NORTH AMERICA
Stay Connected in North America
When travelling across North America, staying connected is essential – whether you’re navigating the streets of New York, sharing your experiences on social media, or staying in touch with family and friends. Thankfully, there are a variety of SIM card options available, offering plans that suit different needs, budgets, and travel styles.
Types of North American SIM Cards
In North America, SIM cards can generally be split into two categories:
- Local SIM Cards: These SIM cards are provided by major U.S., Canadian, and Mexican telecom companies such as AT&T, Verizon, Telus, Rogers, Telcel, and others. Local SIM cards are ideal if you’re staying in the region for an extended period, or if you’re travelling throughout North America.
- International SIM Cards: Providers like Three UK, Vodafone, and Orange offer SIM cards that work across multiple countries, including North America. These are a great choice if you’re planning to travel beyond just the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, providing coverage in dozens of countries around the world.
mention calls/data only
Key Providers in North America
Here’s a table that compares the major North American telecom providers and their features.
| Provider | Coverage Area | Data Allowance | Calls & SMS | Hotspot Support | Best For |
| AT&T (USA) | U.S., Canada, Mexico | 5GB, 10GB, 20GB+ | Unlimited calls & SMS (within U.S.) | Yes, included in plans | Nationwide coverage & reliable service Find out more |
| Verizon (USA) | U.S., Canada | 5GB, 10GB, Unlimited | Unlimited calls & SMS (within U.S.) | Yes, included in plans | Rural areas, best network coverage |
| T-Mobile (USA) | U.S., Canada, Mexico | 5GB, 10GB, Unlimited | Unlimited calls & SMS (within U.S.) | Yes, included in plans | Budget travellers, fast 5G speeds |
| Mint Mobile (USA) | U.S. (uses T-Mobile network) | 5GB, 10GB, 15GB | Unlimited calls & SMS (within U.S.) | Yes, included in plans | Budget-friendly for short stays |
| Telus (Canada) | Canada, U.S. | 5GB, 10GB, 20GB+ | Unlimited calls & SMS (within Canada) | Yes, included in plans | Ideal for long-term stays in Canada |
| Rogers (Canada) | Canada, U.S. | 5GB, 10GB, 20GB+ | Unlimited calls & SMS (within Canada) | Yes, included in plans | Canada-wide coverage, reliable service |
| Telcel (Mexico) | Mexico, U.S. | 5GB, 10GB, 15GB | Unlimited calls & SMS (within Mexico) | Yes, included in plans | Popular choice for Mexico-based travel |
| Three UK (Global) | U.S., Canada, Mexico, 71 countries | 12GB, 20GB, 50GB | Unlimited calls & SMS (select countries) | Yes, included in plans | Multi-country travel (71 countries) |
How to Choose the Best SIM Card for Your Needs
Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the right SIM card for your North American travels:
- Duration of Stay: If you’re only staying for a short period, a prepaid plan is likely the most cost-effective option. For longer stays, a local SIM with a monthly plan might offer better value.
- Data Usage: If you’re planning to use a lot of data for things like navigation, streaming, or social media, ensure the plan you choose has a sufficient data allowance or offers unlimited data.
- Coverage Area: If you’ll be visiting rural areas, choose a provider with strong coverage outside major cities. Verizon and Telus often offer the best coverage in rural areas.
- Budget: For those on a tight budget, consider more affordable providers like Mint Mobile, or T-Mobile for reasonable rates without compromising too much on coverage.
- International Travel: If your trip includes stops in multiple countries, an international SIM card like Three UK might be your best bet, offering coverage in over 70 countries.