From Armenia people fly to the USA to see family in Los Angeles and Glendale, for business in New York and Boston, or to travel around California and the national parks. Distances are huge and data is a must: navigation, Uber, bookings, staying in touch with family.
Networks and coverage
The USA has three big networks: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Cities and main highways get fast 4G and 5G. In national parks, mountains and the desert between towns there can be no signal for dozens of miles.
eSIM, local SIM or roaming
A local SIM is bought on arrival, roaming without a package is expensive, while an eSIM takes a minute to buy from home: the QR code arrives instantly and your main number stays on for calls and texts. Worth knowing in the USA:
- Local prepaid SIMs are sold in carrier stores and supermarkets, but plans are monthly and pricier than they look.
- Roaming without a package is among the most expensive in the USA.
- For trips longer than a couple of weeks a 30-day plan or an unlimited one is better value.
How to prepare before you fly
- Check eSIM support: dial
*#06#— if you see an EID line, you're good. - Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi. For most plans the clock starts at the first connection abroad; the exact rule is on the plan card.
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it.
- Turn off data roaming on your main SIM so it doesn't spend money.
Step by step, with videos: How to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android.
Trip tips
- Download offline maps before a national park trip — parks often have no coverage.
- Uber and Lyft work in all big cities.
- Most plans let you share data with the people in your car.
The ALO eSIM app also has a translator and a map: ask for directions, explain yourself at a pharmacy, find a café nearby.