Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) 🇺🇸 United States
SIM cards may be freely brought into or purchased in the US by travellers with no import restrictions.
Can I bring Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) into United States?
SIM cards may be freely brought into or purchased in the US by travellers with no import restrictions.
Full details
CBP imposes no import restrictions on SIM cards for personal use. Travellers may bring foreign SIM cards or purchase US prepaid SIMs on arrival without restriction. FCC regulations govern SIM card technical standards but impose no entry controls on travellers. Prepaid SIM cards are available at airports and convenience stores; US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer tourist-specific plans. There is no registration requirement for travellers purchasing prepaid SIMs in the US.
No action needed. Buy a local prepaid SIM at the airport or use your home country's international roaming plan. No customs declaration required for a personal SIM card.
No limit for personal use
FCC Title 47 CFR (telecommunications equipment); CBP 19 CFR 148 (personal exemptions)
This page covers destination customs rules in United States. Whether you can carry mobile sim cards (physical and esim) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage rules apply on top of any destination regulation.
Related rules
Binoculars
🇺🇸 United States
No specific import restrictions for personal binoculars
Binoculars and spotting scopes
🇺🇸 United States
Standard binoculars are freely allowed; night-vision and thermal imaging devices are controlled under ITAR/EAR and may require export authorisation from the country of origin.
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) rules in other countries
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM)
🇨🇳 China
Foreign SIM cards work in China on roaming, but local SIM card purchase requires passport registration; internet services are restricted behind the Great Firewall.
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM)
🇮🇳 India
Foreign SIM cards may be brought in freely, but buying a local Indian SIM requires passport registration; tourist SIMs are available at airports.