USA connectivity for OTPs

Forum|Forum|8 days ago
September 23, 2026
3 replies
24 views

I’m travelling to the USA in a few days. I don’t want to use my iD Mobile data or make calls, but I need my UK number to remain connected to a US network so that I can receive incoming SMS messages, including bank OTPs, etc.

Can my iD SIM receive incoming SMS while roaming in the USA, and which US networks should I manually select?

I don’t mind what it costs, just need to know it’s possible.

I usually set up a second eSIM for data but need to know my UK phone line will still work so I can receive OTPs in case the international travel triggers any security issues that require authentication.

Gemma M

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @Leanne457,

Thanks for getting in touch.

You can receive SMS messages while roaming in the USA, including OTPs, but you’ll need to make sure roaming is enabled and that your Bill Cap is set above £0 to allow roaming services to work. The USA is not included within your standard Inclusive Roaming allowance.

Please also bear in mind that there isn’t a setting that allows you to enable roaming specifically for OTPs or incoming texts only. Once your Bill Cap is increased, other chargeable roaming services could also use the available Bill Cap, so we cannot guarantee that it would only be used in connection with receiving OTPs.

As you’ll be using a separate eSIM for data, we’d recommend making sure your iD Mobile SIM is not selected for mobile data and that data roaming is disabled for the iD SIM to help avoid unintended data charges.

You can manually connect to one of our roaming partners in the USA, including T-Mobile, AT&T, Commnet Wireless or Verizon.

You can check the applicable roaming charges here: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-support/roaming

Regards,

Gemma M
The iD Mobile Social Media Team

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L

Leanne457Author

New Contributor

Hi Gemma,

Thanks for your reply.

Is it possible to have someone set up the bill cap for me? When I log in online I don’t see anything I can change myself.

I am also unclear what roaming package I should purchase.

Gemma M

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @Leanne457,

USA is in iD Mobile’s Roam Beyond zone, which means your UK allowance won’t work there. It’s also important to note that the available add-ons are data-only.

While these are suitable for things like maps or browsing, they don’t include calls or texts. Any standard calls or SMS will be charged separately at out-of-plan rates.

How the Roam Beyond add-ons work:

You can purchase a data-only bundle via the iD Mobile app or your online account.
The add-on starts immediately upon purchase and lasts for a fixed duration.
Once it expires, you’ll need to buy another add-on or you’ll be charged standard roaming rates (if your bill cap allows this).
Your regular UK allowance (minutes and texts) is not included while in USA

How to check if you have a bill cap in place:

To view or change your bill cap, log in to the iD Mobile app or your online account, go to the Bills section, and select Manage bill cap.
You can adjust this using the slider or by entering an amount (between £0 and up to £75.00, depending on your account type).
If you’re still having trouble with increasing your bill cap, please let me know.

Add-on options:

Data	Duration	Price
2 GB	1 day	£5
10 GB	5 days	£20
20 GB	10 days	£35

Standard roaming charges (without an add-on):

The table below displays how much you’ll be charged for any minutes, texts or data that you use.

Roaming	Pay monthly
Calls to UK*	£1.68
Calls to United States (USA)*	£1.68
Calls received*	£1.50
Texts to United States (USA)**	£0.42
Texts to UK**	£0.42
Picture message (MMS) sent**	£0.60
Internet and Data (per MB)***	£0.60

* Price per minute.

** Price per message / text.

*** Data is charged or deducted in one kilobyte (KB) increments and any part KB used will be rounded up to the nearest KB.

For more information, you can visit: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/international-and-roaming-charges.

Tip:
Depending on how long you’re staying, it may be more cost-effective to get a local SIM in USA. Since the bundles last a maximum of 10 days, you may need to purchase multiple add-ons, which can become expensive.

If you have any further questions, feel free to let us know or pop us a message on live chat - https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat - we are more than happy to answer any further questions you may have.

Regards,

Gemma M

The iD Mobile Social Media Team

Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.