Itinerary and Sim Card

Question

Dear all. We finally decided to stay at Stanford Court Hotel. Two questions: which sim card to buy for a ten day visit? I have an android phone from the UK which is unlocked.

Second question us itinerary. We have four and a half days in SF itself. We don't need to see Alcatraz. But want to see museums such as De Young, SFMOMA, Palace of Fine Arts. Also of course Golden Gate and some neighbourhoods. We don't have a car. Any way if grouping things so that we make it efficiently? Thanks

Answer

For a ten-day visit to San Francisco with an unlocked UK Android phone, you have several good options for a SIM card. The main considerations are data needs, coverage, and convenience. Since you’re staying in the city and likely won’t be traveling extensively outside the metro area, a prepaid SIM from a major carrier is ideal.

T-Mobile Prepaid: T-Mobile has excellent coverage in San Francisco and offers prepaid plans with unlimited data for a set period. You can buy a SIM at the airport, in T-Mobile stores, or online for pickup. Their 10-day plan or a 30-day prepaid plan can work well.
AT&T Prepaid: Another option with good city coverage. AT&T stores in San Francisco sell prepaid SIMs with data-only or talk+data plans. Their prepaid options are easy to top up and reliable.
Mint Mobile: Uses T-Mobile’s network and sells SIMs online or in stores. They offer short-term prepaid options (4 weeks minimum), and you can top up for ten days if needed.
Local SIM from convenience stores: Some stores like 7-Eleven sell SIMs (e.g., from T-Mobile or AT&T networks) suitable for tourists. They often come with limited data and are easy to set up.

For your itinerary in San Francisco without a car, grouping attractions efficiently is key. Since you have four and a half days, here’s a suggested layout:

Day 1 – Central SF & Museums: Focus on the Museum District (Golden Gate Park). Visit De Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences if you wish. Then enjoy a walk around the park and nearby Conservatory of Flowers.
Day 2 – SFMOMA & Downtown: Spend the morning at SFMOMA. Walk to Yerba Buena Gardens for a break, then explore nearby neighborhoods like the Financial District or Union Square for shopping and architecture.
Day 3 – Golden Gate & Presidio: Take a bus or rideshare to Golden Gate Bridge and explore the viewpoints. Walk or drive to the Presidio, visit Crissy Field, and see the Palace of Fine Arts. These are close to each other, minimizing travel time.
Day 4 – Neighborhoods & Cable Cars: Explore North Beach, Chinatown, and Telegraph Hill (Coit Tower). Use a cable car for fun and practicality. Include a leisurely lunch or coffee breaks along the way.
Half-Day 5 – Optional Extras: Depending on your flight or departure, revisit favorite spots, explore Mission District murals, or take a short ferry ride to Sausalito if time permits.

Additional tips:

San Francisco public transport (MUNI buses, trams, cable cars) is convenient for all the above sites. You can buy a multi-day visitor pass to simplify travel.
Walking shoes are a must; the city is hilly.
Check museum opening hours and any timed ticket requirements for SFMOMA or De Young.

This grouping minimizes backtracking and balances museum visits with iconic landmarks and neighborhood explorations.