Staying connected with loved ones while in the United States is easy with the many phone and internet services available in the US. Mobile phone coverage is available nationwide, and there are various providers and phone plans to choose from depending on your needs. High-speed internet is widely accessible, including in rural areas, and there are plenty of options for both home and mobile connectivity. For parcels, letters, and other kinds of traditional mail, the US Postal Service remains reliable and plays an important role in both personal and official communication.
Cell phones and mobile service in the US
The top three cell phone companies in the US are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. These providers all have nationwide coverage, and 5G is now standard nationwide. However, data and signal strength can vary by location, so when choosing a carrier, it is worthwhile to ask coworkers or other locals which carrier they use and whether they're happy with their coverage. Using an eSIM (a digital SIM you can add to your phone without needing a physical SIM card) is now widely available, meaning you can activate a US plan digitally before arrival. However, not all phones support eSIM, so do your research first.
The main factors to consider when choosing a plan and carrier are:
- Coverage: Choose a carrier with strong service in your area.
- Data needs: Match your plan to your usage (calls/texts vs. heavy data).
- Plan flexibility: Look for plans that let you upgrade or downgrade easily.
- International options: Check rates for calls and roaming if you contact people abroad.
- Cost: Consider total costs, including extras and device fees.
When you're ready to purchase a service from the phone company, there are two options you will have to choose from: prepaid and contract service. Many carriers offer flexible, no-contract monthly plans suitable for expats and newcomers, often with no credit check required.
If you are going on the prepaid route, ensure that your cell phone is unlocked and buy a local SIM card once you arrive. SIM cards can be found at the airport as well as in convenience stores and cell phone stores. These SIM cards come preloaded with a certain amount of call minutes and data and can be topped up as needed. Another option is to purchase a basic cell phone for use while in the US. For those who wish to be very organized, you can even get a US SIM card sent in the mail in advance via simcorner.com and other providers.
Mobile data plans and costs in the US
Mobile data is a big consideration when choosing your carrier and plan, especially if much of your cellphone use is through internet calling apps like WhatsApp. In the US, most unlimited data plans from major providers cost between USD 50 and USD 85 per month. Budget-friendly carriers and prepaid plans can be found for around USD 25–USD 40, typically with smaller data allowances or slower speeds after a certain limit. 5G access is included in nearly all plans, and the budget providers actually often use the same large networks as the major carriers.
Using landlines in the US
The traditional fixed telephone is becoming less common in American homes, with some telecommunication providers indicating their intention to terminate their landline telephone services. Recent data reveals that less than 20% of American households have a landline. However, most, if not all, homes and apartments have phone hookups installed if you require one.
If you'd like to apply for a landline, choose a suitable plan with your chosen carrier (this is what telecommunication companies are called in the USA), and then call them to connect the service. Generally, there is no in-home visit required, although you will have to pay a one-time connection fee. Providers often offer multiple services, making it easy to get cable TV, an internet connection, and a landline all on one bill.
How do phone plans work in the US?
Most plans in the US are month-to-month or installment-based, with a longer commitment. Installment-based cell phone plans require a minimum time commitment, typically two years, based on the type of service you select, and involve paying off the cost of the actual cell phone.
There are also multiple short-term packages available for briefer visits to the US. These are geared towards travelers but could be useful for your first few weeks in the country before you commit to a family plan or service that is bundled with your Wi-Fi. You can buy prepaid SIM cards from major carriers or from budget-friendly providers such as Mint Mobile, Visible, or Ultra Mobile. These plans typically include unlimited calls and texts and a set amount of data for a period of time, usually a week to 30 days. You can find SIM cards at airports, shops and petrol stations, or order them online for delivery before you arrive.
Making phone calls in the US
In the United States, phone numbers are composed of 10 digits. To make a call within the US, you must dial the 3-digit area code, followed by the 7-digit telephone number of the person you would like to call.
To make international calls from the US, you must dial "011" followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. However, some countries near the United States do not require an international code.
If you want to find a phone number, you can obtain some directory assistance by dialing '411.' Please note that there is a surcharge for this service. For all emergency services, dial '911."
Choosing a home WiFi plan in the US
Internet services in the US vary widely by location, with availability and speed depending on your region and the providers operating there. Your decision on which company to sign up with will be shaped by what is available in your area and what your internet usage habits are. Websites like broadbandnow.com allow you to compare what's in your region. In general, cable, fiber, 5G home internet, and fixed wireless are the most popular connection types.
The price of your connection will also vary. Average monthly prices range from USD 20 to USD 90 for cable, USD 50 to USD 250 for fibre (with a median around USD 75–USD 85), USD 35 to USD 80 for 5G home internet, and USD 50 to USD 121 for satellite services. The overall median cost for an internet service is about USD 63–USD 78 per month. Popular Internet service providers in the US are Comcast Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, Spectrum, Frontier, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, and Google Fiber.
When choosing a plan, you need to consider your household's internet habits. If you work from home and require an excellent connection to conduct Zoom meetings, for example, then you will need a high-speed connection. Streaming, gaming and uploading large files also requires higher speeds than simple web browsing.
Using mobile data as home internet
It is also possible to use mobile data plans as your main home internet connection. This might be a short-term solution while you get your new home set up, or if your mobile plan is enough for your internet needs, then it can be a long-term solution. This can be set up using a mobile hotspot, where you use your existing mobile plan's data allowance on other devices. If you rely on this as your main home connection, you'll need a plan with very high or unlimited data, and check the fine print—many “unlimited” phone plans slow speeds after 50–100 GB of hotspot use.
Public Wi-Fi in the USA
Free public Wi-Fi is accessible in cafés, libraries and airports, as well as in places like city parks, and public transport hubs, or even entire downtown areas. This kind of free Wi-Fi is easily found in larger cities, as many local governments are working on expanding public access to help close the digital divide. Speeds vary on public Wi-Fi, and free services may not be fast enough for activities that require high data usage. Always exercise caution when accessing free networks, as they pose an increased security risk.
Internet calling and useful apps in the US
Staying connected with loved ones across continents has become an essential aspect of expat life, and there is now a range of apps that offer cost-effective solutions to expats for making long-distance calls. The main change is that you can use WiFi or data to make your calls, meaning you won't rack up large phone bills or have to mess around with long-distance calling cards. Consider downloading WhatsApp, Zoom, Signal, Viber, Google Voice, or Rebtel and using these services to call people rather than using your carrier.
Using the postal service in the US
The United States has an extensive and generally reliable mail system. The US Postal Service (USPS) is a government-run agency that delivers mail to every home, apartment, and rural address in the country. Options you will encounter include First-Class Mail for letters and light parcels and Priority Mail for faster delivery. If you need something delivered urgently, overnight services like Priority Mail Express are available. Most shipments include tracking at no extra cost.
USPS is not the only postal service in the US. Private companies such as UPS and FedEx also play a major role in getting mail from A to B. These carriers offer next-day and same-day shipping, especially in cities, and are often used by businesses for urgent deliveries.
One of the most noticeable things about mailing and shipping in the US is the influence of Amazon. With its vast network of warehouses and delivery drivers, you will spot the distinctive Amazon mail vans cruising everywhere in the USA. Amazingly, Amazon is able to offer one-day and, in some cases, even same-day delivery for millions of items. In larger cities, it's not uncommon for an order placed in the morning to arrive by evening. Understandably, this ability to shop from home and receive your item within a few hours has totally changed consumer culture in America and is contributing to the decline of brick-and-mortar retail.
Useful links:
Choosing a phone plan in the USA
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
