How to get Internet when travelling in Alaska? eSIM, prepaid SIM and Wi-Fi: all your options!
A trip to Alaska is an opportunity to discover breathtaking landscapes, majestic glaciers, isolated villages and exceptional wildlife. But it’s also a challenge to stay connected: the network is sometimes capricious, white zones are frequent, and it’s not always obvious how to access the Internet reliably.
If you’re planning your trip and wondering how to use your smartphone in the U.S. without blowing your bill, this guide is for you. You’ll discover all the options available for staying online: eSIM, prepaid SIM card, free Wi-Fi, as well as tips for saving data and choosing the best mobile operator in Alaska.
What's the best way to get Internet in Alaska?
| Criteria | eSIM | Prepaid SIM | Free WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activation | Instant via QR code | Requires reception + card insertion | Immediate, but random depending on the terminal |
| Compatibility | Recent smartphones only | Recent smartphones only | All devices |
| Coverage | Best with AT&T | Ditto | Varies according to location |
| Calls & SMS | Optional according to package | Often included with various options | Not available |
| Security | High | High | Low without VPN |
| Flexibility | Very high | Average | Low |
Why is Internet access important when traveling in Alaska?
In Alaska, the distance between towns can be immense. With good Internet access, you can :
- GPS maps off the beaten track;
- Book accommodation or excursions online ;
- Check the weather forecast, which is mandatory for hikes and cruises;
- Share your photos and videos with friends and family;
- Access useful applications: translation, itineraries, guides, etc;
However, unlike other parts of the USA, the mobile network is not as dense. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right solution for your travel time, budget and itinerary.
Note that hotel calls are often extremely expensive. And if you’re thinking of using your international package, remember that Alaska is often considered a separate state from the USA!
Using an eSIM in Alaska: simplicity and flexibility
With eSIM (embedded SIM) technology, you can buy a mobile plan for the USA, activate it remotely by scanning a QR code, and be connected in minutes, without even removing your French SIM card. Ideal for globetrotters!
The benefits of eSIM :
- Immediate activation, no need to wait for delivery
- Ideal for stays of a few days or weeks
- Possibility of keeping your French number for SMS/calls via WhatsApp
- Several packages available: with calls, SMS and unlimited data
- Works on compatible recent smartphones (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Pixel…)
SIM USA offers eSIM packages plans with unlimited data in the USA, valid from 7 to 30 days, compatible with Alaska, with excellent coverage via the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. It’s the perfect solution if you’re going on a road trip, a Norwegian cruise, or a nature expedition far from the big cities.
Where to find free Wi-Fi in Alaska?
If you’re looking to keep costs down or make occasional use of the Internet, free Wi-Fi can be useful, albeit unreliable in Alaska. You’ll find it in :
- Airports (Anchorage, Fairbanks);
- Restaurants and cafés (McDonald’s, Starbucks…) ;
- Hotels, inns and B&Bs;
- Public libraries ;
- Some national parks have Wi-Fi hotspots (in visitor centers only). Denali National Park, for example, offers free Internet access at covered seating areas.
Here’s a tip: use a VPN to secure your data when using a public Wi-Fi network.
But beware: data speeds are often low, especially at the height of the tourist season, and the connection can be unstable in rural areas.
Save on travel data costs
Here are a few tips to avoid unpleasant surprises:
- Choose an unlimited plan if you plan to surf often or use your phone as a GPS or hotspot.
- Deactivate automatic application updates in your device settings.
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) before leaving a Wi-Fi zone.
- Use Wi-Fi messaging apps whenever possible (WhatsApp, Signal).
- Don’t stream HD videos without Wi-Fi if you have a limited data plan.
The best mobile operators in Alaska
In Alaska, network coverage depends largely on your location. Here are the two main American operators and our opinion on the matter:
- AT&T: very good coverage in major cities (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau) and along main roads. Less effective in the mountains and on the fjords.
- T-Mobile: excellent in urban areas in the USA, it’s much more limited in Alaska, which is why we don’t recommend it for a trip to Alaska.
Visit SIM USA plansuse AT&T, which means optimal coverage depending on your location.
If you want to use your European plan with an international option. Please check your conditions carefully, as Alaska is rarely included with the USA.
Two tips to remember for all your calls:
- To make an international call from Alaska, dial 011 followed by the country code.
- And for local calls, use area code 907 and precede your numbers with 1.
Note that you can have an American number in our prepaid plans + keep your European number.
Even in Alaska, it’s easy to stay connected, as long as you prepare your digital trip well. SIM USA’s eSIM or prepaid SIM plans are designed for French travelers to the U.S.: simple activation, plans to suit all durations, unlimited calls, SMS, data, and reliable coverage.
Whether you’re going on a road trip in a camper van, a cruise in the fjords, or an adventure in the great natural parks, you’ll need safe, fast, affordable Internet access. With SIM USA plans, you stay connected, without stress or unpleasant surprises.
Discover the USA eSIM and physical SIM card plans to stay connected in the USA, including Alaska. Simple activation, unlimited data, local mobile number, and optimal coverage on the best American networks.
