# Which SIM for my America trip? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 21, 2017, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-sim-for-my-america-trip/787168 "2017-05-21T19:09:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-sim-for-my-america-trip/787168/1 "2017-05-21T19:09:35Z")
On landing in America in August I’ll be looking to purchase a SIM for an American network for my mobile phone. Uses will be a few calls, emergency use, and data. I’ll be over for less than a month. So, which SIM should I buy? I’m landing in Bozeman, then proceeding gently south on an eclipse / nature trip taking in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Meteor Crater, and more and finishing in Phoenix. I’m spending two nights there and then heading to Washington DC for 5 days. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-sim-for-my-america-trip/787168/2 "2017-05-21T20:19:27Z")
I am not familiar with offerings to tourists but my wife and I both use pre-paid monthly plans (as opposed to an annual contract). Many month to month plans are stingy on data and speed, so shop carefully. We use [StraightTalk](https://get.straighttalk.com/bring-your-own-phone/?gclid=CObv9vbmgdQCFYSTfgod_akFKA&gclsrc=aw.ds) which uses the AT&T network so coverage is good. ---
**Author:** ![DinoR](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dinor/32/2821_2.png) [@DinoR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DinoR)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-sim-for-my-america-trip/787168/3 "2017-05-21T21:34:06Z")
You need to check what frequencies your phone supports. A phone bought in the UK likely doesn’t support the networks used by Sprint, Verizon, or the resellers that use their networks. That helps neck down the options. A more in depth look [here](http://kenstechtips.com/index.php/best-sim-cards-for-usa). They generally recommend a pay as you go UK based SIM from Three and roaming as one of the better deals. ETA - You might want to look at coverage for whatever option you go with as well. In some rural areas that can make a big difference if you actually expect data for a smart phone. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-sim-for-my-america-trip/787168/4 "2017-05-21T21:41:00Z")
> [@jasg](#): > > I am not familiar with offerings to tourists but my wife and I both use pre-paid monthly plans (as opposed to an annual contract). > > Many month to month plans are stingy on data and speed, so shop carefully. We use [StraightTalk](https://get.straighttalk.com/bring-your-own-phone/?gclid=CObv9vbmgdQCFYSTfgod_akFKA&gclsrc=aw.ds) which uses the AT&T network so coverage is good. If he gets Straight Talk, he’ll have 5 GB data, but also be spending $45. Yes, I know technically it’s unlimited, but they throttle you down from 4G after you’ve used 5 GB. That may be more than he’ll need or want to spend for less than a month. He could go with a $30 plan which some carriers have and get 1 GB of data if he doesn’t want to spend much. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-sim-for-my-america-trip/787168/5 "2017-05-21T22:06:26Z")
> [@DinoR](#): > > You need to check what frequencies your phone supports. It’s a Lumia 950 so it looks like I’m good for 4G… > [@](#): > > ETA - You might want to look at coverage for whatever option you go with as well. In some rural areas that can make a big difference if you actually expect data for a smart phone. I was hoping you folks could help me there. > [@cochrane](#): > > If he gets Straight Talk, he’ll have 5 GB data, but also be spending $45. Yes, I know technically it’s unlimited, but they throttle you down from 4G after you’ve used 5 GB. 5 GB should be more than enough. I’ll be trying to use hotel wifi as much as possible.