Best eSIM providers and plans in New York in 2024
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Are you planning to visit New York? The Big Apple is one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. Its magnificent skyline and the captivating central park accompany cultural diversity, and the St. Patrick's Cathedral with the Empire State Building are architectural masterpieces. Naturally, you'll be taking tons of pictures in Times Square, so having continuous internet access is a necessity.
An eSIM is your best bet for going online the moment you arrive in NYC. Unlike physical SIM cards, an eSIM is embedded directly into the smartphone's motherboard, and you can quickly activate a New York eSIM online.
You can choose between multiple affordable eSIM New York plans and say goodbye to hidden costs, expensive roaming charges, and a bumpy internet connection. However, numerous services compete for your attention, so how to pick the best eSIM NYC plan for you?
We've tested the most popular eSIM brands that provide services in New York and the whole USA. We verified their internet coverage in the city, connection quality, ease of use, additional features, and pricing. Continue reading to find the 5 best eSIM New York services that will not leave you wanting more.
Top 5 eSIMs in New York - shortlist
- Saily – best eSIM for New York in 2024
- Airalo – affordable eSIM provider in New York
- Nomad – solid New York eSIM provider
- Jetpac – featured eSIM for New York
- aloSIM – user-friendly eSIM provider in New York
Before choosing an eSIM plan for New York think about:
The best eSIM plans are the most convenient way to stay connected in NYC. In this guide, I'll explain how they differ in data availability, plan duration, and regional coverage. Whether you're on a business trip or sightseeing, follow these tips to get the best eSIM for New York:
- Why do you need it? You might need an international phone number to make calls if you're on a business trip. On the other hand, a sufficient data plan is mandatory if you're sightseeing and want to upload tons of pictures to social media. Choose accordingly.
- What's your destination? Obviously, a good eSIM card for New York tourists must cover the whole city. But you should take a look at the best eSIM providers in the United States if you plan on seeing more of its beauty.
- How long will you need it? New York eSIM plans and pricing significantly differ by their duration. It's always best to pick one that covers your whole stay but does not over-exceed it to save money.
- Will you use it as a mobile hotspot? A mobile hotspot is an excellent way to share the internet between all your devices. Simultaneously, you can share it with other people if you're traveling in a group, but remember that the data consumption increases per each person connected.
- What's your budget? As beautiful as New York is, it can also be pricey. With a tourist eSIM card for New York, you already save money by avoiding expensive roaming charges. But you will save even more if you consider how much data you need and plan the budget accordingly.
The best eSIMs for New York – complete list
We have rigorously tested several eSIM providers that work in NYC to narrow the list to the five best. We consider New York City and the whole US coverage, affordable prices, and fast internet connection speed the top priority criteria.
1. Saily – the best eSIM for New York overall
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 150+ |
| Starting price: | Starts from $3.99 (1GB for 7 days) |
Saily is the best eSIM for New York due to its affordable prices, easy setup process, and excellent coverage in the whole United States.
Plan options. Although Saily does not have a plan tailored specifically for New York, its US plans are one of the most affordable I've seen. It offers data-only plans that are prepaid and support tethering to share the internet connection. Additionally, there's a regional plan for the whole US and Canada.
New York plans pricing. Saily offers 5 eSIM NYC plans. The 1GB plan lasts for 7 days and costs $3.99. Meanwhile, all other plans have a 30-day validity period, and the prices range from $13.99 for 5GB to $22.99 for 10GB and $36.99 for 20GB for the best price-value ratio.
Network coverage. Saily does not disclose its US mobile carrier partners, but their plans typically utilize the speedy 4G and 5G networks.
Activation process. Activating Saily is effortless and does not require eKYC. All you have to do is download the app, install the eSIM, choose a plan, and click activate. I must warn you that this process requires an internet connection, so it's best done before you depart.
Customer Support. You can reach Saily's support 24/7 through its iOS or Android apps. There's also an online help center to get familiar with eSIMs.
