T-Mobile Prepaid SIM/eSIM Card User Guide
What's included?
- Genuine USA T-Mobile SIM card and Plan
- For T-Mobile's USA Coverage map, including Hawaii, click Here
- Unlimited 4G Data in USA & Hawaii
- 5GB Data to use in Canada and Mexico
- Unlimited Calls and SMS within USA, Canada, and Mexico to USA, Canadian, and Mexican Mobiles and Standard Landline numbers
- No incoming call charges from any country
Please note: This SIM card can only be used in Mobile Phones and NOT in any data-only devices such as iPads, Tablets, WiFi Dongles, and Mifi devices.
What do I need to do before I depart?
Ensure that your device is unlocked before departing for your trip. Being on a post-paid plan or contract with your local carrier doesn't necessarily mean your phone is unlocked. If you are unsure, please check with your current service provider.
Before you depart, you will need to scan the QR code on their product packaging or provided in the User Guide to provide your arrival date (or the date you would like the SIM card to start from). This date will determine when the service begins upon activation.
How do I activate this USA SIM card?
To activate your USA SIM card, scan the QR code on your product packaging or provided in the User Guide (if applicable) or via our website here. The SIM card will be active from the arrival date you provided via the Registration Form. Activation occurs based on Pacific Standard Time (PST)/LA time, typically around 8am.
If you need to adjust this date after completing your activation request, kindly reach out to us at least 3 days before your anticipated arrival date. We'll gladly assist you in modifying the commencement date of your service. Please note, while we can adjust the date, the time of activation will remain unchanged. To request a date change, please email us at hello@globalstarlink.com.au.
Once you have arrived, insert the SIM card into your device. If you are using a dual SIM/eSIM mobile phone, please make sure to change your Default Voice Line/Calls and Mobile Data to your new SIM Card. The SIM will connect to a network, starting your service. If you are using the SIM card in Canada and/or Mexico, you will need to turn ON the DATA ROAMING function in your mobile phone before you can use the data in Canada and/or Mexico.
How do I change the Default Voice Line/Calls or Mobile Data?
iOS
Settings > Mobile > Default Voice Line/Calls or Mobile Data > select your new T-Mobile SIM Card
Android
Settings > Connections > SIM Card manager > tap Calls or Mobile Data > select your new T-Mobile SIM Card
Pixel
Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > tap Mobile data > select your new T-Mobile SIM Card
How do I turn on Data Roaming?
iOS
Settings > Mobile > under SIMs go to your new T-Mobile SIM Card > check 'Data Roaming' is switched ON
Android
Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > check Data Roaming is switched ON
Pixel
Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Advanced > Data Roaming > toggle the switch to ON for your new T-Mobile SIM Card
What is the Data APN Settings for this SIM card?
Default APN settings are automatically set on most recent smartphone models after inserting the SIM card.
To manually set up APN settings, use the following configuration:
iPhone
APN: fast.tmobile.com
Username: (leave blank)
Password: (leave blank)
Android
Name: T-Mobile (This is for Android devices only and can be set to anything)
APN: fast.tmobile.com
Username: (Leave Blank)
Password: (Leave Blank)
What will my phone number be?
Your local USA phone number is generated once the SIM is active, based on the arrival date provided upon activation request. You will receive a text message from T-Mobile with your local USA phone number upon arrival in either USA, Canada, or Mexico. Alternatively, check your phone settings for your phone number (or dial #686#).
Can I get my phone number earlier?
Once a SIM card has been activated, we can retrieve the phone number from the system. However, please note that it's not possible to obtain your number until the SIM card is activated. If you anticipate needing your phone number before your activation date, you have the option to provide an earlier arrival date during the activation process. In the event that you've provided an earlier arrival date, you can email us on the specified activation date to request your phone number, which we will promptly forward to you.
How do I check my Data Balance/Allowances?
To check your data balance, simply dial #225#. You'll receive a prompt displaying the amount of data you've used so far.
Can I recharge my SIM card?
To extend your T-Mobile Prepaid Travel SIM card plan, please notify us before the Service End Date. We're here to assist you with this process.
What size SIM card will I receive?
You will receive a 3-in-1 SIM card (Standard, Micro, and Nano sizes) that fits any phone. Pop out the SIM size that fits your phone.
Which countries does this SIM Card work in?
Coverage: USA, Hawaii, Optional add-on (Canada, Mexico). This SIM card provides coverage in USA (including Hawaii), Canada, and Mexico.
How do I make calls/texts?
Within the USA: Simply dial any USA mobile or landline number without the need for an additional prefix code.
Within Canada: + (Country Code) (Area Code) (Number)
Within Mexico: + (Country Code) (Area Code) (Number)
Can I contact my travel companion/s if we all purchase SIM cards from a USA, Canada, or Mexico carrier?
If your travel companion/s purchase USA SIM cards, they can call and text you directly. If they opt for Canada or Mexico SIM cards and calls/texts to a USA phone number are included in their plan, they can also call and text you directly. However, if they are using roaming services from their home countries, you can text them but not call. In that case, you can use data-based apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype, or iMessage.
Can I make calls to Australia using this SIM card?
Unfortunately, the T-Mobile travel SIM does not include international calling to countries outside of USA, Canada, or Mexico. We recommend using data-based apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype for making calls to Australia.
How do my family and friends call and message me?
Your family and friends can call and message you on your T-Mobile phone number with the prefix +1. Alternatively, you can also stay in touch with your family and friends by using data-based apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, Skype, iMessage, etc.
Can I use my phone as a hotspot or tethering device?
Yes, however, hotspot/data tethering are only available in the US, and is at 3G speeds. This is the equivalent of speeds you will find in more regional or remote areas of Australia.
Which network carriers does this SIM connect to in USA, Canada, and Mexico?
In the USA, T-Mobile's network infrastructure provides extensive coverage, ensuring connectivity across the country, including Hawaii. When traveling outside the USA to Canada and Mexico, T-Mobile partners with reliable local networks to ensure seamless communication experiences.
While abroad, the T-Mobile SIM card automatically connects to the best available network in each country (within Canada or Mexico), based on your location. This ensures you can stay connected wherever you go. In instances where you feel network coverage could be optimized, you have the option to manually select available networks in your phone settings.
Regrettably, T-Mobile does not provide a comprehensive list of partner networks in each country. However, rest assured that T-Mobile prioritizes partnerships with reputable service providers to deliver reliable connectivity during your travels.
What happens if I am traveling for longer than the Service Days I purchased?
If your travel plans extend beyond the service days you initially purchased, simply reach out to us before your service end date, and we can assist you in extending your T-Mobile Prepaid Travel SIM card plan. Alternatively, we recommend purchasing multiple SIMs before you travel. (Please note that your phone number changes when activating new SIMs.)
If I have trouble with the SIM while I'm overseas, what should I do?
1. Self-service: Visit www.globalstarlink.com.au/pages/faq.
2. Livechat: Click on "Chat with us" on our website to initiate a live chat conversation with our customer service team online. (Our working hours are Monday to Sunday: 9am - 1am Australian Eastern Time)
3. Email us: If the situation occurs outside of our working hours, please email us immediately at hello@globalstarlink.com.au. We will start processing your request when we are back online the next day.
To expedite the process, please include the following information in your email for us to investigate further:
- Order Number (or SIM number)
- Your current location
- Your US phone number received in the welcome message
- Make and model of your phone
- Screenshots of any error messages you are receiving
- Any other information about the issue that you think will help us assist you in resolving the issue.
