eSIM for Chileans traveling to the USA — No roaming from Chile

If you're traveling from Chile to the United States, you already know that roaming with your local operator can be a very unpleasant surprise when you return: bills of tens or even hundreds of dollars/euros for just a few days of data. There's a much smarter solution: a dedicated eSIM for the United States.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly how it works, how much you can save compared to roaming with your Chilean operator, and how to activate your PuraSim eSIM before boarding your flight.

With PuraSim, you'll have local data in the United States from the moment you land, at local prices, with no commitments, and without changing your physical SIM.

Roaming from Chile to the United States: how much it really costs

Chilean operators offer international roaming packages for the United States, but prices are rarely competitive. Depending on your operator, a day of data in the United States can cost you between 15-25 USD/EUR per day.

Let's look at a real example: if your trip to the United States lasts 10 days and you use data moderately (maps, messages, social media), with traditional roaming, you could pay between 150 and 250 euros/dollars just for connectivity. With a PuraSim eSIM for the United States, that same usage would cost a fraction.

In addition to cost, roaming has other limitations:

• Reduced speed often to 3G or even 2G
• Very low daily data cap before your speed is cut
• You need to activate the service before leaving (and pay for it even if you don't use it)

A PuraSim eSIM eliminates all these problems: you pay once for the GB you need, you get real 4G/5G speed, and you activate it only when you need it.

How an eSIM for the United States works

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lives inside your phone. There's no physical card to insert: you download the operator's profile using a QR code, and you're ready to go. Your phone can have several eSIMs installed simultaneously and switch between them in seconds.

For travelers from Chile to the United States, the process is as follows:

1. You purchase your data plan at purasim.com before you leave
2. You receive the QR code by email
3. You install the eSIM on your phone from home (in 5 minutes)
4. Upon landing in the United States, you activate the eSIM and instantly have local data
5. Your Chilean SIM continues to work for receiving calls and SMS

No need to go to any store. No need to wait in line. No need to look for a phone shop upon arrival at the US airport. You arrive and already have internet working.

How many GB do you need for the United States?

For a trip from Chile to the United States, our recommendation is 15-20 GB for 10 days. This is enough for most common uses: Google Maps all day, WhatsApp with family and friends in Chile, Instagram, occasional searches, and some occasional video calls.

Breakdown of typical daily consumption:

• Google Maps actively navigating: ~150 MB/day
• WhatsApp with messages and photos: ~100 MB/day
• Instagram and social media (without video): ~300 MB/day
• Searches and websites: ~100 MB/day
• Estimated total: 600-700 MB/day for moderate use

If you're going to work remotely, make frequent video calls, or upload real-time content, consider a higher plan. PuraSim plans have top-ups available if you run out, so you can always extend.

Tip: LATAM and Sky Airline operate direct flights from Santiago to Miami and Santiago to New York; activate your North American eSIM before boarding the plane

How to activate your eSIM before your flight

The best thing about PuraSim eSIMs is that you can have them ready before leaving Chile. The installation process takes about 5 minutes and you only need WiFi:

1. Check compatibility: make sure your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS or higher, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+ and many more).
2. Buy your plan at purasim.com. Select the United States as your destination and the GB plan you need.
3. Install the eSIM: open the email with the QR code and go to your phone's Settings to scan the code and download the profile.
4. Configure the eSIM: give it a recognizable name (e.g., "PuraSim United States") and make sure it's configured for data but NOT for calls or SMS (you'll keep those on your Chilean SIM).
5. Activate it upon arrival: on the plane, you can have the eSIM installed but inactive. Upon landing in the United States, go to Settings → Mobile Data and activate the PuraSim eSIM.

In less than 5 minutes after landing, you'll have full data in the United States without even leaving the airport.

Tips for travelers from Chile to the United States

Beyond connectivity, here are some specific tips for travelers from Chile:

• Download everything before you go: offline maps of New York, Los Angeles, and Miami in Google Maps, playlists on Spotify, Netflix episodes for the flight. You won't have data during the first few hours of the flight.
• Notify your bank: many Chilean banks block transactions in the United States for security reasons. Inform them of your trip to prevent your card from being blocked at the least opportune moment.
• WhatsApp will work perfectly: with the eSIM active, you can call and chat with family and friends in Chile without additional international call costs.
• Save documents offline: scan your passport, travel insurance, and reservations and save them on your phone. If there's a moment without data, you'll still have access.

And remember: LATAM and Sky Airline operate direct flights from Santiago to Miami and Santiago to New York; activate your North American eSIM before boarding the plane

With PuraSim connected, your trip from Chile to the United States starts smoothly from the very first moment.

Frequently asked questions

Escrito por Marc González Sáez Fundador de PuraSim y especialista en eSIM y conectividad para viajeros. Lleva años ayudando a viajar conectado por todo el mundo sin pagar de más por el roaming, y prueba personalmente las eSIM en cada destino antes de recomendarlas.