2. Airalo – New York eSIM with broad US coverage
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | Starts from $4.50 (1GB for 7 days) |
Airalo is a great option for those looking for broad eSIM USA internet coverage, including NYC.
Plan options. Airalo provides prepaid and data-only eSIM plans for the US. You can also pay extra to get minutes for incoming calls, but outgoing international calls are not allowed.
New York plans pricing. There are six plans in NYC. 1GB costs $4.50 with 7-day validity. The maximum 20GB plan costs $42.00, valid for 1 month.
Network coverage. This prepaid eSIM for New York works with T-Mobile and Verizon, which cover New York City in 4G and 5G networks.
Activation process. You can activate Airalo using a QR code or manually, so it's easier to stick to the first. It doesn't require eKYC information or a physical SIM card, but you must have an internet connection.
Customer Support. You can reach Airalo via live chat and email. It also has a knowledge base, blog, and a FAQ section.
3. Nomad – eSIM for New York with additional features
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 170+ |
| Starting price: | Starts from $4.50 (1GB for 7 days) |
Nomad is a data-only eSIM provider that also offers unlimited data if you run out of it but at a very slow speed of 512kbps.
Plan options. This eSIM for New York has data-only prepaid plans that activate the moment you connect to the network. There's also an add-on data availability.
New York plans pricing. In NYC, 1GB starts from $4.5 for 1 week, and the biggest 20GB plan costs $22 with a limited discount and lasts for 1 month.
Network coverage. Nomad works with AT&T and T-Mobile, so you shouldn't expect any connection speed or downtime troubles.
Activation process. Like other eSIMs on this list, you can activate Nomad with a QR code or manually. In most cases, it will automatically activate when connected to a network in a country you paid for.
Customer Support. You can contact Nomad by submitting a ticket on their website or using the in-app chat.
4. Jetpac – affordable 1GB pricing for NYC
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 100+ |
| Starting price: | $5.00 (3GB for 7 days) |
Jetpac can be your priority choice if you want to save more money. Its 1GB price is hard to compete with and the cheapest I have seen.
Plan options. This eSIM for NYC offers data-only prepaid plans without call or SMS support. However, it has a neat North American regional plan that also covers Canada.
New York plans pricing. The 1GB plan costs only $1 but is valid only for 4 days. Overall, there are 9 different plans, like 30GB for $28 for 1 month or even 50GB for $25, but with a short 10-day duration.
Network coverage. Jetpack cooperates with T-Mobile, which covers all of New York in a speedy 5G and a bit slower 4G in the outskirts.
Activation process. After purchasing, you will receive an email with a QR code to activate this New York eSIM.
Customer Support. I cannot rank Jetpac higher as the only customer outreach option is email, unlike Saily or Airalo, which offer 24 live chat.
5. aloSIM – eSIM for NYC with international calls
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 175+ |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (3GB for 7 days) |
aloSIM is similar to other eSIM New York service providers, but the most extensive plan is a bit pricey. However, it offers an international phone number using a third-party app, Hushed.
Plan options. This eSIM offers 6 plans in the US but also has a regional North America plan, which covers Mexico and Canada.
New York plans pricing. You can get 1GB for 7 days for $4.50. There's a popular 2GB plan for $8, valid for 15 days, and the biggest 20GB plan costs $42 for 1 month.
Network coverage. aloSIM works with AT&T and T-Mobile to cover most of New York with their 4G and 5G networks.
Activation process. You can activate aloSIM in-app after you buy a plan. In the Profile section, locate How to install your eSIM, where you'll find instructions for Automatic, QR Code, and Manual activation.
Customer Support. You can contact aloSIM via live chat, email, or visit its online self-help center.
