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Pre-paid Phones for Travellers?

Posted by Cliff on from the blockbuster-should-rent-cell-phones dept.

Bifurcati asks: "My friend and I, both from Australia, are going to the US for a two month trip (combining both work and pleasure!) and I'm faced with a bit of a dilemma with my much loved mobile phone. It isn't tri-band, so won't work in the U.S., and, additionally, roaming rates are horrendous. I really appreciate the comfort of having a phone, particularly for working out meetings with my friend, so I was thinking of getting a pre-paid mobile over there (with a new number) which I can use and then sell off the phone when I get back. What's the best (read, in part at least, cheapest) company and phone deal? Anyone else had experience doing this? I'm going to both the East and West coast. Any help much appreciated!"

34 comments

  1. You won't be able to sell the phone back... by bhtooefr · · Score: 2, Informative

    ...but you might want to try Virgin Mobile. $0.25/min for the first 10 minutes of a day, $0.10 every minute after that. Unfortunately, selling phones back doesn't seem to be common over here. The phone is $60 for the lowest end model, if you're interested.

  2. Don't worry about phones... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    ...be more concerned about the full cavity search and invasive personal questions that you will face upon arrival at the airport!

  3. verizon by Wakkow · · Score: 2, Informative

    I used to use Verizon's prepaid phone service before switching to a annual plan.. I pretty much always had reception, but not necessarily the best sound quality (compared to GSM). They cover pretty much all of the US, but it looks like their prepaid service charges extra for roaming if you're out of their coverage area. I was also able to sell my phone on Ebay when I was done with it.

    If you know the general areas you'll be, check out the coverage maps and prepaid services. I know Tmobile, Cingular and AT&T have prepaid services. AT&T also has a Go Phone service which is a rate plan without the annual contracts.

  4. I've been using Virgin by Josh+Mast · · Score: 1

    Virgin Mobile is pretty good if you don't do a whole lot of talking but need some way to quickly contact people or be contacted. I've been using them for a couple months and I don't have any complaints. 25c/min for the first 10 minutes a day, and 10c/min after that. Plus they're just piggybacked on top of sprint's network, which gives me decent coverage even out in weird rural areas. If you can find one, their Kyocera 2255 models are pretty decent/cheap phones as well.

  5. Walmart, etc... sell prepaid phones. by Wycliffe · · Score: 2, Informative

    Walmart and other retail stores have started
    selling phones that you can buy at the register.
    This might be the best bet for a short stay as
    you don't have to talk to the carrier, etc...
    It also has the added advantage of being more
    free/anonymous, as you don't have to sign anything.

  6. Pre-Paid Phones for Terrorists? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    My friend and I, both from Syria, are going to the US on a one-way ticket for a two month trip (combining both work and pleasure!) and I'm faced with a bit of a dilemma with my much loved mobile phone. Due to a freezing of certain swiss bank accounts I use regularly, I can't afford roaming.

    I'm interested in a pre-paid mobile phone where they do not look that closely (or at all) at the picture on the driver's license (someone named "John R. Smith") that I'll be using.

    I won't be needing to sell the phone.

    I'll be going to both the East and West coast. Possibly simultaneously, if things work out.

    Any help much appreciated.

    1. Re:Pre-Paid Phones for Terrorists? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Uh-oh, expect to be greeted by an armed team of Homeland Security agents when you arrive. They do check this board and log IPs, you know.

    2. Re:Pre-Paid Phones for Terrorists? by decepty · · Score: 1

      that's why s/he posted as "Anonymous Coward"... duh.

      --
      Be careful! Bears shouldn't consume large furry dogs.
  7. This site has everything you need. by Deagol · · Score: 4, Informative
    It compares most every pre-paid cell phone deal there is out there (in the US, that is), along with coverage areas:

    http://markson.net/cell_prepaid_compare.htm

    If you plan on a lot of travelling in remote locations, and you have the money, check out a satellite phone -- the price has gone down in price. Yeah, it's overkill -- but I thought I'd suggest it anyway. :)

    --
    Method of processing duck feet
    1. Re:This site has everything you need. by iroberts · · Score: 2, Funny

      check out a satellite phone -- the price has gone down in price.
      Note, however, that the price has gone up in quality.

