Planning Italy in 2025? An eSIM is the simplest way to stay connected from touchdown at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) to your last espresso in Florence. Italy’s cities have strong 4G and expanding 5G, but coverage and speeds can drop once you hit hills, vineyards, lakes or the Dolomites. This guide cuts through the noise: which eSIM plan to pick, real-world speeds (city vs countryside), how to activate at the airport in minutes, and what to know about EU roaming and fair use policies (FUP). If you’re hopping to France or Spain too, we’ll help you decide between a single-country Italy plan and a regional one. Start with Esim Italy, or browse all options on Destinations. Business travellers and teams: see For Business for consolidated billing and fleet management.

Quick recommendations

• Best for city breaks (Rome, Milan, Florence): A 10–20 GB Esim Italy plan with 5G access where available. Expect solid speeds and easy airport activation.
• Best for countryside road trips (Tuscany, Puglia, Umbria): Go 15–30 GB Esim Italy to cover maps, photos and hotspot. Expect 4G outside towns; download maps offline.
• Best for multi-country (France/Spain day trips or week-long Euro rail): Pick Esim Western Europe to avoid roaming surprises and FUP caps across borders.
• Flying in from or onward to the US/Canada: Add Esim United States or Esim North America for seamless legs before/after Italy.
• Business travel: Pooled data and central management on For Business keeps expenses clean and devices online.

Pro tip: If you’re doing France > Italy > Spain, a single Esim Western Europe often beats juggling separate Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain.

Coverage and speeds: what to expect in 2025

Italy’s major networks are TIM, Vodafone Italia, WINDTRE and Iliad. Most travel eSIMs connect to at least two of these, steering you to the strongest signal.

Cities and larger towns

• Where: Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Florence, Naples, Verona, Bari.
• Coverage: Excellent 4G; 5G in central areas and commercial districts.
• Typical speeds:
• 5G: 150–500+ Mbps off-peak; 80–200 Mbps at busy times.
• 4G/LTE: 20–80 Mbps; expect higher latency during rush hours.
• Experience: Video calls and HD streaming are smooth; hotspotting a laptop is fine.

Countryside, lakes and coast

• Where: Tuscany villages, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Lake Como/Garda, Val d’Orcia, Puglia’s trulli towns.
• Coverage: Good in towns; patchy in valleys, cliffs and rural stretches.
• Typical speeds:
• 4G: 5–30 Mbps; occasional drops to 1–5 Mbps in dead spots.
• 5G: Spotty outside regional hubs; don’t rely on it.
• Experience: Maps, messaging and email are fine; upload-heavy tasks can stall. Cache playlists and download offline maps.

Mountains and islands

• Where: Dolomites, Apennines, Sardinia, Sicily’s interiors.
• Coverage: Varies by village; ski resorts often decent in town, weak on slopes.
• Typical speeds: 1–15 Mbps; brief 0-data zones on mountain roads.
• Experience: Set expectations low and plan offline fallbacks.

Trains and motorways

• High-speed Frecciarossa/Italo: Carriages can be metal-heavy; signal fluctuates between towers and tunnels. 5–30 Mbps is common; onboard Wi‑Fi varies.
• Motorways: Better than B-roads; still expect dips in valleys and tunnels.

Pro tip: If speeds lag in a city, manually switch your eSIM network (e.g., between TIM/Vodafone/WINDTRE) in Mobile Network settings. One may be less congested.

Choosing the right Italy eSIM plan

Key factors to weigh:

• Data allowance: Typical travel use per week:
• Light (messaging/maps): 3–5 GB
• Moderate (social/ride-hailing/photos): 8–12 GB
• Heavy (hotspot/HD video): 15–30 GB
• Validity: 7, 10, 15 and 30-day options are common. Align the validity with your travel dates to avoid orphaned gigabytes.
• Network access: Plans that allow multiple Italian networks can improve coverage when roaming rural areas.
• 5G access: Helpful in cities; not essential for most travellers.
• Hotspot/tethering: Most travel eSIMs permit it; check plan details if you rely on laptop tethering.
• Top-ups: Prefer plans that allow topping up or extending validity without reinstalling a new eSIM.
• Regional vs single-country:
• Only Italy? Choose Esim Italy.
• Italy + neighbours? Choose Esim Western Europe. Single-country options exist for nearby stops like Esim France and Esim Spain.

