Choosing a Cell Phone Plan
Stay Connected in the United States
In the U.S., you have two main cell phone options: a prepaid SIM card or a contract plan.
The easiest way to get started is with a prepaid SIM or eSIM. It’s flexible, affordable, and doesn’t require a contract, credit check, or U.S. address, which is perfect for students and scholars new to the country.
Cell Phone Plan Options
Which Plan is Right for You?
Who to choose
-
CampusSIMs For international students or scholars looking for the best value
-
U.S. Mobile For those who need ultimate flexibility between service providers
-
Verizon For long-term students/scholars who want to get a new phone or for those activating multiple lines
🔥 MOST POPULAR CampusSIMS  | US Mobile  | Visible  | |
|---|---|---|---|
SIM availability | Free physical SIM shipped internationally | Physical SIM Starter Kits available $6.99 | Physical SIM available for non-eSIM devices |
eSIM availability | eSIM supported (QR code setup) | ||
Sign-up from abroad? | Yes – international addresses accepted | US Address required, payment options limited | US Address required, payment options limited |
Device compatibility | Unlocked 5G GSM phones; most modern iPhones/Androids | Unlocked phones post 2013 with 4G (LTE) and supports VoLTE/HD Voice/helphanced Calling | iPhone XS+; select Android (Pixel, Samsung S20+) |
Coverage/network | Mint Mobile (T-Mobile network) | Choice of Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T networks, ability to switch networks | Verizon LTE/5G (including Ultra-Wideband) |
International roaming/data | U.S.only plans; “Minternational” add-on available for travel | Available upgrade for basic plans; included in unlimited plans | Canada/Mexico included on some plans; global passes available |
Pricing | From $15 per month | From $17.50/ month Unlimited from $32.50per month | From $19per month Unlimited from $29per month |
✅ Our pick for: Simplicity and value
CampusSIMs
CampusSIMs is an ideal budget option for someone who uses wifi most of the time. A great perk of CampusSIMs is that you can sign up for phone service before arriving without any hassle. Just sign up and move on to your other tasks. Your service will be ready for you when you arrive.
If you are unsure which provider to choose, we recommend starting with CampusSIMs and you can change plans once you are settled.
4.5 Homebase rating
✅ Get Connected Before Arriving
CampusSIMs allows international students to sign up for a phone plan online before arriving in the U.S. using a U.S. or foreign credit card, PayPal, or Venmo so you're connected as soon as you land.
✅ Get a Free SIM Card
CampusSIMs is compatible with both eSIMs and physical SIM cards. Physical SIM cards can be mailed to you for free if requested. You can order a free SIM card here.
✅ Best 5G Coverage
CampusSIMs provides service through T-Mobile which independent organizations such as Opensignal and Whistleout rank as the best 5G network in the U.S. in terms of both coverage and speed.
✅ Best Value
Offering the best 5G coverage, fastest connection, and a free SIM card starting at only $15per month, CampusSIMs provides the best value for those looking to save without sacrificing the essentials.
✅ Free Unlimited International Texting To Most Countries
All plans include unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada. Create an account here to see country-specific rates for calling and texting.
✅ Discounted 3 Month Trial
You can try CampusSIMs for 3 months and if you choose to sign up for an annual plan you can keep your discounted price.
❌ Upfront Payment for Annual Plans
To get the best deals with CampusSIMs, you’ll need to pay the total cost of an annual plan when renewing. New customers can pay for 3 months at $15per month before deciding whether to renew for a year to keep the same price.
❌ Data Caps On Unlimited Plans
Unlimited plans are allotted 40GBper month of 5G or 4G LTE after which the service will be capped at 3G speeds (512kbps) until the new monthly period begins. Limited plans get capped at 2G speeds (128 kbps) once data limits are passed after which you can add 1GB for $10 or 3GB for $20.
Our top pick: Simplicity and value to get started
CampusSIMs is an ideal option for someone who is outside of the US needing cell service upon arrival. Just sign up from abroad and move on to your other tasks. Your service will be ready for you when you arrive.
If you are unsure which provider to choose, we recommend starting with CampusSIMs.
4.8 Homebase rating
✅ Get Connected Before Arriving
CampusSIMs allows international students to sign up for a phone plan online before arriving in the U.S. using a U.S. or foreign credit card, PayPal, or Venmo so you're connected as soon as you land.
✅ Get a Free SIM Card
CampusSIMs is compatible with both eSIMs and physical SIM cards. Physical SIM cards can be mailed to you for free if requested. You can order a free SIM card here.
