[Q] Traveling the US - Which carrier is best? - General Questions and Answers

Hi
I'm going on a 5 weeks trip to the states, mostly west (Yellowstone, Grand canyon, Vegas, LA, San Francisco) and a week in New York.
I want to buy a local SIM and sign up for a plan. My needs are: At least 2GB data, 200-300 minutes local calls, tethering (I'm rooted if it helps).
Do you guys have a recommendation for a carrier and a plan?
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

check with your current provider sometimes they offer a out of country service, you pay a little more then normal but you wont get roaming fees or nothing.
Your phone may be carrier locked even though your rooted, you didnt specify so yeah

Related

Travelling to Spain from US. How do I get a simcard w/ data for the trip?

Hello,
We are traveling to Spain. Will be in Barcelona and then the Andalusia region. Will I have data access in these areas? What companies provide a SIM card I can use on my unlocked ATT phone?
Do you know how much they generally cost, and what sort of plans are offered?
Thank you for the help!
The main Carriers are MoviStar, Vodafone and Orange.
For 3G the best is Vodafone, about prices and roaming I think is the best you can get
darkplace said:
The main Carriers are MoviStar, Vodafone and Orange.
For 3G the best is Vodafone, about prices and roaming I think is the best you can get
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do I buy one? At the airport, Or is that a ripoff?
I cant figure out how much they will cost for a 3g data package including voice.
Hows the coverage through Andalusia?
My mam went to dubai a couple of months back nd she bought a vodafone sim while she was there tho I dnt know what plans vodafone do for when u go abroad but I could ask her nd let u know
Sent from my E10i using XDA App
So Im in Jerez spain and everywhere I've been, every phone store says you can not buy a prepaid sim for data. I know they sell unlimited data sim cards that last 7 days for 29 euro. I see them all over the web, but the vodafone stores have no clue about this, they say only minutes! Maybe I need free gps program since I can not use google maps now. arg. Any suggestions??
thanks!
that depends.topons.com
you can have a look .maybe you can save more.
As a follow up:
I got a movifone sim from Corte Englis but could never get it activated right after over an hour I said screw it.
Then I got a YOIGO sim card from a mobile phone store. I think the store was actually Movifon. After spending 10 minutes telling me they dont make a simcard for data, I looked through the plan book and found one. They set up for me then. It was unlimited data, but I think it capped the speed after so much use. Because after a while of Google maps the speed got REALLY agonizingly slow. Then the next day it would be highspeed again.
It costs me like 15 Euro for 2 weeks.

help! prepay sim for htc desire in New york, which to buy for DATA???

i have a uk vodafone desire, its custom with aosp roms and us unlocked.
I am going to new York for a week and i need to get a pre pay sim, mainly just for data, i don't care about calls and texts as i just want access to email and Skype to call home.
I have looked at some of the sites, but i dont know which one to get, can anyone recommend one?
I have a truphone simcard here.
which i need to pay£10 to get the membership this will give me local rates in uk or usa no matter where i am then i can buy a USA number for £5 and then buy some credit maybe £10 may do.... so that's £25 about $50, so i guess thats the bench mark. The desire is quad band so should work over there.
Did you take your trip already?
Your UK Desire doesn't have any 3G bands for the USA, so you'll be stuck with 2G/EDGE. T-Mobile USA has a $1.49/day data pass that is "unlimited". They throttle after 30 MB daily usage, but the speed reduction only shows up in 3G mode. You won't get 3G so you won't notice. It'll just be slow all the time...
If you want faster than EDGE you'll need a separate device.
Missed it. As been already. Bought a samsung fakeberry while I was there. Expensed the topups. Was just for email, for 5days.
But thanks I will look at t. Mobile next time. I bought at&t..... they suck. With the new job I will be going NYC regularly.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
iamdarren said:
Missed it. As been already. Bought a samsung fakeberry while I was there. Expensed the topups. Was just for email, for 5days.
But thanks I will look at t. Mobile next time. I bought at&t..... they suck. With the new job I will be going NYC regularly.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, well if you will be visiting the USA regularly, you may want to consider buying in the US a phone with T-Mobile US compatible 3G frequencies. Most of the T-Mo US phones also have UMTS 2100 for the UK, so you'll get 3G back home.
Be warned, T-Mo US is pretty choppy too, but you get a better deal for data than AT&T.
Another option as long as we're talking new hardware - you could buy a prepaid MiFi device from Virgin Mobile USA (CDMA carrier, runs on Sprint's network) and purchase data for that. Use the wifi on your phone to tap into that instead of data roaming; and you can also run your laptop/tablet/etc on it. It won't do you much good anywhere outside the USA, but for some this is a viable option.

Signing 2 years contract for foreigner?

Hi , i am currenly staying at United States, come from Vietnam, and i am about to sign a contract with the devil AT&T for HTC Titan.
So, my question is:
Can i sign a 2-years contract without the US Social Number? I have my passport.
Any useful advise before signing the contract?
Everything based on my useage, i use data a lot, so, the minimum requirement of $15 for Internet per month is okay because i would play the same thing if i get the retail phone without a simcard.
Are there any AT&T user at Florida? i would love to hear about their signal coverage too. Thanks!

