Best SIM cards for travelling in the USA

By Alex Choros

Last updated 22 April 2025

Contents

In this guide:

Buying a US eSIM card
Get an American SIM card
Roaming with your telco
Use free public WiFi
FAQs

Are you planning a trip to the Big Apple, the bright lights of Las Vegas or Florida's Walt Disney World? The United States remains one of the most consistently popular choices for Australians travelling abroad, but if you're hoping to take your phone overseas, it's not always cheap.

International roaming can be expensive, especially if you're using data outside of Australia. But luckily, you might not even have to switch SIM cards, depending on your telco and plan. So whether you want to use your own Australia mobile plan in America, get a travel eSIM, or pick up a local SIM on arrival, here are our picks for your best value options.

Before we start, here are the most popular roaming-compatible plans from each postpaid telco featured in this guide:

#1	Vodafone Editor's Pick	Vodafone Editor's Pick $49 Small Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $30/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small SIM Only Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#6	Vodafone Editor's Pick	Vodafone Editor's Pick $49 Small Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#7	Belong	Belong 100GB Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $45/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#8	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#9	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium SIM Only Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $49/mth Min. cost $49 Go to Site	$49/mth Min. cost $49	Go to Site
#10	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $40/mth Min. cost $40 Go to Site	$40/mth Min. cost $40	Go to Site

And here are the most popular roaming-compatible plans from each prepaid telco featured in this guide with a minimum 28-day expiry:

#1	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $26 Prepaid 17GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 17GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 7GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $26 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$26 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	felix mobile Editor's Pick	felix mobile Editor's Pick felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $30 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 20Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $20/mth for first 3 mths, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $40 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$40 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $300 Prepaid 290GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 290GB data on your first recharge, then 240GB from 2nd recharge. Activate by 07.07.25 $300 Per 12 Month Renewal Go to Site	$300 Per 12 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 65GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 12 May 2025. Terms Apply $39 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $365 Prepaid 365GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $365 Per 12 Month Renewal Go to Site	$365 Per 12 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 95GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 95GB data for first 3 recharges, then 35GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $49 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#9	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $74 Prepaid 160GB Uncapped download speed Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 160GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 90GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $74 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$74 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#10	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $59 Prepaid 120GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 120GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 45GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $59 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$59 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site

Buying a US eSIM

If you're travelling to the United States for more than a week, consider picking up a US travel eSIM. If you have a phone with eSIM support, a travel eSIM is a mobile plan you can download to your phone and activate entirely on your device. There's no physical SIM card, so you don't need to find a convenience store when you're jetlagged on arrival. You can even download and activate travel eSIMs before you leave Australia so you have connectivity as you soon as you turn off flight mode.

I've regularly used Airalo while travelling in the US, where you can get a 10GB plan with a 30-day expiry for AUD$42. Airalo plans are data-only, so you won't been able to make phone calls. They do have 5G, however, Airalo's US SIMs won't work in Mexico or Canada.

Jetpac is another eSIM provider worth considering. Jetpac's plans are a little more expensive than Airalo - you'll pay USD$25 for 10GB - and they also cover Canada. The plans are data-only and you'll get 4G and select 5G connectivity.

Jetpac US travel eSIMs are valid for 1 year and have a unique perk where you can score for free airport lounge access you you and 1 other friend if your flight is delayed (and meets the threshold). This is done by registering your flight in the Jetpac app.

If you're after an eSIM travel plan that also lets you make phone calls, you could go with SIMCorner. Most of SIMCorner's US eSIMs have unlimited talk and text. Exact inclusions depend on the plan, however. For example, its 10GB and unlimited date options only have US calling and text (including Hawaii) as a standard, you can pay $15 extra for each to unlock its International Talk and Text feature. Make sure you double-check the inclusions on your SIM if this is important to you. SIMCorner's eSIMs are a bit pricier again, starting at AUD$49.

Compare Airalo, Jetpac, and SIMCorner plans at the time of writing below.

