The official guidance is to obtain your SIM card upon arrival. For your service, a is the best choice because it does not require a US credit history or a Social Security number.
“Is it possible to activate a US eSIM while I am still abroad, and if so, which plan and network should I choose?”
Summary
You do not need to worry about passing a credit check or paying a large deposit right away. Prepaid plans let you pay upfront and start using your phone immediately.
Next steps
Follow these steps to make sure your phone works on a US network.
Obtain a SIM card upon arrival
Plan to get your SIM card after you arrive in the US. Some university offices even offer temporary SIM cards for arriving international students.
Choose a prepaid plan
Select a prepaid wireless plan rather than a . Postpaid plans bill you at the end of the month and usually require a credit check and large deposits if you do not have a Social Security number. With a prepaid plan, you pay upfront for your minutes and avoid the credit check.
Check network compatibility and international rates
Not every phone works on every network because companies use different frequencies. When picking a provider, confirm your phone is compatible with their network and look for competitive rates for calling your home country.
Legal sources
These rules come from university international student offices.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with a licensed immigration attorney.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice.
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