These days our phones are pretty much indispensable. They act as everything, from an essential travel guide to an entertainment suite and — most importantly — a way to stay connected to those we’ve left behind. (Or those we’re about to meet!)

So when we’re on the move between the U.S. and UK, few things are as important as reliable phone signal and data. Unfortunately, finding the best phone deals for transatlantic travellers can sometimes feel like looking for a single strand of hay in a stack full of razor-sharp needles.

But fear not, we’ve done the digging for you! 

Below is a comprehensive guide to the best phone deals and data plans to keep you connected on your American adventure.

Best Sim Cards USA — Short Trips

If you’re just popping over for a quick visit, or you’re not yet ready to swap out your UK SIM card, then your three best options are probably the following:

• eSim cards
• International roaming plans
• Prepaid sim cards.

Let’s take a look at each option.

eSIM Cards

If you’re looking for an easy way to stay connected while on a short trip to America, then eSIM cards are an absolute lifesaver. 

They’re entirely digital and able to switch between networks. You don’t need to insert or swap out anything. Just scan the QR code, follow the steps, install the eSim card, and activate it. Easy!

Top eSIM Card Suggestions:

• Airalo: An all-round favourite in the eSIM world, Airalo operates in a huge number of different locations—but they’re not necessarily the cheapest. 
• Holafly: If you need to use a LOT of data during your trip, or you just want the peace of mind that comes with an unlimited package, then Holafly might be for you.
• Jetpac: For the budget-conscious traveller, the Jetpac Global ‘data only’ offering is a great deal. Currently they have an offer of 1GB for £1 for new users!

International Roaming Plans

Instead of going to all the bother of finding a new SIM card (digital or otherwise), you might be able to stay with your current UK provider by upgrading to an international roaming plan, giving you freedom and hassle-free connectivity—at a price, of course.

Top International Roaming Plans Suggestions:

• O2: As one of the biggest service providers in the UK, O2 offers some pretty decent USA roaming options. Depending on your plan, you may need to buy an additional ‘Travel Bolt On’.
• EE: You can pick up the ‘Roam Abroad Pass’. It costs £25 per month and gives you access to your standard minutes, text, and data plan while in the USA.
• Three: Again, depending on your contract, you should be able to access USA roaming with Three. Prices are around £5 per day for day-to-day usage, or better savings for monthly deals.

Prepaid SIM Cards

Our third suggestion for a short USA trip is to buy a prepaid SIM card. 

Prepaid SIM cards are like the Swiss Army knives of phone deals. They’re reliable, affordable, and won’t tie you down with contracts. 

However, keep in mind that the American airport you arrive at may not have SIM cards for sale, so consider buying them before you leave. And don’t forget your phone will need to be unlocked to accept these cards!

Top Prepaid SIM suggestions:

• T-Mobile: One of the giants of America’s mobile network. T-Mobile offers a very affordable deal of unlimited data for 30 days for $50. They’re used to dealing with international travellers and generally have a good reputation.
• AT&T Prepaid: Another of the network giants. Their deals are slightly more expensive, but they offer greater coverage on the western side of the USA. If you’re heading anywhere near California, AT&T might be for you.
• Orange Holiday USA: This could be the ideal option if you’re worried about finding a SIM card once you land. You can pre-order the Orange Holiday card before you leave the UK. But bear in mind this is a ‘data only’ package.

Best Phone Contracts in the USA for Long-Term Stays

If you’re heading to the USA for a longer-term stay, things are a bit simpler. You just need to get a local SIM card.

Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to jump through several hoops in order to qualify for these cards. Such hoops include but are not limited to showing a valid form of ID and having a good credit score (or being willing to pay an upfront deposit). Remember to check which carrier has the best service in your area before making a decision.

Top USA Phone Contract Suggestions:

• Verizon: Known for its extensive network coverage and reliability, Verizon is a popular choice for long-term visitors. Keep in mind they only work on certain devices, so be sure to double check. 
• T-Mobile: T-Mobile is generally pretty affordable and dependable, although their service may not be as good as some of the others above. On the other hand, they get extra points for being America’s largest 5G network.
• Mint Mobile: A relatively new player on the network scene (perhaps best known for being sold by Ryan Reynolds to T-Mobile), Mint Mobile is a solid, more budget-friendly option. However, you’ll need to pay for three months in advance to get their range of deals. It’s also worth noting that they recently made updates to their international plan (the ‘Minternational Pass’) which can be expensive when you’re travelling back home to the UK and want to use your U.S. number.
• AT&T: One of the ‘big beasts’ when it comes to phone carriers, AT&T has some advantages over its rivals, including better 4G coverage in rural areas.
• Ting Mobile: A smaller carrier that can be a good option if you want to avoid long-term contracts and only need a limited amount of data each month. But the costs can really rack up if you go over your limit.

Avoiding Roaming Charges — UK to USA

Roaming charges can sneak up on you and hit your budget hard. To avoid these charges, always check your provider’s roaming policy before you go. Opt for a prepaid or travel SIM card to keep costs down and ensure you stay connected without nasty surprises. 

Final thoughts

As with everything in life, none of the options above will be absolutely perfect, but one of them might just be perfect for you.

If you find any options you think we’ve missed, don’t hesitate to drop us an email at hello@transatlanticists.com.

Happy travelling!