Best US SIM cards: Travel, eSIM, and roaming | WhistleOut

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 15 July 2026

Contents

In this SIM card for the US guide:

Buying a US eSIM card
Get a US SIM card
Roaming in the US with your telco
FAQs

Whether you've booked a trip to the Big Apple, the bright lights of Las Vegas or Florida's Walt Disney World, the United States remains one of the most consistently popular choices for Australians travelling abroad.

But if you're hoping to take your phone overseas, it's not always cheap. International roaming bills can add up quickly, especially if you're using data outside of Australia. For longer trips, we'd recommend getting a travel eSIM or a local SIM card instead. For shorter trips or if you need your Australian number when in the United States of America, roaming with an Australian provider is a better choice.

So whether you want to use your own Australia mobile plan in America, get a travel eSIM, or pick up a local SIM on arrival, here are our top picks for the best value options.

Before we start, here are the most popular postpaid roaming-compatible plans from each Australian telco that work in the USA featured in this guide:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $58.00/mth Min. cost $58 Go to Site	$58.00/mth Min. cost $58	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#4	Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $74.00/mth Min. cost $74 Link not supplied	$74.00/mth Min. cost $74	Link not supplied
#5	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
#6	More	More 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $46.00/mth Min. cost $46 Link not supplied	$46.00/mth Min. cost $46	Link not supplied
#7	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Value 5G SIM Plan 45GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $40.00/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40.00/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied

And here are the most popular prepaid roaming-compatible plans from each Australian telco that work in the USA featured in this guide with a minimum 28-day expiry:

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium - 365 Day Flex Plan 200GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 200GB data for only $190 on the Medium 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 30.11.26 $190.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$190.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 240GB Long Expiry 240GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Get 240GB for $199 (includes $121 off) on first renewal. Offer ends 31.10.26. New online services only. T&Cs apply. $199.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$199.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Buying a US eSIM

If you're travelling to the United States for more than a week and your phone supports eSIMs, consider picking up a US travel eSIM. This way you can simply download and activate it entirely on your device. There's no physical SIM card, so you don't need to find a convenience store when you're jetlagged on arrival. You can even download and activate travel eSIMs before you leave Australia, so you have connectivity as you soon as you turn off flight mode.

Travel eSIMs are effectively prepaid as you pay upfront, and they don't renew automatically. If you go over your allowance, you won't be charged extra. Instead, your service will just stop working.

Airalo is one of our favourite eSIM providers that we've tested in our travels, including in the United States. Plans start at $6 for 1GB of data with a three-day expiry. While most of Airalo's plans are data-only, it also has options with talk and text now. Airalo's US SIMs won't work in Mexico or Canada, but it does have North America SIMs that cover all three countries if you're jumping around.

Jetpac is another eSIM provider worth considering. Jetpac's plans tend to be a little cheaper than Airalo's. If you run out of data on a Jetpac eSIM, you can still use WhatsApp, Uber, Grab, and Google Maps. Jetpac US travel eSIMs have a unique perk where you can score for free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. This is done by registering your flight in the Jetpac app.

If you're after an eSIM travel plan that also lets you make phone calls, we recommend SIMCorner. Most of SIMCorner's US eSIMs have unlimited talk and text. Exact inclusions depend on the plan, however.

Here's a look at travel eSIMs for the US from some of our favourite providers with at least 5GB and a seven-day expiry:

Provider	Plan
Airalo	$18.50 for 5GB with a seven-day expiry	View on Airalo
Jetpac	USD$24 for 10GB with a seven-day expiry	View on Jetpac
Saily	USD$13.99 for 5GB with a 30-day expiry	View on Saily

For a longer trip, here's a look at plans with at least 10GB and a 14-day expiry minimum:

Provider	Plan
Airalo	$32.50 for 10GB with a 15-day expiry	View on Airalo
Jetpac	USD$39 for 10GB with a 30-day expiry	View on Jetpac
Saily	USD$22.99 for 10GB with a 30-day expiry	View on Saily

Just be aware that most United States eSIM options are data-only. This means you won't be able to make calls or send text messages using any of the above US travel eSIMs.

If you don't need the ability to make calls or send text messages (and you have a compatible device), the travel eSIM plans tend to be better value than what's offered by local United States of America providers when it comes to cheaper options.

