May 30, 2013, 7:55 pm
Last edit by: WIRunner
Good comparison of prepaid plans:
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2011...and-plans.html
AT&T GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 17
Basic and Messaging Phones (No Smartphones, iPhones, etc.)
No monthly fee - 10ĸ/minute, 20ĸ/text, Data 1ĸ/5KB of use
$2/Day (Only billed fee on days used) - Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Data 1ĸ/5KB when Used or $1/Day for 100MB
Smartphone or Basic/Feature Phones
$30/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text; Data is not included: 1ĸ/5KB of use, or $5/Month 100 MB
$45/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, 1.5GB Data at "3G" speeds, thereafter throttled to 128Kbps
$55/Month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Includes Unlimited calls to Mexico; 1ĸ per minute for calls to Canada, calls within Mexico and Canada, and from Mexico and Canada to select countries, plus unlimited messaging while roaming in Mexico and Canada. 1 GB Data at "3G" speeds, throttled to 128 Kbps thereafter
$60/Month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Includes Unlimited calls to Mexico, Unlimited Texting when in Canada or Mexico, 4 GB Data at "3G" speeds, throttled to 128 Kbps thereafter
Verizon CDMA, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 13
Pay-as-you-go (Feature/Basic Phones Only)
Daily access fees are billed only when device is used
$1.99/Day - Unlimited Domestic Airtime, Text Messages are 2ĸ/message (in or out), Picture Messages are 25ĸ/message (in or out), Mobile Web access 99ĸ/24 hour period
99ĸ/Day Unlimited Verizon to Verizon Calls, Standard Airtime Calls 25ĸ/Minute, Text Messages 10ĸ/Message (In or Out), Picture Messages 25ĸ/Message (In or Out); Mobile Web Access 99ĸ/24 Hour Period
$0.00/Day - Standard Airtime Calls 25ĸ/Minute, Text Messages 20ĸ/Message (in or out), Picture Messages 25ĸ/Message (in or out), Mobile Web access 99ĸ/24 hour period
Can add the following monthly text messaging options:
$20/month for Unlimited Messaging to anyone on any network in the U.S.
$10/month for Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Messaging with Verizon Wireless customers PLUS 250 additional messages*
Feature Phone Monthly Plans
$35/Month 500 Standard Airtime Minutes, Unlimited Domestic Texts, Unlimited Texts to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, 500MB Mobile Web
$45/Month Unlimited Standard Airtime Minutes, Unlimited Domestic Texts, Unlimited Texts to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, 500MB Mobile Web
Smartphone
$45/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text Includes 1GB LTE Data, 500MB included when signed up for monthly autopay. Data Stops once allotment is exhausted.
Additional Data for Monthly Smart or Basic Phone Plans
$5 for 500MB, $10 for 1GB or $20 for 3GB. Data access stops once data allotment is exhausted, would need to purchase additional data for the month or restart bill cycle for a new 30 Days
T-Mobile GSM 1900, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 12
$3/month 30 minutes of Airtime or 30 Texts (or a combination)
Data can be added: $5/day 500MB High Speed Data (LTE) or $10/week 1GB High Speed Data (LTE)
$30/month 100 Minutes Airtime, Unlimited Text, 5GB of High Speed data (LTE, HSDPA+) then throttled to "2G" speeds. Includes International texting at no charge to select countries Must be activated on-line, or purchased from Wal-Mart
$35/month Unlimited Airtime, Unlimited Text, No Data Included
The following plans include Unlimited Airtime, and Unlimited Text, Speed is throttled to 8 Mb/s regardless if a higher link is available, once data allotment is consumed throttled to "2G" speeds, or a max of 128 Kb/s. Price is listed monthly.
$40 - 1 GB Data
$50 - 3 GB Data
$60 - 5 GB Data
Add Unlimited landline, and texting to select countries for $10/month, Calls to mobile carriers in select countries are 20ĸ per minute
Add Unlimited landline, mobile calling and texting to select countries for $15 per month
If the device supports it, these plans also have T-Mobile WiFi calling available at no charge.