  8. Yo look at this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    Most likely if your overseas your phone is GSM. There are a number of 3G GSM networks here that might be able to support your phone. Have you tried calling local providers? What area are you going to be in?

    Also you can try Virgin or Verizon Wireless. Don't do TrackPhone. That really sucks.

    Cheers,

    Scott

    1. Re:Yo look at this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Apparently, you didn't read the original post. He is saying his phone is not a tri-band phone. That means his phone will not work with GSM network in the US, as frequency is different.

  9. Don't bother with resale by MerlynEmrys67 · · Score: 2, Informative

    Throw it away - many plans will give you a free phone when you purchase x minutes... Therefor the phones are effectively free, and there is almost no resale market

    --
    I have mod points and I am not afraid to use them
  10. Comparision by $exyNerdie · · Score: 2, Informative

    Here is a list of 5 of the most common prepaid cell phone plans so that you can compare their features.

    Note that above list doesn't include plans by Virgin mobile. It's rates are here. A friend that used Virgin mobile didn't appreciate the choppy quality...

    1. Re:Comparision by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Typo in subject. Please ignore the extra "i"

      - $exyNerdie

  11. Something to keep in mind by drsmithy · · Score: 1

    The pricing and charging structures in the US are very different to those in Australia (eg: in the US you'll probably pay to receive calls and they seem to use "X free minutes of talk time included" rather than "$X worth of usage included"). Bear this in mind while you're doing your research and only try to compare against other US deals, not Australian ones.

  12. Counter-question by phorm · · Score: 1

    What is there available in Australia? My cousin's girlfriend is heading down that way for several months and they were wondering how to keep in touch. Any good cellphone/long-distance-cards for this (I know he can call her, but calling an international cellphone is much more expensive than a landline from this end).

    1. Re:Counter-question by jquirke · · Score: 1

      Actually I don't believe it is. You should be able to call a GSM phone here at the same cost as a landline.

      In Australia, there are a number of GSM900/1800 networks, 2 CDMA networks and 1 UMTS (3G) network. Prepaid packs are available for about 15 USD. Prepaid packs with a cheap phone as little as 40 USD, and can be bought just about everywhere (including airports).

    2. Re:Counter-question by NeuralAbyss · · Score: 1

      You can pickup calling cards from pretty much any newsagency, with rates varying from AUD$0.03 to $0.10/min

    3. Re:Counter-question by phorm · · Score: 1

      I don't think it is with my normal phone, but calling Australia (up to last year, I call landlines now) definate cost more to get a cell (as far is cost/minute deducted from the long-distance card balance)

  13. Coverage by RzUpAnmsCwrds · · Score: 2, Informative

    - If you stay in cities, any service should do. IS-136 "TDMA" (AT&T and Cingular's "Old" network), GSM (T-Mobile, AT&T/Cingular's "New Network"), CDMA (Sprint, Verizon, Virgin Mobile), and iDEN (Nextel) should all work fine.
    - Virgin mobile seems to have a very nice service with free domestic long-distance and roaming (useful if you intend to travel very far). T-Mobile also offers free roaming and LD.
    - Keep in mind that with T-Mobile (And posibly AT&T), your phone is a standard GSM phone (in many cases a triband phone) so you may have better luck selling it.
    - You will pay for incoming calls. On the upside, other people don't pay to call you.
    - If you plan to go out of major cities (20,000+), off of Interstate highways, you will likely not get service with GSM. Your best bet is Verizon. They have excellent coverage throughout the country, even in the great barren land we call "Wyoming".

