Frequently Asked Questions

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a built-in digital SIM card found in most newer smartphones. Unlike a physical SIM card, there is nothing to insert. It is installed electronically on your phone.

A USA eSIM lets you connect to mobile networks in the United States without waiting for a physical SIM card in the post. It is a faster, cleaner way to stay connected while travelling.

Here is how our USA eSIM works:

• Place your order on our website.
• Follow the eSIM setup instructions in your order confirmation email.
• Install the eSIM on your phone.
• Use your phone in the USA for data, calls and texts.

Many travel eSIMs are data only. Our USA eSIM plans include a real USA mobile number, calls, texts and mobile data, just like our physical SIM cards.

Most recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixel phones support eSIM. A quick check is to dial *#06#. If your phone shows an EID number, it supports eSIM.

Installing your USA eSIM is simple. You do not need to remove your Australian SIM card or use a SIM removal tool. You also do not need to delete your Australian eSIM if you use one.

After ordering, you receive setup instructions by email. Follow the steps, install the eSIM, and your phone will be ready to connect when you arrive in the USA.

For Australian travellers, this means no airport SIM hunting, no US store visit, and no fiddling around after a long flight.

If you need a USA eSIM quickly, place your order and reply promptly to your confirmation email with the requested phone details.

We can usually get your eSIM ready very quickly once we have the information needed to set it up. It is the best option if you are travelling soon or do not want to wait for postage.

Yes. You can order your USA eSIM or SIM card ahead of time and activate it later.

You do not need to choose your activation date at checkout. After purchase, you submit your activation details separately. Your plan starts from the activation date you choose, not the day you buy it.

This is the best way to get organised early and avoid last-minute stress before your USA trip.

No. Your apps, contacts, photos, emails and phone settings stay on your phone.

Swapping your Australian SIM for a USA SIM card, or adding a USA eSIM, does not delete your personal data.

When you return to Australia and switch back to your Australian SIM, your apps, photos and contacts will still be there.

Yes. The activation instructions are clear and simple, but we also offer an optional in-home setup service for customers in Sydney.

One of our experts can visit you at home to help with:

• Installing your physical SIM card or eSIM.
• Checking the correct APN or mobile data settings.
• Choosing your activation date.
• Answering your setup questions before you travel.

This service costs $250 and is available by request only.

To book or ask about availability, email info@usaprepaidsimcard.com.au.

Most modern smartphones work with our USA SIM cards and eSIMs.

Physical SIM cards work with most unlocked modern phones, including iPhones and many Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Oppo, Motorola, Nokia and Xiaomi devices.

For eSIM, your phone must support eSIM. Common compatible models include:

• iPhone XR, XS, SE 2020, SE 2022, and iPhone 11 through iPhone 17.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 through S25, plus Z Flip and Z Fold models.
• Google Pixel 3a through Pixel 9.

Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see an EID number, your device supports eSIM.

Yes, our USA SIM cards and eSIMs work in Hawaii. Coverage is available in most populated areas, though remote or mountainous locations may have limited signal.

Alaska depends on the plan you choose.

• The T-Mobile Unlimited Plan does not include coverage in Alaska.
• The AT&T Unlimited Plan works in Alaska and Hawaii.
• The AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Plan works in Alaska and Hawaii.

If your trip includes Alaska, choose one of the AT&T options.

Yes, depending on the plan you choose.

Some USA SIM and eSIM plans include Canada or Mexico coverage, while others need an add-on. Check the product page before ordering so you choose the right plan for your trip.

Coverage depends on the network, your phone, your location and local conditions.

Our T-Mobile Unlimited Plan runs on the T-Mobile USA network, with extensive 4G and 5G coverage across most of the United States, including Hawaii. It does not include Alaska.

Our AT&T Unlimited Plan and AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Plan run on the AT&T network, with coverage across most of the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska.

Coverage can be affected by:

• Local terrain and elevation.
• Buildings and obstructions.
• Weather conditions.
• Signal strength.
• Your phone model.