Sprint CDMA, LTE Data
No longer offers branded pre paid services, all plans are sold through Boost subsidary
H2O
U.S. Cellular CDMA, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 5, 12
Plans are listed per month
"Ready Connect" (Available at Wal-Mart and Amazon.com, and other stores)
$35 - Basic Phone Only - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, Unlimited Mobile Web
$45 - Smartphone - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 1GB Data
$55 - Smartphone - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 2GB Data
Maximum of 200MB can be used off network.
Data stops when allotment is exhausted, additional buckets can be purchased for $5/250MB, $15/1GB, $25/2GB
"Simple Connect" Plans all include Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data, the high speed allotment varies depending on the plan, prices are monthly
$40 - Basic Phones Unlimited Data
$45 - 1GB Data
$55 - 2GB Data
$65 - 4GB Data
Data is throttled to "1x" speeds thereafter (max of 196 Kb/s)
TracFone GSM 850/1900 or CDMA
Annual Cards (Good for 365 Days from Activation)
$199.99 1500 Minutes
$159.99 1000 Minutes
$119.99 800 Minutes (Plus double minutes on future refills)
$99.99 400 Minutes
$19.99 Package adds double airtime to all future refills
Pay-As-You-Go
$79.99 450 Minutes for 90 Days
$39.99 200 Minutes for 90 Days
$19.99 60 Minutes for 90 Days
$9.99 30 Minutes for 30 Days (online only)
Web Access for Android Phones
$50/2GB
$20/750MB
$10/300MB
Red Pocket (Link)
512MB - $5
1GB - $10
3GB - $30
5GB - $50
Uses T-Mobile's 4G/LTE network
All plans except 512MB are throttled after exceeding data usage.
SIM cards can be purchased inexpensively through Amazon and ebay
Cricket Wireless GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
AT&T Wireless Subsidy
Plans are monthly, and include Unlimited Talk and Texting, Included data varies; LTE speeds are throttled to 8Mb/s, HSDPA+ is throttled to 4Mb/s, $5 discount available when on autopay
$25 - NO Data Access
$40 - 2.5GB
$50 - 5GB Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
$60 - 10GB Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
$60 - 20 GB (Promotional Plan) Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
MetroPCS GSM 1900, LTE Data
T-Mobile Subsidy
Plans are monthly and include Unlimited Talk and Text. Included Data Varies, once package data is exceeded speed is throttled to "2G" speeds (128Kb/s max), prices include add fees and taxes
$40 - 2GB Data (promotional)
$50 - 4GB Data (promotional)
$60 - Unlimited Data
$50 Unlimited Data plan is available when purchasing a device from MetroPCS, BYOD is not available on that plan
Add-ons
$10/month Mexico Calling: Unlimited Calling to Landlines, 1000 minutes to mobile phones, Unlimited texting to mobile phones, 200 minutes and 200 texts when traveling in Mexico
$10/month World Calling - Select countries include unlimited calls to landlines, Unlimited texting, 200 minutes to mobile phones; 200 voice roaming voice minutes, Send 200 text messages, unlimited incoming text messages
Net10 GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
Pay as you go
$100 - 1500 Minutes, 180 Days
$60 - 900 Minutes, 90 Days
$45 - 600 Minutes, 60 Days
$30 - 300 Minutes, 60 Days
$20 - 200 Minutes, 30 Days
Monthly No Data Plans (Good for 30 Days)
$25 - 1000 Minutes
$30 - 500 Minutes
$15 - 200 Minutes
Monthly Unlimited Plans - Price is monthly. Includes unlimited Talk and Text, Amount of high speed data varies per plan and is then throttled to 64 kbps thereafter
$35 - No Data
$40 - 500 MB (additional 250 MB with autopay)
$50 - 3GB
$60 - 3.5GB (additional 1GB with autopay)
$75 - 5GB (additional 1GB with autopay)
Virgin Mobile CDMA
Sprint Subsidy
Monthly Basic Phone Plans "PayLo", Text Messages are 25
$40 Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 50MB of Data
$30 1500 Minutes of Talk, 1500 Text (in and out), 30MB data
$20 400 Minutes, 15ĸ per text, 25ĸ per picture message, $1.50/MB for Data