Expert tip: Airalo is fast and flexible

“When I travelled to the United States in 2023, I opted to stay connected using an Airalo eSIM rather than rely on my provider's roaming. While I did have to be wary of any apps that require two-factor authentication, the process of setting up my eSIM was very straightforward and the amount of data I was getting per dollar was very competitive."

Fergus Halliday, Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut

Travelling with eSIM: Everything you need to know

Instead of hunting around an airport looking for a local SIM, just use an app to add a new plan to your phone via the internet thanks to eSIMs. Find out how by viewing our guide to travelling with eSIM.

Get a US SIM card

If you don't have an eSIM-enabled phone, you can always pick up a local American SIM card when you arrive. Unlike most other countries, you typically won't always find stores selling SIM cards at airports. Instead, you'll want to find an AT&T or T-Mobile shop at your destination, where you can buy a prepaid SIM card.

T-Mobile

If you're looking for an easy option, we'd recommend T-Mobile. USD$45 (plus $5 tax) gets you unlimited talk and text plus unlimited data for one month. You'll only get 50GB of "premium data" however, after which point you may notice lower speeds. International calls aren't included on these plans by default, but you get a USD$15 per month add-on if you really need to be able to call Australian numbers.

Here are T-Mobile's prepaid plans:

Price	Data	Talk	Texts	Expiry
USD$40	15GB	Unlimited mins to US	Unlimited texts to US	One month
USD$45	50GB	Unlimited mins to US	Unlimited texts to US	One month
USD$60	50GB	Unlimited mins to US	Unlimited texts to US	One month

AT&T

AT&T prepaid is also worth considering. USD$25 per month (plus tax) gets you unlimited talk and text, and 30GB of data. Alternatively, AT&T has a USD$35 prepaid plan with "unlimited" data for USD$50 per month, but the speeds are capped to 3Mbps, which is insanely slow. As such, we'd advice against this. International calls aren't included on most of these plans, but can be added for an extra $10/month.

Here are AT&T's prepaid plans:

Price	Data	Talk	Texts	Expiry
USD$20	Endless data, with speeds reduced to 1.5Mbps after 16GB	Unlimited mins to US	Unlimited texts to US + Aus	One month
USD$25	Endless data, with speeds reduced to 1.5Mbps after 30GB	Unlimited mins to US	Unlimited texts to US + Aus	One month
USD$30	Endless data, with speeds reduced to 1.5Mbps after 30GB	Unlimited mins to US	Unlimited texts to US + Aus	One month
USD$45	Endless data, with speeds reduced to 1.2Mbps after 100GB	Unlimited mins to US	Unlimited texts to US + Aus	One month
USD$60	Endless data, with speeds reduced to 1.2Mbps after 100GB	Unlimited mins to US + 500 mins to Aus	Unlimited texts to US + Aus	One month

Roaming in the US with your telco

For shorter trips, roaming with your telco can be a good option. It is also the only way to keep using your Australian number while abroad, which can be important if you're overseas for business rather than pleasure.

Below we've taken a look at the price per day and price per gigabyte for providers you can roam in the US with at a decent rate. We haven't looked at providers that are too expensive or only have pay-as-you-go options. Click on any provider's name to get more information about their roaming offer.

Provider	Price per day	Price per gigabyte	Countries
felix mobile	$0.05	$5	Over 40
Vodafone	$5	N/A	Over 100
Optus	$5	$1	Over 150
Telstra	$5	$2.50	Over 80
Belong	$2	$10	Over 45
Aussie Broadband	$5	$1	Over 150
Tangerine	Between $3.93 and $5	Between $5.50 and $10	Over 60
More	Between $3.93 and $5	Between $5.50 and $10	Over 60
Kogan	Between $6.43 and $10	Between $9 and $12.50	30
amaysim	Between $0.06 and $0.19	Between $7.78 and $12.50	Over 120
Boost Mobile	Between $2.85 and $6.67	Between $5.71 and $10	Over 40

Roaming in the US with felix

Price per day: $0.05
Price per gigabyte: $5

felix mobile is a smaller provider with a great international offer: a $20 roaming pack. This gets you 4GB of data, 100 texts, and 100 minutes of calls on a 365-day expiry. If you're using WiFi as much as you can while abroad, 4GB could even last your entire trip!

