USA eSIM with Phone Number 2026: Best Plans for Calls, SMS and OTP
Roami Team
Roami helps travelers stay connected with simple eSIM plans.
📑 Table of Contents
Most travel eSIMs are data-only. You get internet, but no US phone number for calls and SMS. For many travelers, that’s fine — WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Uber all work on data. But there are situations where not having a US number becomes a real problem.
You can’t call a hotel to confirm a reservation. You can’t receive SMS verification codes from Airbnb, Delta, or your bank. You can’t give a local number to a ride-share driver who can’t find you. If any of these apply to your trip, you need an eSIM that includes a real US number.
This guide compares every provider that offers a US phone number with its data plans, and explains when a number is actually necessary versus when data-only is fine. If you only need data and want to save money, the USA eSIM price guide has the cheapest data-only options.
For a complete overview of everything you need to know about using eSIM in the US, the USA eSIM complete guide covers the basics for first-time users.
Quick comparison: USA eSIMs with phone number
| Provider | Starting price | Data included | Networks | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | $5/mo (1GB) | Up to unlimited | T-Mobile | Best value with number |
| Google Fi | $20/mo + data | Up to unlimited | T-Mobile + US Cellular | Multi-device users |
| T-Mobile Prepaid | $10/7d (5GB) | Up to 50GB | T-Mobile (native) | City speed |
| AT&T Prepaid | $10/7d (5GB) | Up to 30GB | AT&T (native) | Rural coverage |
| Verizon Prepaid | $12/7d (5GB) | Up to 25GB | Verizon (native) | Remote areas |
All five include a real US phone number with voice and SMS capabilities. The key differences are pricing, network coverage, and data allowances.
Best USA eSIM with phone number — Tello
Best USA eSIM with phone number — Tello wins this category hands down. It’s the only provider that includes a US phone number in every plan without charging carrier-level premiums. At $15 for 10GB with a number included, it’s significantly cheaper than T-Mobile or AT&T prepaid at the same data tier.
| Data | Validity | Price | US number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 30 days | $5.00 | Yes |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $10.00 | Yes |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $15.00 | Yes |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $35.00 | Yes |
Tello runs on T-Mobile’s network as an MVNO. Plans last 30 days and unused data rolls over if you renew before the plan expires. Setup requires account creation and ID verification, but the process is straightforward.
The trade-off: T-Mobile network only — coverage is excellent in cities but limited in rural areas. If you need rural coverage, combine Tello for your phone number with a data-only eSIM that connects to AT&T or Verizon. The USA eSIM coverage guide has detailed network maps to help you decide which carrier works best for your itinerary.
What a US number enables:
- Call hotels, restaurants, and car rental agencies
- Receive SMS verification codes from Uber, Airbnb, Delta, banks
- Give a local number to business contacts
- Use ride-sharing apps without workarounds
Google Fi USA eSIM travel plan
Google Fi USA eSIM travel plan works across phones, tablets, and some laptops on a single account. The Flexible plan starts at $20/month plus $10/GB. Simply Unlimited at $65/month includes full-speed hotspot.
Google Fi includes a real US phone number and works internationally in 200+ countries — useful if you’re visiting the US as part of a longer trip.
| Plan | Price | Data | US number | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible | $20/mo + $10/GB | Pay as you go | Yes | Full speed |
| Simply Unlimited | $65/mo | Unlimited | Yes | Full speed |
Best for: Families sharing data across devices. Frequent international travelers who visit multiple countries. For business travelers who need to stay connected across multiple devices, the USA eSIM for business and digital nomads guide offers more detailed recommendations.
Skip if: You’re on a short solo trip. The $20/month minimum is expensive for a week.
T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon prepaid — native carriers with numbers
The three major US carriers all include US phone numbers with their prepaid plans. They’re more expensive than Tello but offer native network priority and physical store support.
| Carrier | 7-day | 15-day | 30-day | Best in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | 5GB/$10 | 15GB/$15 | 30GB/$25 | Cities |
| AT&T | 5GB/$10 | 15GB/$15 | 30GB/$30 | Rural areas |
| Verizon | 5GB/$12 | 15GB/$18 | 25GB/$30 | Remote areas |
When to choose them over Tello: You need AT&T or Verizon coverage for rural travel. You want the option of walking into a store. You prefer a major carrier brand.
For a side-by-side comparison of these carrier plans against international eSIM options, the USA eSIM carrier plans guide covers all the details.