Unlimited Plans
$20 300 Minutes and Text
$35 Unlimited Talk and Text, 250 MB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter
$35 Unlimited Text, 300 Minutes 2.5GB 3G/4G data, throttled thereafter
$45 Unlimited Talk and Text, Unlimited International Text, 100 International Voice minutes, 1 GB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter,
$55 Unlimited Talk and Text, Unlimited International Text, 100 International Voice minutes, 3 GB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter
Data Share Plans
Plans are monthly and include Unlimited Text, Voice minutes vary by plan, data allotment is 2.5 GB of 3G/4G data and is throttled after the included data is exhausted, $20 starter kit is required and available only at Wal-Mart
$35 - 300 Minutes
$45 - Unlimited Talk
Additional data
$10/Month - 1 GB
$15/Month - 2 GB
$25/Month - 4 GB
$35/Month - 6 GB
$65/Month - 12 GB
$85/Month - 20 GB
$2 One time 100MB DATA
$5 One time 500MB DATA
$5 VOICE EXTENDED COVERAGE 60 MINUTES (ROAMING)
$2.50 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 10MB (ROAMING)
$5 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 20MB (ROAMING)
$10 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 40MB (ROAMING)
$2 100 MINUTES OF TALK (Good for 30 Days)
$5 300 MINUTES OF TALK (Good for 30 Days)
Ultra Mobile GSM 850/1900 UMTS 1700/1900 LTE 1700
LTE Bands 2, 4, 12
Roams off T-Mobile with theoretical full access to the T-Mobile network, but network coverage is slightly reduced as is 4GLTE coverage
All plans include:
Unlimited domestic calling
Unlimited domestic SMS/MMS
Unlimited global SMS/MMS
Standard features: 3-way calling, caller ID, voicemail, 411
Plans range from $19-49/month and generally include free international calling (landline/cell) and local access numbers for friends/family to call.
SIM card costs $1. See Ultra.me for more info.
You can purchase SIM and plan through 3rd parties such as EZKonnect or even Amazon for a discount.
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2011...and-plans.html
AT&T GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 17
Basic and Messaging Phones (No Smartphones, iPhones, etc.)
No monthly fee - 10ĸ/minute, 20ĸ/text, Data 1ĸ/5KB of use
$2/Day (Only billed fee on days used) - Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Data 1ĸ/5KB when Used or $1/Day for 100MB
Smartphone or Basic/Feature Phones
$30/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text; Data is not included: 1ĸ/5KB of use, or $5/Month 100 MB
$45/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, 1.5GB Data at "3G" speeds, thereafter throttled to 128Kbps
$55/Month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Includes Unlimited calls to Mexico; 1ĸ per minute for calls to Canada, calls within Mexico and Canada, and from Mexico and Canada to select countries, plus unlimited messaging while roaming in Mexico and Canada. 1 GB Data at "3G" speeds, throttled to 128 Kbps thereafter
$60/Month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Includes Unlimited calls to Mexico, Unlimited Texting when in Canada or Mexico, 4 GB Data at "3G" speeds, throttled to 128 Kbps thereafter
Verizon CDMA, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 13
Pay-as-you-go (Feature/Basic Phones Only)
Daily access fees are billed only when device is used
$1.99/Day - Unlimited Domestic Airtime, Text Messages are 2ĸ/message (in or out), Picture Messages are 25ĸ/message (in or out), Mobile Web access 99ĸ/24 hour period
99ĸ/Day Unlimited Verizon to Verizon Calls, Standard Airtime Calls 25ĸ/Minute, Text Messages 10ĸ/Message (In or Out), Picture Messages 25ĸ/Message (In or Out); Mobile Web Access 99ĸ/24 Hour Period
$0.00/Day - Standard Airtime Calls 25ĸ/Minute, Text Messages 20ĸ/Message (in or out), Picture Messages 25ĸ/Message (in or out), Mobile Web access 99ĸ/24 hour period
Can add the following monthly text messaging options:
$20/month for Unlimited Messaging to anyone on any network in the U.S.
