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The Ultimate Guide to US SIM Cards: Plan Types, Price Comparisons & Activation Process Explained

Author: iTalkBB USA

8-7-2025

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Just arrived in the U.S.? Getting a local phone plan is one of your top priorities! Without a U.S. phone number, daily life can be very inconvenient. You'll need it for everything from registering for bank accounts and receiving verification codes to hailing rides, ordering food, using apps, or applying for services. This is especially true for new immigrants, international students, or those on short-term business trips. Understanding the process of getting a phone plan is the essential first step.

Don't worry, this is the most practical and complete guide to setting up a U.S. phone plan, helping you quickly understand how to get one:

1. Basic Types of U.S. Phone Plans

U.S. phone plans are mainly divided into two categories: Prepaid Plans and Postpaid Plans, catering to different user needs.

1.1 Prepaid Plans

● Advantages: No credit history or SSN (Social Security Number) required. Pay-as-you-go, very flexible, and easy to budget. Can be canceled anytime with no contract lock-in.● Disadvantages: Prepaid plans generally don't offer unlimited data, and for the same services, they can be more expensive than postpaid plans. They also typically don't support device financing or installment plans.● Ideal for: New immigrants or international students who just arrived in the U.S. and lack a credit history, or short-term visitors.● Common brands: T-Mobile Prepaid, AT&T Prepaid, Verizon Prepaid, MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).

1.2 Postpaid Plans

● Advantages: Bills are automatically charged monthly after signing up. Rates are often more competitive, especially for family plans, offering more data (including unlimited) and additional services like international roaming.● Disadvantages: Require a credit check and often involve a contract (e.g., 12/24 months). Early termination may incur fees. New immigrants usually cannot get one directly without established U.S. credit history.● Ideal for: Those who have established U.S. credit history and have stable jobs or income.● Common brands: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon.

2. Choosing a Major U.S. Carrier and Price Comparison

While the vast majority of Americans tend to choose plans from the three major carriers, flexible and affordable services from other providers are also becoming increasingly popular.

The following prices are for single-line plans for reference. Typically, the more lines a plan includes, the lower the average cost per line:

2.1 AT&T

Major US Telecom Carrier - AT&T

● Features: Excellent signal coverage, particularly outstanding in suburban and central regions.● Prepaid Plan Price: Starting at $25/month, includes 16GB high-speed data, requires prepaying for 12 months ($300).● Postpaid Plan Price: Starting at $50.99/month, includes unlimited high-speed data, personal hotspot not included.

2.2 T-Mobile

Major US Telecom Carrier - T-mobile

● Features: Relatively cheaper prices, excellent signal coverage and 5G network experience in major cities, flexible plan options.● Prepaid Plan Price: Starting at $40/month, includes 15GB high-speed data.● Postpaid Plan Price: Starting at $50/month, includes 50GB high-speed data.

2.3 Verizon

Major US Telecom Carrier - Verizon

● Features: Generally considered the carrier with the best signal and most stable network, especially prominent in rural areas, but prices are also higher.● Prepaid Plan Price: Starting at $30/month, requires Auto Pay, includes 15GB high-speed data.● Postpaid Plan Price: Starting at $65/month, typically includes unlimited 5G high-speed data.

2.4 iTalkBB—A Great Choice for Chinese Communications

A great US communications choice for Chinese - iTalkBB

● iTalkBB Prime App (US-China Dual Number): $3.99-$7.99/month, choose between US-China Dual Number or US-Hong Kong Dual Number plans.● iTalkBB China Pass: Data package for use in China, making internet access convenient and cost-effective when returning to China!

2.5 Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)

These MVNOs use the networks of the big three carriers but offer more affordable options:● Mint Mobile: Uses T-Mobile network. Prepaid, starting at $15/month, usually requires prepaying for 3/6/12 months.● Google Fi: Primarily uses T-Mobile network. $20 base + $10/GB for data, supports international roaming.● Ultra Mobile: Uses T-Mobile network, starting at $10/month, includes 500MB/month 5G data, requires 1-year prepayment.

