Internet in New York: eSIM & Connectivity Tips
eSIM from 1,00 USD · 100 MB. Networks: T-Mobile (5G), Verizon (5G).
Connectivity in New York
What you need to know: Excellent coverage; subway improving with LTE; Times Square area can be congested.
Known weak-signal spots in USA
- Remote national parks (Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone backcountry)
- Rural Nevada, Montana and Wyoming highways
- NYC Subway (improving but patchy on older lines)
- Mountain shadow areas in Colorado and Appalachians
Apps you'll need
- Ride-hailing: Uber, Lyft — you need live data to book and track rides.
- Maps: Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze. Download offline maps for the area before leaving your hotel.
- Messaging: WhatsApp, iMessage uses only ~30 MB/hr of active chat.
Practical tip
Indoor coverage in New York (shopping centres, old buildings, underground areas) is often weaker than outdoors. If you lose signal inside, step outside or connect to venue Wi-Fi. For day trips outside the city, download offline maps in advance and don't rely solely on mobile data.