$10/month for Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Messaging with Verizon Wireless customers PLUS 250 additional messages*
Feature Phone Monthly Plans
$35/Month 500 Standard Airtime Minutes, Unlimited Domestic Texts, Unlimited Texts to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, 500MB Mobile Web
$45/Month Unlimited Standard Airtime Minutes, Unlimited Domestic Texts, Unlimited Texts to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, 500MB Mobile Web
Smartphone
$45/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text Includes 1GB LTE Data, 500MB included when signed up for monthly autopay. Data Stops once allotment is exhausted.
Additional Data for Monthly Smart or Basic Phone Plans
$5 for 500MB, $10 for 1GB or $20 for 3GB. Data access stops once data allotment is exhausted, would need to purchase additional data for the month or restart bill cycle for a new 30 Days
T-Mobile GSM 1900, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 12
$3/month 30 minutes of Airtime or 30 Texts (or a combination)
Data can be added: $5/day 500MB High Speed Data (LTE) or $10/week 1GB High Speed Data (LTE)
$30/month 100 Minutes Airtime, Unlimited Text, 5GB of High Speed data (LTE, HSDPA+) then throttled to "2G" speeds. Includes International texting at no charge to select countries Must be activated on-line, or purchased from Wal-Mart
$35/month Unlimited Airtime, Unlimited Text, No Data Included
The following plans include Unlimited Airtime, and Unlimited Text, Speed is throttled to 8 Mb/s regardless if a higher link is available, once data allotment is consumed throttled to "2G" speeds, or a max of 128 Kb/s. Price is listed monthly.
$40 - 1 GB Data
$50 - 3 GB Data
$60 - 5 GB Data
Add Unlimited landline, and texting to select countries for $10/month, Calls to mobile carriers in select countries are 20ĸ per minute
Add Unlimited landline, mobile calling and texting to select countries for $15 per month
If the device supports it, these plans also have T-Mobile WiFi calling available at no charge.
Sprint CDMA, LTE Data
No longer offers branded pre paid services, all plans are sold through Boost subsidary
H2O
U.S. Cellular CDMA, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 5, 12
Plans are listed per month
"Ready Connect" (Available at Wal-Mart and Amazon.com, and other stores)
$35 - Basic Phone Only - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, Unlimited Mobile Web
$45 - Smartphone - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 1GB Data
$55 - Smartphone - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 2GB Data
Maximum of 200MB can be used off network.
Data stops when allotment is exhausted, additional buckets can be purchased for $5/250MB, $15/1GB, $25/2GB
"Simple Connect" Plans all include Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data, the high speed allotment varies depending on the plan, prices are monthly
$40 - Basic Phones Unlimited Data
$45 - 1GB Data
$55 - 2GB Data
$65 - 4GB Data
Data is throttled to "1x" speeds thereafter (max of 196 Kb/s)
TracFone GSM 850/1900 or CDMA
Annual Cards (Good for 365 Days from Activation)
$199.99 1500 Minutes
$159.99 1000 Minutes
$119.99 800 Minutes (Plus double minutes on future refills)
$99.99 400 Minutes
$19.99 Package adds double airtime to all future refills
Pay-As-You-Go
$79.99 450 Minutes for 90 Days
$39.99 200 Minutes for 90 Days
$19.99 60 Minutes for 90 Days
$9.99 30 Minutes for 30 Days (online only)
Web Access for Android Phones
$50/2GB
$20/750MB
$10/300MB
Red Pocket (Link)
512MB - $5
1GB - $10
3GB - $30
5GB - $50
Uses T-Mobile's 4G/LTE network
All plans except 512MB are throttled after exceeding data usage.