Typical price guide (indicative): 3–5 GB (€7–€12), 10 GB (€15–€22), 20 GB (€25–€35), 30–50 GB (€35–€55). Prices vary by season and included networks.

Pro tip: If your phone supports multiple eSIMs, install both a regional and an Italy plan before you fly. Activate only the one you need first; switch if plans change.

How to install and activate your eSIM (works at FCO/MXP)

Do this once; it works the same across Italy.

1) Before you fly - Check your device supports eSIM and is unlocked. - Buy your plan (e.g., Esim Italy) and keep the QR code/email handy offline. - On iPhone: Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM. On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM.

2) Install the eSIM profile - Scan the QR or use the provided activation code. Name it “Italy” for clarity. - Leave “Data Roaming” OFF until you land in Italy (or the covered region).

3) Set data defaults - Set “Italy eSIM” as your Mobile Data line; keep your home SIM for calls if needed. - Keep iMessage/WhatsApp tied to your primary number to avoid confusion.

4) Land at FCO or MXP - Connect to free airport Wi‑Fi (follow on-screen SMS code or email verification). - Toggle Data Roaming ON for your Italy eSIM. - If asked for APN, accept “automatic” or the APN in your plan email.

5) Test and optimise - Open a browser; run a speed test or load maps. - If no data: reboot, then manually select a different network (TIM/Vodafone/WINDTRE).

6) Keep your home SIM safe - Disable your home SIM’s data to prevent roaming charges. Leave it active for calls/SMS if you need 2FA.

7) Top-up if needed - Add data or extend validity from your plan dashboard without reinstalling.

Pro tip: Screenshot your QR code and instructions. Airport Wi‑Fi can block email images; a screenshot saves time.

Airport playbook: FCO and MXP in 5 minutes

Rome Fiumicino (FCO)

• After passport control, connect to the airport’s free Wi‑Fi (look for the official network in the arrivals hall).
• Find a seat with power, install/activate your eSIM, turn on Data Roaming.
• If activation stalls, move near windows for better signal and reboot once.

Milan Malpensa (MXP)

• Connect to free Wi‑Fi in Arrivals near baggage belts or café areas.
• Activate your eSIM, then test Maps for your train to Milano Cadorna or Centrale.
• If speeds are poor, lock to an alternative network in settings before you leave the terminal.

Pro tip: Don’t buy impulse “tourist SIMs” at kiosks unless you need local voice minutes. Travel eSIMs are usually better value for data, and you can set them up faster yourself.

EU roaming and Fair Use Policy (FUP) explained

• EU “roam like at home” is for EU residents on domestic EU plans. As a visitor using a travel eSIM, your roaming terms depend on the plan you buy.
• Single-country plans (e.g., Esim Italy) are typically meant for use only in that country; crossing into France or Spain may block data or trigger a cap.
• Regional plans (e.g., Esim Western Europe) include multiple countries with one allowance. They often have a FUP to prevent abuse (e.g., reduced speeds or a per-country cap after heavy use).
• “Unlimited” offers nearly always have FUP. Expect a high-speed bucket followed by reduced speeds (for example, 1–5 Mbps) or a daily fair-use threshold.
• Switzerland, San Marino and the Vatican are not automatically included by default on every plan. Always check your plan’s covered countries list.

Pro tips: - Crossing borders by train? A regional plan avoids dead zones at the frontier. - If you only need France or Spain on separate trips, single-country options like Esim France and Esim Spain can be better value than a broad regional bundle.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do: - Download offline maps for regions with mountains or coastal cliffs. - Allow iCloud/Google Photos to back up on Wi‑Fi only to save data. - Use dual-SIM: home line for calls/SMS, eSIM for data. - Manually switch networks if speeds are inconsistent.