3. Documents and Materials Needed for a U.S. Phone Plan

3.1 Identification Documents

● Passport: This is essential for identification.● Visa Page / I-20 or DS-2019: For students (F-1 visa) or exchange visitors (J-1 visa), these documents prove your legal status in the U.S. and are usually required.● U.S. Address: Sometimes a U.S. residential address is needed, which can be a school dorm address or temporary accommodation.

3.2 Payment Methods

● Credit/Debit Card: Visa and Mastercard are most commonly accepted; some places also accept UnionPay.● Cash: Some carrier stores or large supermarkets may accept cash payments.

3.3 A Phone Compatible with U.S. Networks

● Unlocked Phone: The phone you bring from China must be unlocked; otherwise, it cannot use a U.S. carrier's SIM card. You can request an unlock from your carrier in China before you leave.● Supports U.S. Network Bands: Most new iPhone models and recent flagship Android phones from China generally support the main network bands used in the U.S.

4. Process for Getting a U.S. Phone Plan

4.1 In-Store Setup

Ideal for new immigrants/students who just landed. It's recommended to visit a carrier's physical store (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon). Don't forget to bring your ID and proof of status.● Convenient Service: Staff will help you choose a plan, activate the SIM card, and resolve any issues. The entire process usually takes only 10-15 minutes before you can start using the service.● Other Purchase Locations: Prepaid SIM cards or activation kits from various carriers are also sold in the electronics sections of large supermarkets like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.

4.2 Online Purchase of Prepaid Cards

● Prepare in Advance: You can buy prepaid SIM card kits in advance from Amazon, eBay, or carrier websites.● Self-Activation: Once you receive the SIM card, follow the instructions in the package or online guide to insert the card and activate it yourself.● Ideal for: Those familiar with the process or who will have immediate WiFi access upon arrival to handle the setup.

4.3 eSIM-Exclusive Option

eSIM activation solution

● Online Activation, Scan to Use: If your phone supports eSIM, this is the most convenient option. No physical card is needed; just scan a QR code to activate.● Process: Purchase a plan from an eSIM-supporting carrier or third-party platform. You will receive an activation QR code. Scan this code or manually enter the information in your phone's settings to download and activate the eSIM profile.

5. Plan Selection Advice for Newcomers: Choose Based on Needs, Start Your U.S. Communication Life

For new immigrants or international students just setting foot in the U.S., choosing the right phone plan not only affects daily convenience but also relates to budget control and cross-border communication needs. Here are recommendations for different groups:

5.1 Short-Term Visitors: Prepaid Plans are the First Choice

Those staying in the U.S. short-term (1–3 months) are best suited for prepaid plans. They offer transparent pricing and controllable data usage, helping to avoid overspending—ideal for newcomers. Many international students also prefer prepaid plans.

5.2 Long-Term U.S. Residents: Postpaid Plans are More Suitable

For those studying, working, or living in the U.S. long-term, postpaid plans are recommended. They typically offer more stable 5G signal service, more generous data allowances (often unlimited), and usually allow adding international roaming services when traveling abroad, eliminating the need to buy a local SIM card (which can be expensive, check specific fees by clicking).Note: If you don't have an SSN when applying, you can use a prepaid plan for a few months first, then upgrade to postpaid. Many carriers also offer device discounts and family plans suitable for two or more people sharing a service at a lower per-line cost.

5.3 Frequent Travelers Between China and the U.S.: Choose iTalkBB China Pass eSIM + Prime US-China Dual Number App

iTalkBB China Pass eSIM + Prime US-China Dual Number App

For users frequently traveling between China and the U.S., the solution designed for Chinese users—iTalkBB China Pass + Prime US-China Dual Number—is the optimal choice. One phone can handle both US and Chinese numbers without a physical SIM card. This solution includes:● China Roaming Data Package: Get online immediately upon landing, no need to change your number or rent a portable WiFi.● US-China Dual Number: A US number for daily use + a Chinese number for receiving verification codes and calls.● 30 Days of 10GB High-Speed Data: Enough for daily communication, navigation, videos, and social media.Want uninterrupted internet when returning to China? Worry-free communication for life in the U.S.? Click to learn more about iTalkBB China Pass, 30 days of 10GB high-speed data + US-China dual number plan, all sorted in one stop!

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