I am thinking to buy a SIM from Tello or US mobile, and I think, uh, I want a prepaid SIM for ride for now. And the SIM should be usable when I go to India. Back. So can you find me the best alternative and packages to use for my stay in California right now? Later, when I visit India, I will switch on call forwarding and Wi-Fi calling, so I can contact and people can contact me on my US number and I can call them from the US number only
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Here's a full breakdown comparing Tello vs US Mobile for your use case — California now, India later with Wi-Fi calling + call forwarding on your US number.
Your Use Case Summary
- Now: Prepaid SIM for California use (data + calls + texts)
- Later (India): Keep US number active, use Wi-Fi calling to call/receive calls on it, and call forwarding as backup
🏆 Recommendation: US Mobile — Unlimited Starter (Annual)
US Mobile wins for your scenario. Here's why:
Wi-Fi Calling in India
| Feature | Tello | US Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Calling supported | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (all 3 networks) |
| Call forwarding | ✅ Yes (via dial codes) | ✅ Yes |
| Works from India on US number | ✅ Yes (via Wi-Fi) | ✅ Yes (via Wi-Fi) |
| International roaming (India) | ✅ 250+ countries | ✅ 140+ countries (native) |
| Network | T-Mobile only | T-Mobile + Verizon + AT&T (your choice) |
| Taxes included in price | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Tello caveat: Tello confirmed it does not support roaming on its GSM network internationally. However, Wi-Fi calling still works from India as long as you're on Wi-Fi — which aligns with your plan. Tello support has confirmed this works for users abroad.
Plan Comparison for California
US Mobile Plans (taxes included)
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per mo) | High-Speed Data | Hotspot | Wi-Fi Calling | India Roaming Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Flex | $25/mo | $17.50/mo | 10 GB, then 1 Mbps | 5 GB | ✅ | ❌ (add-on) |
| Unlimited Starter ⭐ | $22.50/mo | $16.58/mo | Unlimited | 20 GB | ✅ | ✅ 1 GB + 200 min + 250 SMS |
| Unlimited Premium | $32.50/mo | $24.92/mo | Unlimited | Unlimited | ✅ | ✅ 20 GB + 200 min + 250 SMS |
👉 Best pick: Unlimited Starter at $199/year (~$16.58/mo) — includes Wi-Fi calling, hotspot, taxes, and 1 GB native India roaming as a bonus.
Tello Plans (taxes extra)
| Plan | Monthly | Data | Hotspot | Wi-Fi Calling | India |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 GB + Unlimited Talk/Text | $14/mo | 5 GB | 5 GB | ✅ | Wi-Fi only |
| Unlimited ⭐ | $25/mo | 50 GB (then throttled) | 10 GB | ✅ | Wi-Fi only |
| Custom (Build Your Own) | from $5/mo | Flexible | Varies | ✅ | Wi-Fi only |
👉 Tello is cheaper if you pay month-to-month, but taxes are added on top, and no native roaming for India.
For Your India Trip (Both Carriers)
When you're in India, here's your setup:
- Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your phone before leaving the US (Settings → Phone/Cellular → Wi-Fi Calling ON)
- Set E911 address in your carrier account (required for Tello; US Mobile handles it automatically)
- Call forwarding (optional backup): Dial
**21*<forwarding number>#to forward missed calls - Connect to Wi-Fi in India → your US number works normally for calls/texts as if you're in the US
- US Mobile annual plan also gives you 1 GB native roaming data in India if you need cellular data without Wi-Fi
Final Verdict
| Tello | US Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for budget (monthly) | ✅ $14–25/mo | Slightly more |
| Best for India Wi-Fi calling | ✅ Works | ✅ Works (better documented) |
| Taxes included | ❌ | ✅ |
| Multi-network coverage (CA) | T-Mobile only | T-Mobile / Verizon / AT&T |
| Native India roaming | ❌ | ✅ (Starter annual+) |
| Hotspot | 10 GB (unlimited plan) | 20 GB (Starter) |
Go with US Mobile Unlimited Starter Annual ($199/year) if you want the best all-around package — Wi-Fi calling confirmed, India roaming included, taxes bundled, and multi-network flexibility in California.
Go with Tello Unlimited ($25/mo) if you prefer month-to-month flexibility with no annual commitment and don't mind T-Mobile-only coverage.
