US Mobile and Tello are prepaid carriers that sell service online and support eSIM. That makes them popular with people who want a real US carrier number without walking into a store. Both are more expensive than Ultra Mobile PayGo, but they are easier to manage online. US Mobile also offers built-in roaming on some plans.
All prices are as of September 2026. Confirm them on the official sites before you buy.
Quick comparison
| Tello | US Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | T-Mobile | Choice of T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon networks |
| Cheapest keep-alive | From about $5/month (100 min + unlimited texts) | By-the-gig plans from about $10/month (taxes included) |
| Annual option | About $60/year on the entry plan (reported) | Unlimited Flex about $210/year |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Activate from abroad | Reports conflict, see below | eSIM activates online, but roaming will not work on lines activated outside the US |
| Roaming | Pay-as-you-go roaming credit (at least $5); promo pricing has applied | Included on Unlimited Premium (20 GB) and annual Unlimited Starter (1 GB); add-on from $15 |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Supported | Supported |
Tello
Plans
Tello lets you build a plan from minutes, texts and data. The entry plan, around $5/month, is enough to keep a number for texts. Some reviewers mention paying about $60/year.
Activation from abroad
This is the key uncertainty. Reports vary:
- A 2024 review says the first activation must take place in the US.
- Users in 2025 reported that Tello blocks starting an eSIM from abroad. One user had a contact in the US activate it first, then moved the eSIM to their phone abroad.
- A January 2026 blog reports activating online from abroad with no problems.
Roaming
Tello offers pay-as-you-go roaming in 200+ destinations. You need a PAYG balance (at least $5) and roaming turned on. Tello advertised roaming "at no extra cost" through September 30, 2026, so check the current terms. For receiving codes, Wi-Fi Calling is the cheaper route.
Payment
A January 2026 report says Tello accepts foreign Visa, Mastercard, Amex and PayPal. Another user needed PayPal after their card failed. Have a backup payment method.
US Mobile
Plans
- By the gig: from about $10/month for 2 GB with unlimited talk and text, taxes included.
- Unlimited Flex: about $210/year (≈$17.50/month).
- Unlimited Starter (annual): about $199 in the first year, including 1 GB of roaming.
- Unlimited Premium (annual): about $299 in the first year, including 20 GB of roaming in 180+ countries.
First-year annual prices renew higher. Check the renewal price before you commit.
The roaming rule
US Mobile's help center says a line must have domestic usage inside the US first, and roaming won't work if you activate the line outside the US. A number you activate from abroad is still useful for receiving SMS over Wi-Fi Calling. Just do not count on native roaming.
Networks
US Mobile runs on three networks, each with different roaming coverage (about 110–180+ countries). Pick the network in the app. International data eSIMs are also offered, and are included in some destinations on premium plans.
Setup steps (both carriers)
- Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
- Create an account on the official site or app with an email you control.
- Choose a plan and a number by area code.
- Enter an honest service address or ZIP when asked (used for E911 and taxes).
- Install the eSIM by QR code or in-app activation. Label it "US" in your phone's SIM settings.
- Turn on Wi-Fi Calling for the line and send a test text.
- Turn on auto-pay and add a calendar reminder for renewals.
Other options, briefly
Mint Mobile
T-Mobile network, sold online with eSIM. The cheapest 6 GB plan starts at about $15/month, but only when you prepay for several months. Renewal prices are higher. Wi-Fi Calling is included and does not use roaming allowances. Paid Minternational passes cover roaming in 180+ countries. Mint is good value if you prepay a year, but it is not the cheapest way to simply park a number.
Google Fi
Google Fi (T-Mobile network) has excellent international features, but two rules matter for non-residents:
- US address. Fi is available only for Google accounts with a valid US address in Google Payments, and you must register a physical service address.
- Extended use abroad. You must activate and use Fi in the US for at least one day. After about 50 days of mostly international use, Fi sends a warning. International data is suspended 30 days later. Calls and texts still work. Data returns only after significant US use over 30 days.
The Flexible plan costs $20/month plus $10/GB. Google Fi suits people who split time between countries, not long-term residents abroad.
Pitfalls
- Renewal price jumps on first-year deals.
- Short-code SMS from some banks can be unreliable on some MVNOs abroad. Test with your own bank.
- Auto-pay failures with foreign cards. Keep an eye on renewal emails.
FAQ
Which is cheaper just to keep a number? Tello's entry plan (about $5/month) is cheaper than US Mobile (about $10/month). Ultra PayGo is cheaper still.
Which is better if I also travel? US Mobile Unlimited Premium includes roaming data, but only on lines activated inside the US.
Sources
- https://tello.com/
- https://tello.com/promo/travel
- https://www.usmobile.com/plans
- https://www.usmobile.com/help/docs/international-travel/international-data-coverage-plans
- https://www.mintmobile.com/plans/
- https://www.mintmobile.com/features/wifi-calling-text/
- https://fi.google.com/about/plans/flexible
- https://support.google.com/fi/answer/6157794
- https://fi.google.com/about/tos