SIM cards can be purchased inexpensively through Amazon and ebay
Cricket Wireless GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
AT&T Wireless Subsidy
Plans are monthly, and include Unlimited Talk and Texting, Included data varies; LTE speeds are throttled to 8Mb/s, HSDPA+ is throttled to 4Mb/s, $5 discount available when on autopay
$25 - NO Data Access
$40 - 2.5GB
$50 - 5GB Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
$60 - 10GB Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
$60 - 20 GB (Promotional Plan) Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
MetroPCS GSM 1900, LTE Data
T-Mobile Subsidy
Plans are monthly and include Unlimited Talk and Text. Included Data Varies, once package data is exceeded speed is throttled to "2G" speeds (128Kb/s max), prices include add fees and taxes
$40 - 2GB Data (promotional)
$50 - 4GB Data (promotional)
$60 - Unlimited Data
$50 Unlimited Data plan is available when purchasing a device from MetroPCS, BYOD is not available on that plan
Add-ons
$10/month Mexico Calling: Unlimited Calling to Landlines, 1000 minutes to mobile phones, Unlimited texting to mobile phones, 200 minutes and 200 texts when traveling in Mexico
$10/month World Calling - Select countries include unlimited calls to landlines, Unlimited texting, 200 minutes to mobile phones; 200 voice roaming voice minutes, Send 200 text messages, unlimited incoming text messages
Net10 GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
Pay as you go
$100 - 1500 Minutes, 180 Days
$60 - 900 Minutes, 90 Days
$45 - 600 Minutes, 60 Days
$30 - 300 Minutes, 60 Days
$20 - 200 Minutes, 30 Days
Monthly No Data Plans (Good for 30 Days)
$25 - 1000 Minutes
$30 - 500 Minutes
$15 - 200 Minutes
Monthly Unlimited Plans - Price is monthly. Includes unlimited Talk and Text, Amount of high speed data varies per plan and is then throttled to 64 kbps thereafter
$35 - No Data
$40 - 500 MB (additional 250 MB with autopay)
$50 - 3GB
$60 - 3.5GB (additional 1GB with autopay)
$75 - 5GB (additional 1GB with autopay)
Virgin Mobile CDMA
Sprint Subsidy
Monthly Basic Phone Plans "PayLo", Text Messages are 25
$40 Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 50MB of Data
$30 1500 Minutes of Talk, 1500 Text (in and out), 30MB data
$20 400 Minutes, 15ĸ per text, 25ĸ per picture message, $1.50/MB for Data
Unlimited Plans
$20 300 Minutes and Text
$35 Unlimited Talk and Text, 250 MB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter
$35 Unlimited Text, 300 Minutes 2.5GB 3G/4G data, throttled thereafter
$45 Unlimited Talk and Text, Unlimited International Text, 100 International Voice minutes, 1 GB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter,
$55 Unlimited Talk and Text, Unlimited International Text, 100 International Voice minutes, 3 GB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter
Data Share Plans
Plans are monthly and include Unlimited Text, Voice minutes vary by plan, data allotment is 2.5 GB of 3G/4G data and is throttled after the included data is exhausted, $20 starter kit is required and available only at Wal-Mart
$35 - 300 Minutes
$45 - Unlimited Talk
Additional data
$10/Month - 1 GB
$15/Month - 2 GB
$25/Month - 4 GB
$35/Month - 6 GB
$65/Month - 12 GB
$85/Month - 20 GB
$2 One time 100MB DATA
$5 One time 500MB DATA
$5 VOICE EXTENDED COVERAGE 60 MINUTES (ROAMING)
$2.50 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 10MB (ROAMING)
$5 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 20MB (ROAMING)
$10 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 40MB (ROAMING)
$2 100 MINUTES OF TALK (Good for 30 Days)
$5 300 MINUTES OF TALK (Good for 30 Days)
Ultra Mobile GSM 850/1900 UMTS 1700/1900 LTE 1700
LTE Bands 2, 4, 12
Roams off T-Mobile with theoretical full access to the T-Mobile network, but network coverage is slightly reduced as is 4GLTE coverage
All plans include:
Unlimited domestic calling
Unlimited domestic SMS/MMS
Unlimited global SMS/MMS
Standard features: 3-way calling, caller ID, voicemail, 411
Plans range from $19-49/month and generally include free international calling (landline/cell) and local access numbers for friends/family to call.
SIM card costs $1. See Ultra.me for more info.
You can purchase SIM and plan through 3rd parties such as EZKonnect or even Amazon for a discount.
[consolidated] Prepaid SIM cards in USA
Jun 21, 2016, 7:31 pm
#316
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,470
Prepaid US cell phone data plan?
I have a pre-paid account with T-Mobile which I have now had for 10+ years and which I doubt is still offered. It suits me fine for making / receiving phone calls in the US (very, very few) and my annual cost rarely exceeds $20!