Both can be activated as an eSIM (no physical SIM wait), and both support number portability if you already have a number to transfer.
Do you know any other SIM cards which fulfill my criterias? I should get good amount of internet and calling services in US and when I travel to India, I should be able to talk and receive SMS and send SMS on my US number. rank according to the pricing structure and compare the US mobile unlimited starter pack with everyone so that it gets easier for me to understand their packages and offerings. Also search step-by-step and iterate according to the things you find. Sont parallel search
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Key finding on Mint: Wi-Fi calling works for calls but SMS over Wi-Fi calling is NOT guaranteed — cellular connection needed for SMS sending. Now I have enough to build a comprehensive, ranked comparison. Let me compile everything.
📶 Full Prepaid SIM Comparison — US + India (Wi-Fi Calling)
Ranked by monthly price, lowest to highest. US Mobile Unlimited Starter is the benchmark.
Your Hard Requirements Checklist
✅ Good data + calls + texts in California
✅ Keep US number active when in India
✅ Receive calls on US number in India (via Wi-Fi)
✅ Send & receive SMS on US number in India (via Wi-Fi)
✅ Make calls from US number in India (via Wi-Fi)
✅ Prepaid (no contract)
🏅 Ranked Comparison Table
| Rank | Carrier | Monthly Price | Data (US) | Hotspot | Wi-Fi Calling | SMS via Wi-Fi in India | Taxes Included | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tello Unlimited | $25/mo | 50 GB + throttled | 10 GB | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (calls from plan balance) | ❌ No | T-Mobile |
| 2 | Mint Mobile Unlimited | $30/mo (annual) | 40 GB + throttled | 20 GB | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Calls yes, SMS needs data or pass | ❌ No | T-Mobile |
| 3 | 🥇 US Mobile Unlimited Starter | $16.58/mo (annual) / $22.50 monthly | Unlimited | 20 GB | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | T-Mobile / Verizon / AT&T |
| 4 | US Mobile Unlimited Premium | $24.92/mo (annual) / $32.50 monthly | Unlimited | Unlimited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | T-Mobile / Verizon / AT&T |
| 5 | Google Fi Flexible | $20 base + $10/GB | Pay-per-GB | Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (works from India) | ❌ No | T-Mobile |
| 6 | Google Fi Unlimited Premium | $65/mo | 100 GB priority | 50 GB | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes + 50 GB native India roaming | ❌ No | T-Mobile |
🔍 Deep Dive: Each Carrier vs. US Mobile Unlimited Starter
1. 🟢 Tello Unlimited — $25/mo (cheapest month-to-month option)
| Feature | Tello Unlimited | US Mobile Unlimited Starter |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25/mo (month-to-month) | $16.58/mo (annual) / $22.50 (monthly) |
| US Data | 50 GB high-speed, then throttled | Unlimited |
| Hotspot | 10 GB | 20 GB |
| Wi-Fi Calling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| SMS via Wi-Fi in India | ✅ Yes (uses plan minutes/texts) | ✅ Yes |
| Native India Roaming | ❌ No GSM roaming | ✅ 1 GB + 200 min + 250 SMS (annual) |
| Network | T-Mobile only | T-Mobile / Verizon / AT&T |
| Taxes included | ❌ No (add ~$3–5) | ✅ Yes |
| Commitment | None (monthly) | Annual for best price |
| International calls from US | ✅ Free to 60+ countries | ✅ 180+ countries |
Verdict vs US Mobile Starter: Tello is only marginally cheaper month-to-month (and loses the edge once taxes are added). US Mobile wins on data, hotspot, multi-network, and India roaming. Tello wins if you want zero commitment.
2. 🟡 Mint Mobile Unlimited — ~$30/mo (annual)
| Feature | Mint Mobile Unlimited | US Mobile Unlimited Starter |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30/mo (annual, 12-month upfront) | $16.58/mo (annual) |
| US Data | 40 GB, then throttled | Unlimited |
| Hotspot | 20 GB | 20 GB |
| Wi-Fi Calling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| SMS via Wi-Fi in India | ⚠️ Calls only; SMS unreliable without data | ✅ Yes (fully supported) |
| Native India Roaming | ❌ Paid add-on ($5–10/day pass) | ✅ 1 GB included (annual) |
| Network | T-Mobile only | T-Mobile / Verizon / AT&T |
| Taxes included | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Commitment | 12-month upfront | 12-month annual |
Verdict vs US Mobile Starter: US Mobile is $13/mo cheaper annually, has more data, better India SMS support, and multi-network access. Mint loses here on almost every metric. The only Mint advantage is brand familiarity.
