Using mobiles in the USA

[h0b0]

Some of the Pay as you go deals in the US have automatic top up when you run out of credit. But, the credit expires after a month and so will update each month. Just make sure you do not get one of these

[steveo3002]

what about this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USA-US-AT-T-GO-PHONE-PAY...

cheapish to buy then a supermarket top up card once im there?

any reason not to get that?

[RedLeicester]

steveo3002 said:

so if i take a unlocked phone whats the cheapest dregs sim i can buy that will make calls for 2 weeks ?

doesnt have to have data , just incase we break down or get bum raped etc

I had three weeks in the US on business earlier in the year and used this lot - 0044 - which was £15 for the SIM, and $54.99 for a data package. Unlimited calls, 200min international calls and so on. Worked a treat, especially with the data in there too as my iPhone could carry on functioning as normal.

[dotty]

I'm in nyc right now and spent last week in seattle.

Iphone has been on airplane mode since I left Heathrow, most places have free wifi I've found (except this hotel in manhattan which is costing me 40 dollars for the week) and I've been communicating through Skype or 'what's app'

That's the best way to go about things, it's quite nice not hearing the phone ring tbh.

[sooperscoop]

jmorgan said:

Just to remind, we were looking at this option and I found out that Verizon network needs a Verizon phone. So slotting in a verizon sim into a UK phone would not have worked for us. Don't know if this is valid, might be duff info. Only Verizon though? Or am I talking cobblers?

This is all very AFAIK.

Both Verizon and Sprint don't use UK frequencies (CDMA?). AT&T and T-mobile do use GSM, so the phones will work but you may not get the same data rates depending on phone/network. Some UK 3G phones will only use Edge rather than 3G, for example, due to frequency issues.

Best option: check your UK provider for US roaming details and buy a bundle, otherwise walk into the nearest AT&T store and ask for a PAYG SIM. Load it with a few bucks, job done.

If you absolutely are only using it for emergencies, screw all of that, make sure your phone will work and just take your chances. The roaming rates aren't that bad for a little use.