Halloween in the USA 2026: where to celebrate and which eSIM to choose
Dreaming of celebrating Halloween in the USA this fall? Good news: in 2026, October 31 falls on a Saturday. With an eSIM, you are online as soon as you land. You can follow the parade, book a ride or share your costume photos right away.
eSIMs offer a simple, prepaid and fully digital way to stay connected. You choose your plan online, then scan a QR code before you fly. You also avoid the roaming fees of your home carrier, which are often high in the United States.
Find the best eSIM for Halloween in the USA
What you need to know before spending Halloween in the USA
Where to celebrate Halloween in the USA in 2026?
For a first trip, the answer is simple: New York. The Village Halloween Parade has marched through Greenwich Village for more than fifty years. In 2026, the 53rd edition takes place on Saturday, October 31 at 7 pm, along Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to 15th Street.
This year’s theme is “Body & Soul”. Joining the parade is free for anyone in costume. Simply enter the lineup at Canal Street and Sixth Avenue between 6:30 pm and 9 pm. Spectators in street clothes, however, must stay behind the barriers. So pack your costume! All practical details are on the official parade website.
Salem, the Halloween capital of the world
About 25 km (15 miles) north of Boston, Salem draws more than one million visitors every October. The town owes its reputation to the famous witch trials of 1692. In 2026, it also celebrates its 400th anniversary, so expect an exceptional edition of the Haunted Happenings festival.
On October 31, live music starts at noon on stages across downtown. Then a show with 400 drones lights up the North River at 10 pm to close the festival. Organizers recommend booking tours in advance and using public transit. The full program is on hauntedhappenings.org.
Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Valley
If you stay in New York, a trip to the Hudson Valley is the perfect add-on. The village of Sleepy Hollow inspired the legend of the Headless Horseman. Nearby, in Croton-on-Hudson, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze displays thousands of hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins. In 2026, it runs from September 18 to November 8.
If you still have doubts, we invite you to check out our guide on

Top 7 eSIM providers for Halloween in the USA in 2026

Maya: the best value
Maya offers the cheapest plans in our comparison for a one-week stay. Expect €6.24 for 5 GB valid for 10 days, or €11.60 for 10 GB. Its 10-day unlimited plan costs €17.85.

Roamify: unlimited data at the lowest price
Roamify has the most affordable unlimited plans: €11.87 for 7 days and €15.27 for 10 days. A 10-day plan also includes calls and texts for €16.96. It is a great pick if you share lots of videos.

Nomad: flexible 30-day plans
Nomad offers 5 GB for €8.93 or 10 GB for €13.39, valid for 30 days. You can extend your trip after Halloween without buying a new plan. The app is clear and top-ups take seconds.

Ubigi: simple and reliable
Ubigi offers 10 GB for 7 days at €10.71, ideal for a week in New York. Its 7-day unlimited plan costs €20.53. Setup takes just a few minutes in the app.

Airhub: a US phone number included
Airhub stands out with unlimited plans that include calls, texts and a US phone number (+1). Expect €18.74 for 7 days or €20.52 for 10 days. It is handy for booking a restaurant or receiving a verification code.

Saily: a very easy app
Saily, launched by the team behind NordVPN, offers 5 GB for €11.87 and 10 GB for €19.50 over 30 days. Its 7-day unlimited plan costs €24.59. The app is one of the easiest to use.