3. 🟠 Google Fi Flexible — $20/mo base + $10/GB
| Feature | Google Fi Flexible | US Mobile Unlimited Starter |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20 + $10/GB (e.g. ~$50 for 3 GB) | $16.58/mo flat (annual) |
| US Data | Pay-per-GB, capped at $60/mo (6 GB) | Unlimited |
| Hotspot | Included in data | 20 GB |
| Wi-Fi Calling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| SMS via Wi-Fi in India | ✅ Yes (fully works) | ✅ Yes |
| Calls from India (Wi-Fi) | ✅ $0.20/min to US | ✅ Free via Wi-Fi calling |
| Native India Roaming (cellular) | ✅ $10/GB (200+ countries) | ✅ 1 GB included |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile / Verizon / AT&T |
| Taxes included | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Verdict vs US Mobile Starter: Google Fi Flexible is great for very light data users (under 2 GB/mo) but gets expensive fast. If you use 3+ GB/month in the US, US Mobile is cheaper. For India, Fi Flexible technically supports calling ($0.20/min cellular) but Wi-Fi calling to US is included free on all Fi plans. US Mobile wins on value unless you're extremely data-light.
4. 🔴 Google Fi Unlimited Premium — $65/mo (power user pick)
| Feature | Google Fi Unlimited Premium | US Mobile Unlimited Starter |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $65/mo | $16.58/mo (annual) |
| US Data | 100 GB priority | Unlimited |
| Hotspot | 50 GB | 20 GB |
| Wi-Fi Calling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| SMS via Wi-Fi in India | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Native India Roaming (cellular) | ✅ 50 GB in 200+ countries | ✅ 1 GB (annual) |
| Calls from India (cellular) | ✅ $0.20/min | ✅ Add-on needed |
| Taxes included | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Verdict vs US Mobile Starter: Fi Premium is nearly 4x the price and only makes sense if you need heavy cellular data roaming in India (50 GB). For your use case — Wi-Fi calling in India — it's massive overkill.
⚠️ Important: SMS in India — What Actually Works
| Carrier | Wi-Fi Calling Calls ✅ | Wi-Fi Calling SMS ✅ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | ✅ | ✅ | Fully confirmed on all 3 networks |
| Tello | ✅ | ✅ | Works, uses plan balance |
| Mint Mobile | ✅ | ⚠️ Inconsistent | Some users report SMS drops without cellular |
| Google Fi Flexible/Premium | ✅ | ✅ | Confirmed on all plans |
| Google Fi Standard/Essentials | ✅ (Wi-Fi only) | ✅ (Wi-Fi only) | Can't receive on cellular abroad |
🏆 Final Recommendation
| If you want... | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Best overall value, full India support | ✅ US Mobile Unlimited Starter (Annual) — $199/yr |
| No annual commitment, cheapest monthly | Tello Unlimited — $25/mo |
| Heaviest India cellular roaming (not just Wi-Fi) | Google Fi Unlimited Premium — $65/mo |
| Light US data user, India Wi-Fi calling | Google Fi Flexible — $20 base + usage |
US Mobile Unlimited Starter Annual ($199/year ≈ $16.58/mo) remains the best fit for your exact situation — unlimited US data, 20 GB hotspot, Wi-Fi calling confirmed in India for calls + SMS, taxes included, and access to all 3 US networks in California for best coverage.
While registering for US mobile unlimited starter pack, do I need to give an address of California or they do not require that while I am purchasing an eSIM?
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Here's the clear answer:
Address Requirement for US Mobile eSIM Signup
Yes, US Mobile asks for an address — but it doesn't have to be a California address specifically. Here's what you actually need:
What They Ask For:
-
Billing address — used for your account and payment processing. This can be any valid US address (a friend's address, your hotel, workplace, Airbnb, etc.). It doesn't need to match the state where you're physically using the SIM.
-
E911 address — this is a legal requirement for all US carriers. It's the address emergency services would be sent to if you dial 911. You set this in your account settings after activation, and you're supposed to keep it updated whenever you move. You can enter any US address here; it's not verified or restricted to California.
