cell phone advice for international festivarians

[BluegrassOZ]

Hoping someone can shed some light on this so we can communicate with all you kind folk while we are in Telluride and other areas of the US.

I have an unlocked cell phone which I can purchase a local SIM card for when I arrive in the US.  We are flying into Atlanta and will have some time there to purchase a SIM card before flying to Montrose.

1. I am assuming we can buy a 'pay as you go' SIM card from a local network provider which will work for the time we are spending in the US. Is this correct?

2. We will be spending some time in Atlanta, Telluride, New York and West Virginia.  Will it be fine to use the same SIM card in all these areas or will everything be long distance calling if we are not in the same area where we first registered the SIM card? (how does roaming work?)

3.  Any idea of the companies that would sell a SIM card of this nature and is there a recommended company?

Any help with this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jason

 Listening to: Railroad Earth

[Auntie Hope]

If you have an ATT phone, yes, you can buy the sims card, or better said, I know that option is available in Nashville.

Most pre-paid phones work just about anywhere there is a tower available in the US (which is everywhere but Wilksboro, NC and the Grand Canyon last I knew  ). I know tons of folks that have just used that option over the last several years and they have been able to make connections without pause.


Don't we have a phone Guru on the forum??? I think we have a Forunvarian that's actually in the business. Hang in there, pretty sure you'll get more info.

Auntie Hope 

[BluegrassOZ]

Thanks Hope.

No I don't have an ATT phone.  It is just a standard cell phone that is not linked to any phone company.
Does ATT only allow ATT designated phones to use their network?

Thanks

[Auntie Hope]

Thanks Hope.

No I don't have an ATT phone.  It is just a standard cell phone that is not linked to any phone company.
Does ATT only allow ATT designated phones to use their network?

Thanks

Uhhh... not to sure about that one. Maybe you can find some info on-line about their service in the States.

 Listening to: The clock ticking because I have to go to work!

[Debbiefromtucson]

I think the easiest may be to buy a throw away phone here You can buy the phone fairly inexpensive- 30.00 or so- get how many minutes you want and then be done with it or sell phone on ebay..LOL They sell them every where- Target. Walmarts, Convenience stores, best buy, gas stations etc....

[RockyMtnGuy]

BluegrassOz,

  I don't know of anywhere that sells sim cards.  We get them at the store for the carrier that the phone operates on.  Actually, I don't even think the stores will replace sim cards on phones that are not part of their model line (i.e. phones they don't/didn't carry).  Also, i've never paid for a sim card.  They replace those for free here (since they're getting our money for the monthly plans).
 
  Since it appears you have one of the non-carrier specific phones, I don't know if international calling is an option.  If it is, you can just add international calling to your plan (added charge of course) and then just remove it when you get back.  Be warned .. international texting is EXPENSIVE if you don't have it on your plan.  I got a $400.00 bill due to my daughter sending texts from a cruise ship last year.  So do your homework.

  You can get one of the non-tethered phones when you get here, but, I don't know which ones have international calling included in their plans.  The link below has the pre-paid phones you can get at Walmarts here.  I've heard good things about the 'Straight Talk' phones .. unlimited voice, data and text for $45.00/month (US).  Note:  that rate is only available online.  THe monthly purchase cards in the store will be a bit more. 
  Shop around a bit, I'm sure you'll find some good deals for your needs. 

Here's the phone link.  You may be able to order it and have it in your hot little hands before you disembark.

  Best of Luck,

    Kevin





 Listening to: Lyle Lovett -- Up in Indiana (From TBF Tapers)

[BluegrassOZ]

Thanks Kevin, that link is very helpful.

It appears the cell phone networks and the way they operate are completely different between here and there.  Deb, I think you are right that the prepaid phones might be the way to go. 

Looks like a trip to Walmart is in order.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Cheers,
Jason

[jerryfreak]

Hey now,
I can probably help you out.  I work for one of the big telecom companies in the US.  I can ask around at work to find out your best options.

What kind of unlocked phone (make/model) do you have now?  Is it a 'smartphone'?  Need data access or just voice?  text messaging?  Like some mentioned, you may be best off with a prepaid phone. 

Let me know... also, if you need any recommendations on restaurants/bars or things to do while you're in Atlanta, PM me. 

cheers,
Dave

 Listening to: Grateful Dead 6/23/1974

[itsRick]

As for International calling, I believe you can buy a prepaid calling card to use for the international calls? someone correct me if I'm wrong please.  you can buy the calling card at the same place you buy a prepaid phone. The card has a toll-free access number that you dial when you want to make a call. You then enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that activates the card's account in the company's computer system. You'll then be prompted to enter the number you wish to call. These cards usually carry hidden charges like connection fees and the rates they charge depends on the country you are calling. again a bit of online research will yield you the best option(s).

 Listening to: my dogs snoring in harmony, must have been a good day in dog land