USA Travel Guide 2026: eSIM, Internet, ESTA & Essential Travel Tips
Planning a trip to the United States? This practical USA travel guide covers mobile internet, eSIMs, ESTA and entry requirements, driving, tipping, payments, electricity, time zones and other useful information to know before travelling to America.
Do I need an ESTA or visa to travel to the USA?
Travellers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may be able to visit the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa, but an approved ESTA is required before travelling. Eligibility depends on nationality and individual circumstances. Always check the latest requirements on the official U.S. government website before departure.
USA travel checklist before departure
- Check your passport validity
- Check whether you need an ESTA or visa
- Arrange travel insurance
- Check your airline baggage rules
- Book accommodation
- Prepare a payment card suitable for international use
- Check whether you need an International Driving Permit
- Install your USA eSIM
- Download offline copies of important travel documents
- Save accommodation addresses and booking confirmations
What is the best way to get mobile internet in the USA?
International roaming from your home mobile provider can be convenient, but it may also be expensive. A USA travel eSIM allows compatible unlocked smartphones to connect to a supported American mobile network without replacing the physical SIM card. This makes an eSIM particularly convenient for navigation, messaging, social media, bookings and everyday internet use during your trip.
Unlimited USA eSIM with calls, texts and mobile data
For travellers who expect to use a lot of mobile data, our 30-day USA eSIM provides unlimited high-speed data on the T-Mobile 5G network together with unlimited talk and text. A U.S. phone number is generated within approximately 30 minutes and hotspot functionality is supported.
Unlimited USA eSIM plan
- Unlimited high-speed mobile data
- 30-day validity
- T-Mobile 5G network
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- U.S. phone number
- U.S. phone number generated within approximately 30 minutes
- Hotspot support
- Validity starts from the date of purchase
- Price: €58
Can I get a U.S. phone number with an eSIM?
Yes. This USA eSIM includes a U.S. phone number that is normally generated within approximately 30 minutes. This can be useful when travelling because some hotels, restaurants, services and local contacts may ask for a U.S. telephone number.
Does the USA eSIM support hotspot?
Yes. Hotspot support allows you to share the mobile connection from your phone with another compatible device such as a laptop or tablet. This can be particularly useful for business travellers, remote workers and travellers who need internet access on several devices.
Which mobile networks are available in the USA?
The United States has several major mobile networks, including T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. Network coverage and speed can vary significantly depending on location. Large cities generally have extensive 4G and 5G coverage, while remote areas, national parks, mountains and long stretches of highway may have weaker or unavailable mobile service.
Can tourists drive in the United States?
Foreign visitors can generally drive in the United States with the appropriate licence, but requirements differ between states. Some states or rental companies may require an International Driving Permit in addition to your national driving licence. Check the requirements for every state you plan to visit before travelling.
Useful things to know when driving in the USA
- Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road
- Distances are normally shown in miles
- Speed limits are shown in miles per hour
- Fuel is sold by the gallon
- Driving rules can differ between states
- Some roads and bridges charge tolls
- Parking rules vary significantly between cities
- Rental car companies may have additional licence requirements
- Mobile coverage can be limited on remote routes
How does tipping work in the USA?
Tipping is an important part of service culture in the United States. At sit-down restaurants, travellers will commonly encounter tipping expectations of around 18–20 percent, while suggested tip options may also appear on payment terminals in bars, taxis and other service businesses. Always check whether a gratuity has already been added to the bill.
Can I pay by card in the USA?
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the United States, including in hotels, restaurants, shops and many transport services. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common. Carrying a small amount of cash can still be useful for tips, small businesses, parking or situations where cards are not accepted.
Useful USA facts for international travellers
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Driving: right-hand side
- Distance: miles
- Speed: miles per hour
- Temperature: Fahrenheit
- Fuel: gallons
- Electricity: approximately 120 V
- Common plugs: Type A and Type B
- Emergency number: 911
- Language: English is the most widely used language
- The USA covers several time zones
Do I need a power adapter in the USA?
The United States commonly uses Type A and Type B electrical plugs and approximately 120-volt electricity. Travellers from Europe and many other regions will normally need a plug adapter. Check whether your phone, laptop and other chargers support the local voltage before connecting them.
How many time zones are there in the USA?
The United States spans multiple time zones, which can become important when taking domestic flights or planning a long road trip. New York and Los Angeles, for example, are several hours apart. Always check local time when booking flights, tours, transfers and online meetings.
Popular destinations for a first trip to the USA
- New York City – skyscrapers, Broadway, museums and iconic neighbourhoods
- Florida – Miami, Orlando, beaches and theme parks
- California – Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and the Pacific Coast
- Las Vegas – entertainment and a gateway to spectacular desert landscapes
- Arizona – Grand Canyon and classic Southwest scenery
- Hawaii – tropical islands, beaches and volcanic landscapes
- Washington, D.C. – monuments, museums and U.S. history
- National parks – some of the most spectacular landscapes in North America
New York, Florida or California – where should you go first?
For a shorter city break, New York is one of the easiest introductions to the United States. Florida combines beaches, Miami and Orlando attractions, while California is ideal for travellers who want to combine major cities with a road trip. The best destination depends on the season, length of your trip and whether you prefer cities, beaches, entertainment or nature.
How much mobile data do I need in the USA?
Data usage depends heavily on how you travel. Maps and messaging use relatively little data, while social media, video streaming, video calls, cloud backups and hotspot usage consume much more. Travellers who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day may prefer an unlimited plan instead of continuously monitoring a fixed data allowance.
What can you use your USA eSIM for?
- Google Maps and navigation
- Uber, Lyft and other transport apps
- WhatsApp and messaging
- Social media
- Restaurant searches
- Hotel and flight bookings
- Digital boarding passes
- Translation applications
- Email and remote work
- Video calls
- Streaming
- Hotspot and laptop internet access
When should I buy and install my USA eSIM?
You can prepare your eSIM before travelling so that your phone is ready for the United States. For this particular 30-day unlimited USA plan, remember that validity starts from the date of purchase. The U.S. phone number is normally generated within approximately 30 minutes after purchase.
Frequently asked questions about travelling to the USA
Do I need an ESTA to travel to the USA?
Eligible travellers using the Visa Waiver Program need an approved ESTA before travelling. Other travellers may require a visa. Always check the current official U.S. entry requirements.
How long can I stay in the USA with the Visa Waiver Program?
Eligible VWP travellers may generally visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days, subject to the applicable entry requirements.
What is the best eSIM for the USA?
The best option depends on how much data you need and whether you require calls, SMS, a U.S. phone number or hotspot functionality. Heavy users may prefer an unlimited plan.
Does this USA eSIM include unlimited data?
Yes. The featured 30-day plan includes unlimited high-speed mobile data.
Does the eSIM include calls and SMS?
Yes. The featured plan includes Unlimited Talk & Text.
Does it include a U.S. phone number?
Yes. A U.S. phone number is normally generated within approximately 30 minutes.
Which network does the eSIM use?
The featured plan uses the T-Mobile 5G network.
Can I use hotspot?
Yes. Hotspot is supported by the featured plan.
When does the 30-day validity begin?
Validity starts from the date of purchase.
How much does the unlimited 30-day USA eSIM cost?
The featured plan is €58 for 30 days.
Can I use my normal SIM at the same time?
Many compatible Dual SIM devices allow a primary SIM and an eSIM to remain installed together.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Requirements vary by state and rental company. Check the rules for the states you intend to visit before departure.
What number should I call in an emergency?
The emergency number in the United States is 911.