Where to buy a SIM card in San Diego
Best cheap prepaid SIM card in San Diego
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10
This Tello SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for $10 for 1 month of wireless service. Tello plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Tello 0GB SIM card | 0GB | $8 |
Tello 1GB SIM card | 1GB | $10 |
Tello 2GB SIM card | 2GB | $14 |
Tello 5GB SIM card | 5GB | $19 |
Tello 10GB SIM card | 10GB | $24 |
Tello Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $29 |
Pros
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Best unlimited data SIM card in San Diego
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30
This Mint Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for $30 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB SIM card | 4GB | $15 |
Mint Mobile 10GB SIM card | 10GB | $20 |
Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card | 15GB | $25 |
Mint Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $30 |
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Best SIM card for Apple watch in San Diego
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15
This Mint Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 4GB data for $15 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB SIM card | 4GB | $15 |
Mint Mobile 10GB SIM card | 10GB | $20 |
Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card | 15GB | $25 |
Mint Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $30 |
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Best SIM card for smartwatches in San Diego
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 15GB
- Price
- $20* FREE 10-Day Trial
This US Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for $20 for 1 month of wireless service. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks.
| Plan | Data | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
US Mobile 500MB SIM card | 500MB | $5 | ||
US Mobile 0GB SIM card | 0GB | $8 | ||
US Mobile 2GB SIM card | 2GB | $12 | ||
US Mobile 5GB SIM card | 5GB | $15 | ||
US Mobile 15GB SIM card | 15GB | $20 | ||
US Mobile 25GB SIM card | 25GB | $25 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $35 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $45 | ||
* FREE 10-Day Trial | ||||
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Prepaid SIM card benefits
Purchasing the best prepaid SIM card separately can help cut the cost of your cell phone bill. And there are plenty of benefits to choosing prepaid phone plans from a low-cost carrier.
- Lower prices: Offering the best value for money you could save up to $600 a year on the best GSM SIM card and the best CDMA SIM card deals from MVNOs.
- Same great coverage: Low-cost carriers are powered by the same US networks, so whether you're looking for an AT&T prepaid SIM card, Verizon prepaid SIM card, or a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card you'll find plenty of options available.
- No annual contracts: There are no long-term contracts, so you have the freedom and flexibility to amend your plan or change carriers should your needs change. All without any early termination fees.
- Affordable upgrades: Low-cost carriers like Mint Mobile offer affordable phone and SIM card bundles or the option to purchase prepaid phones if you're looking to upgrade.
- 4G LTE data speeds: You'll receive the same nationwide coverage with LTE 4G data speeds from the main US networks.
- 5G network: If you're looking for access to the fast 5G network, and have a compatible phone, MVNOs offer the best 5G SIM card deals.
- iPhones: If you don't want to upgrade you can save money by getting the best iPhone SIM card that's compatible with your current iPhone.
- Samsung phones: Save money on the best Samsung SIM card for your Samsung phone without having to buy the latest handset.
- Smart watches: It's not just SIM cards for phones, there's a range of the best SIM card for Smartwatch deals.
- Unlimited data: If it's a must-have, you can get unlimited by choosing from the best unlimited data SIM card that offers unlimited calls, texts, and data.
- Mobile hotspot data: When you're away from home and need to connect to the internet an AT&T data SIM card, Verizon data SIM card, or T-Mobile data SIM card can give you peace of mind and help you stay connected even when there's no Wi-Fi.
- Order online: MVNOs are online-based, so you can order your free SIM card starter kit and have it delivered straight to your door.
Best T-Mobile SIM card in San Diego
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Compare: T-Mobile prepaid SIM cards
Best Verizon SIM card in San Diego
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
Powered by: Verizon
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | 5GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $65/mo | $780/yr | |
Compare: Verizon prepaid SIM cards
Best AT&T SIM card in San Diego
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3GB
4G/5G data
$25/mo*
Powered by: AT&T
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 3GB | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | |
Compare: AT&T prepaid SIM cards
Prepaid SIM card carrier features
- 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
- Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
- International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
- Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
- Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
- HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
Best cheap prepaid SIM cards in San Diego
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile 4GB plan | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15/mo |
| Lycamobile 12GB plan | 12GB | T-Mobile | $5/mo** Only $5 for First 3 Months |
| US Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30/mo |
Carrier coverage in San Diego
Which prepaid carrier is best for you? That depends on which network has the best coverage in your area.
Whether you go with a GSM carrier (T-Mobile and AT&T) or a CDMA carrier (Verizon) you'll enjoy national coverage, just like with the major carriers.
Network performance ratings
Source: Rootmetrics
Prepaid carrier customer service
It's a myth that customer care is worse with an alternative carrier. On average MVNOs score much, much higher for customer satisfaction than big networks. Take a look at the comparison chart here to see what we're getting at.
SIM card sizes
There are three different SIM card sizes in the various Apple iPhone models. Each has an adapter in case you want to switch to a phone with an incompatible SIM Card slot.
1. Standard SIM Card - The original SIM Card size is similar to any card in your wallet. However, if you want to transfer your data to a new phone, you can take out a small portion of the SIM card to insert into another iPhone. The original iPhone along with the older iPhone 3G and 3GS all use the original SIM Card, according to Apple.
2. Micro SIM Card - Micro SIM Cards were introduced with the iPhone 4 in 2010. The Micro SIM is also used in the iPhone 4s. The Micro SIM Card size is small compared to the original SIM card but not quite as small as the Nano SIM card.
3. Nano SIM Card - Nano SIM Cards are the smallest SIM cards that came out in the iPhone 5 in 2013. The cards have been in every iPhone since, all the way up to the iPhone 7 Plus.
How to remove a SIM card
To remove the SIM card from your Apple iPhone all you need is the SIM card remover tool provided to you when you bought your phone, or a small paper clip.
