Best eSIM for a Trip to the USA From the UK: How to Compare
Srujan YeletiFounder, Unlimit Mobile
5 min read
Flying from the UK to the USA for a holiday, a family visit or a semester abroad? You can sort your phone before you board: keep using your UK network on roaming, buy a data-only travel eSIM, or set up an eSIM that gives you a US number. Which is best depends on how long you're going for and whether you need people in the USA to call or text you.
This guide compares those options and explains where Unlimit Mobile fits. Unlimit Mobile's USA eSIM gives you a real US number on the T-Mobile network, unlimited calls and texts across the USA, and 2GB, 10GB or unlimited data a month, for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, with no contract and no credit check.
What to compare before you choose
- A US number or data only. Data is enough for maps, WhatsApp and social media. A US number matters when hotels, Airbnb hosts, car hire desks, schools or a new landlord need to call or text you.
- How much data you'll use. Maps, ride apps and video calls home add up quickly. If you'll use your phone as a hotspot for a laptop, you'll need more.
- How long you're staying. A week in New York and a semester in Boston need different plans. Compare the total for your whole stay, not just the first week.
- When it starts working. Setting it up before you fly means you leave the airport connected, with no SIM shop to find after a long flight.
- Your phone. An eSIM needs a phone that is unlocked and supports eSIM. Check whether your phone supports eSIM before you buy.
Roaming, data-only eSIM or a US number: how they compare
Option | Suits | Keep in mind |
Roaming on your UK network | A short trip where you want to keep only your UK number | Check what your network charges for the USA before you go; you won't get a US number |
Data-only travel eSIM | A short holiday where you only need the internet | No US number, so no ordinary calls or texts in the USA |
SIM bought after you land | A longer stay, if you don't mind shopping on arrival | You're offline until you find a store |
eSIM with a US number, set up before you fly | Longer trips, family visits, study and work | Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM |
For a week's holiday where you only need data, a data-only travel eSIM from another provider can be enough. An eSIM with a US number is for when people in the USA need to call or text you, or you're staying a month or more.
Where Unlimit Mobile fits
Unlimit Mobile sells plans for the USA, Canada and the UK only. Its USA plans come as an eSIM with a US phone number, so it suits travellers from the UK who are staying a while or need to be reachable on a local number. Every USA plan includes:
- A US phone number, with unlimited calls and texts across the USA
- USA-wide 5G+ coverage on the T-Mobile network
- 2GB, 10GB or unlimited data a month (unlimited plans give you 25GB or 50GB at full speed, then 128 Kbps)
- Plans for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, paid once, with no contract and no credit check
- Hotspot on compatible phones, and 24/7 support
Plans are eSIM only for buyers in the UK: physical SIMs ship within India only. The shortest plan is 1 month, so a two-week holiday still takes a 1-month plan.
USA plans and today's prices
| Plan | Data | 1 month | 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimit Loki | 2GB | USD $12 | USD $132 |
| Unlimit Rizz | 10GB | USD $23 | USD $256 |
| Unlimit Slay | Unlimited: 25GB at full speed, then 128 Kbps (fair use) | USD $30 | USD $324 |
| Unlimit GOAT | Unlimited: 50GB at full speed, then 128 Kbps (fair use) | USD $40 | USD $432 |
See every plan on the USA eSIM plans page.
How to set it up before you fly
- Check your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
- Pick a USA plan and the length of your trip, enter your travel date and pay online by card.
- Scan the eSIM QR code we email you, following our eSIM installation guide.
- Your US number goes live 48 hours before your travel date, or within 1–2 hours of paying if you travel within two days.
On a dual-SIM phone you can keep your UK SIM for bank texts while the eSIM carries your US number and data. New to US numbers? Our guide to the US phone number format explains area codes and how to write one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best eSIM for the USA from the UK?
It depends on your trip. For a short holiday where you only need the internet, a data-only travel eSIM can be enough. If you're staying a month or more, or need a US number for calls and texts, compare eSIMs that include one, such as Unlimit Mobile's USA plans.
Can I keep my UK number in the USA?
Yes, on a dual-SIM phone. Keep your UK SIM for your usual number and add the eSIM for a US number and data.
Do I need a US number on holiday?
Not always. A US number helps when hotels, hosts, tour operators or car hire desks need to call or text you, and for apps that send a code to a US number.
Can I buy a physical SIM for the USA in the UK?
Not from Unlimit Mobile: buyers in the UK get an eSIM, as physical SIMs ship within India only.
When does my US number start working?
48 hours before your travel date, or within 1–2 hours of paying if you travel within two days.
Is there a contract or a credit check?
No. Plans are prepaid for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, with no contract and no credit check.
