Frequently Asked Questions

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM built into many newer smartphones. There is no plastic SIM card to insert. You install it on your phone using the setup instructions provided after purchase.

A USA eSIM lets you connect to mobile networks in America without waiting for a physical SIM card in the post. It is a quick way to get connected before you leave the UK.

Here is how our USA eSIM works:

• Place your order on our website.
• Follow the eSIM setup instructions in your order confirmation email.
• Install the eSIM on your phone.
• Use your phone in the USA for data, calls and texts.

Many travel eSIMs are data only. Our USA eSIM bundles include a real USA mobile number, calls, texts and mobile data where stated, similar to our physical SIM cards.

Most recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixel phones support eSIM. To check, dial *#06#. If your phone shows an EID number, it supports eSIM.

Installing your USA eSIM is usually simple. You do not need to remove your UK SIM card or use a SIM removal tool. You also do not need to delete your UK eSIM if you already use one.

After ordering, you receive setup instructions by email. Follow the steps, install the eSIM, and your phone will be ready to connect when you arrive in the USA.

For UK travellers, this means no airport SIM hunting, no US store visit, and no trying to sort out mobile service after a long flight.

If you need a USA eSIM quickly, place your order and reply promptly to your confirmation email with the requested phone details.

We can usually get your eSIM ready quickly once we have the information needed to set it up. eSIM is the best option if you are travelling soon or do not want to wait for a physical SIM card.

Yes. You can order your USA eSIM or SIM card ahead of time and activate it later.

You do not need to choose your activation date at checkout. After purchase, you submit your activation details separately. Your bundle starts from the activation date you choose, not the day you buy it.

This helps you get organised early and avoid last-minute stress before your USA trip.

No. Your apps, contacts, photos, emails and phone settings stay on your phone.

Swapping your UK SIM for a USA SIM card, or adding a USA eSIM, does not delete your personal data.

When you return to the UK and switch back to your UK SIM, your apps, photos and contacts will still be there.

Yes. Our setup instructions are designed to be clear and easy to follow.

If you need help, contact us before or during your trip. We can help with:

• Understanding whether your phone supports eSIM.
• Choosing eSIM or physical SIM.
• Checking the correct setup steps.
• Activation questions before you travel.
• Troubleshooting while you are in the USA.

Support is available by WhatsApp and email.

To ask for help, email [email protected].

Most modern smartphones work with our USA SIM cards and eSIMs.

Physical SIM cards work with most unlocked modern phones, including iPhones and many Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Oppo, Motorola, Nokia and Xiaomi devices.

For eSIM, your phone must support eSIM. Common compatible models include:

• iPhone XR, XS, SE 2020, SE 2022, and iPhone 11 through iPhone 17.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 through S25, plus Z Flip and Z Fold models.
• Google Pixel 3a through Pixel 9.

Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see an EID number, your device supports eSIM.

Yes, our USA SIM cards and eSIMs work in Hawaii. Coverage is available in most populated areas, although remote or mountainous locations may have limited signal.

Alaska depends on the bundle you choose.

• The T-Mobile Unlimited Bundle does not include coverage in Alaska.
• The AT&T Unlimited Bundle works in Alaska and Hawaii.
• The AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Bundle works in Alaska and Hawaii.

If your trip includes Alaska, choose one of the AT&T options.

Yes, depending on the bundle you choose.

Some USA SIM and eSIM bundles include Canada or Mexico coverage, while others need an add-on. Check the product page before ordering so you choose the right option for your trip.

Coverage depends on the network, your phone, your location and local conditions.

Our T-Mobile Unlimited Bundle runs on the T-Mobile USA network, with extensive 4G and 5G coverage across most of the United States, including Hawaii. It does not include Alaska.

Our AT&T Unlimited Bundle and AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Bundle run on the AT&T network, with coverage across most of the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska.

