If you’re traveling to the United States and you need more than just data—whether it’s for business calls, making restaurant reservations, receiving SMS verification codes for apps like Uber or Lyft, or simply having a local number for convenience—a data‑only eSIM won’t suffice. You need an eSIM that includes a US phone number with voice and SMS capabilities. Fortunately, there are several excellent options, ranging from local carrier prepaid eSIMs to global providers that offer US numbers. This guide breaks down the best choices, helping you pick the right one based on your trip length, coverage needs, and how you plan to use the number.
The United States has three major mobile network operators: T‑Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Each offers prepaid eSIMs with a local US number. Additionally, some global eSIM providers (like Holafly and Airalo) now offer US eSIMs that include a US number. The key differences lie in coverage, pricing, convenience, and whether the number is a “real” local number or a VoIP‑style number.

Let’s start with the most reliable option: **local US carrier prepaid eSIMs**. These give you a genuine US phone number, operate on the carrier’s own network, and typically include unlimited talk and text. They’re ideal for longer stays or if you need a dependable number for business or critical verifications.
**T‑Mobile Tourist Plan**: Available at T‑Mobile stores and airport kiosks, this plan is designed specifically for travelers. It typically offers 15GB or 30GB of high‑speed data, unlimited talk and text, and a US number for 30 days. Prices range from $30 to $40. T‑Mobile’s network is excellent in cities and along major highways, making this a great choice for urban travelers who want a local number.
**Verizon Prepaid eSIM**: Verizon has the most extensive coverage in rural areas and national parks. Their prepaid eSIM plans start around $40–$50 for 30 days, with options like 15GB or unlimited data, plus unlimited talk and text and a US number. You can purchase online or at a Verizon store. This is the best choice if you’re road‑tripping or visiting places like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or rural America.
**AT&T Prepaid eSIM**: AT&T offers a strong middle ground, with good coverage across both cities and rural areas. Their prepaid eSIM plans are similar in price to Verizon’s, starting around $40–$50 for 30 days with unlimited talk, text, and a US number. You can purchase online or at an AT&T store. This is a solid option for mixed itineraries.

Now, let’s look at **global eSIM providers that offer US numbers**. These are convenient because you can buy and install them before you leave home, and you’ll have a US number and data the moment you land. However, they may be slightly more expensive than local options, and the number may be a “secondary” number (sometimes from a VoIP provider) rather than a traditional carrier‑issued number. Still, for many travelers, the convenience is worth it.
**Holafly**: Holafly now offers a “USA with local number” eSIM that includes unlimited data and a US phone number. The plan runs on T‑Mobile’s network. You can purchase it online for 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 days. Pricing is around $30 for 5 days up to $100 for 30 days. The number is a genuine US number, and you get unlimited data, making it a great all‑in‑one option for short to medium trips.
**Airalo**: Airalo’s “Airalo Local” eSIM for the US includes a US phone number along with a data package. The number is a real US number, and the plan runs on T‑Mobile’s network. Pricing and data allowances vary; check the app for current offers. This is a solid choice for travelers who prefer Airalo’s app and ecosystem.
**Nomad**: Nomad offers voice‑enabled eSIMs in the US. Their plans include a US number and data, running on AT&T’s network. This gives you the advantage of AT&T’s broader rural coverage compared to T‑Mobile. Pricing is competitive, with plans starting around $20–$30 for a week.

So which should you choose? Let’s match them to travel scenarios.
**Scenario 1: Short city trip (3–7 days) in New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago.** If you’re staying in a major city for less than a week and you want the convenience of pre‑departure setup, Holafly’s US eSIM with a local number is a great choice. You’ll get unlimited data on T‑Mobile’s network and a US number for calls and SMS. You can install it before you leave, and it activates upon arrival. The cost for 5 days is around $30—a premium over local options, but the convenience is hard to beat.
**Scenario 2: Week‑long city trip with moderate data needs.** If you’re staying for a week and you want a local number but don’t need unlimited data, Airalo’s Local eSIM or Nomad’s voice plan might be a better value. For example, Airalo’s 5GB plan with a US number for 15 days costs around $20. That’s plenty for maps, ride‑hailing, and messaging.
**Scenario 3: Road trip or national park visit (2 weeks or more).** If you’re driving through national parks or rural areas, Verizon’s coverage is essential. The Verizon Prepaid eSIM, with unlimited talk, text, and data for $50–$60 per month, gives you the best rural coverage and a genuine US number. You can purchase it online before your trip and activate upon arrival. This is the best choice for extended road trips.
**Scenario 4: Mixed itinerary—cities and rural areas (1–2 weeks).** AT&T’s prepaid eSIM offers a strong balance of urban and rural coverage. You can get 15GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and a US number for around $40–$50 for 30 days. It’s a solid all‑around choice.
**Scenario 5: Long‑term stay (1 month or more).** For stays of a month or longer, a local carrier prepaid eSIM is the best value. T‑Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T all offer monthly prepaid plans with unlimited talk, text, and generous data for $40–$60 per month. You can recharge online or in stores.

I recently helped two friends with different US travel needs choose eSIMs with phone numbers.
One friend was attending a conference in San Francisco for 5 days. She wanted a US number to receive SMS from colleagues and to call local restaurants. She opted for Holafly’s 5‑day US eSIM with unlimited data and a US number. She installed it before departure, and it worked perfectly. The T‑Mobile network gave her excellent coverage in the city, and the US number was convenient for local calls.
Another friend was taking a 3‑week road trip from Denver to Moab, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. He needed reliable coverage in national parks and a local number for booking campsites and calling park services. I recommended the Verizon Prepaid eSIM with unlimited data and a US number. He purchased it online before his trip, activated it upon arrival, and had coverage in remote areas where other travelers had none. The local number was essential for calling ahead to campgrounds and adjusting reservations.
A few important considerations when choosing an eSIM with a US phone number:
**Coverage**: T‑Mobile = cities; AT&T = mixed; Verizon = rural and national parks. Choose based on your itinerary.
**SMS verification**: If you need to receive SMS for apps like Uber, Lyft, or banking, ensure the eSIM includes SMS. All local carrier eSIMs do. Global provider eSIMs typically do as well, but double‑check.
**Registration**: Local carrier eSIMs may require passport registration. This is quick and can be done in‑store or online. Global eSIMs usually don’t require registration.
**Number permanence**: Local carrier eSIM numbers are typically valid only as long as the plan is active. Some can be recharged. Global eSIM numbers may be reusable for future trips.
Ultimately, the best eSIM with a US phone number depends on your itinerary, coverage needs, and whether you prioritize convenience or value. For short city trips, Holafly’s unlimited data plus US number offers unmatched convenience. For road trips and national parks, Verizon’s prepaid eSIM provides the coverage you need. For mixed itineraries, AT&T or T‑Mobile prepaid plans strike a good balance. With the right choice, you’ll have a US number for calls, texts, and SMS verification—making your US trip smoother and more connected. For a US eSIM with a phone number, local carrier prepaid eSIMs (Verizon, AT&T, T‑Mobile) offer the best coverage and value for longer stays and road trips. Global providers (Holafly, Airalo) offer convenient pre‑departure setup for short city trips. Choose based on your itinerary and whether you need rural coverage or SMS verification.
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