    And, finally some travel tips:
    - Gas is cheap, even more so now that the dollar is weaker. You can probably rent a big car and it won't be too expensive.
    - Don't depend on mass transit. Amtrak isn't exactly the most efficent company.
    - Gas station bathrooms range from awful to pretty decent. Tip: If you have to go outside the building to get to the bathroom, it's probably pretty dirty.

    1. Re:Coverage by funky+womble · · Score: 1
      - Don't depend on mass transit. Amtrak isn't exactly the most efficent company.

      You do see very different sides to the country depending on whether or not you have private transport... varies depending on where you are though, SF city was a bit of a nightmare with a car (pay very careful attention to street cleaning signs which are apt to be hidden slightly out of sight). But many other places are impossible without one.

      One recommendation, if you're travelling around CA, the train journey from San Luis Obispo leaving at some ridiculous time in the morning to San Diego was well worth getting up for... and the drive (mostly) along the coast from SD to SF was totally totally mad.

      The AC is pretty much correct about invasive questions at immigration, though I can't say we had any problems with cavity searches ... and they don't seem to like it if two people walk up to the INS staff at the same time unless they're married.

      More handy tips: if you enter on a visa waiver form and it says to return it when you leave the country, crossing a land border and returning within the 90 days doesn't count, as we found out after going to quite a lot of trouble to find someone at the US embassy in Mexico to return ours to, then had to queue multiple times at different places at the San Ysidro crossing to get back into the country. Oh yes. It's almost as if they don't want you to come back...

    2. Re:Coverage by FunKind · · Score: 1
      In addition to the usual travel tips, like "if you're alone and hail a taxicab, don't get into the front seat," something thing to consider is mobile phone etiquette. Many people visiting don't realize--or easily forget--how large and varied the States are, and etiquette can vary a lot, too.

      While traveling in New England (and most of the US), for example, you would be considered highly offensive if you left your mobile phone on during a meal, especially if you took the call at the table. However, in rude cities, you might see people taking phone calls right during a speaker's presentation! Try the same thing in a rural area, and you might get thrown out the door.

      Take a look at these Cingular Wireless survey results, which show some interesting regional differences: http://www.cingular.com/about/latest_news/03_10_27

      From surveys I've seen, it's the opinion of most Americans that everyone else is far ruder than themselves, and should be punished! ;-) Seriously, though, I'd suggest "better safe than sorry" and just keep the phone off at the table, etc. If you must make a call, excuse yourself and go away from the table to call.

      Also, IIRC, it's illegal to use mobile phones while driving in Australia (unless hands-free?) Most of the US, however, does not have that restriction. But before you might make a habit of the convenience of talking while you drive, be aware that it's not legal in all places (e.g., New York State).

      Enjoy your trip!

  14. What about a card only ? by Renaud · · Score: 1

    I'm going to visit the SF Bay Area for 2 weeks in a few days, and I have a slightly different question from the original poster's :

    I'll bring over my triband GSM phone from Europe, and I'd like to get a $20-30 prepaid card with a US phone number (since roaming is not an option with its horrendous prices)

    What are good plans that would allow me to call local & international (to europe) ?

    1. Re:What about a card only ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This seems like it should be a simple question, but it doesn't seem to have a good answer.

      There are basically 3 GSM providers in the US: Cingular, AT&T and T-Mobile.

      Cingular and AT&T offer prepaid service, but as near as I can tell neither one will just sell you a SIM unless you purchase a phone. Note that the phones will be "locked", so that they don't work with SIMs from other providers. AT&T will not unlock theirs at any cost; I *think* that Cingular will.

      T-Mobile has the most friendly capabilities in some ways - their phones come locked, but they will tell you how to unlock them if you ask. But unfortunately they do not seem to have any prepaid service.

      SO, I'm not sure that there is a good way for you to just purchase a prepaid SIM for your visit to SF.

      Maybe someone will have a better idea.

    2. Re:What about a card only ? by dspyder · · Score: 1

      I have tried to purchase a prepaid SIM since I got back from vacation in England the 3rd of December.

