USA mobile, phone advice

unsure

Please does anybody have any useful advice on mobile phone use in the US?
I know I need a tri-band handset and that using my UK phonbe/sim will be exorbitant. So I'm wondering if it's worth buying a US compatible sim (in which case where and how much?) or if it would be easier to just buy or hire a cheap handset over there. We will be meeting up with different people across the South/ E.Coast (Georgia, S.Carolina, N.Carolina, DC) so I think mobile comms may well prove necessary.
Any useful advice wecomed. This is for a trip in August (hot, humid, muggy!!!) so I hav eplenty of time to check out options. Thanks

pin

When I was last in the states I picked up a T-Mobile Sim. Served me fine in New York and San Diego. Cost me about $55 and came with something like $50 credit already on.

Best bet would be to check www.gsmworld.com to get an idea of coverage of operators in the US.

One thing, buy your Sim out in the States, rather than pre-purchasing before you go.

redux

They are listed in detail, with network links on
http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/usa.html

Beyond Wireless seems to be an attractive new one, as several other offers include a phone as well.

As pin suggests, you'd need to study all the different coverage maps carefully, as there are roaming arrangements within the country. And note that some coverage there is 1900 some 850 and you'll have only the 1900. US networks charge incoming minutes as well, so bear this in mind when predicting your use.

Which network are you on in UK? If O2 contract, get an 0844 number that forwards direct to your US number, then divert O2 there from your inclusive minutes

muzzle_2

I was in Canada and the US in October, and it's worth bearing in mind that even with the usual adaptor, your UK mains charger may not work on the electrical systems over there. Mine didn't (a Nokia) and I had to buy a North American charger. It wasn't significantly expensive - about a tenner, but it's another thing to think about when you consider whether or not to take your UK handset.

monkeyspanner

I assume if the adaptor says 110v-230v 50/60hz its OK. But does this effect the charge time?

unsure

Thank you gentlefolk,
I'll follow your suggestions and I'm sure find something to suit the situation.

cundall

Just so you know i bought a USA phone from wallmart when i was out there with credit for $17 plus tax, its a basic nokia phone but it works though not at home

gh38

pin wrote:

When I was last in the states I picked up a T-Mobile Sim. Served me fine in New York and San Diego. Cost me about $55 and came with something like $50 credit already on.

Best bet would be to check www.gsmworld.com to get an idea of coverage of operators in the US.

One thing, buy your Sim out in the States, rather than pre-purchasing before you go.

I have a T-mobile phone here and I'm going to the USA for three months in April. Does anyone know if a US sim will work in my phone or will have to get it unlocked before I go?

cundall

gh38 wrote:

I have a T-mobile phone here and I'm going to the USA for three months in April. Does anyone know if a US sim will work in my phone or will have to get it unlocked before I go?

Which phone as there are many T-Mobile phones and each phone has different features.

gh38

cundall wrote:

Which phone as there are many T-Mobile phones and each phone has different features.

I have a Motorola E550. I don't think I worded my original question right though. I want to know if a US T-mobile sim will work in my UK T-mobile phone without it being unlocked? Thanks.

pin

gh38 wrote:

I have a Motorola E550. I don't think I worded my original question right though. I want to know if a US T-mobile sim will work in my UK T-mobile phone without it being unlocked? Thanks.

Simple answer, no.

While they may have the same name, each network within each country has a unique network code.

However, should add it is pretty simple to get the phone unlocked.