What You Do NOT Need:
- ❌ A California-specific address
- ❌ Proof of residency
- ❌ SSN or government ID
- ❌ Credit check
Practical Options if You Don't Have a US Address Yet:
- Use your hotel or Airbnb address in California — perfectly acceptable
- Use a friend or colleague's US address
- US Mobile doesn't require the address to match any specific state for plan eligibility
One Important Note:
US Mobile's eSIM activation must be done while you are physically in the US (on US soil). You can purchase the plan from anywhere, but the actual eSIM profile gets downloaded and activated once your device connects to a US network. So if you're already in California, you're good to go immediately.
Bottom line: Just enter your hotel or current California address. It won't affect your plan, pricing, or number — it's purely for account/billing records and E911 compliance.
If I stay six months in India and six months in US, then which carrier provider or SIM provider would be best for me? While six months in India, I don't want to use data roaming, international roaming. Instead, I would like to use Wi-Fi calling feature or buy a virtual number from Google Voice, like providers, and call forward on that. So people from US can call me directly on my phone through call forwarding by carrier providers. So my hard limit is, text should be available to and fro from India, call should be forwarded, and I should be able to contact people through India. While in US, I enjoy unlimited internet access and while back in India, I don't want to use internet at all. So I want flexibility of that type also. I should not be paying for the internet I am actually not gonna use.
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This is the golden answer. US Mobile's $8/month Light Plan is specifically recommended for exactly this use case — keep the number alive in India for Wi-Fi calling + OTPs, no data used. Now I have everything needed. Let me compile the full picture.
📱 Best SIM for 6 Months US + 6 Months India (No Data Roaming)
Your requirements are very specific and smart:
- ✅ US (6 months): Unlimited data + calls + texts
- ✅ India (6 months): Keep US number alive, Wi-Fi calling only, no roaming data, SMS to/from US, pay as little as possible
- ✅ Flexibility to switch between "full plan" and "keep-alive plan"
🏆 Best Strategy: Two-Mode Approach
When in US: Use a full unlimited plan
When in India: Downgrade to a dirt-cheap "keep-alive" plan
This is the key insight — you don't cancel the SIM, you just downgrade it to the cheapest plan that keeps the number active and Wi-Fi calling working.
The Two Best Options
🥇 Option 1: Tello — $5/mo (India) ↔ $25/mo (US)
| India Mode | US Mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Custom: 100 mins + 0 data | Unlimited (50 GB + throttled) |
| Cost | $5/month | $25/month |
| Wi-Fi Calling | ✅ Yes (confirmed for India) | ✅ Yes |
| Receive calls (India) | ✅ Yes via Wi-Fi | ✅ |
| Send/Receive SMS (India) | ✅ Yes via Wi-Fi | ✅ |
| Taxes included | ❌ No (~$1–2 extra) | ❌ No (~$3 extra) |
| Switch plans | ✅ Anytime, free | ✅ Anytime, free |
| Commitment | None — month-to-month | None |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
Annual cost: 6 × $5 (India) + 6 × $25 (US) = $180/year (~$15/mo average)
With taxes: ~$200/year
Why Tello wins here: The $5 plan with 100 minutes + unlimited texts is literally designed for this. Wi-Fi calls and texts use those minutes/texts from the plan. Community-confirmed working from India. Zero commitment. Downgrade takes 2 minutes in the app.
🥈 Option 2: US Mobile — $8/mo (India) ↔ $22.50/mo (US)
| India Mode | US Mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Light (By the Gig, 2 GB) | Unlimited Starter (monthly) |
| Cost | $8/month | $22.50/month |
| Wi-Fi Calling | ✅ Yes (all networks) | ✅ Yes |
| Receive calls (India) | ✅ Yes via Wi-Fi | ✅ |
| Send/Receive SMS (India) | ✅ Yes via Wi-Fi | ✅ |
| Taxes included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Switch plans | ✅ Yes (dashboard) | ✅ Yes |
| Network | T-Mobile / Verizon / AT&T | All 3 networks |
Annual cost: 6 × $8 (India) + 6 × $22.50 (US) = $183/year (~$15.25/mo average)
US Mobile is marginally pricier for India mode but taxes are included, and the multi-network advantage in California is strong.