Coverage can be affected by:

• Local terrain and elevation.
• Buildings and obstructions.
• Weather conditions.
• Signal strength.
• Your phone model.

You can check the T-Mobile coverage map and the AT&T coverage map for an approximate guide to outdoor coverage. With AT&T, select “AT&T Prepaid” before entering your address.

No. Our USA SIM cards and eSIMs are designed for use in the United States, and in Canada or Mexico only where the relevant bundle or add-on includes it.

They do not connect to UK mobile networks.

Please do not buy one if you need a USA phone number for verification while still in the UK. You need to be physically in the USA before the service can connect and work.

Yes. Your phone must be network unlocked to use our USA SIM card or eSIM.

Most UK phones are unlocked, but it is worth checking before you order.

For iPhone:

• Go to Settings.
• Tap General.
• Tap About.
• Look for Network Provider Lock.
• If it says “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked.

For Android:

• Insert a SIM card from a different provider.
• Restart your phone.
• If the new provider appears, your phone is unlocked.
• If you see an error such as “Invalid SIM”, your phone may be locked.

Yes, the unlimited bundles include unlimited data.

The T-Mobile Unlimited Bundle includes unlimited data. If you use more than 50GB in a 30-day period, T-Mobile may prioritise other users during busy network conditions. Your data is not cut off.

The AT&T Unlimited Bundle includes unlimited fast 5G data, but AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.

If you prefer a fixed data allowance instead of unlimited data, choose the AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Bundle.

Speeds vary by location, phone model, network conditions and whether your phone supports the right 4G and 5G bands.

The T-Mobile Unlimited Bundle can deliver very fast 5G speeds in supported areas.

Real-world speed tests on our T-Mobile SIMs and eSIMs have included:

• 589Mbps download and 56Mbps upload in Chicago on an iPhone 12.
• 916Mbps download and 92Mbps upload in Los Angeles on an iPhone 13 Pro Max.
• 189Mbps download and 85Mbps upload in Los Angeles on a Google Pixel 6a.

These are examples only. Your actual speed will depend on your phone, location and local network conditions.

Yes. You can use hotspot or tethering to share your USA mobile data with devices such as a laptop, iPad or another phone.

With the T-Mobile Unlimited Bundle, hotspot is included, but connected devices are limited to 3G speeds unless you choose a high-speed hotspot add-on where available.

With the AT&T Unlimited Bundle, hotspot is an optional add-on.

The AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Bundle is also a good option if you prefer a set amount of data and want hotspot access on iPhone.

No. Choose the right bundle length and data amount before you travel.

If your phone supports eSIM and you need more coverage, you can buy a new eSIM for the extra days.

No. For most travellers, it is simpler and cheaper to buy a new USA SIM card or eSIM for each trip.

Your bundle starts from the activation date you select, not the day you purchase it.

For a physical SIM card, follow the instructions included with your delivery and submit the online activation form. The start date you choose becomes Day 1 of your bundle.

For eSIM, you provide your start date during the activation process.

Your bundle ends at 11:59pm US Pacific Time on the final day of the bundle.

Yes, but the best method depends on how you want to call or message.

Most travellers use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger or similar apps to contact friends and family in the UK. These apps use your included mobile data.

If you need to call UK landlines, businesses, banks or people who do not use messaging apps, you may need an add-on or a bundle that includes UK calling.

With the T-Mobile Unlimited Bundle, you can add an International Call and Text Pack, which includes unlimited texts to UK mobile numbers and unlimited calls to UK landlines.

With the AT&T Unlimited Bundle, you can add the Gold Add-On, which includes 500 minutes of calls from the USA to UK mobiles and landlines.

With the AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Bundle, you get unlimited calls from the USA to UK mobiles and landlines.

Yes. WhatsApp and FaceTime work with our USA SIM cards and eSIMs.

You can keep using your UK WhatsApp account, contacts and message history. WhatsApp should continue working as normal.