✅ 5G Coverage
CampusSIMs provides service through T-Mobile which independent organizations such as Opensignal and Whistleout rank as the best 5G network in the U.S. in terms of both coverage and speed.
✅ Great Value
Offering the best 5G coverage, fastest connection, and a free SIM card starting at only $15per month, CampusSIMs provides the best value for those looking to save without sacrificing the essentials.
✅ Free Unlimited International Texting To Mexico, Canada and the UK
All plans include unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada. Create an account here to see country-specific rates for calling and texting.
✅ Discounted 3 Month Trial
You can try CampusSIMs for 3 months and if you choose to sign up for an annual plan you can keep your discounted price.
✅ No U.S. Payment Method or address required
You do not need a U.S. credit card to sign up and there is no need for a U.S. address.
❌ Upfront Payment for Annual Plans
To get the best deals with CampusSIMs, you’ll need to pay the total cost of an annual plan when renewing. New customers can pay for 3 months at $15per month before deciding whether to renew for a year to keep the same price.
❌ Data Caps On Unlimited Plans
Unlimited plans are allotted 40GBper month of 5G or 4G LTE after which the service will be capped at 3G speeds (512kbps) until the new monthly period begins. Limited plans get capped at 2G speeds (128 kbps) once data limits are passed after which you can add 1GB for $10 or 3GB for $20.
Our pick for: Flexibility and Network coverage
US Mobile is is best for anyone who may want to change plans or travel around the US and change network coverage providers. They offer flexible plans, broad international coverage, and excellent customer service all at great prices. With your choice of 3 major networks, no contracts, and affordable data refills if you run out, choosing US Mobile leaves your options open.
4.8 Homebase rating
✅ Great International Coverage
International texting and calling are included on all plans except Unlimited Flex where international calling is $3per month. Roaming is also included in Unlimited plans so you’re covered when you return home.
✅ Flexible plans
US Mobile offers a variety of plans for all needs from a very low cost 2GBper month up to Unlimited Premium which has no throttling or caps.
✅ Excellent Customer Service
Customers have glowing reviews about US Mobile's helpful and friendly customer support team. If you hate chatting with AI bots and reading terms of service documents, we recommend US Mobile.
✅ Network Switching
You can choose your preferred network from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile to get the best coverage while travelling around the U.S. You can switch networks at any time, for low or no-charge depending on your plan.
❌ U.S. Payment Method Required
You will need a major U.S. credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay to sign up, as well as a U.S. billing address. This makes it harder to sign up from abroad.
❌ Physical SIM cards are only mailed within the U.S.
SIM cards can only be mailed domestically within the United States.
❌ Data Caps on Beginner Unlimited Plans
US Mobile has low allotments of high-speed data on beginner unlimited plans with only 10GB on the Flex Plan and 35GB on the Starter Plan.
Our pick for: Unlimited data usage and purchasing a new device
If you use a lot of data or regularly connect to a hotspot, Visible might be your best option. Their unlimited plans are a great value for money (even including a watch plan!) and there is great network coverage. You won’t have to worry about data caps.
4.8 Homebase rating
✅ No Data Caps on Unlimited Plans
Both Visible and Visible+ plans have truly unlimited data with no caps.
✅ Unlimited Hotspot Data
Both Visible plans offer unlimited hotspot data with the Visible plan offering 5mbps download speeds and Visible+ offering 10mbps download speeds.
✅ Phone Trade-in Deals
Are you thinking about getting a new phone? When you switch to Visible, you can trade in your old phone and receive the value applied toward an upgrade.
✅ Activate with PayPal
You can activate your plan with just a U.S. credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. PayPal does not require a U.S. bank account, but you will pay a fee for currency exchange and you’ll need a permanent U.S. billing address.
❌ U.S. Payment Method Required
You will need a major U.S. credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Venmo to sign up, as well as a U.S. billing address. This makes it harder to sign up from abroad.
❌ Online Customer Support
Support is strictly online via chat or social media—no physical stores, phone support, or in-person assistance
❌ Basic International Coverage
Mexico/Canada coverage is included on some plans, Global Passes cost $10/day and may not be ideal for frequent travelers
If your phone doesn't work with Visible, get 12 months of service credits by purchasing a select new phone with Visible Payback.
Phones include the TCL 50 XE 5G (At $135) and the Motorola moto g 2025 (At $140). Users will receive a monthly service credit up to $105.