Here are felix's mobile plans:

#1	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $17.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $35/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $35.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$35.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 40Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $20/mth for first 3 mths, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $40.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited+ Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 80Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network $50.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$50.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

Unlike other providers, felix offers unlimited data but caps its plan to speeds of 20Mbps (both locally and abroad). That's fast enough for most online activities, however. felix is powered by the Vodafone network.

felix's roaming isn't as broadly available as options from The Big Three: it only works in around 40 destinations. This still covers the United States and Canada, but not Mexico (if you were thinking about ducking south of the border on your trip).

Roaming in the US with Vodafone

Price per day: $5
Price per gigabyte: N/A

Vodafone postpaid plans are the simplest choice for heading overseas thanks to $5 roaming. For $5 per day, you're able to use your local inclusions overseas in over 100 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This means you don't have to worry about a separate overseas data allowance - your usage will work the same way it does in Australia.

The $5 per day charge will only be added to your bill on days when you make a call, send a text, or use data overseas. Just note, you can only use $5 roaming for a maximum of 90 days of the calendar year.

These Vodafone postpaid plans all include $5 roaming:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium SIM Only Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large SIM Only Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $55.00/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55.00/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site

Roaming in the US with Optus

Price per day: $5
Price per gigabyte: $1

If you're an Optus postpaid customer on a plan from the last few years, you'll use Optus' $5 roaming when traveling overseas. $5 per day will give you 5GB of data per day, in addition to unlimited standard talk and text. All unused data expires at the end of each day, but if you go over your allowance, another $5 pack will automatically be purchased.

These Optus postpaid plans all support $5 Roaming.

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $70.00/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70.00/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $90.00/mth Min. cost $90 Go to Site	$90.00/mth Min. cost $90	Go to Site

You can only use the $5 Roaming option in what Optus calls "Zone 1" countries. This covers the United States, Canada, Mexico, most of Europe, the UK, New Zealand, and China.

"Zone 2" (any country not part of "Zone 1") is predominantly made of countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America. You won't be able to use Optus $5 Roaming in these countries.

Roaming in the US with Belong

Price per day: $2
Price per gigabyte: $10

Telstra's budget brand Belong is reasonably new to roaming, and has just a single travel pack.

For $30 you get 3GB of data, 150 minutes of calls, and unlimited standard SMS with a 15-day expiry once activated. You can use this add-on in over 45 destinations, including the United States and Canada.

All Belong customers also get free access to a basic roaming service. This lets you receive SMS while still overseas (but not reply) and use WiFi calling when on a suitable network.

Here are the Belong plans eligible for roaming:

#1	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
#2	Belong	Belong 40GB Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Link not supplied	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Link not supplied
#3	Belong	Belong 100GB Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $49.00/mth Min. cost $49 Link not supplied	$49.00/mth Min. cost $49	Link not supplied
#4	Belong	Belong 160GB Mobile Plan 220GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $59.00/mth Min. cost $59 Link not supplied	$59.00/mth Min. cost $59	Link not supplied

Roaming in the US with Aussie Broadband

Price per day: $5
Price per gigabyte: $1

Aussie Broadband isn't really known for their roaming options, but this provider's take on the formula is quietly one of the better value options for those looking at short-term stays in selected countries.

For those looking to stay connected in Zone 1 destinations, roaming costs just $5 per day and comes with 5GB of data per day. If you exceed that allowance, you'll be charged another $5 and be given another 5GB of data to use. Unused data does not roll over but this add-on does also include unlimited national and international calls and unlimited SMS to Australian and non-Australian numbers.

Here are the Aussie Broadband plans that work with the provider's roaming add-on:

#1	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Saver 5G SIM Plan 20GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $30.00/mth Min. cost $30 Link not supplied	$30.00/mth Min. cost $30	Link not supplied
#2	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Value 5G SIM Plan 45GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $40.00/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40.00/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied
#3	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Essential 5G SIM Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Link not supplied	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Link not supplied
#4	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Premium 5G SIM Plan 180GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $60.00/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60.00/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied

Aussie Broadband's roaming add-on works in over 150+ countries. For everywhere else, you'll have to rely on Pay As You Go (PAYG) roaming rates instead.

