Cheap phone calls when travelling in the US - no more roaming charges!

apcorbett

Especially useful if you are travelling in a party, as costs for calls within America are very cheap... Not so cheap for calling internationally, but you can buy a phone card which will drastically cut the costs.

https://www.fonepool.com

Only $49 (£29) for a Sim Card that comes with $30 dollars credit...

I've got a couple coming for my forthcoming trip to Orlando

mobilegossip

Ok as long as you have a Tri-Band phone otherwise your cream crackered.

Martin MSE covers this subject in depth here: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1119870249,48922,

apcorbett

Indeed I agree, Tri band or nothing! However, most Nokia's are now Tri-band, and I for one always make sure that my phone is at least tri-band, else I wouldn't be able to roam there anyway!

assscat

Is this the best way for making calls in the US then? I want to take my mobile, but don't intend on making any international calls, so this looks OK.

But I've noticed that you have to pay to receive as well as make calls – is that usual? Are there better PAYG sims that one can pick up easily in the US (California in particular in my case)?

Anyone with actual experience of this would be good to hear from.

cundall

Just go to Wallmart in the states we bought a nokia 1100 phone with sim and credit (cannot remember how much) for $20 which is about 12 pounds!

for any sim or phone in the states if you go out of the state you get roaming charges... Just a warning!

_Andy_

assscat wrote:

But I've noticed that you have to pay to receive as well as make calls – is that usual?

I think this is fairly standard for american networks.

(California in particular in my case)?

Good choice

redux

The page on the link in the OP seems to be reselling a T-mobile USA simcard

Colboy_2

From first-hand experience, here's a few pointers:

:j The sim/phone option on https://www.fonepool.com is very good
:j They also offer a cheap international call service option which works like a calling card with your mobile
:j There are no roaming charges with the service when you go to another city/state
:j You get your US phone number before you travel
:j You get free delivery to anywhere
:j You could buy a phone for $30-$50 with some call credit in a big shppoing mall somewhere, but beware that most of the cheaper phone options from lesser known mobile companies (and some of the major ones) don't support things like international text messages and may also charge for romaing out of a local calling area in the USA.
:j You won't find too many places like WalMart if you are flying into New York, or any other major city, these massive stores with cheap stuff are located outside the cities
:j All US mobile companies charge to make and receive calls, but the upside is that you don't pay extra when calling another mobile phone
:j A T-Mobile store will sell you the same sim card and call credit for $50 + sales tax, https://www.fonepool.com sells it for $49 including free delivery (no hassle)
:j I have used this service and others, this is the best option for a PAYG sim for the USA I have found so far

:beer: