How to stay connected in the USA: WiFi, roaming, pocket WiFi & eSIM

Travelling in the USA is the kind of trip where you end up needing data constantly: Google Maps on long drives, ride-hailing in cities, tickets and QR codes, restaurant bookings, banking apps, and two factor SMS codes.

In this guide, we break down the most common ways travellers try to stay online in the USA and explain why a USA eSIM plan from Sim Local is usually the easiest, most affordable and most reliable option.

Before choosing how to stay connected, it helps to understand why many traditional options fall short: public WiFi, international roaming, pocket WiFi, and local physical SIM cards. Below is exactly where each one can get annoying (or expensive) on a US trip.

Public WiFi is widely available in hotels, airports, cafés and malls, but it comes with real drawbacks:

• Speeds can be slow or inconsistent, especially when it’s busy
• Coverage disappears the second you leave that venue
• Logins and captive portals are common
• Security risks exist on open networks, especially for sensitive logins (the FBI advises caution on public WiFi)

Public WiFi is useful occasionally, but it is rarely dependable enough to rely on throughout your trip.

Roaming can feel convenient, but it is often the most expensive option over a longer stay.

Common problems:

• Daily roaming fees add up fast
• Limits and fair use policies can apply
• Costs are often unclear until you see the bill

To show how quickly it stacks: some UK travellers pay £7 per day with O2 Travel on days used.
And many US networks price daily travel passes around $12 per day in most destinations outside the US.

Even if you only roam “a little”, background app activity can still trigger daily charges on some passes.

Pocket WiFi can be handy for groups and laptops, but it is far less practical than it sounds:

• Another device to carry and charge
• Rental costs can add up across 30 days
• Speeds are shared across all connected devices
• Logistics: delivery, returns, deposits, and support if it fails mid-trip

Example pricing varies by provider and package. Some rentals advertise pricing like €11/day for US portable WiFi.

Buying a local SIM in the US is possible, but it is not always the smoothest option, especially if you want to keep your usual number active.

Common hassles:

• You may need to find a store and queue after landing
• You might need to swap out your home SIM
• You can temporarily lose access to your usual number (and any SMS codes going to it)

An eSIM avoids all of this.

You land in the USA and immediately need to:

• Book transport from the airport
• Use maps to navigate your first day
• Access hotel check-in details
• Message friends and family
• Verify logins or bookings with SMS codes

With a USA eSIM from Sim Local, you can land connected. No hunting for WiFi, no roaming popups, no standing at a counter trying to sort a SIM.

A Sim Local USA eSIM gives you fast, reliable mobile connectivity without daily roaming charges or physical SIM swapping.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that installs directly on your phone. You can set it up before you travel and activate it as soon as you land, so you are connected instantly.

• Instant connectivity on arrival
• No daily roaming fees
• Local-grade 4G/5G speeds (plan dependent)
• No physical SIM swapping
• Clear upfront pricing

For a 30-day comparison and for travellers who want unlimited data plus calls and texts, use this plan:

Unlimited eSIM

United States

+Roaming

Registration required

Lycamobile US

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

US$59.00

More Info

Buy Now

16 Million Global Customers

Or if you don't need unlimited data and under 20GB would be enough for you. Go for this 18GB data USA eSIM plan with calls & texts.

18 GB eSIM

United States

+Roaming

Three UK

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G

Price

US$26.75

More Info

Buy Now

UK's Fastest 5G Network

Top Seller

1. Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked
2. Buy your USA eSIM plan before you travel
3. Install the eSIM while you are on stable WiFi (home or airport)
4. Turn on the eSIM line when you land in the USA

Can I rely on public WiFi in the USA for my whole trip?
You will find WiFi in lots of places, but it is not dependable for day-to-day travel needs like maps, ride-hailing, and bookings on the move.

Is public WiFi safe in the USA?
Treat open networks as higher risk. Avoid sensitive logins unless you take precautions. The FBI advises caution on public WiFi.

What is pocket WiFi and is it worth it in the USA?
Pocket WiFi is a portable hotspot you rent. It can be worth it if you need to connect multiple devices or you are travelling in a group, but it adds cost and another device to manage.

How expensive is roaming in the USA?
It depends on your home network, but daily roaming passes can become very expensive over 30 days, especially compared to an eSIM. Examples include £7/day on O2 Travel for days used, and $12/day TravelPass style pricing on some US carriers.

What is an eSIM and will my phone support it?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that installs on your device. You need an eSIM-compatible and unlocked phone to purchase and activate an eSIM.

Will I get calls and texts with a USA eSIM plan from Sim Local?
Yes. Sim Local offer USA eSIM plans from Lycamobile US and Three which include data, calls and texts.

When should I install the eSIM?
Install before you fly while on stable WiFi, then switch it on when you land so you connect straight away.