US Mobile and Tello eSIM Numbers

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 November 2026, taken from Tello's official blog and US Mobile's official blog (prices checked October 20). The tello.com and usmobile.com plan pages returned 403 to automated access, so they could not be checked directly. Confirm on the official sites before you buy.

#Quick comparison

#Tello

#Plans

Tello overhauled its plans on March 19, 2026 (official blog). There are now four tiers, all with unlimited talk and text:

• 2 GB: $10/month
• 10 GB: $15/month (was $19)
• 20 GB: $20/month
• Unlimited: $25/month (50 GB at full speed)

The old ~$5/month entry plan that people used to park a number is no longer in the official lineup, so the cheapest way to keep a Tello number is now $10/month. No annual price is listed, and the "$60/year" figure in older reviews is out of date. Tello runs short promos for new customers (for example, 10 GB for $10/month for the first 3 months in October 2026, ending November 9). Check the site when you order.

#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

• Europe: Tello's official blog says Free Roaming in Europe now runs through January 31, 2027. Turn on "International Roaming" in your account. Data and minutes come out of your monthly plan, with no extra PAYG credit needed. See Tello's list for the countries covered.
• Everywhere else (including mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan): roaming is still pay-as-you-go. You need PAYG credit and roaming turned on, and rates vary by country (see Tello's country roaming pages).

For receiving codes, Wi-Fi Calling is the cheaper route. It uses your monthly plan allowance.

#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

Single-line prices from US Mobile's official blog, checked October 20, 2026 (US Mobile says taxes and fees are included):

• Custom, texts only: $6/month for unlimited texts, no calls or data. Minutes only: $8/month.
• Light: $10/month, or $96/year (≈$8/month), 2 GB.
• By the Gig: 5 GB $15, 10 GB $20, 20 GB $35 per month.
• Unlimited Flex: $210/year ($17.50/month), annual only.
• Unlimited Starter: $25/month or $270/year. New lines pay $199 for the first year.
• Unlimited Premium: $44/month or $390/year. New lines pay $299 for the first year. Includes 20 GB of roaming in 180+ countries.

First-year annual prices renew higher (Starter $199 → $270, Premium $299 → $390). Check the renewal price before you commit.

#The roaming rule

US Mobile's help center (checked September 2026; it returned 403 to automated access this time and could not be rechecked) 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)

1. Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
2. Create an account on the official site or app with an email you control.
3. Choose a plan and a number by area code.
4. Enter an honest service address or ZIP when asked (used for E911 and taxes).
5. Install the eSIM by QR code or in-app activation. Label it "US" in your phone's SIM settings.
6. Turn on Wi-Fi Calling for the line and send a test text.
7. 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? Since Tello's 2026 overhaul its cheapest plan is $10/month, the same as US Mobile Light billed monthly. US Mobile Light yearly ($96, ≈$8/month) or the texts-only plan ($6/month) costs less. 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://blog.tello.com/news/tello-new-phone-plans-lineup
• https://blog.tello.com/news/get-free-roaming-in-europe-with-tello/
• https://tello.com/
• https://www.usmobile.com/plans
• https://www.usmobile.com/blog/cheap-phone-plans-october-2026/
• 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