Mobile Data and Calling in New York
What are the costs for using mobile data in New York? It depends on whether you are a heavy user and want to be online all the time, or if you want to periodically check-in. If it’s the former, then get a prepaid USA SIM card. AU providers tend to charge high prices for data roaming (as well as calls and text messages) and you can get a SIM card with an unlimited 4 or 5G data bundle. Otherwise, use the hotel wifi or wifi hotspots located around the city.
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Eric’s New York
In New York there are many places where you can use free Wi-Fi. Even the old public phone booths have been turned in to WiFi spots, called LinkNYC. This is, of course, the cheapest way to stay online and in touch during your visit to the city. You can scroll Instagram or Facebook from many places without having to worry about the huge roaming charges. Most subway stations, cafés, and parks offer a free Wi-Fi connection. I’ve collected all of the free Wi-Fi hotspots in New York in my app Eric’s New York. I regularly update the app, and I only add a hotspot if it’s completely free, no need to buy a cup of coffee first!
eSIM card in New York
Before your trip to New York, you can buy a data plan with an eSIM card. You install the data plan easily on your phone, which allows you to always be connected to the internet in New York. It also spares you time and perhaps some frustration than buying a physical SIM card in the city.
Where to buy a SIM card in New York
There are a number of places where you can buy an American SIM card. You can head to BestBuy where you’ll find all of the providers. Or you can head to for example a T-Mobile shop. You’ll also find that most drugstores carry a variety of different SIM cards as well.
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