- Join Visible on a new line of service
- Purchase or finance through Affirm a new device at full retail price
- Activate device on the Visible or Visible+ monthly plan
Offer disclosure: Offer only eligible for new members joining Visible with a incompatible device. Offer subject to change. Offer not available with Annual plan.
New members purchasing an eligible device via full retail purchase or financed through Affirm are eligible to receive a discount off monthly service for the duration of the promotional period (12 months). Eligible devices for this promotion can be found here. Full device cost, including applicable taxes and fees, is required to be paid or financed through Affirm. Standard monthly service pricing applies once the full promotional value is applied. Monthly promotional credits will stop if the member is not on the Visible or Visible+ plan or if eligibility requirements are no longer met.
Monthly service credit is not transferable, not redeemable for cash and has no cash value. Member must maintain service for full promotional period (12 months) to get full benefit of the promotion; no value will be provided to the member for unused promotional months if an account is terminated.
The member is responsible for all applicable taxes and fees. Service credits may not be combinable with some offers or discounts. Minimum monthly service payment of $5/mo applies.
Promotion is void where prohibited, taxed, or otherwise restricted. Visible reserves the right to change or terminate this offer at any time, with or without notice, including for any violation of Visible’s Terms of Service. If Visible, in its sole discretion, determines that a member has engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this offer, or that the member intends to do so, Visible reserves the right to disqualify the member from this promotion.
☀ Our pick for: Simplicity and value
CampusSIMs
CampusSIMs is an ideal budget option for someone who uses wifi most of the time. A great perk of CampusSIMs is that you can sign up for phone service before arriving without any hassle. Just sign up and move on to your other tasks. Your service will be ready for you when you arrive.
If you are unsure which provider to choose, we recommend starting with CampusSIMs and you can change plans once you are settled.
✅ Get Connected Before Arriving
CampusSIMs allows international students to sign up for a phone plan online before arriving in the U.S. using a U.S. or foreign credit card, PayPal, or Venmo so you're connected as soon as you land.
✅ Get a Free SIM Card
CampusSIMs is compatible with both eSIMs and physical SIM cards. Physical SIM cards can be mailed to you for free if requested. You can order a free SIM card here.
✅ Best 5G Coverage
CampusSIMs provides service through T-Mobile which independent organizations such as Opensignal and Whistleout rank as the best 5G network in the U.S. in terms of both coverage and speed.
✅ Best Value
Offering the best 5G coverage, fastest connection, and a free SIM card starting at only $15per month, CampusSIMs provides the best value for those looking to save without sacrificing the essentials.
✅ Free Unlimited International Texting To Most Countries
All plans include unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada. Create an account here to see country-specific rates for calling and texting.
✅ Discounted 3 Month Trial
You can try CampusSIMs for 3 months and if you choose to sign up for an annual plan you can keep your discounted price.
❌ Upfront Payment for Annual Plans
To get the best deals with CampusSIMs, you’ll need to pay the total cost of an annual plan when renewing. New customers can pay for 3 months at $15per month before deciding whether to renew for a year to keep the same price.
❌ Data Caps On Unlimited Plans
Unlimited plans are allotted 40GBper month of 5G or 4G LTE after which the service will be capped at 3G speeds (512kbps) until the new monthly period begins. Limited plans get capped at 2G speeds (128 kbps) once data limits are passed after which you can add 1GB for $10 or 3GB for $20.
Our pick for: Unlimited data usage
Visible
If you use a lot of data or regularly connect to a hotspot, Visible might be your best option. Their unlimited plans are the best value for money, and you won’t have to worry about data caps. Just make sure you won’t need robust international coverage.
✅ No Data Caps on Unlimited Plans
Both Visible and Visible+ plans have truly unlimited data with no caps. You may be de-prioritized on the Visible plan during peak usage, however, Visible+ customers are guaranteed priority 5G connection for the first 50GB, and unlimited priority on 5G Ultra Wideband (available in major urban centers, see map below).
✅ Unlimited Hotspot Data
Both Visible plans offer unlimited hotspot data with the Visible plan offering 5mbps download speeds and Visible+ offering 10mbps download speeds.
✅ Phone Trade-in Deals
Are you thinking about getting a new phone? When you switch to Visible, you can trade in your old phone and receive the value applied toward an upgrade.
✅ Activate with PayPal
You can activate your plan with just a U.S. credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. No need for a U.S. address. PayPal does not require a U.S. bank account, but you will pay a fee for currency exchange.