However, there is no data included in the plan and it really puts me at a disadvantage when I need to hail an Uber or check the GPS quickly in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
Can anyone recommend a pre-paid data plan that I can add or recommend some other solution which does not require me to spend substantially more than what I am paying now?
However, there is no data included in the plan and it really puts me at a disadvantage when I need to hail an Uber or check the GPS quickly in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
Can anyone recommend a pre-paid data plan that I can add or recommend some other solution which does not require me to spend substantially more than what I am paying now?
Jun 21, 2016, 8:58 pm
#317
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Jun 21, 2016, 9:05 pm
#318
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,162
Maybe consider freedom pop.. I've no experience with them though
Jun 22, 2016, 6:06 am
#319
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,385
(not sure how long these freemium options will last)
RingPlus offers free service (free data/minutes/text). You just need a Sprint phone, and initial top up ($0-$30 depending on plan)
https://ringplus.net/
http://slickdeals.net/f/8851307-ring...src=SiteSearch
you should be able to get a used/older-gen Sprint phone for $30-$150..... (yes, larger up-front cost, and potential risk of ringplus going out of business)
I have one of their free plans activated on my backup phone (that works on sprint).... can't beat free
RingPlus offers free service (free data/minutes/text). You just need a Sprint phone, and initial top up ($0-$30 depending on plan)
https://ringplus.net/
http://slickdeals.net/f/8851307-ring...src=SiteSearch
you should be able to get a used/older-gen Sprint phone for $30-$150..... (yes, larger up-front cost, and potential risk of ringplus going out of business)
I have one of their free plans activated on my backup phone (that works on sprint).... can't beat free
Last edited by paperwastage; Jun 22, 2016 at 6:16 am
Jun 22, 2016, 7:25 am
#320
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: UA, BA Avios, AMEX Plat
Posts: 497
Could just add the premium voice features when you need it and deactivate it when you don't.
Aug 14, 2016, 10:03 pm
#323
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,230
Are you looking to buy a card during a layover at the airport without leaving the airport? By far, you'll have the best selection at a Walmart where they carry almost every possible prepaid SIM card, or just order online and have it sent to where you're staying in the US. Some airports have SIM vending machines from Straight Talk or other carriers - not sure about LAX though. Buying from a vendor at the airport is likely to offer reduced choice and vast overpayment.
Unlike much of the rest of the world, government registration is thankfully not required of prepaid SIM or phones in the US or Canada, so it's a very simple process to get a card - the hard part is picking the correct one for your needs and making sure the provider matches the capabilities of your unlocked phone.
Aug 14, 2016, 10:12 pm
#324
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,508
7-11 may or may not sell prepaid SIM - the shops in the US/Canada bear little resemblance to those in Asia and are focused on selling junk food and porn, not services.
Are you looking to buy a card during a layover at the airport without leaving the airport? By far, you'll have the best selection at a Walmart where they carry almost every possible prepaid SIM card, or just order online and have it sent to where you're staying in the US. Some airports have SIM vending machines from Straight Talk or other carriers - not sure about LAX though. Buying from a vendor at the airport is likely to offer reduced choice and vast overpayment.
Unlike much of the rest of the world, government registration is thankfully not required of prepaid SIM or phones in the US or Canada, so it's a very simple process to get a card - the hard part is picking the correct one for your needs and making sure the provider matches the capabilities of your unlocked phone.
Are you looking to buy a card during a layover at the airport without leaving the airport? By far, you'll have the best selection at a Walmart where they carry almost every possible prepaid SIM card, or just order online and have it sent to where you're staying in the US. Some airports have SIM vending machines from Straight Talk or other carriers - not sure about LAX though. Buying from a vendor at the airport is likely to offer reduced choice and vast overpayment.
Unlike much of the rest of the world, government registration is thankfully not required of prepaid SIM or phones in the US or Canada, so it's a very simple process to get a card - the hard part is picking the correct one for your needs and making sure the provider matches the capabilities of your unlocked phone.
Speaking of which, in the US the choices that are the easiest for visitors will likely be between T-Mobile and AT&T (or their respective MVNOs). Maybe Verizon if you're fine with LTE only and have a device that can do VoLTE but I'm not 100% sure on that.