Price	Data	Expiry
AUD$0.00 Free welcome SIM	1GB	1 day	View on Airalo
AUD$7.50	1GB	7 days	View on Airalo
AUD$13.00	2GB	15 days	View on Airalo
AUD$18.00	3GB	30 days	View on Airalo
AUD$$26	5GB	30 days	View on Airalo
AUD$42.00	10GB	30 days	View on Airalo
AUD$68.00	20GB	30 days	View on Airalo

Price	Data	Expiry
USD$1	1GB	4 days	View on Jetpac
USD$10	3GB	7 days	View on Jetpac
USD$13	5GB	30 days	View on Jetpac
USD$25	10GB	30 days	View on Jetpac
USD$30	15GB	30 days	View on Jetpac
USD$40	20GB	30 days	View on Jetpac
USD$55	30GB	30 days	View on Jetpac
USD$63	40GB	30 days	View on Jetpac

Price	Data	Countries	Expiry
AUD$49.00	10GB	US	30 days	View on SIMCorner
AUD$70.00	Unlimited	US	30 days	View on SIMCorner
AUD$69.00	15GB	US, Canada, Mexico	30 days	View on SIMCorner
AUD$90.00	Unlimited	US, Canada, Mexico	30 days	View on SIMCorner
AUD$109	AT&T Unlimited (25GB in Canada)	US, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Mexico	30 days	View on SIMCorner

Get a US SIM card

If you don't have an eSIM-enabled phone, you can always pick up a local American SIM card when you arrive. Unlike most other countries, you typically won't always find stores selling SIM cards at airports. Instead, you'll want to find an AT&T or T-Mobile shop at your destination, where you can buy a prepaid SIM card.

If you're looking for an easy option, we'd recommend T-Mobile. USD$60 (plus tax) gets you unlimited talk and text plus unlimited data for one month. You'll only get a 10GB high-speed hotspot data allowance, however. International calls aren't included on these plans by default, but you get a USD$15 per month add-on if you really need to be able to call Australian numbers.

AT&T prepaid is also worth considering. USD$35.99 per month (plus tax) gets you unlimited talk and text, unlimited data and 5GB hotspot data. Alternatively, USD$40.99 per month gets you unlimited talk and text, unlimited data and 30GB of hotspot data. AT&T's USD$50.99 plan allows for unlimited talk and text, unlimited data and 60GB of hotspot data. Plus you'll be able to keep using your plan if you roam in a select 20 Latin American countries. These plans do not include international calls.

Read more about travelling with your phone here.

Roaming in the US with your telco

Roaming in the US with felix

felix mobile is a smaller provider with a great international offer: a $20 roaming pack. This gets you 4GB of data, 100 texts, and 100 minutes of calls on a 365-day expiry. If you're using WiFi as much as you can while abroad, 4GB could even last your entire trip!

Here are felix's mobile plans:

#1	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	felix mobile Editor's Pick	felix mobile Editor's Pick felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $30 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 20Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $20/mth for first 3 mths, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $40 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$40 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

Unlike other providers, felix offers unlimited data but caps its plan to speeds of 20Mbps (both locally and abroad). That's fast enough for most online activities, however. felix is powered by the Vodafone network.

felix's roaming isn't as broadly available as options from The Big Three: it only works in around 40 destinations. This still covers the United States and Canada, but not Mexico (if you were thinking about ducking south of the border on your trip).

Roaming in the US with Vodafone

Vodafone postpaid plans are the simplest choice for heading overseas thanks to $5 roaming. For $5 per day, you're able to use your local inclusions overseas in over 100 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This means you don't have to worry about a separate overseas data allowance - your usage will work the same way it does in Australia.

The $5 per day charge will only be added to your bill on days when you make a call, send a text, or use data overseas. Just note, you can only use $5 roaming for a maximum of 90 days of the calendar year.

These Vodafone postpaid plans all include $5 roaming:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small SIM Only Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium SIM Only Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $49/mth Min. cost $49 Go to Site	$49/mth Min. cost $49	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $69 Large SIM Only Plan 720GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 720GB for $59 (incl. 360GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $69 Large plan. T&Cs apply. $59/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site

Roaming in the US with Optus

If you're an Optus postpaid customer on a plan from the last few years, you'll use Optus' $5 roaming when travelling overseas. $5 per day will give you 5GB of data per day, in addition to unlimited standard talk and text. All unused data expires at the end of each day, but if you go over your allowance, another $5 pack will automatically be purchased.

These Optus postpaid plans all support $5 Roaming.

#1	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $65/mth Min. cost $65 Go to Site	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $85/mth Min. cost $85 Go to Site	$85/mth Min. cost $85	Go to Site

You can only use the $5 Roaming option in what Optus calls "Zone 1" countries. This covers the United States, Canada, Mexico, most of Europe, the UK, New Zealand, and China.

"Zone 2" (any country not part of "Zone 1") is predominantly made of countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America. You won't be able to use Optus $5 Roaming in these countries.