❌ Limited Customer Support
Visible customers complain about long waits and unhelpful customer support in case something goes wrong.
❌ Basic International Coverage
The Visible+ plan only includes unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada, while Visible customers can purchase Mexico and Canada coverage for $5/day. Visible+ includes unlimited texting to most countries but only includes calling to around 30 countries. Both plans can purchase the global pass for $10/day (Visible+ includes one day a month for free) where customers get access to unlimited texting, calling, and data coverage in 140 countries.
Our pick for: Flexibility
US Mobile
US Mobile is best for anyone who may want to change plans in any given month. They offer flexible plans, broad international coverage, and excellent customer service all at great prices. With your choice of 3 major networks, no contracts, and affordable data refills if you run out, choosing US Mobile leaves your options open.
✅ Great International Coverage
International texting and calling are included on all plans except Unlimited Flex where international calling is $3per month. Check out the number of calling minutes for each country here.
✅ Flexible plans
US Mobile offers a variety of plans for all needs from 2GBper month up to Unlimited Premium which has no throttling or caps.
✅ Excellent Customer Service
Customers have glowing reviews about US Mobile's helpful and friendly customer support team. If you hate chatting with AI bots and reading terms of service documents, we recommend US Mobile.
✅ Network Switching
You can choose your preferred network from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. You can switch networks at any time, but most plans charge $2 per switch.
❌ U.S. Payment Method Required
You will need a U.S. credit card to sign up, no need for a U.S. address.
❌ Data Caps on Beginner Unlimited Plans
US Mobile has low allotments of high-speed data on beginner unlimited plans with only 10GB on the Flex Plan and 35GB on the Starter Plan. After you reach this amount, your speed will be reduced significantly to around 500-1,000kbps.
Our pick for: New phone deals
Verizon
Verizon is best if you are considering upgrading your phone, or if you will be activating multiple lines. The Unlimited Ultimate plan includes your pick of one of the latest 5G phones for each new line. New customers need to sign an agreement for 36 months, so make sure you are staying in the U.S. for at least 3 years.
✅ Deals on New Phones
Customers get steep discounts on new phones, especially for the Unlimited Ultimate where getting the latest 5G phones is included in the price of the plan.
✅ Bring your Own Device Savings
Verizon offers a credit of $360 per line on the Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans and $540 per line on the Unlimited Ultimate plan when activating an existing device. This credit can be replaced with a free smartwatch if you include a service plan.
❌ 3 Year Contract
Standard Verizon contracts and agreements last 36 months. Terminating early could result in paying back credits, covering the cost of new phones, or paying an early termination fine.
❌ Cost
Verizon’s plans are among the most expensive, especially for single lines. You will get a better deal the more lines you activate. Bundling streaming services, wifi, and new phones can also bring the cost down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most likely yes. Your phone must be both unlocked and compatible with U.S. networks. Most providers allow you to check compatibility before signing up for a plan. If your device is from prior to 2013 or isn’t supported, you may need to buy a new phone after arriving in the U.S.
Yes! CampusSIMs lets international students set up a mobile plan online before arriving. You can pay using a foreign or U.S. credit card, PayPal, or Venmo, ensuring you have service as soon as you arrive.
- Go for prepaid plans – These tend to be more affordable and don’t require a credit check.
- Use Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) – MVNO providers like CampusSIMs and US Mobile operate on major carrier networks but typically offer lower prices.
- Take advantage of campus Wi-Fi – Most universities provide free Wi-Fi, allowing you to use less mobile data and choose a lower-cost plan.
The requirements vary by provider. Some major U.S. carriers may ask for a passport, proof of a U.S. address, or a local bank account. However, certain providers make the process simpler:
- CampusSIMs – Only a credit card (including international ones), PayPal, or Venmo is needed. No U.S. address or bank account required.
- Visible – Accepts a U.S. credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. A U.S. address is required.
- US Mobile – Requires a U.S. credit card and U.S. address.
U.S. phone contracts often include activation fees, early termination penalties, and overage charges. Choosing a prepaid plan can help avoid these extra unanticipated costs, however if you need a new phone or like to upgrade your technology frequently - a contract might be for you.
For international students in the U.S. for 2 years or less, prepaid phone plans provide a flexible and cost-effective solution without long-term contracts or hidden fees.
Get Started Today
Don’t wait until you arrive in the U.S. to set up your bank account.