Best MVNO eSIM for USA travel — Budget alternatives with numbers
Best MVNO eSIM for USA travel — beyond Tello, several MVNOs offer US numbers at competitive prices:
| MVNO | Data | Validity | Price | US number | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 5GB | 30 days | $10.00 | Yes | T-Mobile |
| Tello | 10GB | 30 days | $15.00 | Yes | T-Mobile |
| Ultra Mobile | 3GB | 30 days | $15.00 | Yes | T-Mobile |
| Ultra Mobile | 10GB | 30 days | $20.00 | Yes | T-Mobile |
| Mint Mobile | 5GB | 3 months | $45.00 | Yes | T-Mobile |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | 3 months | $60.00 | Yes | T-Mobile |
| Twise | 5GB | 30 days | $14.00 | No | AT&T |
| BazTel | 5GB | 30 days | $12.00 | No | T-Mobile |
Why Tello remains the best MVNO: Unlike Mint Mobile (which requires 3-month commitments), Tello offers month-to-month plans with no contract. Unlike Ultra Mobile, Tello’s 5GB plan at $10 is cheaper for the same data. Unlike Twise and BazTel, Tello includes a US phone number at no extra charge. For travelers staying 1-3 months, Tello offers the best balance of price, data, and phone number access.
To see how Tello and other MVNOs compare against all providers in the market, the USA eSIM provider comparison breaks down the options.
eSIM for USA from UK Canadian travelers — What you need to know
eSIM for USA from UK Canadian travelers — if you’re visiting the US from the UK, Canada, or elsewhere, here’s how to get a US phone number:
| Traveler origin | Best provider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| UK traveler | Tello or Airalo | Tello gives you a US number; Airalo is data-only but easy to set up in the UK |
| Canadian traveler | Tello or T-Mobile Prepaid | Tello accepts Canadian credit cards; T-Mobile Prepaid can be activated at US airports |
| EU traveler | Tello or Google Fi | Tello works with EU cards; Google Fi works in 200+ countries |
| Asian traveler | Tello | Accepts international credit cards, no US address required |
Key considerations for international travelers:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I buy Tello from outside the US? | Yes — Tello accepts international credit cards and activates the eSIM immediately, even before you leave home |
| Do I need a US address? | No — hotel address works for Tello. Google Fi may ask for one |
| Will a US number work in Canada/Mexico? | Tello and Google Fi work in Canada and Mexico at no extra cost on most plans |
| Can I keep my number between US trips? | Yes — Tello allows plan renewal from outside the US, keeping your number active |
| Which provider accepts foreign credit cards? | Tello, Google Fi, Airalo, and most MVNOs. T-Mobile and AT&T prepaid may have issues with non-US cards |
Tip for UK and Canadian travelers: Buy and install your Tello eSIM before you leave home. You’ll have a US number ready to go the moment you land, with no airport SIM hunt required.
How to get a US phone number with eSIM — Step by step
How to get a US phone number with eSIM is straightforward with Tello or carrier prepaid plans:
Option 1: Tello (best for most travelers)
- Visit Tello’s website or download the Tello app
- Choose a plan (5GB at $10 is the best value)
- Enter your payment details — international cards accepted
- Create an account and complete ID verification (passport photo)
- Scan the QR code to install the eSIM
- Your US number is assigned immediately upon purchase
Option 2: T-Mobile Prepaid (best for city travelers)
- Download the T-Mobile prepaid app
- Select “International Visitor” or “Prepaid eSIM”
- Upload your passport for verification
- Purchase and install the eSIM through the app
Option 3: AT&T or Verizon Prepaid (best for rural travel)
- Visit the carrier’s prepaid activation page
- Complete ID verification with passport upload
- The QR code is sent by email
All three options take 10-15 minutes. Tello is the most straightforward for international travelers because it accepts foreign credit cards and doesn’t require a US address. For a complete walkthrough of the installation process across different phone models, the USA eSIM setup guide has detailed, device-specific instructions.
If you don’t need a US phone number and want a simpler setup with automatic network switching, you can also consider a data-only provider like Roami’s USA eSIM, which includes live customer support and automatic price comparison.
USA eSIM data only vs with calling plan price — Cost comparison
USA eSIM data only vs with calling plan price — here’s the exact cost difference between data-only and plans with a US number:
| Provider | Plan | Data | Price | US number | Cost for number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubigi (data-only) | 10GB | 10GB | $12.00 | No | — |
| Airalo (data-only) | 5GB | 5GB | $11.00 | No | — |
| Tello (with number) | 5GB | 5GB | $10.00 | Yes | Included |
| Tello (with number) | 10GB | 10GB | $15.00 | Yes | Included |
| Nomad (data-only) | 5GB | 5GB | $12.00 | No | — |
| T-Mobile Prepaid (with number) | 5GB | 5GB | $10.00 | Yes | Included |
| Holafly (data-only) | Unlimited | Unlimited | $27.30 | No | — |
Cost breakdown:
- Data-only: Ubigi 10GB at $12 is the cheapest data-only option at this tier
- With number: Tello 5GB at $10 gives you a US number for less than data-only options from other providers
- Premium: Google Fi at $20/month + $10/GB is the most expensive option
The surprising finding: Tello’s 5GB plan at $10 with a US number is cheaper than Airalo’s 5GB data-only plan at $11. You get more (a US number) for less money. For travelers who want both data and a number, Tello is the clear winner.
