SIM Cards for Non-Residents in the US: How & Where to Buy

If you’ve ever been in a situation where your phone’s battery died for a while, you know how difficult it can be. You’re disconnected from the world. You cannot use your favorite apps. And if you’re new to the area, the lack of a proper navigational tool can be extremely stressful. 

Now, imagine the life of a non-resident without a mobile plan. This is not just one more to their long list of hardships. A lack of a functional mobile phone means missed opportunities and being disconnected from their loved ones back home. 

We don’t want that to happen. 

So, to make things easier, we have put together this piece that talks about buying a SIM card in the US as a non-resident. We’ve answered some important questions that some of you may have regarding low-cost phone plans for immigrants in the US, along with some recommendations. Keep reading! 

Can Non-Residents Buy a SIM Card in the US? 

Let’s answer the most important question first. 

Yes, a non-resident can buy a SIM card in the US. 

But their options may be limited based on whether they have proof of one of the following. 

• Social Security Number (SSN) 
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) 
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) 

These types of identification are used to check an individual’s credit score. You will have to pass a credit check before purchasing a postpaid plan in the US. This means that getting a postpaid plan, as a non-resident, is out of the equation. 

This leaves us with prepaid plans. 

Unlike postpaid plans, prepaid plans require you to pay upfront for the benefits you’ll use for a period of 30 days. We’ve talked more about postpaid versus prepaid plans in one of the sections below. 

Some of the top MVNOs, like Lyca Mobile, have plenty of cheap prepaid SIM plans in the US that don’t require SSN, TIN, or ITIN. Just pick one, pay for it, and activate the SIM/eSIM. You’re done! 

The Best Budget SIM Plans for Non-Residents 

Budget is an important factor for non-residents looking for a mobile plan, especially if they’re juggling jobs. 

Prepaid plans help you budget your expenses better. Since you’ll be paying a fixed amount each month, you aren’t going to be blindsided by additional charges when the plan’s validity period ends. 

Lyca Mobile has three budget-focused prepaid phone plans in the US that are ideal for non-residents. 

• The $19 Unlimited International Plan 
• The $23 Unlimited International Plan 
• The $29 Unlimited International Plan 

These prepaid plans feature all the right benefits. Here’s what you get with these plans. 

• Super-fast 5G data allocation 
• Unlimited international calls and SMS 
• Unlimited national calls and SMS 
• Bonus roaming credit 

All you have to do is purchase one of these low-cost mobile plans for immigrants/non-residents in the US. All your national and international calling needs will be met. 

Affordable Plans with International Calling Benefits 

International calling is one of the most important features non-residents look for when buying a SIM card in the US. 

They will need to talk with their folks back home from time to time. Not just to catch up on what’s happening, but also to get some motivation to keep pushing forward. 

The plans above come with unlimited minutes and messages to 100 countries around the world. Some of these countries are: 

• Mexico 
• Canada 
• Australia 
• France 
• Germany 
• India 
• China 
• Ukraine 
• United Kingdom 
• Colombia 

You can call landline and mobile numbers of most destinations in the list of 100 countries. However, you can only call either mobile or landline numbers in certain countries. Read the plan’s terms and conditions to learn more about this. 

Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans: What Works Best for Non-Residents? 

We always recommend buying a prepaid SIM card for non-residents in the US, especially when you consider the lack of credit checks. 

That said, a postpaid plan might hold the edge in certain situations. 

So, to help you decide, we’ve put together the common differences between prepaid and postpaid plans. 

Now you can’t go about picking any random prepaid SIM card in the US just because you can buy it without a credit history. Just make sure it comes with the following benefits without the need for add-ons. 

• International Benefits: The plan you choose must come with calling and texting benefits to your home country. 
• Affordability: The ideal plan for non-residents in the US has a fair price-to-benefit ratio. It’s not expensive enough to take up a significant amount of your monthly budget.  
• High-Speed Data: Fast data is the lifeblood of a mobile phone. It’s 2026. Slow data isn’t acceptable. 
• Local Benefits: Look for plans with unlimited local calling and texting. You’ll need it to get through your day. 

Which is the Best SIM for Gig Workers Who Need International Calling on a Budget? 

One of the most important tools in a gig worker’s arsenal is a reliable mobile plan, especially one with high data allocation. From finding new opportunities and client/customer communication to uploading documents and using maps for navigation, a mobile plan is of immense use to a gig worker. 

Additionally, having a mobile plan with high data allocation makes it easy to stay connected on the move and not rely on public Wi-Fi. This isn’t just super convenient; it’s also a more secure way to connect to the internet, as using public Wi-Fi comes with security risks. 

So, what exactly is the best SIM card for gig workers in the US? 

Lyca Mobile has two unlimited deals, the $23 Unlimited International Plan and the $29 Unlimited International Plan, that are ideal for gig workers. With these two deals, you get 

• Super-fast 5G data allocation 
• Dedicated hotspot data 
• Unlimited national calls and SMS 
• Unlimited international calls and SMS to 100 countries 

Gig workers will love these affordable prepaid phone plans. The hotspot data is a cool feature to have, as it can be used to power additional devices wherever you are. 

Conclusion 

A non-resident buying a SIM card in the US might sound impossible. But that’s the case if you plan to buy a postpaid plan. There are plenty of mobile carriers that sell low-cost mobile plans for immigrants in the US. Since they follow the prepaid model, you can buy them without having to pass a credit check. 

Lyca Mobile has some exciting prepaid plans that are perfect for immigrants, non-residents, and just about anyone who’s looking for a great deal. 

They come with all the benefits you’d expect in the ideal mobile plan. From super-fast 5G data allocation to international calling benefits, the features these plans come with easily meet your monthly communication needs. 

And you can also switch to Lyca Mobile without changing your number. 

Pick one of Lyca’s affordable mobile plans in the US and enjoy dependable connectivity wherever you go!