      T-Mobile is the only carrier that offer prepaid GSM. And they only offer "just the SIM" at their corporate stores, not at authorized resellers.

      I found it's cheaper to go to Target and but their starter kit then sell the phone on ebay for $10 and keep a spare charger and headset for your office.

      I would say I can't wait for US carriers to get with the times like England and most of Europe have, but sadly we've been waiting for years with little to no progress... and this whole 850 GSM crap is a step in the wrong direction!

      --Darren

    3. Re:What about a card only ? by tommck · · Score: 1
      I thought the whole concept of getting different card didn't work, since the phones were bound the card or some nonesense... Maybe just in the US? Dunno.

      --
      ---- It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again. It does this whenever it's told.
  15. Ebay by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If you want to roam as well, I bought some cheap Nokia 5170 (1900MHz Band version of 5110) on ebay for $2 and $5. These will take your sim card and you'll be off and running.

  16. Renting phones! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Try renting a phone. I don't know about in the US, but in Israel, Israel Phones is a great solution - friends of mine also used them when visiting Italy and Prague.

  17. Same question -- but for Europe by XenonOfArcticus · · Score: 1

    Ok, I'm in the same situation. I have a great plan and phone here, and I'm going to be traveling in Europe for a couple weeks later this year. Business requires me to keep in touch. What's a good plan and carrier?

    Also, how about a Wifi plan?

    --
    -- There is no truth. There is only Perception. To Percieve is to Exist.
  18. When you get here. by Raven42rac · · Score: 1

    When you get here, look for a place called 7-11. Go in there and buy an el-cheapo prepaid phone with some minutes. There are roughly 8 billion 7-11 franchises in the U.S. so you will have plenty of places to refill should you run out of minutes. Plus you will be able to keep the P.O.S. phone as a souvenir! No issues of privacy that you would encounter were you to rent a phone.

    --
    I hate sigs.
  19. don't get a tracfone by hyperstation · · Score: 1

    i'm sure someone has mentioned going to 7-11 (or walmart, or kmart, or about any place else) and getting a tracfone, for which you buy cards and add minutes. problem with this is you'll be tied to a particular area (unless you want to change the number every time you go someplace else). it's horribly expensive, and roaming minutes are double.

    i've had luck with att wireless (gophone), you can get those for fairly cheap (US$80) and it's not such a bad deal, like some limited number of anytime minutes, free nights (after 9) and weekends.

    i know people who use the virgin mobile phones, which seem to not be so bad either, so you might want to check that out.

    all of these are available at walmart, which seem to be everywhere you turn around.

  20. Depends what you want... GSM? by dspyder · · Score: 1

    Trust me I've researched this.

    Best option for you (assuming Australia is GSM) is to come here and buy a T-Mobile EasySpeak "Starter Kit" which includes a basic Nokia phone (3370 or something like that w/ GSM) and a prepaid SIM card loaded with about $30 of minutes. That whole bundle will cost you about $65 from Target including a charger and wireless headset (required in some states).

    Other options are Virgin Mobile which uses the Sprint PCS network. They're reasonably priced if you're going to use a lot of minutes per day. Avoid TracFone if you're not going to be here for less than 6 months. Avoid AT&T Prepaid just on general principle!!!

    Check out this site for a complete list of the various prepaid options.

    Interestingly, you can get refill cards for almost every tried of prepaid wireless at any grocery or convenience store and most electronics stores. Actually finding a prepaid SIM chip itself (just the chip, no phone bundle) has proven next to impossible.

    Hope that helps! Please reply to this if you have any questions or need me to unlock your Nokia GSM phone (for free).

    --Darren

  21. T-mobile card only is OK in SFO by wombatmobile · · Score: 1

    I used T-mobile's $20 prepaid SIM in my Australian Nokia 3650 (tri-band GSM). No problem. The only limitation of T-mobile is that they were limited to the local area for this prepaid service. Good in San Francisco area, but not for outside of there.