Don’t: - Assume 5G outside major cities; plan for 4G in rural areas. - Burn through data with auto-updates and cloud sync on mobile. - Buy tiny 1–2 GB plans for week-long trips; you’ll top up at airport prices. - Rely on “unlimited” without reading the FUP fine print.

Troubleshooting checklist

• No data after activation: Toggle Airplane Mode on/off; then reboot.
• “Activation failed” on QR: Use the manual activation code from your email.
• Slow speeds in a city: Manually select a different local network in Mobile Network settings.
• Apps not connecting on mobile: Check APN set to automatic or as per your plan email.
• Hotspot not working: Verify your plan allows tethering; update carrier settings; reboot.

For businesses and travel partners

• Companies: Centralise spend, allocate data to staff and manage devices across trips with For Business.
• Travel creators/agents: Earn and streamline recommendations via the Partner Hub.

FAQ

• Is my phone compatible with an Italy eSIM? Most recent iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy and other flagship devices support eSIM. Your phone must be unlocked. Check your device settings for “Add eSIM”.
• Can I keep my WhatsApp number? Yes. WhatsApp, iMessage and Signal stay tied to your existing number even when using an Italy eSIM for data.
• Will my Italy eSIM work in other EU countries? A single-country Esim Italy plan is intended for Italy. For multi-country travel, pick Esim Western Europe or country-specific options such as Esim France and Esim Spain.
• What speeds should I expect? In cities, 5G commonly delivers 100–300+ Mbps and 4G around 20–80 Mbps. Rural and mountain areas can drop to single-digit Mbps, with occasional no-signal pockets.
• Do I need ID to buy an Italy eSIM? Travel eSIMs bought online typically do not require in-person registration. Buying a local physical SIM in-store in Italy may require ID. Always follow the instructions in your plan email.
• Can I hotspot my laptop? Most travel eSIM plans allow tethering, but some have limits. Check your specific plan details. Expect smooth browsing on 4G/5G; large uploads are best on Wi‑Fi.

Next step: Choose your plan on Esim Italy and land connected.

Planning data on the go in Japan? An eSIM is the easiest, fastest way to get online without queueing at the airport or swapping plastic cards. This 2025 traveller’s guide to “esim japan” covers what actually matters on the ground: which networks you’ll roam on, how coverage holds up on JR trains and in tunnels, typical 4G/5G speeds in real life, what Japan’s eKYC rules mean for tourists, and quick setup steps at Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND) and Kansai (KIX). You’ll also find train and station Wi‑Fi tips, hotspot/tethering notes, and a troubleshooting checklist you can use offline. If your trip spans multiple countries, we’ll show you how to combine a Japan eSIM with regional plans for a seamless itinerary. When you’re ready, browse Japan alongside other countries on Destinations.

Why choose an eSIM for Japan in 2025

• Instant activation: Install before you fly; data works the moment you land.
• Keep your home number: Dual‑SIM phones let you receive calls/SMS on your primary line while using a Japan data plan.
• No queues or language hurdles: Skip vending machines and counter pickups.
• Transparent costs: Prepaid data packs, no contracts.
• Works across cities and rail: Good coverage along Shinkansen and most JR lines.

Pro tip: Install your eSIM over reliable Wi‑Fi at home, then just toggle it on after landing. If you must install on arrival, use airport Wi‑Fi (details below).

