Prepaid sim card

[clarker99]

Other companies that offer eSIM plans are GigSky and HolaFly.

HolaFly actually offers unlimited data options.

I was considering using Airalo on my next Disney trip. Do you buy it when you get there or do you buy while in Canada?

I buy it while I am in Canada waiting to get on my flight to the US. Before you put it in Airplane mode switch your data to the eSIM. Then when you land and take your phone off Airplane mode, it will just work.

 

[lilsonicfan]

Yes I buy in Canada and get it installed at home while I have a good wifi connection. One warning about Airalo, the app doesn’t work if you don’t have wifi or data, as in, you can’t even open it to find how to install it if you don’t have wifi or data. (My other complaint is that it doesn’t give you a warning when you’re about to run out of data such that you could top it up, so you have to check it frequently)

 

[peacefrogdog]

If understanding correctly , is the main advantage to eSim that you can still take calls to your Canadian number , and not have to physically remove your existing sim? Is it cheaper than getting an actual us SIM card ?

 

[40ariel]

We had planned to go to a T-Mobile store after crossing the border and purchasing a T-Mobile SIM card with unlimited data for 30 days. We don't need 30 days but it seemed reasonable. We also don't really need calling ability, it is the data we are after.

I would like to report back that we purchased a T-Mobile unlimited card at a T-Mobile store after crossing the border. We had unlimited data, hotspot 10GB and talk and text to US numbers for 30 days. It was $60 +$10 charge. It was super easy to do and worked well for us with kids that wanted to use data on the drive down.

 

[starvenger]

If understanding correctly , is the main advantage to eSim that you can still take calls to your Canadian number , and not have to physically remove your existing sim? Is it cheaper than getting an actual us SIM card ?

Yes, but remember that if you make an outgoing call (and sometimes incoming calls), you're going to get hit with roaming charges. So it's beneficial to call using apps like WhatsApp or WeChat.

For me, I like to keep my home number active in case there's an issue at home, or a tenant (we own a couple of duplexes) needs to reach me.

 

[lilsonicfan]

If understanding correctly , is the main advantage to eSim that you can still take calls to your Canadian number , and not have to physically remove your existing sim? Is it cheaper than getting an actual us SIM card ?

Yes absolutely - can still have primary number available if I have to take a call or receive a text. So basically you can have two SIMs. Maybe some android phones already allow two physical sims? Idk.

You could still use WhatsApp with a new physical sim as WhatsApp will ask if you want to keep using it with your current #.

As for cost, it’s been a long time since I bought a US SIM card. But I paid $16 USD for 5gb of data that lasts 30 days. I still had about 2gb left after our ten day trip. Telus roam like home is at least $12 per day now.

 

[clarker99]

If understanding correctly , is the main advantage to eSim that you can still take calls to your Canadian number , and not have to physically remove your existing sim? Is it cheaper than getting an actual us SIM card ?

https://www.airalo.com/united-states-esim

 

[clarker99]

Yup, Airalo is the way to go for USA/international data.

 

[peacefrogdog]

100% agree. Ended up using Airalo and it worked beautifully. Still got texts and calls to my regular number, but able to use a set amount of US data for a low fee (I paid $15 I believe that got me 6GB to use over a month). Used it for a couple of trips, and easy to switch back to my Telus sim card when back in Canada.

 

[CanucksRock]

I just used Airalo for a trip to Europe. 3 different eSIMs because it was cheaper than getting one that would cover the 3 places I was going to. Worked flawlessly.

 

[lilsonicfan]

So, I know this reply might be fashionably late, but hear me out. If you're still scratching your head over snagging a prepaid US SIM card for your trip, I've got some insight to share. Picture this: you're gearing up for your big adventure, and staying connected is key, right? Well, let me tell you about my recent discovery that totally saved the day: eSIM cards. UI

So, I know this reply might be fashionably late, but hear me out. If you're still scratching your head over snagging a prepaid US SIM card for your trip, I've got some insight to share. Picture this: you're gearing up for your big adventure, and staying connected is key, right? Well, let me tell you about my recent discovery that totally saved the day: eSIM cards. Yep, they're the unsung heroes of hassle-free travel. Before I embarked on my own journey, I did some digging and stumbled upon https://internationalsimcard.com.au/. Their range of options fit the bill perfectly. So, if you're all about maximizing convenience and minimizing those pesky roaming charges, give 'em a look.

Tell me you’re a bot without telling me you’re a bot.

 

[ottawamom]

I use Koodo prepaid as my phone service in Canada. I have recently purchased some of their US data, talk and text for use in the US. I used the phone on a recent trip to Orlando, Maine and plan on using it in ports on our trip to Alaska. So long as the area you're in is covered by AT&T or T-Mobile you'll get coverage in the States. No roaming you only get charged for what you use.

The prepaid service didn't have coverage in the US until a few months ago. It's been a game changer for me.

 

[AdamsMum]

I've used Jethro Mobile twice now. In January for 2 weeks at Disney, and in May 1 week in Cape Cod. It worked great. They have several plans and I felt it was reasonabl. About $39 u.s. for 30 days, then I think I paid $15 u.s. for 7 days. It's available on Amazon. This is for a physical sim card, my phone doesn't support esim.

 

[Sue M]

I find I don’t need a US sim. Both WDW & Universal have wifi all over. I just keep my phone in airplane mode and use wifi. I’ve also enabled wifi calling so can make phone calls too. I just have to remember to look at my phone to be sure I have wifi, there are some dead spots but not many. They’ve really improved wifi in the parks now that they’re making use of technology. Mobile ordering etc.
I only use 2 days of roaming, my travel days because I don’t want to use airport wifi! And I’m on Rogers, if you have their credit card you get 5 days free roaming.

 

[CanucksRock]

I have Public Mobile $34/mth plan that includes US & Canada calling & data. …of course does not work outside North America, but I have not found that to be an issue, I just use an eSIM for Data. I never find I need an actual phone.

 

[ccudmore]

https://www.airalo.com/united-states-esim

I've used Airalo all over Europe, NZ and Australia (and Florida). It works across multiple local carriers so you're not tied into any one carrier. I've had nothing but great experiences using an Airalo e-sim.

The only gotcha is that it's is purely for data, not voice or text. Sending outbound SMS messages (not iMessage) goes as a roaming message on your existing data plan. This is especially important if you have activated something like Rogers EasyRoam on your account which chargers you a flat daily fee of something like $15 for the day as soon as you send your first SMS message (which would have been 10 cents as a roaming SMS message).

 

[Uk145081]

I usually get a prepaid SIM after arriving at my destination since it’s often cheaper and easier to find the right plan based on local needs. When I went to the US last time, I grabbed a T-Mobile prepaid SIM at a store, which worked great for data and calls. If you just need data, eSIM options like Airalo are super convenient without having to swap physical SIMs.

For international trips, I also use mobile recharge services, which are handy for keeping my home SIM active while using a local one. You might want to check out https://paynet.red/ for quick top-ups when traveling.