🥉 Option 3: Ultra Mobile — $5/mo Pause Plan (India) ↔ $29/mo (US)
Ultra Mobile has a dedicated Pause Plan at $5/month — it's built exactly for travellers. Your number is held, voicemails are saved, but no minutes/data are active.
| India Mode | US Mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Pause Plan | $29 Unlimited |
| Cost | $5/month | $29/month |
| Wi-Fi Calling from India | ⚠️ Limited (paused state) | ✅ Yes |
| SMS from India | ⚠️ Not fully confirmed | ✅ Yes |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
Annual cost: 6 × $5 + 6 × $29 = $204/year
The Pause Plan sounds attractive but the catch is: in a paused state, Wi-Fi calling functionality may not be active. Good for pure number-parking, but Tello's $5 active plan is better because Wi-Fi calling is confirmed active.
🌐 What About Google Voice as a Backup/Alternative?
Google Voice can supplement but not fully replace your carrier for your use case:
| Feature | Google Voice (Free) |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free (port number: $20 one-time) |
| Receive calls in India | ✅ Yes via app (Wi-Fi) |
| Receive SMS in India | ✅ Yes via app |
| Send SMS from India | ❌ No — texting only works for US-based users |
| Call forwarding to Indian number | ✅ Yes (forwards to any number) |
| Works without a US SIM | ✅ Yes (app-based) |
Best use of Google Voice in your setup:
- Port your number INTO Google Voice ($20) → completely free forever
- Forward calls to your Indian mobile number so people call your US GV number and it rings your Indian phone
- Receive SMS in the Google Voice app
- ⚠️ You cannot send SMS to US contacts from India using Google Voice — they'd receive it from the GV number but it originates from the GV app
📊 Full Cost Comparison (Annual — 6 months each)
| Carrier | India Plan | US Plan | Annual Cost | Wi-Fi Call India | SMS India | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello ⭐ | $5/mo | $25/mo | ~$180 | ✅ | ✅ | No taxes included; cheapest overall |
| US Mobile | $8/mo | $22.50/mo | ~$183 | ✅ | ✅ | Taxes included; multi-network in CA |
| Ultra Mobile | $5/mo (pause) | $29/mo | ~$204 | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | Pause plan may limit Wi-Fi calling |
| Google Voice | Free (port: $20) | Need separate US SIM | $20 one-time + SIM cost | ✅ | ⚠️ (receive only) | Can't send SMS from India |
🎯 My Recommendation for Your Exact Situation
Go with Tello. Here's the exact playbook:
- Buy Tello's Unlimited plan ($25/mo) when in California — unlimited data, calls, texts, hotspot
- Before flying to India, downgrade in the Tello app to the $5/mo custom plan (100 mins + unlimited texts)
- In India, connect to Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi calling is active → your US number works for calls and texts
- Set call forwarding as a backup:
**21*<your India number>#— so even cellular calls forwarded to your Indian SIM if Wi-Fi is unavailable - Before returning to US, upgrade back to Unlimited in the app — takes 2 minutes
Your effective cost: $5/month for 6 India months + $25/month for 6 US months = ~$180/year. No contracts, no roaming charges, no wasted internet spend.
Okay, so I think Tello and US Mobile are a good recommendation for me. Can you compare that with Mint Mobile and what are the options I get in that? So basically, you have to compare Tello, Mint Mobile, and US Mobile for my specific requirements.
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Now I have everything needed for a full, accurate three-way comparison. Let me build this properly.
⚖️ Tello vs Mint Mobile vs US Mobile — Your Specific Use Case
Your Requirements (Quick Recap)
- 6 months in US (California): Unlimited data, calls, texts
- 6 months in India: Keep US number active, Wi-Fi calling only, send/receive SMS, no data roaming, pay as little as possible
- No waste — don't pay for data you won't use in India
🔴 The Big Problem with Mint Mobile First
Before the comparison, the most important thing to know:
Mint Mobile is fundamentally incompatible with your 6-months-away lifestyle.
