Hi guys,
Heading to the US in a couple of months for 7 weeks.
I want to be able to send some texts/calls while I'm there to other US numbers - probably only 1 or 2 texts a day and maybe 1 short call.
I do want some Data allowance though… I thought 'prepaid" would be the way to go but searching the US providers prepaid seems to be a strange term..
Can anyone recommend anything?
Cheers
what type of phone you got?
US carriers use some different bands than Aus and as such some phones sold in Aus won't support the network.
Hi mate, Galaxy s4 so I'm assuming it should be right.
I found that T-Mobile prepaid SIM did the job for me.
Simply walked into a store and signed up for a prepaid SIM in a few minutes. I can't remember the specifics but it had plenty of credit and data included.
As battler said, you may have issues with different carriers and brands. While T-Mobile worked perfectly for me (iphone), my friends couldn't use their data as they were using Samsung Galaxy's. Best to check this before you sign up with anyone.
I was in the US last month and used these guys: http://www.simcorner.com/shop
I ordered online and took a few days to arrive. I'm not sure which city you're departing from but in Sydney, they have an outlet inside the terminal.
Here's another option I found: http://www.usaprepaidsimcard.com.au/plans.html#tabs-2
Try this - http://see.walmart.com/t-mobile or http://www.walmart.com/ip/T-Mobile-Micro-SIM-Activation-Kit/…
It is exclusive to walmart so you would have to find a store. I just came back from 3 months in the US while using this prepaid plan.
When looking at prepaid sim cards in the US most have unlimited data, but its 2G speeds which i found to be next to useless. In the fine print is the 4G allowance. This plan has 5 gig per month which was far more than any other I have seen in this price range. It also had unlimited international texts.
have a good time!
Would you also advise me plse: no data needed, 1 month trip, phone calls - just a few. Phone currently locked to Grapevine/Voda
T-Mobile has $30 for 5GB of data and 100minutes.
Tomato Sauce: http://prepaidwithdata.wikia.com/wiki/United_States
gophone uses 3g (ATT)
What is a good plan in terms of keeping the SIM active for 365 days per recharge at minimal spend? My main requirement is to receive text messages via a US number on an irregular basis.
Thanks a lot for all the recommendations guys, I'm checking them all out now.
Most seem to have the 30 day coverage which I suppose is to be expected. Was hoping for a 60 day option - but pretty happy with what the prices are, cheaper than I thought.
hey @BucketsJackson. just stumbled on this thread and think we might be of help. We think we have the most value for money reliable USA Prepaid Travel SIM Cards but please see for yourself at www.roamingabroad.com.au! Enjoy your holiday!
Consider http://www.globalgig.com.au/HomeAndAbroad.aspx gives you data for use in Australia, USA, UK, Ireland. Starts at $9 month/1GB, can cancel after 1 month. I used in USA last month no problem. For calls add credit to Skype or Viber etc apps to call any number. Globalgig not compatible with iphone though (OK for ipad)
kenh2003 - is it a US number? If so can you use it here in AU prior to going abroad and after coming back home?
Raveen, it's a data sim so there's no number. To use it for calls you need to use an app. I use Viber and the ViberOut function which allows you to buy in app credit to call any landline or mobile anywhere.
we're with vodaphone on a $30/month plan. Texts are 75 cents each from USA or NZ.
Use Skype for calls.
ATT gophone $60 but well worth the data allocation
buy a gophine sim card on ebay before you leave
also think about getting a citibank savings card (best to use if you dont have a credit card)