Roaming in the US with Belong

Telstra's budget brand Belong is reasonably new to roaming, and has just a single travel pack.

For $30 you get 3GB of data, 150 minutes of calls, and unlimited standard SMS with a 15-day expiry. You can use this add-on in over 45 destinations, including the United States and Canada.

All Belong customers also get free access to a basic roaming service. This lets you receive SMS while still overseas (but not reply) and use WiFi calling when on a suitable network.

Here are the Belong plans eligible for roaming:

#1	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $30/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong 40GB Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $35/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site
#3	Belong	Belong 100GB Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $45/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#4	Belong	Belong 160GB Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site

Roaming in the US with Tangerine

Tangerine, a Telstra-powered provider, is another smaller telco with three solid international roaming offer. Below we've outlined all the options and identified which is better if you want data, SMS or voice calls.

Tangerine's roaming packs work up until 11:59PM (AEST) on your last included day. These travel pack works in the United States, as well as Canada and Mexico. Here are the full details:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Three-day expiry	$60	300 mins, 300 texts, 3GB
Seven-day expiry	$35	30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB
14-day expiry	$55	60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB

Below are Tangerine's plans you can pair these packs with:

#1	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 12GB Mobile SIM 12GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $23/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 32GB 5G Mobile SIM 32GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $34/mth Min. cost $34 Go to Site	$34/mth Min. cost $34	Go to Site
#4	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $40/mth Min. cost $40 Go to Site	$40/mth Min. cost $40	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 80GB 5G Mobile SIM 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $46/mth Min. cost $46 Go to Site	$46/mth Min. cost $46	Go to Site
#6	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 150GB 5G Mobile SIM 150GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $58/mth Min. cost $58 Go to Site	$58/mth Min. cost $58	Go to Site

Roaming in the US with More

More offers identical international roaming packs to its sibling brand Tangerine. More's roaming packs work in over 65 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Three-day expiry	$60	300 mins, 300 texts, 3GB
Seven-day expiry	$35	30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB
14-day expiry	$55	60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB

Here are More's mobile plans that you can roam with:

#1	More	More 12GB Mobile SIM 12GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G mobile network Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $19/mth for 12 mths, then $21.60/mth $26/mth Min. cost $26 Go to Site	$26/mth Min. cost $26	Go to Site
#2	More	More 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $25/mth for 12 mths, then $27/mth $32/mth Min. cost $32 Go to Site	$32/mth Min. cost $32	Go to Site
#3	More	More 32GB 5G Mobile SIM 32GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $31/mth for 12 mths, then $32.40/mth $38/mth Min. cost $38 Go to Site	$38/mth Min. cost $38	Go to Site
#4	More	More 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $37/mth for 12 mths, then $37.80/mth $44/mth Min. cost $44 Go to Site	$44/mth Min. cost $44	Go to Site
#5	More	More 80GB 5G Mobile SIM 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $45/mth for 12 mths, then $45/mth $50/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#6	More	More 150GB 5G Mobile SIM 150GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $59/mth for 12 mths, then $57.60/mth $64/mth Min. cost $64 Go to Site	$64/mth Min. cost $64	Go to Site

Roaming in the US with Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile is another Telstra-powered telco offering customers International Roaming Packs. Boost Mobile customers can choose from three roaming options:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Three-day expiry	$20	15 mins, 15 texts, 1GB
Seven-day expiry	$30	30 mins, 30 texts, 3GB
14-day expiry	$40	60 mins, 60 texts, 5GB

Boost's roaming works in 42 countries, including the United States and Canada. Take a look below for Boost Mobile's compatible prepaid plans:

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $13 Prepaid 7GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 7GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 5GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $13 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$13 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $26 Prepaid 17GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 17GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 7GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $26 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$26 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 65GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 12 May 2025. Terms Apply $39 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 95GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 95GB data for first 3 recharges, then 35GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $49 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $59 Prepaid 120GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 120GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 45GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $59 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$59 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $74 Prepaid 160GB Uncapped download speed Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 160GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 90GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $74 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$74 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site

Roaming in the US with amaysim

amaysim has four international roaming add-on packs available to its prepaid customers, each lasting 365 days. amaysim roaming works in over 120 countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Here are the four add-ons:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Small Talk	$20	100 mins, 100 texts, no data
The Works	$25	50 mins, 30 texts, 2GB
Just Gigs	$50	No mins, no texts, 6GB
The Epic	$70	100 mins, 60 texts, 9GB

You'll need an active amaysim recharge to use its roaming. Here are its 28-day plans:

#1	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 10GB Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $22 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$22 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 32GB Plan 32GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $20 & get 18GB bonus data for first renewal when you sign up by 30.04.25. Online only. T&Cs apply $30 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$30 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 80GB Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $25 for first renewal when you sign up by 30.04.25 $40 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$40 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 120GB Plan 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $50 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Roaming in the US with Telstra

To use a Telstra Upfront plan overseas, you will need to purchase an International Day Pass. While overseas you'll get a daily 2GB data allowance for $10 per day in Zone 2 locations, which include the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Upfront plans expire 24 hours from your service's first use.

