NORTH AMERICA
Last updated
Last updated
When travelling across North America, staying connected is essential – whether you're navigating the streets of New York, sharing your experiences on social media, or staying in touch with family and friends. Thankfully, there are a variety of SIM card options available, offering plans that suit different needs, budgets, and travel styles.
Types of North American SIM Cards
In North America, SIM cards can generally be split into two categories:
Local SIM Cards: These SIM cards are provided by major U.S., Canadian, and Mexican telecom companies such as AT&T, Verizon, Telus, Rogers, Telcel, and others. Local SIM cards are ideal if you're staying in the region for an extended period, or if you're travelling throughout North America.
International SIM Cards: Providers like Three UK, Vodafone, and Orange offer SIM cards that work across multiple countries, including North America. These are a great choice if you're planning to travel beyond just the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, providing coverage in dozens of countries around the world.
mention calls/data only
Key Providers in North America
Here's a table that compares the major North American telecom providers and their features.
Provider
Coverage Area
Data Allowance
Calls & SMS
Hotspot Support
Best For
AT&T (USA)
U.S., Canada, Mexico
5GB, 10GB, 20GB+
Unlimited calls & SMS (within U.S.)
Yes, included in plans
Verizon (USA)
U.S., Canada
5GB, 10GB, Unlimited
Unlimited calls & SMS (within U.S.)
Yes, included in plans
Rural areas, best network coverage
T-Mobile (USA)
U.S., Canada, Mexico
5GB, 10GB, Unlimited
Unlimited calls & SMS (within U.S.)
Yes, included in plans
Budget travellers, fast 5G speeds
Mint Mobile (USA)
U.S. (uses T-Mobile network)
5GB, 10GB, 15GB
Unlimited calls & SMS (within U.S.)
Yes, included in plans
Budget-friendly for short stays
Telus (Canada)
Canada, U.S.
5GB, 10GB, 20GB+
Unlimited calls & SMS (within Canada)
Yes, included in plans
Ideal for long-term stays in Canada
Rogers (Canada)
Canada, U.S.
5GB, 10GB, 20GB+
Unlimited calls & SMS (within Canada)
Yes, included in plans
Canada-wide coverage, reliable service
Telcel (Mexico)
Mexico, U.S.
5GB, 10GB, 15GB
Unlimited calls & SMS (within Mexico)
Yes, included in plans
Popular choice for Mexico-based travel
Three UK (Global)
U.S., Canada, Mexico, 71 countries
12GB, 20GB, 50GB
Unlimited calls & SMS (select countries)
Yes, included in plans
Multi-country travel (71 countries)
How to Choose the Best SIM Card for Your Needs
Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the right SIM card for your North American travels:
Duration of Stay: If you're only staying for a short period, a prepaid plan is likely the most cost-effective option. For longer stays, a local SIM with a monthly plan might offer better value.
Data Usage: If you're planning to use a lot of data for things like navigation, streaming, or social media, ensure the plan you choose has a sufficient data allowance or offers unlimited data.
Coverage Area: If you’ll be visiting rural areas, choose a provider with strong coverage outside major cities. Verizon and Telus often offer the best coverage in rural areas.
Budget: For those on a tight budget, consider more affordable providers like Mint Mobile, or T-Mobile for reasonable rates without compromising too much on coverage.
International Travel: If your trip includes stops in multiple countries, an international SIM card like Three UK might be your best bet, offering coverage in over 70 countries.
Nationwide coverage & reliable service
