Choosing a Cell Phone Plan
The right cell phone provider can save you hundreds and provide a better experience.
Cell Phone Plan Options
Which Plan is Right for You?
Who to choose
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CampusSIMs For international students or scholars looking for the best value
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U.S. Mobile For those who need ultimate flexibility between service providers
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Verizon For long-term students/scholars who want to get a new phone or for those activating multiple lines
🔥 MOST POPULAR CampusSIMS  | US Mobile  | Verizon  | |
|---|---|---|---|
Starting Price (1 line) | $15per month | $10per month | $65per month |
Minimum Data Plan | 5GB | 2GB | Unlimited |
Minimum Contract Length | 1 month | 1 month | 3 years |
Coverage | Nationwide | Nationwide | Nationwide |
Network | T-Mobile | AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon | Verizon |
International Texting | Unlimited | Unlimited | Some plans |
International Calling | Limited Minutes | Limited Minutes | Some plans |
Hotspot | 10GB | 5GB-10GB | Some plans |
New Phone Discount | No | No | Available |
Data Caps on Unlimited Plan | 40GB | 10GB-35GB | None |
✅ 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
CampusSIMs was created specifically for international students. It is a budget-friendly option that you can sign up for before arriving in the U.S.
If you are unsure which provider to choose, we recommend starting with CampusSIMs and you can change plans once you are settled.
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.
✅ 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: Flexibility
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.
4.3 Homebase rating
✅ 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 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.
4.3 Homebase rating
✅ 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.
☀ 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 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.
US Mobile – Requires a U.S. credit card but does not ask for a U.S. address.
U.S. phone plans often include activation fees, early termination penalties, and overage charges. Choosing a prepaid plan can help avoid these extra costs. Providers like CampusSIMs and US Mobile offer prepaid options that come with:
- No activation fees – You won’t pay extra just to start your service.
- No surprise overage charges – Since you prepay for your plan, you won’t be hit with unexpected fees for exceeding your data limit.
- Transparent pricing – Prepaid plans typically don’t add extra state or local taxes, making your monthly bill more predictable.
For international students, 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.