FaceTime audio and video calls also work using mobile data or Wi-Fi.

These apps are a simple way to stay in touch with friends and family in the UK without paying international call or SMS charges.

Yes. Our USA SIM cards and eSIMs include a real American mobile number where stated.

You can use your USA number for travel forms, baggage tags, hotel bookings, tour operators, Uber and local contacts.

Once you arrive in the USA and your eSIM or SIM is activated, you can usually find your number in your phone settings.

If you need your number before leaving the UK, choose an activation date a few days before departure. Once it activates, email us and we can provide the number. Remember that your bundle days start from the activation date you choose.

If you use an iPhone, you have several strong options.

T-Mobile Unlimited Bundle

• Unlimited data, calls and texts.
• Flexible durations, including 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days.
• Good for longer trips, heavy data use, or flexible travel dates.
• Suitable for iPhone 8 or newer.

AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Bundle

• Fixed data options for 30-day trips.
• Good for light or moderate data users.
• Runs on the AT&T network.
• iPhone only.

AT&T Unlimited Bundle

• Unlimited data, calls and texts.
• Includes Canada and Mexico coverage.
• Good for iPhone users who want AT&T coverage or are travelling to Alaska.
• Suitable for iPhone XR, XS, iPhone 11 through iPhone 17, and iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation.

All bundles include a real USA mobile number where stated.

For Samsung, Google Pixel, Oppo, Motorola, Nokia and other compatible Android phones, the best option is the T-Mobile Unlimited Bundle.

• Unlimited data, calls and texts across the USA.
• Flexible durations, including 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days.
• Good for travellers who need lots of data or longer coverage.

The AT&T eSIM bundles are iPhone only, so Android users should choose the T-Mobile option.

You can, but it is often less convenient and more expensive.

US stores may not offer short-term travel options like 7, 14 or 21 days. They may also require extra setup, ID checks, store visits or mobile plans that are not ideal for travellers.

Ordering before you leave the UK saves time and gives you a clear option before you land. You can arrive ready to use maps, Uber, hotel bookings, calls and texts.

For a physical SIM card, remove it from your phone when your trip is over. You can dispose of it or keep it. It cannot be reused.

For eSIM, delete it from your phone settings after your trip.

We dispatch physical SIM card orders to UK addresses where a physical SIM option is available.

• Physical SIM delivery time depends on the shipping option shown at checkout.
• USA eSIM delivery is by email, so there is no postage delay.
• If you are travelling soon, eSIM is usually the fastest option.

Check the product page and checkout for the current delivery options available for your order.

We accept major secure payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Our checkout is protected by SSL encryption. We do not store your credit card details.

We do not share unnecessary personal details with the US network provider when activating your SIM card or eSIM.

For eSIM setup, technical details such as your phone’s EID and IMEI may be required. These are device identifiers needed to provision the eSIM and are normally detected by mobile networks when your phone connects.

We only use the information needed to get your service working. We do not share unnecessary personal information.

Yes. Our website and checkout are protected by SSL encryption.

SSL helps protect the personal and payment information sent between your browser and our website.

We do not store your credit card details.

We offer a 100% money-back guarantee if your SIM or eSIM is faulty or defective and we cannot fix the issue.

You must contact us within 24 hours of your requested activation date if your SIM or eSIM is not working when you arrive in the USA.

Contact us using Wi-Fi via:

• WhatsApp: +44 7882 165 545
• Email: [email protected]

Please include your full name and order number so we can find your order quickly.

We will do our best to fix the issue, usually within 1 to 2 hours and within a maximum of 24 hours. If we confirm the SIM or eSIM is defective and cannot be fixed, we will refund the cost of the SIM or eSIM.

The guarantee does not apply if:

• Your phone is network locked.
• Your phone is not compatible with USA networks.
• You do not follow the activation instructions.
• You do not contact us within 24 hours of activation.
• You wait until you are back in the UK before contacting us.