If you exceed your 2GB, you will receive an SMS with the option to purchase a data top-up for an extra $10 for another 2GB. This data can then be used over the following 31 days. The Pass includes unlimited talk and text, but MMS is billed at $0.75 per message. Telstra roaming works in over 70 destinations. Note that Zone 3 locations only receive unlimited calls and SMS.

Here is Telstra's range of Upfront plans:

$65 Basic Upfront SIM Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$65/mth

Min. cost $65

Link not supplied

$65/mth

Min. cost $65

Link not supplied

$75 Essential Upfront SIM Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan

300GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$99/mth

Min. cost $99

Link not supplied

$99/mth

Min. cost $99

Link not supplied

If you're on a Telstra Upfront plan and you travel outside of an eligible destination, you simply won't be able to use your service. Telstra won't bill you pay-as-you-go rates.

Use free public WiFi

If you're really looking to save money, you can hop on the free public WiFi networks available in hotels, cafes, attractions and city centres throughout the US.

Mooching off Wi-Fi doesn't mean giving up on talk and text either. Apps like Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Skype, Viber and WhatsApp will let you send and receive text messages and phone calls via the internet. These apps allow you to contact anyone else using the app for free. And if you want to make calls to those who don't, you can buy a little Skype or Viber credit.

You'll want your friends and family to install your app of choice on their phone so you can contact them and they can contact you for free. You'll also want to make sure your phone is in aeroplane mode to stop any accidental calls, texts or data usage that could trigger exorbitant roaming charges.

You can check out maps of available Wi-Fi through an app such as Wiman or Instabridge to help you connect on the go.

Best SIM cards for travelling in the USA FAQs

Can I use my Australian phone in America?

Most Australian phones should work in America. You will however need to get a phone plan from AT&T or T-Mobile for the best experience (or for a smaller provider powered by one of these networks). You should avoid Verizon and smaller providers powered by its network, as part of its network uses a different standard to Australian telcos. This means you may not be able to make phone calls, for example.

Can you buy a US SIM in Australia?

If you're looking to buy a US SIM in Australia, there are websites like SIM Corner that will ship you a SIM to your Australian address, so you don't have to spend time looking for one when you arrive. Just be sure to double-check what these SIMs include, as they're often different to the SIMs you can get on arrival.

Can I use a US SIM in Mexico and Canada?

Some US phone plans include free roaming for Mexico and Canada, but not all of them. Is this an important feature for you, be sure to double-check when you buy your SIM card.

Looking for a new NBN plan?

These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1	Exetel	Exetel Extra-value nbn50 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $60.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. $60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99 Go to Site	$60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Value Plus NBN nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/month for first 6 months, then $82.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#3	Buddy Telco Editor's Pick	Buddy Telco Editor's Pick Value nbn - Unlimited nbn® 49/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $63/month for first 6 months, then $75/month. Use promo code BUDDY50. Offer ends 18.05.25 $63/mth Min. cost $63 Go to Site	$63/mth Min. cost $63	Go to Site
#4	TPG	TPG nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Go to Site
#5	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Silver Unlimited nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $59.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $78.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#6	iiNet	iiNet nbn50 Liimitless nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Go to Site
#7	Dodo	Dodo nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $83.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90 Go to Site*	$68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90	Go to Site
#8	Superloop	Superloop Extra-value nbn50/20 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 6 months! $67/mth for 6 mths, then $81/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $67/mth Min. cost $67 Go to Site	$67/mth Min. cost $67	Go to Site
#9	Telstra	Telstra Upfront Internet Plan Essential nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $105/mth Min. cost $105 Link not supplied	$105/mth Min. cost $105	Link not supplied
#10	iPrimus	iPrimus Standard Plus nbn50 Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $84/mth Min. cost $84 Go to Site	$84/mth Min. cost $84	Go to Site