How to Get a SIM Card & eSIM with More Data for Less Price in Las Vegas, USA (Updated: Jan 2026)

Staying connected in Las Vegas is essential for maps, rideshare apps, hotel check-ins, tickets, and sharing your trip. The cheapest way to get lots of data is usually a U.S. prepaid plan (SIM or eSIM) from a value carrier (Visible, Metro, US Mobile, etc.). For ultra-short trips, a travel eSIM can be faster to set up.

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How to Get a SIM/eSIM in Las Vegas (Quick Steps)

Step	What to Do	Best Option	Typical Cost
1	Make sure your phone is unlocked + supports eSIM (optional)	Any unlocked phone	Free
2	Decide: Need a US number (calls/text) or data-only	US prepaid vs travel eSIM	Varies
3	Choose a plan based on stay length + data use	See “Best Cheap Plans” below	From ~$19–$60/mo
4	Activate via app/eSIM (fastest) or buy a physical SIM	eSIM is easiest	Sometimes store fees apply
5	Set eSIM/SIM as “Cellular Data”, test calls + data	Done in phone settings	Free

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Best Cheap High-Data Options (Las Vegas, 2026)

1) Metro by T-Mobile (Best cheap unlimited for most tourists)

• Unlimited 5G data for $25/mo with AutoPay (first month $30) ()
• Taxes/fees included ()
• Note: if you use >35GB/month, you may notice slower speeds when the network is busy; video is SD ()
• There’s also a 6-month promo shown on the same page (example: $120 due today for 6 months) ()

Why it’s great: very low price for lots of data + strong coverage in a busy city.

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2) Visible (Verizon network) (Cheapest simple “all-in” monthly pricing)

• Promo shown: $19/mo for 26 months on the Visible plan (code shown on plan page); regular price shown as $25/mo ()
• Taxes & fees included ()
• Unlimited data/talk/text + hotspot is included (plan details on page) ()

Why it’s great: easy app-based setup + strong Verizon coverage feel, often with aggressive promos.

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3) US Mobile (Flexible + good value if you want “unlimited-ish” with clear high-speed limits)

• Unlimited Starter: $22.50/mo; Unlimited Premium: $32.50/mo (shown pricing) ()
• Unlimited Starter includes 70GB high-speed, then reduced speeds (noted on plan details) ()
• Taxes/fees included on listed plans ()

Why it’s great: strong value for heavy data users who still want a predictable bill.

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4) AT&T PREPAID (Good if you prefer a big-name network + annual savings)

• Annual plan: $240/year ($20/mo) with unlimited talk/text/data + 10GB hotspot; speeds reduced after 16GB ()
• AT&T also notes a price change effective Feb 6, 2026 for some plans (important if you’re comparing older blog posts) ()

Why it’s great: reliable mainstream option; annual plan can be very cost-effective if you’re staying longer or returning soon.

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5) T-Mobile Prepaid (Simple prepaid with clearly stated “premium data”)

• Starter Monthly: $40/mo with AutoPay (first month $45 + taxes/fees); includes 15GB premium then unlimited 2G ()
• Unlimited Plus Monthly: $60/mo with AutoPay (first month $65 + taxes/fees); includes 50GB premium data + 5GB hotspot ()
• Notes a device connection charge $10/line ()

Why it’s great: easy, transparent plan structure—just not the cheapest.

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6) Cricket (AT&T-owned) (Good store availability; watch activation fees)

• Example plan shown: Select Unlimited $40/mo (or $35/mo with Auto Pay) ()
• Activation fee $25 in Cricket stores (shown in plan disclosure) ()

Why it’s great: straightforward prepaid—best if you’re okay with store setup or already like Cricket.

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Cheapest “Instant Setup” Option (Short Trip): Travel eSIM (Data-Only)

If you don’t need a US phone number and just want data fast, a travel eSIM can be easiest.

Example (GigSky USA eSIM pricing shown on their page):

• 1GB (7 days) $4.99; 5GB (30 days) $14.39; 10GB (30 days) $21.74 ()
• Unlimited day-based options also listed (e.g., 7 days $23.19, 14 days $32.99, 30 days $56.24) ()
• You can install before traveling and activate on arrival (activation behavior described on page) ()

Best for: 2–10 day trips, light-to-medium usage, and “I want it working the moment I land.”

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Where to Buy a SIM Card in Las Vegas (Physical SIM)

At the airport (Harry Reid International)

• The airport has free Wi-Fi in public areas—use it to download/activate an eSIM right away ()
• InMotion airport shops mention carrying Ultra Mobile SIM cards ()

On the Strip / in the city (most common)

• Walmart (Connection Center can help with activation) ()
• Target sells SIM cards ()
• Best Buy sells prepaid SIM cards ()
• Carrier stores are everywhere (AT&T, T-Mobile, Metro, etc.) ()

If you buy AT&T Prepaid SIM at retail

• AT&T provides an activation flow specifically for prepaid SIMs bought at Walmart/Target and similar stores ()

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How to Activate (Without Paying Extra Fees)

eSIM (recommended)

1. Buy plan online/in-app (Visible/US Mobile/Metro offers, etc.). ()
2. Install eSIM: scan QR or “Add eSIM” from the app.
3. Set Cellular Data to the new eSIM.
4. Turn on Data Roaming only if the eSIM instructions say so (many travel eSIMs require it).

Physical SIM

1. Insert SIM → restart phone.
2. Follow carrier activation steps (often via app/website).
3. If data doesn’t work, check APN settings (carrier support can guide you).

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Tips to Get More Data for Less Money

• Prefer Metro/Visible/US Mobile style plans for maximum data per dollar ()
• Use AutoPay discounts when shown (Metro, Cricket, T-Mobile prepaid) ()
• Avoid store activation charges by activating online/app when possible (some plans show store/one-time fees) ()
• For ultra-short stays: consider a data-only travel eSIM so you don’t waste time in stores ()

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Tourist FAQ (Quick)

Do I need a US ID/SSN? For prepaid, usually no credit check; if a store asks for ID, your passport is typically accepted (store policy varies).
Can I keep my home SIM active? Yes—use eSIM for data and keep your home SIM for calls/OTP texts (watch roaming charges).
What’s the #1 cheapest unlimited pick right now? Metro’s $25 BYOD offer and Visible promos are commonly among the lowest priced “unlimited” options. ()