Using mobile in USA

Atasas

So Alcatel then?
http://m.gsmarena.com/alcatel_ot_665-3804.php

PBA

Following a couple trips to the US this year I've got a couple tips to add:

If you are using the three PAYG SIM option, remember setting your calls to be forwarded to you will only forward calls, not texts. If you want to receive your texts you still need to take a spare phone with the UK SIM (and remember to only reply from the three phone so you don't get charged.)

Walmart offers a PAYG SIM on the T-Mobile 4G network which for $30 (+ tax) per month gives you 5Gb data, 100 mins and unlimited texts (mins and txts are within the US only). So this costs about the same amount as three, gives proper 4G speed (assuming the handset is on the right bands for T-Mobile) and gives you a US phone number.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/T-Mobile-Complete-SIM-Kit/39081494

Karma has a PAYG wifi hotspot on the Sprint 4G network which gives unlimited data for $50 a month, and allows up to 3 devices at a time to be connected. However you have to pay $129 up front for the hotspot (Google to find a $10 off code) so this is probably only worthwhile for folks travelling to the US frequently.
https://yourkarma.com/

Atasas

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5376844

Atasas wrote: »

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Net10-Prepaid-Alcatel-A206G-Smartphone/45822124
Even cheaper options, than $50.00....

Ann_Freewod

Have you ever thought about not buying new package each time you visit USA? There are companies, that provide Unlimited global roaming - and this can save you lots of money.

Purple_Zebra

I've posted this on the general thread - I think it should have gone here really as it just applies to New York - so here it is.


We're on our way to NYC USA and I've found about this on my hours of info gathering:
(My first post means I can't post a link, but its share dot america dot gov forwardslash free-Wi-Fi-new-York-city A search for LinkNYC or Share America might do the trick too.)
Apparently "With mobile phones so common, pay phones have become obsolete. Demand for Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is multiplying rapidly. The new internet kiosks will even let people make free phone calls."
Within 45 metres of an internet kiosk you get superfast free wifi internet connection Looks like the perfect answer (in NYC at least).
A quick search on moneysavingexpert shows no mention of either ShareAmerica or LinkNYC so I thought I'd best let you know.
Couple of questions
1. How secure is it?
2. Are there other locations around the world with similar solutions?

dctrekkie

Hi

My brother's going to New York later this year, and would like to be able to use his phone for calling hotel\resturants etc and have some data for maps/news etc without incurring huge fees. What's the best option?

The main site reccomends Three mobile for international roaming, but that seems more geared for calling back to the UK from abroad, where's this would be mainly for calls within the US/New York.

I'm guessing picking up a sim card when he gets there might be best, but is there anything he needs to look out for? He'll probably be taking my old Galaxy Note 2 (if it makes any difference) as it's not locked to any network.

Any advice would be appreciated.

redux

Take the Three SIM with a bundle including some data, though there will probably be plenty of wifi available in some parts.

One option for US bound calls is sign up for Google Voice and use it with Hangouts dialler via data. Don't use the GV ap itself, as this is for with a local SIM and ((I believe) dials out to an access number.

Edit: I forgot to say, GV may need a US number to help confirm the account. Free incoming number in some areas near New York from Callcentric.

I might previously have recommended Toggle Mobile for calls, as it was 3p/min for both UK and USA. Now it's increased to 7p for home, but still 3p USA could still be worth considering for a second phone back-up for USA calls.

Or look at local SIM cards for bundles of calls and data, and maybe VoIP for any UK bound calls.

Maybe it depends how long the visit is for, a few days or a few months.

Edit, other ideas: FreedomPop UK SIM plus GV/Hangouts, or FreedomPop US SIM.

gettingtheresometime

I saved £1,100 on a 4 day stay using my three feel at home package.....best £20 I spent lol

Frozen_up_north

Three is very expensive for calls to the USA, so beware of using "feel at home" for any calls to US numbers while roaming there, it's no different to ringing the US when in the UK.

For mapping, I use Maps.me it's a mapping app which allows you to download free maps for pretty much everywhere and use them "off line". Some maps are incredibly detailed, showing individual trees and the outline of properties and their pools, etc. The level of detail varies from country to country. You can download just the area you need too, so no GB downloads unless you want the whole of the USA. It also has a basic navigation function too, but it's no Tom Tom.

Tony5101

Assuming that your Brother has data to use, such as by using 3, (either contract or PAYG) or even just jumping onto wifi hotspots, tell him to look into Talkatone. I've got a talkatone account, it can be verified by email, so you don't need a US number for validation.
You get a US number assigned to you, and calls made via the app to any US number are free. Incoming calls to you are free too.
I got my account for exactly the same reasons that your brother would use it for, and it has worked flawlessly.
I have friends in the US too, that I can now sit and chat to for however long I want from my home wifi. They can call me without charges..total win-win.