Here's why:
| Mint Mobile Structural Issue | Impact on You |
|---|---|
| Must pay upfront in 3, 6, or 12-month blocks | You pay for India months whether you use data or not |
| Cannot downgrade mid-plan | No refund, no plan switch until block expires |
| No "keep-alive" plan | Cheapest plan is $15/mo with 5 GB — you'll pay for 5 GB you'll never use in India |
| SMS abroad via Wi-Fi: unreliable | Cellular connection sometimes required to send SMS |
📊 Full Three-Way Comparison
Phase 1: When You're in the US (California — 6 months)
| Feature | 🟢 Tello | 🔴 Mint Mobile | 🔵 US Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best US plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited Starter |
| Monthly cost | $25/mo | $30/mo (12-mo) / $40/mo (3-mo) | $22.50/mo (monthly) |
| US Data | 50 GB, then throttled | 40 GB, then throttled | Unlimited |
| Hotspot | 10 GB | 10 GB | 20 GB |
| Wi-Fi Calling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Network | T-Mobile only | T-Mobile only | T-Mobile + Verizon + AT&T |
| Taxes included | ❌ (~$2–3 extra) | ❌ (~$2–3 extra) | ✅ |
| Commitment | Month-to-month ✅ | 3/6/12-month blocks ❌ | Month-to-month ✅ |
| Intl calls from US | ✅ Free to 60+ countries | ✅ Free to Mexico/Canada only | ✅ Free to 180+ countries |
Phase 2: When You're in India (6 months) — THE KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
| Feature | 🟢 Tello | 🔴 Mint Mobile | 🔵 US Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest "India mode" plan | $5/mo (100 mins + unl texts) | ❌ $15/mo min (no downgrade option) | $8/mo (Light plan) |
| Can switch to cheap plan | ✅ Anytime, instantly | ❌ No — locked in your block | ✅ Yes, anytime |
| Wi-Fi calling from India | ✅ Confirmed working | ✅ Calls work | ✅ Confirmed working |
| Receive calls (India, Wi-Fi) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Send SMS from India (Wi-Fi) | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Unreliable — needs cellular | ✅ Yes |
| Receive SMS from India (Wi-Fi) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pay for unused data | ❌ No (no data on $5 plan) | ✅ Yes — forced to pay for 5 GB min | ❌ No (no data on $8 plan) |
| Number stays alive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (if plan active) | ✅ Yes |
Annual Cost Comparison (6 months US + 6 months India)
| 🟢 Tello | 🔴 Mint Mobile | 🔵 US Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US months cost (×6) | $25 × 6 = $150 | $30 × 6 = $180 (12-mo rate) | $22.50 × 6 = $135 |
| India months cost (×6) | $5 × 6 = $30 | $15 × 6 = $90 (forced minimum) | $8 × 6 = $48 |
| Taxes (approx.) | ~$20/year | ~$20/year | ✅ Included |
| Total annual cost | ~$200/year | ~$290/year | ~$183/year |
| Wasted data in India | ❌ None | ✅ 30 GB wasted (5GB × 6 months) | ❌ None |
Mint costs you ~$90–110 more per year and wastes 30 GB of data you'll never use.
📋 Feature-by-Feature Summary Card
| 🟢 Tello | 🔴 Mint Mobile | 🔵 US Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual cost (your use case) | ~$200 | ~$290 | ~$183 |
| India plan flexibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $5/mo | ⭐ No flexibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $8/mo |
| India Wi-Fi calls | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| India SMS (send + receive) | ✅ | ⚠️ Receive only (reliable) | ✅ |
| No wasted data in India | ✅ | ❌ Pay for 5 GB minimum | ✅ |
| Month-to-month flexibility | ✅ | ❌ Block payments only | ✅ |
| California network options | T-Mobile only | T-Mobile only | T-Mobile + Verizon + AT&T |
| Taxes bundled | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| US data (full plan) | 50 GB | 40 GB | Unlimited |
| US hotspot | 10 GB | 10 GB | 20 GB |
| Free international calls from US | 60+ countries incl. India | Mexico/Canada only | 180+ countries incl. India |
🏁 Final Verdict
| Priority | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Lowest total annual cost | 🔵 US Mobile (~$183/year) |
| Maximum flexibility, cheapest India mode | 🟢 Tello ($5/mo India, month-to-month) |
| Best California coverage (multi-network) | 🔵 US Mobile |
| Avoid at all costs for your use case | 🔴 Mint Mobile |
Mint Mobile is simply not designed for your lifestyle. Its bulk-payment model penalises people who travel for extended periods — you'd pay $90 for 6 months of India service when you could pay $30 (Tello) or $48 (US Mobile) for the same functionality.