Compare the best eSIM providers in New York
To compile this, we tested popular eSIM for New York features and benefits. To make your choice easier, take a look at the table below, where I have organized all relevant details.
| Brand | Plan duration | Mobile hotspot | Unlimited data | App | GB per plan | Support | Price | Trustpilot | Rating |
| Saily | 7 and 30 days | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB | 24/7 live chat, email, online knowledgebase | $3.99 - $36.99 | 4.1 | |
| Airalo | 7, 15, and 30 days | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB | 24/7 live chat, email, online knowledgebase, blog | $4.50 - $42.00 | 2.5 | |
| Nomad | 7 and 30 days | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB | 24/7 live chat, email, online knowledgebase, blog | $6.00 - $22.00 | 4.4 | |
| Jetpac | 4, 7, 10, 30 days | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB, 50GB | Email, online knowledgebase, blog | $5.00 - $33.00 | 4.5 | |
| aloSIM | 7, 15, 30 days | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB | 24/7 live chat, email, online knowledgebase, blog | $4.50 - $42.00 | 4.2 |
How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for New York?
We carried out thorough testing to select the best eSIM New York plans. Nowadays, staying online is essential for tourists to find directions, keep in touch with relatives, and have social media and banking access at hand.
Our list includes only those providers that cover New York City fully. To verify internet availability in NYC, I suggest inspecting this 3G/4G/5G coverage map so you know what to expect. Then, we double-check mobile carriers and their performance, like connection speed and downtime.
Lastly, multiple device compatibility and affordable prices are paramount for comfortable travels, whatever you're packing. Below is a concise summary of the questions we asked to identify the best eSIMs for New York.
| Coverage: | Does it cover NYC entirely? What is the coverage of the whole United States of America? |
| Network type | Does eSIM provide access to the fastest 4G and 5G networks in New York? |
| Connection quality | How fast is the internet connection speed, and should you expect any downtime? |
| Pricing | What are the prices compared to the market average? Are there additional features included? |
How to activate an eSIM card - quick guide
Generally, setting up an eSIM is quick and easy, but the process can differ with each provider. Below, you'll find short step-by-step guides on five different ways to activate an eSIM for New York. I also recommend checking our eSIM on iPhone activation guide if you use one.
- QR scan. Purchase an eSIM for the New York plan and select activation by QR code. Turn on your smartphone's camera and scan the QR that the eSIM provider sent you, often by email.
- Manual setup. Your eSIM service must provide you with an SM-DP+ address and activation code. Then, in your smartphone's cellular network settings, find the Add eSIM option. Select the manual entry path and follow further instructions.
- Via app. Download an eSIM app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Then, purchase a suitable plan. Although the next step differs slightly per provider, most New York eSIMs will list available options in the Profile or Your eSIM sections or similar. Find your purchase and tap on Activate, then follow in-app instructions.
- Via the provider's website. If your chosen eSIM has a different activation process, visit its website to find step-by-step instructions.
Does my phone support an eSIM card?
eSIMs are relatively new technology, so not all smartphones support them. Generally, it is accepted that only smartphones developed from 2018 have the Embedded SIM chip required for it to work. We have a handy smartphone eSIM support guide with the popular smartphone models with eSIM compatibility.
Which iPhones support eSIMs?
Many older iPhone models do not support eSIMs. For example, the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, and 8 do not have technical requirements for eSIMs. Meanwhile, the iPhone XR and newer models are compatible. It's worth noting that the iPhone series 15 US version only uses eSIMs and doesn't even have a physical SIM card slot.
Which Samsung smartphones support eSIMs?
Older Samsung models also do not support eSIMs. Luckily, you can quickly verify whether yours does. Go to your Samsung's Settings, and then tap About Phone. Locate the Status or IMEI information section. If your Samsung is eSIM compatible you should see an EID number. You can also visit our list of Samsung models with eSIM support.
What are the pros of using an eSIM in New York?
A reliable eSIM for New York will benefit you in several ways. Take a look below at 5 reasons why you should choose it over a standard physical SIM card.
- Flexible. An eSIM lets you switch between different networks without swapping physical SIM cards. This way, you can quickly switch to a cheaper data plan network and go back to the original for a phone call.
- Convenient. You can set up an NYC eSIM just before you depart to get immediate internet access the moment you arrive there.