Can I make phone calls with USA eSIM?
Can I make phone calls with USA eSIM? Yes — but only if your plan includes voice support. Here’s what each provider offers:
| Provider | Voice calls | SMS | OTP verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | ✅ Yes (US + intl rates) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Google Fi | ✅ Yes (US + intl) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| T-Mobile Prepaid | ✅ Yes (US only) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AT&T Prepaid | ✅ Yes (US only) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Verizon Prepaid | ✅ Yes (US only) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ubigi (data-only) | ❌ No (VoIP only) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Airalo (data-only) | ❌ No (VoIP only) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Holafly (data-only) | ❌ No (VoIP only) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Important: Data-only providers support VoIP calling (WhatsApp, LINE, Skype, Google Voice) but not traditional cellular calls. Tello and carrier prepaid plans support both.
Can I receive SMS with USA eSIM?
Can I receive SMS with USA eSIM? Yes — with plans that include a phone number. Here’s the breakdown:
| Provider | Receive SMS | Sender ID visible | OTP verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | ✅ | Yes | ✅ Works for all services |
| Google Fi | ✅ | Yes | ✅ Works for all services |
| T-Mobile Prepaid | ✅ | Yes | ✅ Works for all services |
| AT&T Prepaid | ✅ | Yes | ✅ Works for all services |
| Verizon Prepaid | ✅ | Yes | ✅ Works for all services |
| Data-only providers | ❌ | N/A | ❌ Not supported |
Why SMS matters: Many US services require SMS verification:
| Service | Needs SMS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uber/Lyft account verification | ✅ | Sometimes required for new accounts |
| Airbnb booking confirmations | ✅ | Sends OTP codes |
| Delta/United flight updates | ✅ | Changes and cancellations sent by SMS |
| Bank fraud alerts | ✅ | Often only SMS |
| Two-factor authentication | ✅ | Many US banks only support SMS 2FA |
| Rental car agencies | ✅ | Send pickup details |
If you’re using Uber, Airbnb, Delta, or any US bank app during your trip, you’ll likely need a US number to receive SMS verification codes.
Do I need a US phone number for eSIM?
Do I need a US phone number for eSIM? No — but it depends on your travel style.
| You DO NOT need a US number if… | You DO need a US number if… |
|---|---|
| You use WhatsApp for communication | You need to call hotels or restaurants |
| You use app-based 2FA (Google Authenticator) | You need SMS verification for US services |
| Uber/Lyft in-app chat works for you | You’re renting a car and need a callback number |
| You book everything online | You’re on a business trip with client calls |
| Your bank uses authenticator apps | Your bank only supports SMS 2FA |
The practical answer: Most travelers can get by without a US number. The question is whether avoiding the extra cost is worth not having it when you need it.
For a 7-day trip: You can probably manage without a number if you’re staying in cities and using WhatsApp.
For a 30+ day trip: Get a US number. The $10-15 cost is small compared to the hassle of not having one.
Do I need a passport to buy eSIM in USA?
Do I need a passport to buy eSIM in USA? Yes — if you’re buying a US carrier prepaid plan or an MVNO plan with a phone number.
| Provider | Passport required? | ID verification method |
|---|---|---|
| Tello | ✅ Yes | Passport photo upload |
| Google Fi | ✅ Yes | Passport or driver’s license |
| T-Mobile Prepaid | ✅ Yes | Passport (in-store or app) |
| AT&T Prepaid | ✅ Yes | Passport upload |
| Verizon Prepaid | ✅ Yes | Passport upload |
| Ubigi (data-only) | ❌ No | Email only |
| Airalo (data-only) | ❌ No | Email only |
| Holafly (data-only) | ❌ No | Email only |
| Nomad (data-only) | ❌ No | Email only |
Key takeaway: If you want a US phone number, you’ll need to verify your identity with a passport. This is a US regulatory requirement (not a provider choice). Data-only eSIMs don’t require any ID — just an email address.
What to prepare: Have your passport ready when purchasing any plan with a US number. Take a clear photo of the ID page — you’ll need to upload it during setup.
If you run into any issues during installation or activation, the USA eSIM troubleshooting guide covers the most common problems and how to resolve them.
For travelers who prefer a data-only solution with automatic network switching — especially those covering multiple regions in one trip — Roami’s USA eSIM offers built-in price comparison across carriers and live support, all without the need for ID verification.