Between Tello and US Mobile, the difference is only ~$17/year — US Mobile wins on California coverage (3 networks vs 1) and India SMS reliability, while Tello wins if you want zero commitment and the absolute cheapest India-mode plan.
I'm not able to get a eSIM from US Mobile. Can you tell me what the process is?
Searching the Web
US Mobile eSIM activation process step by step 2025 2026 how to get eSIM
Reading Web Page
US Mobile eSIM activation process steps how to get eSIM QR code
Good, I have enough to give you a thorough walkthrough. Let me also clarify what "not able to get an eSIM" might mean — it could be a device compatibility issue, account issue, or a process confusion.
Here's the complete step-by-step process for getting a US Mobile eSIM, plus common issues and fixes:
📲 How to Get a US Mobile eSIM — Full Process
Step 0: Check Your Phone is Compatible & Unlocked
Before anything else, confirm two things:
Is your phone eSIM-compatible?
- iPhone XS or later ✅
- iPhone 14 and later (US models) are eSIM-only ✅
- Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and later ✅
- Google Pixel 3 and later ✅
- Check the full list at usmobile.com/blog/list-of-esim-compatible-devices
Is your phone unlocked?
- iPhone: Settings → General → About → scroll down → SIM Lock — must show "No SIM restrictions"
- Android: Settings → About Device → SIM card status — must show "Allowed"
- If locked, contact your current carrier to unlock it first
Step 1: Create a US Mobile Account
- Go to usmobile.com or download the US Mobile app (iOS / Android)
- Click "Sign Up" — enter your email and create a password
- Verify your email address
Step 2: Choose Your Plan & Network
- From your dashboard, click "Add a Line"
- Select your plan (e.g. Unlimited Starter)
- Choose your network:
- Dark Star = Verizon network
- Warp = also Verizon (legacy)
- Light Speed = T-Mobile network
For California, Dark Star (Verizon) or Light Speed (T-Mobile) both give excellent coverage - When asked about SIM type, select eSIM
- Choose a new number or transfer your existing number (porting)
Step 3: Complete Checkout
- Enter your billing details and a US address (hotel, friend's address, or your California address)
- Complete payment
- You'll immediately see your eSIM QR code in the dashboard — also emailed to you
Step 4: Install the eSIM on Your Phone
On iPhone:
- Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM
- Tap "Use QR Code"
- Scan the QR code from your US Mobile dashboard/email
- Tap "Continue" → "Add Cellular Plan"
- Label it (e.g. "US Mobile") and set as primary or secondary line
On Android (Samsung/Pixel):
- Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Manager → Add Mobile Plan
- Tap "Scan carrier QR code"
- Scan the QR code
- Follow on-screen prompts to activate
Step 5: Activate & Enable Wi-Fi Calling
Once eSIM is installed:
- Make sure the US Mobile line is set as your default for calls and data
- Go to Settings → Cellular → US Mobile line → enable Wi-Fi Calling
- Enter your E911 address when prompted (any US address)
- Do this while still in the US — Wi-Fi calling must be set up on US soil first
❗ Common Reasons You Might Be Stuck
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "eSIM not available" on the plan page | Your device isn't recognised as eSIM-compatible | Check device list; try via browser not app |
| QR code not scanning | Camera angle / lighting | Enter the activation code manually (tap "Enter Details Manually" instead of scanning) |
| "Device locked" error | Phone is carrier-locked | Contact your current carrier to unlock it |
| eSIM installed but no signal | Wrong network selected for your area | Try switching from Dark Star to Light Speed (or vice versa) in the app |
| "Already activated on another device" | eSIM profiles are one-time use | Contact US Mobile support to reissue a new QR code — they do this for free |
| Can't find the eSIM option during signup | Using older browser or app version | Try in Chrome/Safari browser at usmobile.com, not the app |
| Number transfer (port) stuck | Wrong account number or PIN from old carrier | Double-check your old carrier's account number and transfer PIN on their website |
🆘 If You're Still Stuck
US Mobile has 24/7 live chat support — this is their strongest point. Go to usmobile.com and click the chat icon (bottom right). They can:
- Re-issue your QR code
- Manually provision your eSIM
- Help diagnose device compatibility
What specific step are you getting stuck at? That'll help narrow it down further.
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