10 GB + 200 Mins + 100 SMS | 30 days | $28.98 | 46% off (was $54.00) |
| 20 GB + 400 Mins + 200 SMS | 30 days | $45.98 | 46% off (was $84.60) |
| 10 GB + 75 Mins + 30 SMS | 365 days | $56.98 | 35% off (was $88.20) |
| 50 GB + 500 Mins + 500 SMS | 30 days | $57.98 | 45% off (was $106.20) |
The store also sells 3-, 7- and 15-day versions of several of these plans.
See US Plans With Minutes →Calls Over Data: WhatsApp and Yabb
WhatsApp and FaceTime calls work over any data plan, if the other person has the same app. To call a restaurant or a hotel landline, use the Yabb app. Yabb calls US landlines and mobiles over your eSIM data, and the person you call needs no app.
📞 Calls
Call US landlines and mobiles, or call home.
💬 Texts
Text mobiles in the US and 200+ countries.
💳 Pay As You Go
Buy call minutes and text packs when you need them.
Does Your Phone Support eSIMs?
Most recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones are compatible with eSIM. Your phone must also be unlocked from your home carrier.
iPhone
Apple says eSIM works on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later (Apple Support).
Android
Many Android phones work with eSIM:
- Samsung: Galaxy S20 series and newer, Z Flip and Z Fold.
- Google: Pixel 3 and newer.
- Quick check: Dial *#06#. If an EID number shows, your phone supports eSIM on most models. Our EID guide explains more.
How to Install and Activate an eSIM in New York
Buy and install your eSIM at home. eSIM activation happens when you land in New York.
Install
Connect to Wi-Fi. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the QR code to add the eSIM profile. Label it “NYC Data”.
Activate
When you land, turn on the “NYC Data” line and data roaming for that line. Your plan starts when you activate it. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM.
Changed your plans? eSIM4 refunds a plan within 30 days if you have not activated it.
New York eSIM FAQ
Does eSIM work in New York?
Yes. eSIM4 works across New York City on T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular. Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM.
What is the best eSIM for NYC?
eSIM4. It has the lowest starting price on this page before promo codes, $2.98 for 1GB over 7 days. Its data plans run on T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular, and every plan allows hotspot use.
Does eSIM work in the NYC subway?
Yes, in the stations. The MTA says all underground subway stations have cell service and Wi-Fi. Cell service in the tunnels between stations is still being built, so the signal can drop on the train.
Is there free Wi-Fi at JFK airport?
Yes. Pick the _Free JFK WiFi network (JFK Airport). LaGuardia and Newark airports also have free Wi-Fi. Install your eSIM at home anyway, so you are online as soon as you land.
Can I get a USA eSIM with calls, texts and data?
Yes. eSIM4 sells US plans with data, minutes and texts on T-Mobile, from $4.98 for 1GB, 10 minutes and 10 texts over 3 days. Incoming calls also use your minutes.
Can I get unlimited data in New York?
Yes. eSIM4 unlimited plans start at $9.98 for 3 days and run up to 30 days. You get full speed for the first 3GB each day, then about 1 Mbps until midnight local time.
How much is an eSIM for the USA?
eSIM4’s US plans start at $2.98 for 1GB over 7 days. A 5GB plan for 30 days costs $11.98, and 10 days of unlimited data costs $32.98.
Do I need an ID to buy an eSIM for the USA?
No. eSIM4 needs no ID check. You buy online, and eSIM4 emails your eSIM straight away.
Which eSIM is best for New York from the UK?
eSIM4. It works on any unlocked UK phone that has eSIM. Buy and install it at home before you fly, then switch it on when you land. Turn off data roaming on your UK SIM, so your network cannot charge you for international roaming in the US.
Does a New York eSIM work in Canada or Mexico?
Not eSIM4’s US plan. It covers the US and Puerto Rico, with limited service in Alaska. For Canada or Mexico, add a plan for that country. Our USA and North America eSIM guide, linked at the top of this page, covers all three.
Should I turn off roaming in New York?
Turn it off on your home SIM, so your carrier cannot charge you for data. Turn data roaming on for the eSIM line only, or it will not connect in the US. Our roaming guide explains more.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes. WhatsApp keeps your home number and uses your eSIM data to send messages.
Is there a downside to an eSIM?
A few. Your phone must be unlocked and eSIM-ready. eSIM4’s main US plans are data plans, so pick a plan with minutes or use the Yabb app to call normal numbers.
