Best eSIM for San Francisco 2025 – Independent Reviews & Comparisons

Introduction

San Francisco is iconic for the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and steep hills. The city is a global technology hub (adjacent to Silicon Valley), known for its progressive culture, historic Chinatown, Alcatraz Island, Victorian architecture, and its role in the 1960s counterculture movement.

eSIM lets you avoid pricey roaming fees and take care of everything before your trip. The following sections provide detailed setup guides, smart travel tips, and a comprehensive look at your options so your San Francisco adventure stays stress-free regarding internet access and billing surprises.

eSIM Plans in San Francisco at a Glance

Best eSIM Providers for USA

eSIM4Travel in USA

8.8/10 ★★★★★

eSIM4Travel is an American eSIM provider with coverage in 170 countries, offering very competitive prices and reliable connection without an app.

Basic Information

170 countries, local and regional eSIM plans.

No app, everything through website.

No app, everything through website.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

Immediate functionality without restart.

Mobile app is missing.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel connects through Verizon and AT&T networks in San Francisco and across America. These networks come from the biggest US operators and ensure excellent coverage across the whole country. eSIM4Travel represents a money-saving and useful solution for traveling through San Francisco and the USA. Once you activate it, it functions immediately, support is on hand and gets back to you quickly. Their pricing approach is among the most competitive you can find. They offer unlimited connection speeds, won't make you install additional applications, and provide flexible ways to buy more data for an active eSIM when your starting allocation falls short.

Airalo eSIM in San Francisco

6.8/10 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

No artificial speed limitations.

Significantly higher prices compared to some competitors.

More challenging setup for beginners.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo provides solid eSIM coverage for San Francisco visitors. It operates on major US networks like T-Mobile and Verizon, giving you reliable 4G and 5G speeds throughout the Bay Area. The setup process is straightforward, allowing you to download the eSIM before traveling and activate it upon arrival.

Saily eSIM in San Francisco

8.6/10 ★★★★☆

Saily is a modern travel eSIM provider created by NordVPN with coverage in 180 countries. It offers a top-notch app with sophisticated features like integrated VPN and fast customer support.

Basic Information

180 countries, global, regional and local eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.8 from 17,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed for occasional use.

Speed limit for unlimited plan after 1GB/24h.

Pros and Cons

Clear and intuitive app with modern design.

Very fast and efficient customer support.

Smooth eSIM installation directly from the app.

Need to install the app to get eSIM after purchase.

App doesn't work after data depletion (no zero-rating).

Problematic personal data processing from GDPR perspective.

Testing

Go to Saily website View full review

Saily is an eSIM service created by the team behind NordVPN that provides internet access in San Francisco and across America. Each plan comes with an ad blocker to help you save data and avoid annoying pop-ups while browsing. The digital SIM card is built right into your phone, so there's no physical card to lose or damage.

Yesim eSIM in San Francisco

6.1/10 ★★★☆☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries, offering fixed and unlimited data packages at competitive prices. Best suited for experienced users who don't need much customer support.

Basic Information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

Possible speed limitation with excessive use.

Pros and Cons

Excellent prices per GB of data.

Offers both fixed and unlimited data packages.

Fast activation and good connection speeds.

Very slow and inefficient customer support.

More complex purchasing process with occasional issues.

Inaccurate display of remaining data in the app.

Testing

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim delivers eSIM data plans for travelers in San Francisco. The service eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and provides instant connectivity. It connects to top networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile for reliable 4G/5G coverage across the city. Just download the Yesim app, set up your eSIM, and get online quickly.

Global YO eSIM in San Francisco

8.0/10 ★★★★☆

Global YO offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 200 countries. It stands out with very low prices and modern app design focused on younger generations, but has weaker customer support.

Basic Information

200+ countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Modern app for iPhone.

Modern app for Android.

Supports data top-up.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed according to local network.

Pros and Cons

Very low prices for data packages.

Smooth and quick eSIM installation.

Modern and stylish app.

Option to add calling for an extra fee.

Purchase only possible through the app.

Slower customer support.

App doesn't work after data is depleted.

Testing

Go to Global YO website View full review

Global YO is an eSIM provider offering data coverage in San Francisco and throughout the United States, plus over 200 other countries worldwide. The service eliminates expensive roaming fees from your regular carrier while keeping you connected during your travels. Plans are prepaid and data-only, so you can use messaging apps like WhatsApp for calls and texts instead of traditional voice services.

Best eSIM Plans for San Francisco

Free Data in San Francisco

If you only need basic internet connection, for example to check emails or quick orientation after arrival, Roamless offers 500 MB of data for the USA for free.

Alternatively, you can try GigSky, which provides a test eSIM with 100 MB of data for free without requiring credit card registration. This trial version is ideal for testing eSIM functionality on your device before purchasing a paid package.

For more detailed information about free data options, visit our specialized article Free eSIM | How to Get Free Data for USA and Abroad. A comprehensive overview of all available offers including free options can be found in our USA eSIM comparison tool.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for San Francisco

Setting up an eSIM for the USA is a straightforward process that will save you many complications during your stay. The main advantage is the possibility of complete preparation before departure, which means that after landing in the USA, you'll be immediately connected without having to search for SIM card vendors or deal with language barriers.

• Detailed instructions for activating eSIM on iPhone
• Clear procedure for setting up eSIM on Samsung phones
• Complete list of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: Before purchasing an eSIM, it's essential to verify if your phone supports this technology. Most modern smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers work seamlessly with eSIM. To be sure, you can use our updated overview of phones with eSIM support or complete list of compatible devices for.

2. Choose the optimal provider: For the USA, you have several proven providers available such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO, or GigSky. When selecting a data package, consider the length of your stay and planned activities – for basic use of navigation and social networks, 2 GB is usually sufficient, for more intensive use we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. For the most accurate comparison of all available options, use our USA eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation via QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Plan" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM". Scan the QR code and follow the displayed instructions. If you received only an activation code, it can be easily converted to a QR code using online tools.

We recommend performing the installation and setup of the eSIM before departure, ideally in an environment with stable Wi-Fi connection. This gives you the assurance that upon arrival in the USA, you'll be immediately connected without any technical complications. 

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in San Francisco

Summary

Traveling to San Francisco is remarkably more convenient and budget-friendly with eSIM technology. You'll avoid the hassle of locating physical SIM cards after arrival, dealing with language barriers, or paying excessive international roaming fees. Establish your internet connection before departing and enjoy immediate connectivity when you land in the City by the Bay.

Our guide thoroughly evaluates the premier eSIM providers for the USA, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO, and GigSky. Each provider offers unique benefits, and the optimal choice depends on your San Francisco visit duration, planned sightseeing activities, and individual preferences.

Commonly chosen data packages include 5 GB for regular usage, 2 GB for brief visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or unlimited packages for tech professionals or intensive users exploring Silicon Valley.

For an affordable and reliable solution, we recommend eSIM4Travel. Their service functions immediately after installation, their customer support is responsive and available, and their pricing structure is among the most favorable. They don't limit connection speeds, don't require additional applications, and offer flexible options to purchase extra data on an already activated eSIM.

For travelers seeking unlimited data while exploring San Francisco's iconic landmarks, the best choice is Holafly, which stands alone in offering exclusively unlimited data packages for the USA with various validity periods.

We strongly advise installing and activating your eSIM before departure. This ensures a smooth start to your trip with immediate connectivity upon arrival in San Francisco, which is particularly valuable when navigating from SFO to your accommodation or communicating with local contacts.

For the most accurate and up-to-date comparison of all available eSIMs for the USA, use our comprehensive eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your individual needs.