NORTH AMERICA

Stay Connected in North America

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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

Nationwide coverage & reliable service Find out more

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.


Last updated