How to buy a SIM card in Miami: Tips from Locals

Are you planning a trip to Miami and wondering how to stay connected while exploring the city? Purchasing a local SIM card is the best solution for travelers who want to avoid high roaming charges and have access to reliable and affordable data. 

In our guide, we will explore the SIM card considerations, plans, and prices that help visitors find the best options for their Miami traveling.

I. Why do visitors should get a SIM card in Miami?

Here are some top recommended options to stay connected in Miami: free WiFi, pocket WiFi, roaming, local SIM card, and eSIM.

OPTION	DESCRIPTION	PROS	CONS
Free WiFi Hotspots	Connect to WiFi networks at places like coffee shops, hotels, airports, etc.	Free to use. Good for basic tasks like email and maps.	Coverage may be limited. It’s not reliable for streaming or calls.
Portable WiFi Hotspot	Rent a pocket-sized WiFi device from carriers to create your network.	Provides reliable high-speed 4G LTE connectivity anywhere. Can connect up to 5-10 devices.	Costs $10-15 per day. It’s an extra thing to carry around.
Local SIM Card	Purchase a pay-as-you-go SIM card from US carriers at airports and stores.	Affordable plans with data for $20-50. Keep your number.	Have to swap SIM cards. Ensure the phone is unlocked.
eSIM	Digital SIM activation for compatible devices from carriers like T-Mobile.	Easy to set up without physical SIM swap.	Limited to certain phones and carriers.

Compared to other connectivity options, buying a local SIM card is the best choice to stay connected in Miami. Here’s why:

Cost-Effective

Using your home country’s SIM card while traveling in another country can lead to hefty roaming charges. With a local SIM card, you can avoid these charges and save money on data, calls, and text messages. Plus, most providers offer affordable prepaid plans, making it easier to stick to your budget.

Convenience

Having a local SIM card means you can easily make local calls and access the internet without any hassle. You won’t have to rely on public Wi-Fi, which can be spotty and insecure. With a SIM card, you’ll have your dedicated data plan, so you can stay connected wherever you go.

Stay Connected with Friends and Family

If you’re traveling with friends or family, having a local SIM card can help you stay connected with them. You can also use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Viber to communicate with loved ones back home for free.

II. How much does a Miami SIM card cost?

Most prepaid SIM cards in Miami are sold by MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that run on the main carriers’ networks like T-Mobile and AT&T. Brands to look for include H2O Wireless, Tracfone, and LycaMobile. 

To help you find the best prepaid SIM card in Miami, we have listed the top recommendations of these mobile operators in Miami: 

Mobile Operators	T-Mobile			AT&T			Verizon
Premium Data	100GB	100GB	50GB	100GB	50GB	None	15GB	Unlimited (plan)	Unlimited plus plan
Talk & text	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
High-speed data	Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE with 100GB of Premium Data	Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE with 100GB of Premium Data	Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE with 50GB of Premium Data	5G Ultra Wideband	5G Ultra Wideband	4G LTE	Both 5G & 4G LTE	Both 5G & 4G LTE	50 GB premium network access, then unlimited data
Mobile hotspot	15GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data included. Unlimited mobile hotspot data at max 3G speeds after 15GB.	5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data included. Unlimited mobile hotspot data at max 3G speeds after 5GB.	Unlimited 3G hotspot included. An optional high-speed hotspot is available.	50 GB	15 GB	3 GB	Share your wireless network connection with other devices over Wi-Fi.	Mobile Hotspot includes 5 GB of 5G /4G LTE data, then speeds up to 600 Kbps for the remainder of the month.	25 GB premium Mobile Hotspot data, then unlimited lower-speed data
Taxes and fees included	Included	Included	Not included	Not included	Not included	Not included	Included	Included	Included
International and Travel	In-flight connection, Unlimited talk and text in Mexico & Canada	In-flight connection, Unlimited talk and text in Mexico & Canada	Unlimited talk and text in Mexico & Canada	Unlimited talk, text & high-speed data in 19 Latin American countries	Unlimited talk and text in Mexico & Canada		Unlimited texting from the US to over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Streaming-video resolution	720p	480p	480p	4K UHD	480p	480p	480p	480p	480p
Cost	$75/month	$70/month	$60/month	$85/month	$75/month	$65/month	$45/month	$60/month	$70/month

In summary:

• T-Mobile for the lowest budget, most cities covered
• AT&T for the balance of price and coverage nationwide
• Verizon if coverage is a priority, even at a higher cost

Consider your needs:  coverage, speeds, and data budget to choose the best plan for your Miami traveling goals

III. Things to consider when buying a SIM card in Miami

Before you rush into buying a SIM card in Miami, there are a few things you should consider to ensure you choose the right one for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

1. Check the compatibility

Make sure your phone is compatible with Miami’s network. Because some types of phones may not work globally, especially in Miami.

