Will my phone work in the USA with an eSIM?

If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones from XS onwards, most flagship Android phones from 2020+) then yes. The Yesim eSIM works across the US on major partner networks.

How do I install a USA eSIM?

After purchase you receive a QR code by email. Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM, scan the code, and you're done. The eSIM activates when you arrive in the US.

Can I keep my UK number while using a USA eSIM?

Yes. Your physical UK SIM stays in your phone. The eSIM handles data only — calls and texts to your UK number still come through normally.

Which US states does a USA eSIM cover?

A USA eSIM covers all 50 states. Whether you're in New York, California, Texas, Hawaii or Alaska, coverage extends across the continental US and both island states.

Country guide · United States

eSIM for the USA

Q: Do I need an eSIM for the USA?

You don't need one, but an eSIM is the cheapest and most convenient way to get data in the US. UK roaming packages can cost £10–£15/day. An eSIM typically works out at a fraction of that.

Heading to America? Skip the roaming charges and airport SIM queues. An eSIM gets you connected before you land — activate from home, data live the moment you touch down.

All 50 states covered

Instant QR delivery

Keep your UK number

Live plans

🇺🇸 USA Plans

Live pricing via Yesim. Updated in real time.

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Before you go

What you need to know

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Coverage across all 50 states

The Yesim USA eSIM runs on major US partner networks. You'll have solid data coverage in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas and everywhere in between — including Hawaii and Alaska.

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Check your phone supports eSIM

Most modern smartphones do. iPhone XS and later all support eSIM. For Android, check your settings under Mobile → SIM cards. US-bought iPhones may be eSIM-only — these work fine.

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Much cheaper than roaming

UK roaming add-ons for the US typically cost £10–£15 per day. A USA eSIM from Yesim works out at a fraction of that — especially on longer trips. The longer your stay, the more you save.

Step by step

How to set up your
USA eSIM

The whole process takes under five minutes. You can do it days before you travel so you're ready to go the moment you land at JFK, LAX, or wherever you're arriving.

Pick a plan above

Browse the live plans in the finder. Choose the data size and duration that fits your trip. A week in New York? A 7-day, 5–10 GB plan is usually plenty.

Purchase on Yesim

You'll be taken to Yesim to complete the purchase. Prices are in euros at checkout — the GBP figure shown above is approximate at today's exchange rate.

Install the eSIM from the QR code

You'll receive a QR code by email. Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM, scan the code. Done. Install it at home before you travel.

Land in the US and connect

As soon as your phone picks up a US network, the eSIM activates. No settings changes, no faffing. Your UK number stays active on your physical SIM for calls.

Chris's tips

Before you board

Install the eSIM before you leave the UK — you need a Wi-Fi connection to download it.
Set your eSIM as the default for data in your phone settings. Leave your UK SIM active for calls.
US airport Wi-Fi can be slow — having data ready from the moment you land is worth it.
If you're doing a road trip, a 30-day plan is usually better value than buying multiple shorter ones.
iPhone users with a US-spec device (eSIM-only) — it works exactly the same way, just no physical SIM slot to worry about.

Plans shown are from Yesim. I use them myself and recommend them — I also earn a small commission if you buy through my links, at no extra cost to you.

Browse USA Plans on Yesim →

Common questions

USA eSIM FAQ

You don't strictly need one, but it's the cheapest and most convenient way to get data in the US. UK roaming packages can cost £10–£15 a day. A USA eSIM typically costs a fraction of that over the same period — especially on trips of a week or longer.

If your phone supports eSIM — most iPhones from XS onwards, and most flagship Android handsets from 2020 — then yes. The Yesim eSIM connects to major US partner networks and works across all 50 states.

Yes. The eSIM handles data only. Your physical UK SIM stays in your phone and remains active. Calls and texts to your UK number still come through normally — your contacts don't need to do anything differently.

You'll receive your QR code instantly after purchase. Installation takes under a minute. The eSIM then activates automatically when your phone connects to a US network — so it kicks in the moment you land.

All 50. Coverage spans the continental US as well as Hawaii and Alaska. Whether you're in New York, California, Texas, Florida, or heading off the beaten track, you'll have data coverage via Yesim's US network partners.

A US-only eSIM won't cover you in Canada or Mexico. If you're crossing borders, look for a North America regional plan on Yesim — these cover multiple countries in one plan and can work out better value.

eSIM for the USA

🇺🇸 USA Plans

How to set up yourUSA eSIM

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How to set up your
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