Which provider should I choose? Decision guide
| Your situation | Best provider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Need a US number + best value | Tello | Cheapest provider with a US number, no contract |
| City travel + fastest 5G | T-Mobile Prepaid | Native network, fastest speeds in cities |
| Rural travel + AT&T coverage | AT&T Prepaid | Best rural coverage among carriers |
| Remote travel + Verizon coverage | Verizon Prepaid | Widest LTE footprint |
| Multi-device family | Google Fi | Works on phones, tablets, laptops |
| UK/Canadian traveler | Tello | Accepts international cards, activate before travel |
| Need OTP verification | Tello or carrier prepaid | All support SMS verification |
| Data only, no calls | Ubigi | Cheapest data-only option at 10GB |
For travelers who want a data-only provider that switches between carriers automatically to find the strongest signal — and handles price comparison so you don’t have to — Roami’s USA eSIM is worth considering. Live customer support is available if anything goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a US phone number for eSIM?
No, but it helps. Data-only eSIMs (Ubigi, Airalo, Holafly) work fine for maps, messaging, and ride-sharing. You need a US number if you plan to call hotels, receive SMS verification codes, or need a local number for ride-sharing. Most travelers can manage without one.
Can I get a US phone number with eSIM?
Yes. Tello, Google Fi, T-Mobile Prepaid, AT&T Prepaid, and Verizon Prepaid all include a real US number with their eSIM plans. Tello is the best value at $10 for 5GB with a number included. Data-only providers (Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly) do not include a US number.
Can I make phone calls with USA eSIM?
Yes — if your plan includes voice support. Tello, Google Fi, and the three major carrier prepaid plans all support cellular calling with a US number. Data-only eSIMs support VoIP calling (WhatsApp, LINE, Skype) but not cellular calls.
Can I receive SMS with USA eSIM?
Yes — with plans that include a phone number. Tello, Google Fi, and carrier prepaid plans all support SMS, including OTP verification codes. Data-only eSIMs do not support SMS. If you need to receive codes from Uber, Airbnb, Delta, or your bank, you’ll need a plan with a US number.
Do I need a passport to buy eSIM in USA?
Yes — for any plan that includes a US phone number. Tello, Google Fi, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon all require passport verification. Data-only eSIMs (Ubigi, Airalo, Holafly) require only an email address. This is a US regulatory requirement, not a provider choice.
Can international eSIMs like Airalo or Holafly provide a US number?
Most international eSIMs are data-only. Airalo has limited plans with numbers in some countries, but for the US, you’ll need Tello, Google Fi, or a carrier prepaid plan. Holafly and Ubigi are data-only for US travel.
Will a US number help with rental car bookings?
Yes. Rental car agencies typically require a phone number for the reservation. Having a US number means they can reach you if there are issues with pickup. Some agencies may accept international numbers, but US numbers work more reliably.
Can I keep my USA eSIM number between trips?
Yes. Tello allows you to keep your plan active between trips by renewing before the 30-day validity expires. Your US number stays the same, and any unused data rolls over. This is the most cost-effective way to maintain a US number for frequent travelers.
What happens to my US number after my plan expires?
With Tello, your US number remains active for 30 days after purchase if you set up auto-renewal. If you don’t renew, the number is deactivated and may be reassigned after a grace period. Google Fi deactivates after 30 days without payment. Carrier prepaid numbers are deactivated 30-60 days after plan expiration depending on the carrier.
What’s the difference between a US number and a VoIP number?
A real US number from Tello, T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon works with all SMS verification services, including banks and airline apps. VoIP numbers from services like Google Voice, Skype, or TextNow may be blocked by some SMS verification systems. Banks and financial services are the most likely to reject VoIP numbers for two-factor authentication.
Summary: Best USA eSIM with phone number by priority
| Priority | Best provider | Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best value overall | Tello | 5GB/$10 | Cheapest with US number, no contract |
| Best for city travel | T-Mobile Prepaid | 5GB/$10 | Native network, fastest 5G |
| Best for rural travel | AT&T Prepaid | 5GB/$10 | Best rural coverage |
| Best for remote travel | Verizon Prepaid | 5GB/$12 | Widest LTE footprint |
| Best for multi-device | Google Fi | Flexible | Works on phones, tablets, laptops |
| Best for UK/Canadian travelers | Tello | 5GB/$10 | Accepts international cards |
| Best for OTP verification | Tello | 5GB/$10 | Full SMS support |
Roami offers data-only plans with automatic network switching. For travelers who want to test a USA eSIM without committing to a phone number plan, a free eSIM trial is available. Code WEB20 takes 20% off any plan.
Last updated July 2026.