2. Consider your data budget and needs

When it comes to buying a Miami SIM card, it’s essential to determine your budget and needs before making a decision. Here is a breakdown to help you consider:

• Short trips (under 1 week): 5 GB of data is more than enough for a brief escape where one employs maps, translation, social media, and other basic activities. 
• Long trips (more than 14 days): If you plan on traveling and partaking in an extended safari, it is advisable to subscribe for a larger bundle.

3. Network Coverage

Make sure to research the different network providers in Miami and their coverage areas. This is especially important if you plan on traveling outside of the city. Some providers may have better coverage in certain areas, so it’s worth looking into before making a decision

IV. Buying Miami SIM cards: Where to buy?

There are several places where you can buy a SIM card in Miami. Here are some options to consider:

1. Buying a SIM card at the Miami Airport

Miami International Airport airport – the major airport in Miami provides kiosks that sell SIM cards.

• Major operators kiosks

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon also have kiosks at Miami airport where visitors can easily get a SIM card. For any help or assistance, visitors just come and ask the customer services here. 

• Convenience stores

Many convenience stores in the airport arrivals offer SIM cards from popular major mobile operators. It may be an alternative if mobile operators’s stores are closed.

2. Getting a prepaid Miami SIM card across Miami

• Local carrier stores – Flagship AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon shops downtown/South Beach may have prepaid SIMs, often just their brands.
• Big box stores – Walmart, and Target regularly stock popular prepaid brands like H2O Wireless, and Mint Mobile nationwide.
• Cell phone stores – Specialty independent shops throughout Miami have broader selections tailored to local needs.
• Supermarkets – Some Publix stores have prepaid mobile sections near customer service.

For convenience on arrival, MIA has reliable options. Post-airport, Walmart is a one-stop shop. Local cell shops offer personalized help but limited hours. Online pre-ordering ensures availability if arriving late.

V. Using Miami eSIM – another alternative for Miami travelers

Though purchasing a local SIM card is still a common option for tourists visiting Miami, travelers should think about obtaining an eSIM for speed and simplicity.

For any visitor to Miami, buying an eSIM also is a smart option. By utilizing only the device’s online connectivity, travelers may effortlessly activate cell plans straight from their phone with eSIM, unlike conventional SIM cards that need to be changed out or purchased from merchants.

The following are some of the best places in Miami to obtain an eSIM:

• Major carrier website

Major carriers like T-Mobile or AT&T offer eSIM profiles that can be purchased straight from their websites with an Easy activation.

• eSIM provider

Experience the simplicity of eSIM when visiting Miami, USA. Skip the roaming worries and discover the necessity to switch from a physical SIM card to an eSIM with #1 USA eSIM provider – esimusa.net which offers extremely convenient eSIM plans that are the perfect solution for tourists traveling to Miami with a different range of packages. Here’s what makes esimusa.net stand out:

• Purchase online, then install with a snap by scanning the QR code through email, this digital SIM loads instantly – you don’t need to wait for a physical card.
• eSIMs from esimusa.net provide affordable data-only plans without roaming charges. Options include 7, 15, and 30 days with competitive prices.
• Our eSIMs are compatible with 200+ smartphones. Compatibility checklist and setup instructions reassure travelers.
• No roaming fees or expensive pay-as-you-go daily limits. Stream music or check maps without bill shock. Additional data can be topped up easily as needed.

Find the best options for your trip below:

Plan that may interest you

VI. FAQs about Buying a SIM card in Miami

VII. Conclusion

Having a SIM card in Miami is a must for travelers who want to stay connected and save money on data charges. With the right plan, you can easily navigate the city, stay in touch with friends and family, and have access to the internet wherever you go. By considering the factors mentioned above and weighing your options, you can choose the best SIM card for your needs and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Miami.