You can check the T-Mobile coverage map and the AT&T coverage map for an approximate guide to outdoor coverage. With AT&T, make sure to click or tap “AT&T Prepaid” before entering your address.

No. Our USA SIM cards and eSIMs are designed for use in the United States, and in Canada or Mexico only where the relevant plan or add-on includes it.

They do not connect to Australian mobile networks.

Please do not buy one if you need a USA phone number for verification while still in Australia. You need to be physically in the USA before the service can connect and work.

Yes. We also offer UK and Europe SIM card and eSIM options for Australian travellers.

Visit ukprepaidsimcard.com.au to browse UK and Europe plans, check compatibility and order online.

Our UK and Europe options include a real UK mobile number, calls, texts, mobile data and roaming across many European destinations.

Yes. Your phone must be network unlocked to use our USA SIM card or eSIM.

Most Australian phones are already unlocked, but it is worth checking before you order.

For iPhone:

• Go to Settings.
• Tap General.
• Tap About.
• Look for Network Provider Lock.
• If it says “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked.

For Android:

• Insert a SIM card from a different provider.
• Restart your phone.
• If the new provider appears, your phone is unlocked.
• If you see an error such as “Invalid SIM”, your phone may be locked.

Yes, the unlimited plans include unlimited data.

The T-Mobile Unlimited Plan includes unlimited data. If you use more than 50GB in a 30-day period, T-Mobile may prioritise other users during busy network conditions. Your data is not cut off.

The AT&T Unlimited Plan includes unlimited fast 5G data, but AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.

If you prefer a fixed data allowance instead of unlimited data, choose the AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Plan.

Speeds vary by location, phone model, network conditions and whether your phone supports the right 4G and 5G bands.

The T-Mobile Unlimited Plan can deliver very fast 5G speeds in supported areas.

Real-world speed tests on our T-Mobile SIMs and eSIMs have included:

• 589Mbps download and 56Mbps upload in Chicago on an iPhone 12.
• 916Mbps download and 92Mbps upload in Los Angeles on an iPhone 13 Pro Max.
• 189Mbps download and 85Mbps upload in Los Angeles on a Google Pixel 6a.

These are examples only. Your actual speed will depend on your phone, location and local network conditions.

Yes. You can use hotspot or tethering to share your USA mobile data with devices such as a laptop, iPad or another phone.

With the T-Mobile Unlimited Plan, hotspot is included, but connected devices are limited to 3G speeds unless you choose a high-speed hotspot add-on where available.

With the AT&T Unlimited Plan, hotspot is an optional add-on.

The AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Plan is also a good option if you prefer a set amount of data and want hotspot access on iPhone.

No. Choose the right plan length and data amount before you travel.

If your phone supports eSIM and you need more coverage, you can buy a new eSIM for the extra days.

No. For most travellers, it is simpler and cheaper to buy a new USA SIM card or eSIM for each trip.

Your plan starts from the activation date you select, not the day you purchase it.

For a physical SIM card, follow the instructions included with your delivery and submit the online activation form. The start date you choose becomes Day 1 of your plan.

For eSIM, you provide your start date during the activation process.

Your plan ends at 11:59pm US Pacific Time on the final day of the plan.

Yes, but the best method depends on how you want to call or message.

Most travellers use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger or similar apps to contact friends and family in Australia. These apps use your included mobile data.

If you need to call Australian landlines, businesses, banks or people who do not use messaging apps, you may need an add-on.

With the T-Mobile Unlimited Plan, you can add an International Call and Text Pack, which includes unlimited texts to Australian mobile numbers and unlimited calls to Australian landlines.

With the AT&T Unlimited Plan, you can add the Gold Add-On, which includes 500 minutes of calls from the USA to Australian mobiles and landlines.

With the AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Plan, you get unlimited calls from the USA to Australian mobiles and landlines.

Yes. WhatsApp and FaceTime work with our USA SIM cards and eSIMs.

You can keep using your Australian WhatsApp account, contacts and message history. WhatsApp should continue working as normal.

