What is the best carrier for California overall?

It depends on your lifestyle. T-Mobile wins for city speed, Verizon wins for rural coverage. For budget-conscious expats, Mint Mobile is the crowd favorite.

Can I get a SIM without an SSN?

Yes, but only Prepaid plans. Postpaid contracts usually require a credit check and SSN. Prepaid is the standard for new arrivals on a working visa USA 2025.

How much should I budget for a phone plan?

Budget $30-$50/month per person. If you join a "Family Plan" (even with friends), you can get it down to $25. Saving here helps offset other costs like the potential H-1B visa 2025 filing fees.

Does eSIM work in California?

Absolutely. All major carriers support it. It's the fastest way to get connected.

Will H-1B requirements 2025 affect my ability to get a phone contract?

Indirectly. Tighter H-1B requirements 2025 might delay your SSN issuance. Until you have that SSN, stick to prepaid plans.

Can I tether (hotspot) my laptop?

Check the fine print! Cheap "Unlimited" plans often throttle hotspot speeds to 3G or cap it at 5GB. Visible offers unlimited hotspot at 5Mbps.

What is a Family Plan?

It's a group discount. 4 lines are cheaper than 1. Immigrants often form "digital families" to share these costs.

Will my phone work in Yosemite?

Only if you have Verizon, and even then, it's spotty. T-Mobile usually dies at the park entrance.

Is there a link between the H-1B cap 2025 and phone plans?

No direct link, but since the H-1B cap 2025 limits the number of skilled workers entering, carriers aren't making special plans for this demographic. You have to shop smart.

Should I worry about Trump H-1B restrictions impacting my phone service?

No, phone carriers don't check your visa status for prepaid plans. Even if Trump H-1B restrictions tighten, your ability to buy a SIM card remains unchanged.

Stay Connected in Cali: The Ultimate 2025 SIM Card Guide for Expats & H-1B Workers

Alex Drill

Author

November 23, 2025

Moving to California? Find the best prepaid SIMs to save cash amid H-1B visa 2025 fees & Trump restrictions. Complete guide to Mint, T-Mobile, and eSIMs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this topic.

Sources

References and sources used in this article.

FCC - Mobile Coverage Mapshttps://www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData/MobileMaps

Mint Mobile Planshttps://www.mintmobile.com

T-Mobile 5G Coverage Maphttps://www.t-mobile.com/coverage

RootMetrics - Independent Speed Reportshttps://rootmetrics.com

Move to California 2025: H-1B Visa Changes, Costs & Trump Restrictions

Discover everything you need to know about relocating to California in 2025 under the latest H-1B visa regulations. This guide covers expected policy changes under the second Trump administration, increased USCIS filing fees, premium processing updates, California-specific costs (housing, taxes, salary requirements), employer sponsorship trends in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, and step-by-step advice for tech workers, engineers, and other specialty occupation professionals planning their U.S. move. Stay ahead with the most current 2025 H-1B insights.

Alex Drill

Job Hunting in California 2025: H-1B Sponsors, Salaries, and Resume Strategy

Landing a job in California? Essential 2025 guide for expats: H-1B visa changes (Trump restrictions), $100k fees, ATS-proof resumes, and salary negotiation.

Alex Drill

California Insurance Survival Guide 2025: Health, Auto & The H-1B Visa Reality

Navigate California insurance (Auto/Health) amid H-1B visa 2025 changes. Learn how Trump restrictions & the $100k fee impact your coverage costs.

Alex Drill

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best carrier for California overall?

Can I get a SIM without an SSN?

How much should I budget for a phone plan?

Does eSIM work in California?

Will H-1B requirements 2025 affect my ability to get a phone contract?

Can I tether (hotspot) my laptop?

What is a Family Plan?

Will my phone work in Yosemite?

Is there a link between the H-1B cap 2025 and phone plans?

Should I worry about Trump H-1B restrictions impacting my phone service?

Sources

Related Articles

Move to California 2025: H-1B Visa Changes, Costs & Trump Restrictions

Job Hunting in California 2025: H-1B Sponsors, Salaries, and Resume Strategy

California Insurance Survival Guide 2025: Health, Auto & The H-1B Visa Reality