EDIT: looks like Verizon and Sprint are possible according to the wiki. Never mind about the last paragraph.
Last edited by tmiw; Aug 14, 2016 at 10:37 pm
Aug 16, 2016, 10:24 am
#325
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: YVR, KUL
Programs: AC, MH, BA, AF-KL
Posts: 2,904
7-11 may or may not sell prepaid SIM - the shops in the US/Canada bear little resemblance to those in Asia and are focused on selling junk food and porn, not services.
Are you looking to buy a card during a layover at the airport without leaving the airport? By far, you'll have the best selection at a Walmart where they carry almost every possible prepaid SIM card, or just order online and have it sent to where you're staying in the US. Some airports have SIM vending machines from Straight Talk or other carriers - not sure about LAX though. Buying from a vendor at the airport is likely to offer reduced choice and vast overpayment.
Unlike much of the rest of the world, government registration is thankfully not required of prepaid SIM or phones in the US or Canada, so it's a very simple process to get a card - the hard part is picking the correct one for your needs and making sure the provider matches the capabilities of your unlocked phone.
Are you looking to buy a card during a layover at the airport without leaving the airport? By far, you'll have the best selection at a Walmart where they carry almost every possible prepaid SIM card, or just order online and have it sent to where you're staying in the US. Some airports have SIM vending machines from Straight Talk or other carriers - not sure about LAX though. Buying from a vendor at the airport is likely to offer reduced choice and vast overpayment.
Unlike much of the rest of the world, government registration is thankfully not required of prepaid SIM or phones in the US or Canada, so it's a very simple process to get a card - the hard part is picking the correct one for your needs and making sure the provider matches the capabilities of your unlocked phone.
I'm pretty sure 7-Eleven in the US sells T-Mobile prepaid SIM cards at minimum. Not sure about AT&T or any MVNOs.
Speaking of which, in the US the choices that are the easiest for visitors will likely be between T-Mobile and AT&T (or their respective MVNOs). Maybe Verizon if you're fine with LTE only and have a device that can do VoLTE but I'm not 100% sure on that.
EDIT: looks like Verizon and Sprint are possible according to the wiki. Never mind about the last paragraph.
Speaking of which, in the US the choices that are the easiest for visitors will likely be between T-Mobile and AT&T (or their respective MVNOs). Maybe Verizon if you're fine with LTE only and have a device that can do VoLTE but I'm not 100% sure on that.
EDIT: looks like Verizon and Sprint are possible according to the wiki. Never mind about the last paragraph.
I just need a SIM card for data to get around town with Uber. Worst case scenario I'll use the airport wifi (does it exist at LAX?) to get an Uber to my hotel which isn't far from a Walmart.
Oct 1, 2016, 6:20 am
#326
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 7
Visiting USA SIMCARD
I will be visiting the USA in November, Travelling from LAX to LAS (Visiting the famous sights and death valley etc), I need a SIMCARD we arrive into LAX any recommendations on what network to go to and who offers the best value we mainly need data.
Many Thanks
Many Thanks
Oct 1, 2016, 7:33 am
#327
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 154
Take a look at T-Mobile https://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/...l-tourist-plan
Oct 3, 2016, 7:22 am
#328
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: Not much these days: BA Silver, Bonvoy Lifetime Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 1,326
Take a look at T-Mobile https://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/...l-tourist-plan
Originally Posted by T-Mobile
For security purposes, Tourist Kits must be shipped to U.S. addresses. We suggest asking friends, family or hotel management to use their address.
To keep information secure, only U.S. credit cards can be used to purchase the kit. Ask friends and family to help you, or purchase a U.S. MasterCardŽ or VisaŽ gift card.
To keep information secure, only U.S. credit cards can be used to purchase the kit. Ask friends and family to help you, or purchase a U.S. MasterCardŽ or VisaŽ gift card.
Oct 3, 2016, 8:29 am
#329
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,385
Oct 3, 2016, 9:32 am
#330
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: Not much these days: BA Silver, Bonvoy Lifetime Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 1,326
I've bought US SIMs in the US many times before with a UK credit card - I've never come across this restriction before. Many suppliers also ship outside the US (even if it rarely make sense to get sent outside the US rather than to your hotel).