Roaming in the US with Tangerine

Price per day: Between $3.93 and $5
Price per gigabyte: Between $5.50 and $10

Tangerine, a Telstra-powered provider, is another smaller telco with a solid international roaming offer. Tangerine's roaming packs work up until 11:59PM (AEST) on your last included day. These travel pack works in the United States, as well as Canada and Mexico.

Here are the full details:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Seven-day expiry	$35	30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB
14-day expiry	$55	60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB

Below are Tangerine's plans you can pair these packs with:

#1	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $18/mth for 4 months then $36/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $36.00/mth Min. cost $18 Go to Site	$36.00/mth Min. cost $18	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $21/mth for 4 months then $42/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $42.00/mth Min. cost $21 Go to Site	$42.00/mth Min. cost $21	Go to Site
#4	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 100GB 5G Mobile SIM 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $24/mth for 4 months then $48/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $48.00/mth Min. cost $24 Go to Site	$48.00/mth Min. cost $24	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 160GB 5G Mobile SIM 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $30/mth for 4 months then $60/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $60.00/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$60.00/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site

Roaming in the US with More

Price per day: Between $3.93 and $5
Price per gigabyte: Between $5.50 and $10

More offers identical international roaming packs to its sibling brand Tangerine. More's roaming packs work in over 65 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Seven-day expiry	$35	30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB
14-day expiry	$55	60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB

Here are More's mobile plans that you can roam with:

#1	More	More 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $33.00/mth Min. cost $33 Link not supplied	$33.00/mth Min. cost $33	Link not supplied
#2	More	More 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $40.00/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40.00/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied
#3	More	More 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $46.00/mth Min. cost $46 Link not supplied	$46.00/mth Min. cost $46	Link not supplied
#4	More	More 100GB 5G Mobile SIM 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $52.00/mth Min. cost $52 Link not supplied	$52.00/mth Min. cost $52	Link not supplied
#5	More	More 160GB 5G Mobile SIM 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $65.00/mth Min. cost $65 Link not supplied	$65.00/mth Min. cost $65	Link not supplied

Roaming in the US with Boost Mobile

Price per day: Between $2.85 and $6.67
Price per gigabyte: Between $5.71 and $10

Boost Mobile is another Telstra-powered telco offering customers International Roaming Packs. Boost Mobile customers can choose from three roaming options:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Three-day expiry	$20	15 mins, 15 texts, 2GB
Seven-day expiry	$30	30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB
14-day expiry	$40	60 mins, 60 texts, 7GB

Boost's roaming works in 42 countries, including the United States and Canada. Take a look below for Boost Mobile's compatible prepaid plans:

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $14 Prepaid 6GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $14.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$14.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $28 Prepaid 8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $28.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$28.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 75GB data on first 6 recharges, then 45GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $49.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $59 Prepaid 105GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 105GB data on first 6 recharges, then 55GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $59.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$59.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $74 Prepaid 150GB Uncapped download speed Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 150GB data on first 6 recharges, then 100GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site

Roaming in the US with Kogan Mobile

Price per day: Between $6.43 and $10
Price per gigabyte: Between $9 and $12.50

Kogan Mobile offers three international roaming packs for use in about 30 countries, including the US:

Expiry	Price	Inclusions
One-day expiry	$10	Up to 50 mins, 50 texts, 1GB
Three-day expiry	$25	Up to 100 mins, 100 texts, 2GB
Seven-day expiry	$45	Up to 150 mins, 150 texts, 5GB

Call minutes and SMS (text only) include standard calls to and from the selected countries and standard numbers in Australia.

You can purchase the international roaming pack via the Kogan Mobile app, use your online account or call customer support, or text "ROAM" to 12612 from your mobile. Given the pricing, we'd advise getting a local SIM at your destination instead.