How can I buy a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card for my US vacation?

Hi everyone
I bought my SGS 4G during my last US vacation.
Coming back to visit (10 days on August), I'd like to buy a prepaid SIM card with unlimited 3G/4G with a local line just for this stay.
I saw s SIM card for 50$ in the T-Mobile site.
How can I do that, if I'm not at the states at the moment?
What alternatives do I have?
I searched the web and couldn't find a clear, easy & cheap solution.
It has to work with my lovely SGS 4G.
Thanks in advance!
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itzik
Your best bet is most likely gonna be to just get the plan once you arrive in the states. Tmob stores are all over the place so unless your flying into Podunk, Kentucky(no offense to people from the great state of Kentucky) you should be able to find a store within a few miles of the airport. Hope you figure it out and you have a blast in the States.
Just out of curiosity where will you be? Here in NYC t-mobile stores are everywhere & may be in the airport itself.
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Hi guys
Last year in NYC 2 different AT&T stores didn't want to sell me a SIM card as I'm a tourist with no social security number. This year my starting point is Miami.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA
I would contact a store close to where you will be staying in Miami. Tell them whats going on and they will probably be more than happy to help you. Also Walmart sells T-mo stuff so they might be able to help you. IIRC you can save a tiny bit buying from walmart.
Another option is use the Straight Talk sim card program. Its five bucks cheaper and the same service. Im not totally sure of the data connection. Im looking into the type of data connection you get. I know Normal straight talk phones have the same coverage as att,verizon and t-mo. Ill update once I can get a straight answer.
Great, 10x, I'll make some research on the mobile stores around my staying area i.e south beach.
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It would be best to wait until you're in the states. You will have no problem getting a prepaid SIM activated from T-Mobile (I am an Event Rep for them). I'm not sure if they offer it in Florida but if you don't really need many minutesthey offer unlimited 4g (throttled after 5gb) & messaging with 100 minutes for $30. I sell a lot of that plan during conventions here in Denver.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium
Talked to a Straight talk rep the byod sims operate 3g service. So if the T-Mo $30 plan doesnt have enough minutes for ya that is a option.
Hi eb13
That plan sounds like just what I need. Is it limited to a period of time? I found a T-mo store in Miami but it has low ratings.. and probably they won't offer this plan. I'll try contacting them on Monday.
Thanks.
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itzik2sh said:
Hi eb13
That plan sounds like just what I need. Is it limited to a period of time? I found a T-mo store in Miami but it has low ratings.. and probably they won't offer this plan. I'll try contacting them on Monday.
Thanks.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The t-mo 30 dollar plan is good for 30 days.
This from the t-mo site.
*First 5GB at up to 4G speeds. New activations only. Available exclusively in-store at Walmart, on Walmart.com, and T-Mobile.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would goto walmart and get it. Normally they are slightly cheaper.
eollie said:
The t-mo 30 dollar plan is good for 30 days.
This from the t-mo site.
I would goto walmart and get it. Normally they are slightly cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Walmart and online arethe only points of sale for the $30 plan
Source: used to work cell phones in Walmart, then wireless advocates (staples/Costco) and TMobile
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Hi Again
OK, so regarding the T-mobile 30$ plan I found this on T-mo site :
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans
and this one on Wallmart site :
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tmobile-30-Wireless-Airtime-Card/15443357?findingMethod=rr#ProductDetail
Few things still unclear to me :
1. If I buy it from T-mo, do I have to do it in advance and ask for delivery to the hotel or can I just instantly go and buy it from a local T-mo store I found 15 minutes walk from the Hotel ?
maybe I should order it online and just go pick it up from that store ?
2. Why do all stores in Miami get lousy reviews with "bad customer service", "no parking" and "no one speaks English there" ?
3. Wallmart centers are not near my staying place, so I could order it and get it shipped to the hotel I suppose, but here it says :
"The $30 Unlimited Web & Text with 100 min talk plan works only with T-Mobile Phones purchased from a Walmart store or from Walmart.com"
WTF ? I bought my phone in some local Manhattan store I don't even remember its name.
4. Even in Wallmart site I see I get the activation code via mail - but how would they know my IMEI number?
Regarding the Straight-Talk plans I found this one :
http://www.straighttalksim.com/shop.php
So what I understand from this is that it will cost me 60$ overall (which is twice the T-mo price).
I don't really need the unlimited talk, but mabe it's worth the price comparing to T-mobile service.
What do you advise ?
Thanks !!!
The $30 plan is suppose to be part of the byod(bring your own device) promotion so walmart should be willing to sell you the sim card. I would goto my local walmart and ask but I know each store will do things slightly different.
You also might be able to contact t-mobile and tell them what your wanting to do and ask what they suggest. They might be able to have the item shipped to the hotel in advance of your arrival and you pick it up at the desk when you sign in. What you are getting from them is the sim card it costs like 4 bucks and they refund that to you once you activate.