Network coverage at a glance (JR lines, cities, islands)

Japan’s mobile networks are among the world’s most built‑out. Your “esim japan” plan will typically roam on one or more of these domestic carriers:

• NTT Docomo (broadest nationwide footprint)
• KDDI au (excellent suburban and rural coverage)
• SoftBank (strong urban performance)
• Rakuten (expanding; best in cities, fills gaps via roaming)

What that means for travellers:

• Major cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Hiroshima have near‑universal 4G with deep‑indoor coverage; 5G is widespread in dense areas.
• JR Shinkansen corridors:
• Tokaido/Sanyo (Tokyo–Osaka–Hiroshima–Fukuoka): Continuous 4G with extensive tunnel repeaters; 5G available in many sections and stations.
• Tohoku/Hokkaido (Tokyo–Aomori–Shin‑Hakodate): Strong coverage; some long tunnels still step down to 4G.
• Hokuriku (Tokyo–Kanazawa–Tsuruga): Very solid; minor dips in mountainous stretches.
• Local JR and private lines: Urban commuter routes have consistent service; expect brief drops in older tunnels and remote mountain valleys.
• Rural/coastal routes and islands: 4G is common; remote peninsulas and smaller islands may see 3G‑like speeds or short dead zones.

Pro tip: If you’re riding scenic, rural lines, download offline maps and tickets before departure. Streaming music is usually fine; HD video may buffer in older tunnels.

Typical speeds and performance

Real‑world expectations with a good “esim japan” plan:

• Urban 5G (mid‑band): 100–300 Mbps down, 10–40 Mbps up. Peak higher near outdoor 5G nodes.
• Urban 4G: 40–80 Mbps down, 5–20 Mbps up.
• Stations/Shinkansen: 20–60 Mbps down via 4G/5G repeaters; dips to 5–20 Mbps in busy carriages at rush hour.
• Rural: 10–30 Mbps down; uploads can be 3–10 Mbps.

Latency is typically 20–40 ms in cities, 40–80 ms on trains/rural. Plenty for maps, translations, VoIP, cloud photos, and streaming at 480–720p.

eKYC in Japan: what travellers need to know

Japan has strict identity rules for voice services. Here’s the traveller version:

• Data‑only eSIMs (no Japanese phone number): Usually no eKYC (no passport upload) required. These are ideal for tourists using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and LINE.
• eSIMs with Japanese voice/SMS numbers: Likely require eKYC (passport/ID verification) per local regulations and can take longer to activate.
• Domestic provider profiles: Some data plans issued by Japanese operators may still request ID to comply with carrier policy.

Pro tips: - If you only need data, choose a data‑only plan to avoid paperwork. - For restaurant or courier calls to domestic numbers, use app‑based calling or ask your hotel to assist. Most bookings accept LINE or email.

Train and station Wi‑Fi: what to expect

• Shinkansen onboard Wi‑Fi: Widely available on Tokaido/Sanyo (N700 series), Tohoku, Hokuriku, and other lines. SSIDs vary (often “Shinkansen_Free_Wi‑Fi”). Speeds 2–20 Mbps depending on train occupancy; short dropouts in long tunnels.
• JR station Wi‑Fi: Major JR East stations offer “JR‑EAST_FREE_Wi‑Fi”; JR West and Central have similar services at key hubs. Sessions may require email/social login with 30–60 minute reconnects.
• Metro/private railway Wi‑Fi: Spotty; newer trains sometimes have Wi‑Fi, but it’s not guaranteed.
• Cafés/convenience stores: Free Wi‑Fi common at Starbucks, Tully’s, and some konbini chains.

Reality check: Your eSIM’s cellular data is more stable than free Wi‑Fi when trains are crowded. Use station Wi‑Fi for large downloads; rely on cellular for everything else.

Airport arrival steps (NRT, HND, KIX)

Install before you fly if possible. If not, here’s a quick playbook using airport Wi‑Fi.

Common steps for any airport

1. Connect to airport Wi‑Fi (see SSIDs below).
2. Open your eSIM installation QR/email and add the mobile plan (Settings > Mobile/Cellular > Add eSIM).
3. Label the new line “Japan Data”.
4. Set it as “Mobile Data/Cellular Data” line and enable Data Roaming.
5. Keep your home line for voice/SMS if needed.
6. APN: Most plans auto‑configure. If not provided, check your plan details and set APN manually.
7. Toggle Airplane Mode ON/OFF once to force network registration.
8. Test: Load a map, speed test, and your translator app.