Yesim: pay for the exact number of days
Yesim offers unlimited data matched to the exact length of your trip: €20.30 for 7 days, €23.56 for 10 days. This way, you only pay for the days you need.
eSIM comparison table for Halloween in the USA
| Provider | Price (EUR) | Data | Validity (days) | Best for | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maya | 6.24 to 17.85 | 5 GB to unlimited | 10 | Small budget, one-week stay | Data only |
| Roamify | 11.87 to 16.96 | Unlimited | 7 to 10 | Cheapest unlimited data | Yes (10-day plan) |
| Nomad | 8.93 to 22.32 | 5 to 20 GB | 30 | Longer stays | Data only |
| Ubigi | 10.71 to 20.53 | 10 GB to unlimited | 7 | A week in New York | Data only |
| Airhub | 18.74 to 20.52 | Unlimited | 7 to 10 | US phone number (+1) | Yes |
| Saily | 11.87 to 24.59 | 5 GB to unlimited | 7 to 30 | Easy app | Data only |
| Yesim | 20.30 to 23.56 | Unlimited | 7 to 10 | Custom trip length | Data only |
Prices checked on October 14, 2026 on our comparison tool. Rates change often, so check them in real time on our USA eSIM comparison tool before you buy.
How to buy and set up an eSIM for Halloween in the USA?
Where to buy: online or on arrival?
We recommend that you buy your eSIM online before you leave. Platforms such as esimseeker.com let you compare providers, coverage and prices in a few clicks. At the airport, options are more limited and prices are often higher.
When to buy and activate?
Buy your eSIM a few days before your flight and install it at home over Wi-Fi. Then turn on the line when you land in New York or Boston. This way, your plan’s validity does not start too early.
Step-by-step activation guide
- Choose your plan on esimseeker.com
- Receive the QR code by email or in the app
- Open your phone settings and scan the code
- Turn on the eSIM profile
- Turn on mobile data and roaming on the eSIM line
If you still have doubts, we invite you to check out our guide on

What to know before celebrating Halloween in the USA
Make sure your phone is unlocked
Your device must be unlocked to install an eSIM from another provider. If you bought your phone with a contract, check with your carrier before you leave.
Which smartphones support eSIM?
Most recent smartphones support eSIM. This includes the iPhone XS and later models, the Google Pixel 4 and newer, and many Samsung Galaxy phones. In fact, iPhones sold in the USA since the iPhone 14 no longer have a SIM tray at all.
If you still have doubts, we invite you to check out our guide on

Can you keep your personal number?
Yes. With dual SIM mode, your physical SIM stays active for calls and texts. Meanwhile, your eSIM provides mobile data throughout your stay.
Are eSIM providers reliable?
Before switching to an eSIM, check whether you can keep your usual SIM card at the same time. Read our guide: Can I use an eSIM and a regular SIM card at the same time?
We compare offers from more than 50 providers on esimseeker.com. For peace of mind, choose well-known brands such as Maya, Nomad, Ubigi or Saily, which offer real customer support.
Calls and texts with an eSIM in the USA
Using VoIP and messaging apps
Most travel eSIMs are data only, so you do not get a local number. However, you can call through WhatsApp, FaceTime or Messenger using your mobile data. Find our tips in our guide to the best VoIP apps for data-only eSIMs.
eSIMs with calls and a US number
Some providers include calls and texts. Airhub, for example, gives you a US phone number (+1) with its unlimited plans. Roamify also offers a 10-day plan with unlimited calls and texts for €16.96.
Do you really need a phone number in the USA?
Usually not. Data is enough for most tourists. A local number can still help for some apps or bookings. To learn more, read our guide on how to get a SIM card in the USA.
Network coverage and data speeds in the USA
What are the main 4G/5G networks in the USA?
Three national carriers share the US market: AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Travel eSIMs rely on one or more of these networks. As a result, you get solid 4G and 5G coverage in every major city.
AT&T vs T-Mobile vs Verizon
- AT&T: wide national coverage, including outside big cities
- T-Mobile: a very large 5G network, often used by travel eSIMs
- Verizon: known for its coverage in rural areas
Halloween night in New York: plan for the crowds
In big cities like New York or Boston, 5G is widely available. On parade night, however, the network can slow down because of the crowds. So download offline maps and agree on a meeting point with your group before the parade.
Other SIM card options in the USA
Local prepaid SIM cards in the USA
You can buy a prepaid SIM card in AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon stores. However, local prices are often higher than travel eSIMs. You also need to find an open store when you arrive.
International prepaid SIM cards
Some companies sell physical SIM cards before you leave. They have to reach you by mail and usually cost more than an eSIM.
Travel eSIM or roaming in the USA
Depending on your home plan, roaming in the USA can be very expensive. Check your carrier’s conditions first, and read our guide on data roaming.
At esimseeker, we believe an eSIM is the smartest way to stay connected while traveling. Whether you head to the New York parade or spend a weekend in Salem, there is a plan for your needs.
Use our USA eSIM comparison tool to see offers and prices in real time. Finally, to estimate your usage, read our guide How much data do I need for travel? Happy Halloween!