- If using the paperclip, unfold it and gently insert the end into the small pinhole in the SIM tray.
- Press gently until the SIM tray pops up, you do not need to use much pressure.
- Pull the SIM tray out gently, be careful the SIM card does not fall out.
- Swap your SIM card over, making sure you have aligned the SIM in the correct position.
- Re-insert the SIM tray into the iPhone.
Cell phone stores in San Diego, CA
| Address |
|---|
| T-Mobile - 1014 5th Ave , Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| T-Mobile - 120 W Washington St , Suite C, San Diego, CA 92103 |
| T-Mobile - 2990 El Cajon Blvd , San Diego, CA 92104 |
| T-Mobile - 4371 University Ave , Ste 400, San Diego, CA 92105 |
| T-Mobile - 7007 Friars Rd , #877, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| T-Mobile - 2307 Fenton Pkwy , Ste 101c, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| T-Mobile - 1640 Camino Del Rio North , Suite 106, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| T-Mobile - 1096 Garnet Ave , Spc E, San Diego, CA 92109 |
| T-Mobile - 3146 Sports Arena Blvd. , Ste 4, San Diego, CA 92110 |
| T-Mobile - 5504 Balboa Avenue , Ste B, San Diego, CA 92111 |
| T-Mobile - 7608 Linda Vista Rd Ste 120 , Ste B, San Diego, CA 92111 |
| T-Mobile - 1900 Main Street , #113, San Diego, CA 92113 |
| T-Mobile - 255 Marketplace Ave , Ste C2, San Diego, CA 92113 |
| T-Mobile - 336 Euclid Ave Ste 501 , San Diego, CA 92114 |
| T-Mobile - 3428 College Ave , San Diego, CA 92115 |
| T-Mobile - 3089 Clairemont Dr , Ste A, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| T-Mobile - 3952 Clairemont Mesa Blvd , Ste C, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| T-Mobile - 6551 Mission Gorge , San Diego, CA 92120 |
| T-Mobile - 3755 Murphy Canyon Rd , A, San Diego, CA 92123 |
| T-Mobile - 10753 Westview Parkway , C-2, San Diego, CA 92126 |
| T-Mobile - 8155 Mira Mesa Blvd , Ste 2, San Diego, CA 92126 |
| T-Mobile - 16615-b Dove Canyon Road , San Diego, CA 92127 |
| T-Mobile - 11980 Carmel Mountain Rd , Ste 244, San Diego, CA 92128 |
| T-Mobile - 11975 Carmel Mountain Rd , Ste 601-602, San Diego, CA 92128 |
| T-Mobile - 13289 Black Mountain Rd , Ste 1, San Diego, CA 92129 |
| T-Mobile - 9870 Hibert St , Ste D15, San Diego, CA 92131 |
| T-Mobile - 662 Dennery Rd , Ste 101, San Diego, CA 92154 |
| T-Mobile - 4370 Palm Ave , Ste H, San Diego, CA 92154 |
| Address |
|---|
| Verizon - 1248 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103 |
| Verizon - 980 Camino De La Reina, Spc 3, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| Verizon - 1680 GARNET AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 |
| Verizon - 3505 Sports Arena Blvd, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92110 |
| Verizon - 7035 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite 401, San Diego, CA 92111 |
| Verizon - 6348 College Grove Way, Ste 107, San Diego, CA 92115 |
| Verizon - 2995 CLAIREMONT DR, SAN DIEGO, CA 92117 |
| Verizon - 4504 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste 102, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| Verizon - 3737 Murphy Canyon Rd, Ste B, San Diego, CA 92123 |
| Verizon - 10754 Westview Pkwy, Ste 102, San Diego, CA 92126 |
| Verizon - 11890 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92128 |
| Verizon - 3860 VALLEY CENTER DR., Ste 405, SAN DIEGO, CA 92130 |
| Verizon - 1555 PALM AVE, Ste A1, SAN DIEGO, CA 92154 |
| Address |
|---|
| AT&T - 252 Broadway, A-107, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| AT&T - 1060 University, A-107, San Diego, CA 92103 |
| AT&T - 3223 University Ave, A-107, San Diego, CA 92104 |
| AT&T - 5658 Mission Center Road, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| AT&T - 2011 Camino Del Este North, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| AT&T - 1975 Garnet Avenue, Suite D, San Diego, CA 92109 |
| AT&T - 3361 Rosecrans, Suite 9B, San Diego, CA 92110 |
| AT&T - 255 Marketplace Ave, Ste C5, San Diego, CA 92113 |
| AT&T - 3998A Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste 101A, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| AT&T - 5252 Balboa Ave, Ste 101A, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| AT&T - 4311 La Jolla Village Dr, Ste M2230, San Diego, CA 92122 |
| AT&T - 3655 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92123 |
| AT&T - 8225 Mira Mesa Blvd, Ste M2230, San Diego, CA 92126 |
| AT&T - 11954 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92128 |
| AT&T - 3435 Del Mar Heights Rd, Suite D-2, San Diego, CA 92130 |
| AT&T - 685 Saturn Blvd, Suite B-2, San Diego, CA 92154 |
| AT&T - 940 Dennery Rd, Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92154 |
| AT&T - 4509 Camino De La Plaza, Suite 370, San Diego, CA 92173 |
SIM card in San Diego FAQs
What is a prepaid SIM card?
A SIM card - or subscriber identity module card - is where your phone information is stored.
How much does a prepaid SIM card cost in San Diego?
A prepaid SIM card typically costs between $10-70 per month depending on the carrier and data plan.
Where can I buy a prepaid SIM card in San Diego?
SIM cards can be purchased online or in retail stores such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