Pro tips: - If you can’t download the eSIM over public Wi‑Fi, move closer to gates or lounges for stronger signal. - Some captive portals block large downloads; tether from a companion’s phone if needed.

Narita (NRT)

• Wi‑Fi: “Narita Free Wi‑Fi”. No password; short portal login.
• Strong coverage from all carriers in both terminals. Expect 4G/5G as soon as you exit immigration.

Haneda (HND)

• Wi‑Fi: “HANEDA-FREE-WIFI”.
• Excellent indoor coverage; 5G present in most public areas. Ideal place to install and test before heading to the monorail/Keikyu lines.

Kansai (KIX)

• Wi‑Fi: “FreeWi‑Fi@KIX”.
• Coverage is solid across T1/T2. If speeds are slow on Wi‑Fi, move towards central atriums or lounges for better throughput during busy hours.

How to set up your Japan eSIM: quick How‑To

• Before departing:
• Check your phone is eSIM‑compatible and unlocked.
• Install the eSIM over home Wi‑Fi.
• Download offline maps for Tokyo/Kansai and your JR routes.
• Enable “Allow Mobile Data Switching” (iPhone) for resilience.
• On landing:
• Turn on the Japan eSIM line and Data Roaming.
• Confirm APN auto‑configured.
• Run a quick speed test; verify messaging apps.

Tethering, hotspots and fair use

• Tethering: Most “esim japan” data plans allow hotspots, but some restrict it. Check your plan details.
• Fair usage: High‑speed data may be subject to network management at peak times. Video may be optimised on certain networks.
• Battery: 5G drains faster. If you’re hotspotting on the Shinkansen, limit to 4G or use Low Power Mode.

Troubleshooting checklist (use offline)

• No service after install: Toggle Airplane Mode; reboot; ensure Data Roaming is on; select automatic network.
• Stuck on 3G: Manually set 4G/5G preferred; move nearer windows in trains; disable VPN.
• eSIM fails to download: Switch to stronger Wi‑Fi; try again via QR; ensure date/time is automatic.
• Slow speeds: Test different bands by toggling 5G On/Auto; pause background cloud backups.
• APN missing: Enter APN from your plan; leave username/password blank unless specified.

Costs and plan types

• Data‑only packs: Most popular for tourists. Pick by data volume (e.g., 3–20 GB) or duration (7–30 days).
• Unlimited‑style: Often include a daily high‑speed bucket then slower speeds. Check the daily FUP.
• Voice/SMS add‑ons: Require eKYC; only choose if you truly need a local number.
• Extensions/top‑ups: Many plans allow adding data without reinstalling the eSIM.

Pro tip: Start with a conservative data allowance. Navigation, chat and light social use average 0.3–0.8 GB/day; heavy short‑video can push 1–2 GB/day.

Multi‑country trips: combine Japan with regional eSIMs

If Japan is part of a longer itinerary, a regional plan can simplify things:

• Heading to Korea/US after Japan? Pair your Japan eSIM with Esim North America or country‑specific Esim United States.
• Flying on to Europe? Check Esim Western Europe or country pages such as Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain.

You can keep multiple eSIM profiles on modern phones and switch as you cross borders.

Business and team travel

Need to equip a team for conferences in Tokyo or factory visits in Kansai? Centralise purchasing, track usage, and manage multiple lines with For Business. It’s simpler than juggling airport SIMs and receipts.

Partners and resellers

Travel agencies, TMCs, OTAs and content creators can deliver connectivity as part of their Japan offering. Explore commissions, assets and onboarding via the Partner Hub.