FaceTime audio and video calls also work using mobile data or Wi-Fi.

These apps are a simple way to stay in touch with friends and family in Australia without paying international call or SMS charges.

Yes. Our USA SIM cards and eSIMs include a real American mobile number.

You can use your USA number for travel forms, baggage tags, hotel bookings, tour operators, Uber and local contacts.

Once you arrive in the USA and your eSIM or SIM is activated, you can usually find your number in your phone settings.

If you need your number before leaving Australia, choose an activation date a few days before departure. Once it activates, email us and we can provide the number. Remember that your plan days start from the activation date you choose.

If you use an iPhone, you have several strong options.

T-Mobile Unlimited Plan

• Unlimited data, calls and texts.
• Flexible durations, including 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days.
• Good for longer trips, heavy data use, or flexible travel dates.
• Suitable for iPhone 8 or newer.

AT&T 12GB, 30GB or 50GB Plan

• Fixed data options for 30-day trips.
• Good for light or moderate data users.
• Runs on the AT&T network.
• iPhone only.

AT&T Unlimited Plan

• Unlimited data, calls and texts.
• Includes Canada and Mexico coverage.
• Includes hotspot data.
• Good for iPhone users who want AT&T coverage or are travelling to Alaska.
• Suitable for iPhone XR, XS, iPhone 11 through iPhone 17, and iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation.

All plans include a real USA mobile number.

For Samsung, Google Pixel, Oppo, Motorola, Nokia and other compatible Android phones, the best option is the T-Mobile Unlimited Plan.

• Unlimited data, calls and texts across the USA.
• Flexible durations, including 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days.
• Good for travellers who need lots of data or longer coverage.

The AT&T eSIM plans are iPhone only, so Android users should choose the T-Mobile option.

You can, but it is often less convenient and more expensive.

US stores may not offer short-term travel options like 7, 14 or 21 days. They may also require extra setup, ID checks, store visits or plans that are not ideal for travellers.

Ordering before you leave Australia saves time and gives you a clear plan before you land. You can arrive ready to use maps, Uber, hotel bookings, calls and texts.

For a physical SIM card, remove it from your phone when your trip is over. You can dispose of it or keep it. It cannot be reused.

For eSIM, delete it from your phone settings after your trip.

We dispatch physical SIM card orders from Sydney.

• Free regular post usually takes 4 to 7 business days Australia-wide.
• Express Post costs $9 and is posted on the next business day after you order.
• USA eSIM delivery is by email, so there is no postage delay.

If you are travelling soon, eSIM is usually the fastest option.

We accept major secure payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Our checkout is protected by SSL encryption. We do not store your credit card details.

We do not share unnecessary personal details with the US network provider when activating your SIM card or eSIM.

For eSIM setup, technical details such as your phone’s EID and IMEI are required. These are device identifiers needed to provision the eSIM and are normally detected by mobile networks when your phone connects.

We only use the information needed to get your service working. We do not share your name, address, email or other unnecessary personal information.

Yes. Our website and checkout are protected by SSL encryption.

SSL helps protect the personal and payment information sent between your browser and our website.

We do not store your credit card details.

We offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee if your SIM or eSIM is faulty or defective and we cannot fix the issue.

You must contact us within 24 hours of your requested activation date if your SIM or eSIM is not working when you arrive in the USA.

Contact us using Wi-Fi via:

• WhatsApp: +44 7882 165 545
• Email: help@usaprepaidsimcard.com.au

Please include your full name and order number so we can find your order quickly.

We will do our best to fix the issue, usually within 1 to 2 hours and within a maximum of 24 hours. If we confirm the SIM or eSIM is defective and cannot be fixed, we will refund the cost of the SIM or eSIM.

The guarantee does not apply if:

• Your phone is network locked.
• Your phone is not compatible with USA networks.
• You do not follow the activation instructions.
• You do not contact us within 24 hours of activation.
• You wait until you are back in Australia before contacting us.