If you dont need the unlimited calling then I would stick to t-mo. In Miami area the 4g service should be super.
itzik2sh said:
Hi Again
OK, so regarding the T-mobile 30$ plan I found this on T-mo site :
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans
and this one on Wallmart site :
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tmobile-30-Wireless-Airtime-Card/15443357?findingMethod=rr#ProductDetail
Few things still unclear to me :
1. If I buy it from T-mo, do I have to do it in advance and ask for delivery to the hotel or can I just instantly go and buy it from a local T-mo store I found 15 minutes walk from the Hotel ?
maybe I should order it online and just go pick it up from that store ?
2. Why do all stores in Miami get lousy reviews with "bad customer service", "no parking" and "no one speaks English there" ?
3. Wallmart centers are not near my staying place, so I could order it and get it shipped to the hotel I suppose, but here it says :
"The $30 Unlimited Web & Text with 100 min talk plan works only with T-Mobile Phones purchased from a Walmart store or from Walmart.com"
WTF ? I bought my phone in some local Manhattan store I don't even remember its name.
4. Even in Wallmart site I see I get the activation code via mail - but how would they know my IMEI number?
Regarding the Straight-Talk plans I found this one :
http://www.straighttalksim.com/shop.php
So what I understand from this is that it will cost me 60$ overall (which is twice the T-mo price).
I don't really need the unlimited talk, but mabe it's worth the price comparing to T-mobile service.
What do you advise ?
Thanks !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No you do not need to buy in advance. You can walk into any Tmo store and buy prepaid activation on site. Choose to activate yourself by phone and the $30 option is available to anyone who activate by phone.
2. Because people are jerks
3. disregard that, I sell these plans to people on a daily basis at numerous locations and in any phone. I have activated these for customers with unlocked iphones (not proud of that).
4. You provide your IMEI when activating buy it's only to make sure you're not going to use a phone that's been reported stolen from retail. (if a phone is stolen from a retail location the IMEI guess into a database)
I highly advise staying away from Straight Talk - just my opinion but there service on every level is less than respectable.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium
Hi guys
Thanks for all the replies!
I'm probably taking the 30$ unlimited web plan and Skype pay as you go credit for the long distance. I think it's ideal for a 10 days period.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA
Hi everyone,
Excuse me for bringing back this topic, but I have a similar question regarding this topic. We're visiting California next week as an European tourist. I'm willing to buy the 30 days unlimited web prepaid deal from t mobile, however I saw that it is for 'US residents only'.
Do they check this? Do you have to provide a passport or something?
We only need Internet for 3 weeks so 30 days is sufficient, it's mainly for navigation purpose on my HTC Sensation.
Another question, is the sim a standard one or is it a micro sim?
Hope you can give us the answer! Can't wait for our visit!
Best regards,
Jasper from the Netherlands.
Dutchman86 said:
Hi everyone,
Excuse me for bringing back this topic, but I have a similar question regarding this topic. We're visiting California next week as an European tourist. I'm willing to buy the 30 days unlimited web prepaid deal from t mobile, however I saw that it is for 'US residents only'.
Do they check this? Do you have to provide a passport or something?
We only need Internet for 3 weeks so 30 days is sufficient, it's mainly for navigation purpose on my HTC Sensation.
Another question, is the sim a standard one or is it a micro sim?
Hope you can give us the answer! Can't wait for our visit!
Best regards,
Jasper from the Netherlands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they do not check it. You do not need to provide a passport. However you may be required to present an ID. It varies. If you plan to get one at a T-Mobile store, you can request a standard one, or microsim. If for some reason you decide to buy it online, it'll come as a standard similar card.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium

[Q] Americans, whats the best phone plan for a 4 week road trip in the USA?

Hello americans (and others) on XDA!
I'll be going for a 4 week road trip around USA in about 2 months and wonder which carrier and plan to choose. I guess I'll go with a pre-paid one but I don't really know which carrier who have the best coverage and so on. I want at least 2GB of mobile data for a maximum of $45.
EDIT:
Btw, I'm from sweden.
If you want good coverage you'll have to go with Verizon. And its not cheap. TMobile is, but you'll lose HSPA when out of most cities.
plznote said:
If you want good coverage you'll have to go with Verizon. And its not cheap. TMobile is, but you'll lose HSPA when out of most cities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, then I guess that it's safe to assume that I can buy a pre-paid Verizon card at the airport in San Fransico.
Not sure if you can buy a pre-paid verizon card at the airport but verizon is the best choice for service if your going to be on the road a lot. Check out the website and see where you can get the cards or see if you can set it up before you arrive. If you can't get it at the airport I would assume there are 20-30 stores for verizon in San Francisco.
Besides SF where will you be going?
In northern California it seems to me Sprint and Verizon have the best coverage while AT&T is still acceptable but not as good. Unsure about T-Mobile.

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