USA eSIM

eSIM USA: FAQ

• 1Which eSIM do I need for the USA, and will my phone work there?

  You need a US travel eSIM and an eSIM-capable, unlocked phone. Current iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models sold in Europe support eSIM and usually the main US frequencies. The MonoEsim eSIM uses a US partner network: install it at home before you fly and you are online on landing – for Uber or Lyft at the airport, road-trip navigation, reservations and digital tickets. The USA is outside the EU, so roaming on a European plan is usually charged extra; with the eSIM you pay only the pack you chose.

• 2I'm travelling from Canada: do I need an eSIM for the USA?

  Canadian carriers usually charge a daily fee for using your plan in the US (Bell Roam Better, Rogers Roam Like Home, TELUS Easy Roam), unless your plan already includes the US. For a long weekend that can be fine; for a week-long road trip, a family holiday in Florida or a longer winter stay, a MonoEsim prepaid USA data pack gives you one fixed price instead of a charge every day. Install it at home on Wi‑Fi before you cross the border or fly, and keep your Canadian SIM switched on for calls, texts and bank codes with data roaming turned off. Your phone needs to support eSIM and be unlocked: dial *#06# and look for an EID.

• 3Which networks are there in the USA, and is there 5G?

  The three nationwide networks are run by AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. All three shut down 3G in 2022, so mobile data now runs on 4G LTE and 5G. 5G is widespread in big cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Las Vegas, while rural areas and national parks have gaps. The plan details show which partner networks a pack uses and whether 5G is included.

• 4eSIM, US prepaid SIM or roaming: which is better?

  Roaming is easiest but often expensive in the USA or limited to small day passes. A US prepaid SIM can only be bought locally, so you are offline at the airport until it is activated. The MonoEsim eSIM is bought online, installed at home and works on landing, while your own SIM stays in the phone for bank texts. The trade-off: it is data-only, with no US number.

• 5Does an eSIM work in the USA on a phone bought in Europe?

  Yes, if the phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked. Dial *#06#: if an EID appears, the phone supports eSIM. On very cheap or older models, check the supported LTE bands; missing US bands can mean weaker coverage outside cities.

• 6Can I use a hotspot in the USA?

  Most partner networks allow hotspot use, for example for a laptop or fellow travellers in the rental car. It uses several gigabytes quickly, so pick a bigger pack if you share data often. When data runs out, buy a new USA pack; it installs as another eSIM in minutes.

• 7How much data do I need for the USA?

  As a guide, 5 GB often covers a one-week city trip with maps, ride-hailing apps and social media. For two weeks or a road trip with lots of navigation, music streaming and a hotspot, 10–20 GB is more comfortable. Download offline maps first.

• 8Will I have signal in national parks and on road trips?

  Along interstates and in cities, usually yes. In large national parks such as Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or Death Valley there is often no signal away from visitor centres and main roads – for any SIM, US plans included. Download maps and trails offline before you go.

• 9Can I make calls with the eSIM in the USA?

  The MonoEsim eSIM is data-only, without a US number. Make calls via WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal or other apps. On a dual-SIM phone your home number stays active; incoming calls on it may cost roaming fees depending on your plan.

• 10Which eSIM do I need for USA?

  For USA, MonoEsim offers data packs from 1 GB to 50 GB valid for up to 365 days plus unlimited plans. For a one-week trip with maps, messengers and social media, 3–5 GB is usually enough.

• 11How much does mobile data in USA cost with an eSIM?

  An eSIM for USA starts at $5.99 at MonoEsim. No contract and no hidden roaming fees — you only pay for the pack you choose.

• 12Does the eSIM work everywhere in USA?

  Coverage for cities, highways and connections across the United States. The eSIM uses local partner networks with 4G and, depending on the area, 5G. In remote areas coverage can be weaker, as with any SIM.

• 13Do I need roaming in USA?

  No. The MonoEsim eSIM uses a local network. Turn data roaming on for the eSIM line only and off for your regular SIM — so your home carrier charges no roaming fees.

Our guides: USA

eSIM for the USA from Canada: Cheaper Than Roam Like Home?