Ruth Haines
If you're looking to buy a prepaid phone at Newark Airport, you may be out of luck. While there are a few options available at the airport, such as payphones or purchasing a disposable cell phone, getting a prepaid phone might be more trouble than it's worth. Some sources suggest that you could find a prepaid phone at the airport, but it will likely be more expensive than what you need. If you're looking for a SIM card, you may be able to find one at the InMotion electronics store in the airport, but again, it will likely be overpriced. A better option might be to order an eSIM online or wait until you get to New York City to purchase a SIM card from a Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile store, where you'll find better deals. So, while it may be possible to buy a prepaid phone at Newark Airport, it's not recommended due to limited options and higher prices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepaid phones availability at Newark Airport | Unclear, but likely very expensive |
| Prepaid SIM cards availability at Newark Airport | Available at InMotion stores, but not recommended due to high prices |
| Alternatives | eSIMs, which can be purchased online or at a store in New York City, payphones, borrowing someone's phone |
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What You'll Learn
Prepaid SIM cards at Newark Airport are expensive
If you're looking to buy a prepaid SIM card at Newark Airport, be prepared for limited options and high prices. While you can purchase prepaid SIM cards at the airport, they are known to be overpriced and may not offer the best value for your money.
Newark Airport, like many other airports in the United States, caters to tourists and travellers by providing SIM cards. However, these SIM cards are often marketed towards tourists and come with a hefty price tag. The cheapest tourist SIM card option at Newark Airport is said to be $25 USD + tax, and that doesn't include any credit or data packages. You will need to purchase additional data plans, which can further increase the overall cost.
Some travellers have reported seeing SIM card vending machines in the airport, particularly in Terminal B and C. These vending machines offer convenience but may not provide a wide range of choices or competitive pricing. One traveller noted that they only saw vending machines and no actual shops selling SIM cards, which they found disappointing compared to international airports in other countries.
To avoid paying high prices, it is recommended to explore other options. One suggestion is to utilise the free WiFi available at Newark Airport to purchase an eSIM online. eSIMs are electronic SIM cards that can be quickly set up on your phone, and they often offer more competitive rates compared to physical SIM cards sold at airports. For example, an Airalo eSIM with 10 GB of data and 200 minutes is priced at $34.90 USD, while a Jetpac eSIM with 10 GB of data costs only $13 USD.
If you can wait until you reach New York City, you will find much better deals at stores like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. These stores offer a wider range of prepaid SIM cards specifically designed for tourists, providing better value and more data for your money. Additionally, you can consider international SIM cards or eSIMs for the USA, which are known to be cheaper than the SIM cards sold at Newark Airport.
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Consider buying a SIM card in NYC instead
While you may be able to buy a prepaid SIM card at Newark Airport, it is not recommended. SIM cards at the airport are often overpriced and slow, with similar prices found in New York JFK. You may also be able to find a SIM card vending machine in the airport, but it is not guaranteed.
If you can wait until you get to New York City, you will find much better prepaid SIM cards for tourists at any AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile store. Prices for a tourist SIM card from AT&T vary from $29.99 to $34.99, depending on the plan. You can also buy Mint Mobile SIM cards in convenience stores or the airport, with the most common being a $60 SIM card that comes with 15GB of mobile data.
If you need to make a quick call when you arrive, you can use a payphone at the airport.
Another option is to order an eSIM online, which will give you a connection as soon as you land. An Airalo eSIM with 10GB of data and 200 minutes is $34.90, or a data-only Jetpac eSIM with 10GB is $13. A Jetpac eSIM with 3GB of data is also available for just $5.
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Prepaid SIM card vending machines at Newark Airport
If you are looking to buy a prepaid SIM card at Newark Airport, you can do so at the vending machines available in Terminals B and C.
One source mentions that the vending machine can be found in the arrival hall, while another source mentions that it is located in the pre-security entryway of Terminal B. To find the vending machine, turn right under the big flag of the United States of America, and it should be 30 meters straight in front of you, next to the toilets.
The SIM cards from the vending machines are quite expensive, costing $25 USD + tax, and this does not include any credit. You will have to activate the SIM card yourself as there is no additional service. You can purchase additional prepaid SIM card data packages, with plans offering unlimited calling and texting within the USA.
If you are looking for cheaper options, you can consider ordering an eSIM online or waiting until you reach the city center to purchase a SIM card from a store such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, where you can find better deals.
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Prepaid phones from AT&T
AT&T offers prepaid phone plans with unlimited talk and text, allowing you to choose the amount of data you need. There is no annual contract, no credit check, and no activation fee when you buy online. AT&T also offers great deals on prepaid phones, including Samsung Galaxy and LG devices.
AT&T Prepaid® lets you pay as you go for wireless service without an annual contract. You can buy prepaid phones and sign up for a monthly service plan at any AT&T store. Prepaid phones work the same as any other wireless phone, and prepaid customers get all the benefits of the AT&T network. The only difference is the payment agreement with the wireless provider.
AT&T also offers prepaid phone plans with 5G connectivity and no annual contract. You can get great deals on 5G-capable prepaid phones, such as iPhones, Samsung, and LG devices. Additionally, most iPhones 6 and newer models work with AT&T Prepaid plans.
When you sign up for an AT&T Prepaid® phone plan online, the $15 activation fee is waived. Online sign-up requires a new line and a compatible phone, and taxes are extra. AT&T Prepaid plans offer unlimited talk, text, and data, with speeds slowed after 30GB.
While you can purchase prepaid phones and plans directly from AT&T, some users have suggested that buying a prepaid SIM card at Newark Airport is not recommended due to limited options and higher prices. Instead, it is suggested to purchase a SIM card in the New York City center at an AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile store, where better prepaid options for tourists are available.
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Using payphones at Newark Airport
If you need to make a phone call at Newark Airport, you can use one of the airport's payphones. Although one source suggests that you will need coins to make a call, another suggests that you can make free calls to toll-free 800 numbers.
If you are picking someone up from the airport, you can park for free in the designated Newark Airport Cell Phone Lot and stay connected to your loved one's arrival status via phone or other devices.
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