John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York's main international gateway, in Queens about 24 km southeast of Manhattan. This is what to sort out before you land and what to expect afterwards: the terminals, getting online and the way into the city.
Before you land
The United States keeps no register of phone numbers, so a phone needs no paperwork: nothing to sign at a counter and nothing to show at arrivals. The eSIM is bought on this page and installed at home, so there is no queue before you reach the taxi rank.
If you have already bought it, keep the QR code where you can open it without a connection, printed or on a second device. The QR code shows on your order page seconds after payment, so bookmark that page or save the code before you leave it.
Getting online
JFK's terminals have free Wi-Fi. Pick the airport network and accept its terms, then add the eSIM while you wait for your bags if you did not do it at home (install the eSIM).
The USA eSIM runs on AT&T, an American network, so your phone connects as a line in the country rather than as a visitor. After landing, turn the eSIM line on and choose it for mobile data (switch it on after landing). If it does not connect, work through the checks in order.
Your usual SIM stays in the phone with your number for calls and texts, and WhatsApp keeps the same number while the eSIM carries your data. Flying on to Canada or Mexico? The plan on the USA eSIM page covers the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama with one eSIM.
From the airport to the city
The AirTrain JFK links every terminal with two rail hubs. At Jamaica Station it connects with the LIRR and subway lines E, J and Z; at Howard Beach it connects with subway line A. The AirTrain is free between the terminals, and a fare applies when you enter or leave at Jamaica or Howard Beach.
From Jamaica the LIRR reaches Penn Station in Manhattan in about 20 minutes, while the subway costs less and takes longer. Taxis and app cars wait outside arrivals: follow the signs to the official taxi rank and ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