- Secure. Because eSIMs are embedded directly into a smartphone's motherboard, there's no need to take a SIM card out whenever you want to switch networks. This way, you don't have to worry about losing a physical card and your internet connection.
- Compact. eSIMs are much smaller than physical SIM cards and require only a tiny chip. It leaves more room in a smartphone for additional features or a longer-lasting battery.
- Eco-friendly. Traditional physical SIM cards are made of plastic, which is not biodegradable. Because eSIMs are primarily a software solution they do not use manufacturing material that contributes to the environmental crisis.
What are the cons of using an eSIM in New York?
Yes, eSIMs hold undeniable benefits that can solve internet access problems whenever away from home. However, like with most newer technologies, there are setbacks you should be aware of. Here are things you should be aware of before subscribing to a New York eSIM.
- Higher upfront cost. An eSIM may cost more upfront compared to a subscription-based mobile carrier service. While they are not a preferred option to use locally within your home country, their most significant advantage is the reduction of expensive roaming costs. An NYC eSIM will still save you money, even if the upfront cost seems a bit steep.
- It can be difficult to install. In this list, we have selected eSIMs that have more straightforward installation instructions. But if you have never used an eSIM before, the installation process can still be confusing. Luckily, eSIM service providers like Saily provide easy-to-follow in-app instructions to walk you through each installation step.
- Compatibility issues. As mentioned previously, older than 2018 smartphones do not have the necessary components to support eSIMs. You will not be able to use an eSIM with such smartphones, and, unfortunately, there are no ways to upgrade them. In other words, to use an eSIM, you will have to acquire a newer smartphone.
How to call someone with an eSIM in New York
Most eSIM services focus on reliable internet access and offer data-only plans. Below, I have described three ways you can make a phone call while in New York, but one of them involves using a domestic SIM card.
- Ensure the eSIM plan allows calls and texts. Some NYC eSIMs offer additional features to make a phone call or write an SMS. In this list, I have included Airalo and aloSIM, which both allow it with some additional steps, like using a third-party app.
- Try out VoIP apps for calls. You don't have to rely on traditional phone numbers to make a call from New York. Instead, you can use a popular VoIP app like Skype, WhatsApp, or Discord to call other users. They only require a stable internet connection that your New York eSIM already provides.
- Use your domestic SIM card. If both methods above are not viable, you will have to use your domestic SIM card for a phone call. Mobile carriers apply different charges for phone calls from foreign countries, so be mindful of conversation length to avoid an expensive bill.
Final thoughts about best eSIM plans and providers for New York
A reliable eSIM for New York will get you online the moment you arrive there. It will reduce the roaming charges and provide just as much data as you need, so you don't have to overpay for internet access.
It's hard to pick the best NYC eSIM, but during our test, Saily outperformed others. Its competitive prices and intuitive app make it a worthwhile choice for most travelers. However, I recommend checking Airalo if you require an eSIM for calls and SMS, but using VoIP apps is just as efficient.
Read more eSIM guides on Cybernews:
FAQ
How much data do I need?
Although it's hard to pinpoint the exact number, you can stick to these general guidelines. 1GB per week is sufficient for light browsing, like checking emails. You will require 3GB to 5GB to listen to music and at least 10GB weekly if you plan on watching videos.
How to activate eSIM for New York?
The easiest way to activate an eSIM for New York is by scanning a QR code. Although per process varies per provider, most often, you will get a QR code via email or generated in the eSIM app.
How to make calls using an eSIM in New York?
You can make calls using a New York eSIM via VoIP apps or if they provide a phone number for calls and texts. However, the latter comes at an extra charge, and affordable NYC eSIMs like Saily are fully compatible with VoIP apps.
Should I get an eSIM for New York?
Yes, you should get an eSIM for New York if you plan on traveling there. Having continuous internet access is essential to check for directions, pass the language barrier, and keep in touch with relatives. Currently, eSIMs are one of the most popular ways to get online while away from home.
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