Free eSIM trials: Are they your answer to connectivity for your US trip?

Traveling to the USA and looking for the cheapest way to stay connected? Perhaps you can consider trying to get a free trial with one of the local telcos - that is, if you are eligible to. Let’s take a look at what these free trials are, what they include, and whether they are the answer for your connectivity needs.

USA Free eSIM Trials: What are they and what do they include?

Several mobile carriers in the USA are now offering free trials to allow users to test the carrier's network before committing to a plan. While these trials are typically targeted for the locals to test out the carrier before making a switch to the telco, the terms do not explicitly state that visitors and tourists are not allowed to sign up for a trial.

Here are some of the benefits these trials typically provide:

1. No Commitment: Free eSIM trials allow users to test a carrier's service without a long-term commitment. If the service doesn’t meet expectations, there’s no obligation to continue.
2. Easy Activation: Activating an eSIM trial is straightforward. Users can download an app or scan a QR code to activate the trial on their device.
3. Full Network Access: During the trial period, users generally have access to the carrier’s full network, including high-speed data, voice, and text services.

Which operators offer free trials and how do you get one?

Most of the major operators in the US including T-Mobile, Verizon, Visible, Mint Mobile, US Mobile, and Cricket. The terms of the trials offered by each of these operators vary in terms of what is offered in the package and for how long the trial lasts for.

Typically, the trial includes free data, and a local number that comes with talk time and text. The data volume offered ranges from 3GB to Unlimited Data; and the duration of the trial ranges from 7 days to 30 days depending on the provider.

In most cases, these trials offer you the option to install an eSIM, which makes it very convenient for you to get the eSIM installed. Of course, you will need to have a device that is eSIM compatible and supported by the network.

You can typically get a trial for these networks by registering for the free trial on their website. However, it is important to note that restrictions may be in place, which include but are not limited to:

• You will likely need to download their app to complete the installation. However, the app might not always be available in your country’s App Store / Google Play Store. In fact, for most telcos, their app is
• You will need to provide a local postal code. There are limited quantities of eSIMs issued for each postal code, so it might not always be available. However, you could always try to cycle through a few different postal codes to find one that could work.
• Some telcos might require you to provide a credit card. If you were trying to get a free trial just for your trip, we would highly encourage that you get one that does not require any credit card information as cancellation might not always be easy after that.
• Most telcos only allow you to sign up for the trial once; so if you are doing multiple trips to the US and you have already signed up for the trial before, you might not always be able to do it again - at least not on the same telco.

A pro-tip if you are trying to sign up for a free trial: most of the telcos have their app region locked and you can only get them from the US App Store or Play Store. But, it is actually possible for you to get the Visible app from the App Store / Play Store in other countries so that could be your best bet in getting a free trial.

Can’t get a free trial? Get a travel eSIM from Nomad instead.

If going through all the different telcos to try to get a free trial is too much trouble, or if you haven’t been able to successfully get a free trial on any of the telcos, why not get a travel eSIM from Nomad instead?

Nomad offers travel eSIMs with reliable connectivity for the United States at affordable prices from as low as $1.80/GB, and prices could in fact be cheaper than if you got a prepaid local SIM card. Nomad’s eSIMs for the United States also work with multiple providers (AT&T and T-Mobile), and you can easily switch between providers in just a few taps on your device.

Nomad’s eSIMs are also prepaid and fees are up-front, and you do not need to worry about hidden fees or recurring charges. In the event that you require more data, or if you need to extend the validity of your eSIM, you can simply purchase an add-on. The add-on will be activated automatically when your original plan is depleted, and you can continue to stay connected using the same eSIM!

If you share your Nomad referral code with your friends, your friend will be able to enjoy $7 off their first purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more). You will also be able to enjoy $7 off your next purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more).