FAQ

• Do I need eKYC to use a Japan eSIM?
• For data‑only plans, usually not. Plans that include a Japanese phone number typically require ID verification.
• Will my phone work with “esim japan”?
• Most recent iPhones and premium Androids support eSIM and Japan’s bands. Ensure your device is unlocked and eSIM‑capable before travel.
• Is 5G worth it in Japan?
• Yes in cities: it’s widespread and fast. On trains and in rural areas, 4G remains the workhorse, so don’t worry if you only see LTE.
• How good is coverage on JR trains?
• Shinkansen lines have strong, near‑continuous coverage with tunnel repeaters. Local lines are solid in metro areas, with occasional drops in older or very remote tunnels.
• Can I tether my laptop on the Shinkansen?
• Usually yes, but check your plan’s hotspot policy. Expect 10–40 Mbps typical; enough for calls and VPN, with brief drops in long tunnels.
• Should I rely on free train Wi‑Fi instead of cellular?
• Treat it as a backup. It’s handy for large downloads at stations, but cellular is more reliable onboard and during peak times.

Final pro tips

• Save offline translation packs and maps for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
• If you need to take work calls, test your VoIP app on airport Wi‑Fi before leaving.
• Keep your home SIM active for banking SMS, but set “data” to the Japan eSIM.
• Screenshots of your QR/eSIM email help if portals block links.

Next step

Compare Japan alongside other countries and get your eSIM set up before you fly via Destinations.

Planning a trip to the United States? This guide gives you the fastest way to get connected, what speeds to expect in major cities, and how to choose the right eSIM for your itinerary. With an eSIM you can land, scan a QR code, and be online in under five minutes—no queues, no plastic SIM. The USA has three nationwide networks (AT&T, T‑Mobile and Verizon) with excellent 5G in cities and solid 4G coverage across highways. Tourist eSIMs are data‑only and don’t require passport registration; local carrier eSIMs can include a US number but often come with ID and billing hurdles. We’ll cover compatibility (including the 5G bands that matter), typical download speeds by city, and a simple airport setup checklist. If you’re visiting Canada or Mexico too, consider a regional plan to avoid border hassles. When you’re ready, pick your plan on the Esim United States page and fly with confidence.

Quick take: the best eSIM for USA travel in 2025

• Fastest city coverage: a T‑Mobile–based plan (strong mid‑band 5G, excellent urban footprint).
• Balanced coverage coast‑to‑coast: AT&T or Verizon–based plans (often better on highways and in rural).
• Cross‑border trips (USA + Canada/Mexico): choose Esim North America.
• Short city breaks: 3–5 GB plans are fine for maps, rides, socials; go 10–20 GB if you stream.
• Long road trips: prioritise plans that include 4G/5G access across multiple bands and allow tethering.

Browse all US options and durations on Esim United States. For other countries and onward routes, see Destinations.

Airport setup in 5 minutes (How‑to)

Do this once and you’re online before baggage claim.

1) Before you fly - Buy your plan on Esim United States. - Check your phone is unlocked and eSIM‑capable. - Download the QR code or the app to your device. Some plans let you pre‑install but activate on arrival.

2) On the plane (before descent) - Install the eSIM: Settings > Mobile/Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR code/Activation code. - Label it “USA Data”. Keep your primary line for calls/SMS if needed. - Set USA eSIM as “Mobile Data” and turn “Data Roaming” ON for that eSIM. - Keep your home SIM’s Data OFF to avoid roaming charges.

3) After landing - Toggle Airplane Mode OFF. Your phone should register in 30–60 seconds. - If prompted for APN, use the provider’s APN (often auto‑configured). Check the plan email. - Run a quick speed test or load a map to confirm.

4) Dual‑SIM hygiene (iPhone/Android) - iMessage/FaceTime: under “Send & Receive”, keep your home number for iMessage if you rely on it. - Default line for calls: set to your home SIM if you need bank SMS; keep data on the USA eSIM.

Pro tips - If data doesn’t start, toggle the USA eSIM OFF/ON, or manually select the network once. - Some tourist plans are 4G/LTE‑only; if you expect 5G, confirm before purchase. - Time‑based plans start at first network connection—avoid activating days early.