#1	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Small Monthly Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium Monthly Plan 60GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 60GB for $12 (includes $13 off for first month + 20GB bonus data for 3 months), then 40GB for $25 thereafter, valid until 04.10.26 $29.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$29.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Large Monthly Plan 80GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Small - 365 Day Flex Plan 220GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 220GB data for only $149 (incl. $30.90 off + 80GB bonus data) on the Small 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 11.10.26 $149.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$149.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Large - 365 Day Flex Plan 400GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 400GB data for only $179 (incl. $96 off + 100GB bonus data) on the Large 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 11.10.26. $179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium - 365 Day Flex Plan 200GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 200GB data for only $190 on the Medium 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 30.11.26 $190.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$190.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Extra Large - 365 Day Flex Plan 500GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 500GB data for only $300 on the Extra Large 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 30.11.26 $300.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$300.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site

Roaming in the US with amaysim

Price per day: Between $0.06 and $0.19
Price per gigabyte: Between $7.78 and $12.50

amaysim has four international roaming add-on packs available to its prepaid customers, each lasting 365 days. amaysim roaming works in over 120 countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Here are the four add-ons:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Small Talk	$20	100 mins, 100 texts, no data
The Works	$25	50 mins, 30 texts, 2GB
Just Gigs	$50	No mins, no texts, 6GB
The Epic	$70	100 mins, 60 texts, 9GB

You'll need an active amaysim recharge to use its roaming. Here are its 28-day plans:

#1	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 15GB Plan 15GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $30.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$30.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 42GB Plan 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $23 for first renewal & includes 33GB bonus data for first 3 renewals when you sign up by 15.11.26. Online only. T&Cs apply $35.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 80GB Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $27 for first renewal when you sign up by 11.10.26. New services only. T&Cs apply $40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 95GB Plan 95GB data at download speeds up to 200Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $45.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$45.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 120GB Plan 120GB data at download speeds up to 200Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $32 for first renewal when you sign up by 19.10.26. New online services only. T&Cs apply $50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Roaming in the US with Telstra

Price per day: $5
Price per gigabyte: $2.5

To use a Telstra Upfront plan overseas, you will need to purchase an International Day Pass.

While overseas, you'll get a daily 2GB data allowance for $10 per day in Zone 2 locations, which include the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Each day refreshes at midnight Australian time, rather than the time in your destination. If you exceed your 2GB, you will receive an SMS with the option to purchase a data top-up for an extra $10 for another 2GB. This data can then be used over the following 31 days.

Telstra roaming also has unlimited talk and text, but MMS is billed at $0.75 per message.

Here is Telstra's range of Upfront plans that work with its International Day Pass:

$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan

300GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26

$84.00/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

$84.00/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

Telstra's roaming works in over 80 countries. If you're on a Telstra Upfront plan and you travel outside of an eligible destination, you simply won't be able to use your service. Telstra won't bill you pay-as-you-go rates.

Best SIM cards for travelling in the USA FAQs

Can I use my Australian phone in America?

Most Australian phones should work in America. You will however need to get a phone plan from AT&T or T-Mobile for the best experience (or for a smaller provider powered by one of these networks). You should avoid Verizon and smaller providers powered by its network, as part of its network uses a different standard to Australian telcos. This means you may not be able to make phone calls, for example.

Can you buy a US SIM in Australia?

If you're looking to buy a US SIM in Australia, there are websites like SIM Corner that will ship you a SIM to your Australian address, so you don't have to spend time looking for one when you arrive. Just be sure to double-check what these SIMs include, as they're often different to the SIMs you can get on arrival.

Can I use a US SIM in Mexico and Canada?

Some US phone plans include free roaming for Mexico and Canada, but not all of them. If this an important feature for you, be sure to double-check when you buy your SIM card.

Looking for a new NBN plan?

These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo All Fixed Line nbn® Editor's Pick nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99 Go to Site*	$57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99	Go to Site
#2	amaysim	amaysim All Fixed Line nbn® NBN50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro offer), then $85/mth. Ends 04.10.26 $45/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN 50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month. $64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90 Go to Site	$64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90	Go to Site
#4	TPG	TPG All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Link not supplied
#5	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband All Fixed Line nbn® Value nbn - Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 47/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $70/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site
#6	Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Extra-value nbn50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#7	iiNet	iiNet All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Liimitless All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
#8	Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#9	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet All Fixed Line nbn® Silver Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
#10	Flip	Flip All Fixed Line nbn® Unlimited Family nbn50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16.90/mth off for 6 months - $68/mth for first 6mths then $84.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68 Go to Site	$68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68	Go to Site

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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