Coverage, 5G bands and device compatibility

US 5G/LTE bands that matter

For dependable 4G/5G in the USA, your device should support these bands: - 5G NR: n71 (600 MHz low‑band, T‑Mobile), n41 (2.5 GHz mid‑band, T‑Mobile), n77 (3.7–3.98 GHz C‑Band, AT&T/Verizon), and optionally n260/n261 (mmWave in dense hotspots). - 4G/LTE: Bands 2, 4/66 (AWS), 5 (850), 12/17 (700), 13 (700 Verizon), 14 (AT&T FirstNet), and 71 (600).

Most recent iPhones (XR/XS and newer), Google Pixels (3 and newer) and Samsung Galaxy (S20 and newer) cover these. If you have a niche or older model, check the spec sheet for n71/n41/n77 and LTE 2/4/5/12/13/66/71.

Compatibility checklist

• Unlocked device: required. If you bought from a carrier, confirm it’s unlocked before travel.
• eSIM capable: iPhone XR/XS+; Pixel 3+ (except some US carrier variants); Samsung S20+; many others.
• Regional variants: some China‑market iPhones lack eSIM; some budget Androids have limited band support.
• Dual SIM setup: assign the USA eSIM to data only; leave your home SIM for calls/SMS if needed.
• Hotspot/tethering: allowed on most tourist eSIMs, but some “unlimited” plans cap hotspot speeds—check plan notes.

Typical speeds by city (real‑world expectations)

Speeds vary by network, location, time of day and device. As a traveller using a mainstream tourist eSIM, expect roughly:

• New York City: 5G 150–400 Mbps down, 10–40 Mbps up; dense areas can burst higher. 4G fallback: 20–80 Mbps.
• Los Angeles: 5G 150–350 Mbps; 4G: 20–70 Mbps. Good mid‑band 5G in Westside, DTLA, Hollywood.
• San Francisco & Bay Area: 5G 120–300 Mbps; 4G: 15–60 Mbps. Coverage dips in hilly neighbourhoods and Marin.
• Chicago: 5G 150–300 Mbps; 4G: 20–70 Mbps. Strong city coverage, slightly slower in far suburbs.
• Miami: 5G 150–350 Mbps; 4G: 20–80 Mbps. Tourist zones are well served.
• Las Vegas: 5G 200–400+ Mbps on/near the Strip; 4G: 30–90 Mbps. Convention weeks see congestion.
• National Parks/Highways: often 4G or 3G‑like at 2–20 Mbps; occasional dead zones.

Note: T‑Mobile typically leads for 5G speeds and availability in cities; Verizon and AT&T can edge coverage on highways and rural routes. Tourist eSIMs use one of these networks—your experience will reflect that network’s footprint.

Tourist eSIM vs local carrier eSIM (what’s best for you?)

Tourist eSIM (via providers like Simology) - Registration: no passport upload; email and payment only. - Phone number: usually data‑only; use WhatsApp/FaceTime/VoIP for calls. - Activation: instant via QR; install before you fly, activate on arrival. - Flexibility: buy the exact data you need; easy top‑ups. - Tethering: generally allowed, sometimes speed‑capped on “unlimited” plans.

Local carrier eSIM (AT&T, T‑Mobile, Verizon stores) - Registration: may request ID and a US address; in‑store visit often required. - Phone number: yes, you get a US number for calls/SMS. - Payment: US card or cash in store; autopay may need US billing. - Plans: compelling monthly unlimited offers, but can include speed deprioritisation and store fees. - Setup: 30–60 minutes in store; useful for long stays (1–3 months+) needing a US number.

Most short‑stay travellers prefer tourist eSIMs for simplicity. If you need a US number (e.g., for two‑factor SMS), a local prepaid line or a separate VoIP number can be worth it.

Data allowance, pricing and planning your usage

Typical traveller usage - Light (maps, messaging, ride‑hailing, email): 0.3–0.8 GB/day - Medium (socials, short videos, a few calls): 1–2 GB/day - Heavy (HD streaming, hotspots, work calls): 3–5+ GB/day

Plan sizing examples - 3–5 days in cities: 5–10 GB - 7–10 days with light hotspot: 10–20 GB - 2–3 weeks road trip: 20–40 GB (or an “unlimited” plan with fair‑use policy)

Pricing benchmarks (2025, typical tourist eSIMs) - 3–5 GB: budget‑friendly, good for short breaks - 10–20 GB: best value for most travellers - Unlimited (with fair‑use): great for longer stays, but read hotspot and speed policies

Save data - Download offline maps (entire states/regions) over hotel Wi‑Fi. - Set streaming to “Auto” or SD on mobile data. - Auto‑upload photos on Wi‑Fi only.

Coverage on the road and in national parks

• Interstates: generally solid 4G with bursts of 5G near cities/suburbs.
• Mountain/desert areas (Yosemite, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone): expect spotty service; carry offline maps and cached playlists.
• Coastal drives (Highway 1, Florida Keys): mostly covered, but some scenic stretches fade to 3G‑like speeds.
• Rental cars: CarPlay/Android Auto works well with eSIM data; bring a USB cable and a 12V charger.

Pro tips - Share your itinerary with someone and turn on location sharing when hiking. - Download trail maps (AllTrails, National Park Service) before entry gates. - If you rely on rideshare at airports, step outside to open‑air areas—mmWave 5G inside terminals can be patchy; 4G/low‑band is more reliable.

Troubleshooting and pro tips

Common fixes - No data on arrival: toggle Airplane Mode; ensure “Data Roaming” is ON for the USA eSIM; reset network settings only as a last resort. - Slow speeds: move to open space; force 4G/LTE if 5G is congested; try a different server for speed tests. - APN missing: add the APN from your plan confirmation; most install automatically. - iMessage/WhatsApp: both continue to use your existing number; no need to re‑register unless you changed SIM priority. - Battery drain: 5G can use more power; enable Low Power Mode on long days; carry a 10,000 mAh power bank.

Dual‑SIM best practice - Home SIM: Calls/SMS ON (if needed), Data OFF. - USA eSIM: Data ON, Data Roaming ON, 5G Auto/On (if included in plan).

Alternatives and onward travel

• Visiting Canada or Mexico too? Choose Esim North America to stay connected across borders without swapping profiles.
• Heading to Europe after the US? A regional pass like Esim Western Europe is simpler than juggling country‑by‑country plans. Country options include Esim France, Esim Spain and Esim Italy.
• Business travel or teams on the move? Centralise buying and expense control via For Business.
• Travel creators, agencies or resellers: explore commissions and assets in the Partner Hub.
• Planning more trips this year? See all coverage maps and guides on Destinations.

FAQ

1) Do I need to show ID or register my SIM in the USA? - For tourist eSIMs, no passport upload is required. You purchase online and activate via QR. Local carrier lines may ask for ID and a US address in store.

2) Will I get a US phone number with a tourist eSIM? - Most traveller eSIMs are data‑only and do not include a US number. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom or a VoIP app. If you need SMS for banks, keep your home SIM active for texts or consider a local prepaid line.

3) Is 5G included on USA eSIM plans? - Many plans include 5G where available; some are LTE‑only. Check the plan details before purchase. Your phone must support US 5G bands (n71/n41/n77) to benefit.

4) Can I use hotspot/tethering? - Generally yes, but some “unlimited” plans cap hotspot speeds or data. If you intend to work from your laptop, pick a plan that explicitly allows tethering.

5) What speeds should I expect? - In major cities, 5G downloads of 150–350 Mbps are common, with 4G around 20–80 Mbps. Rural areas can be much slower. Results vary by network and congestion.

6) My phone is carrier‑locked—can I still use an eSIM? - No. Your device must be network‑unlocked to use a third‑party eSIM. Contact your carrier to unlock before you fly.

Next step: choose your data size and get your QR in minutes on the Esim United States page.