Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Basic question about buying prepaid SIM Cards in the U.S.

Apr 23, 2005 2:56AM PDT

Hello,

I?m going to fly from Europe to the U.S. (Boston) in the beginning of may and with me I?ll have an unlocked Siemens S55 cell phone.
My question is if there is the possibility of buying sim cards seperately and which one is the best.
Of course I guess that different providers will have different offers and I will have to choose what fits in my personal case, but maybe you could at least tell me which provider has his most weight on which offer. Last question would be where you can buy such seperate SIM-Cards, just in special communication stores or also in the around-the-next corner-tobacco-store.

Thanks and with regards,

Dennis

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
SIM cards
Apr 23, 2005 4:41AM PDT

Unlike Europe, only a couple of providers here have SIM cards. They are Cingular and T-Mobile. Without a question T-Mobile has a better deal. Depending on how long you are staying here, and depending where you will travel around the USA, one coverage may be better than the other. Also, here you have to add minutes every month or two to keep the account going.
If not added by a certain time you will loose your number. I suggest you go to their web sites to check their plans for buying minutes. You will be only able to get the initial SIM card from a Cingular or T-Mobile store and possible on line.
Unfortunately here in the USA these corporations still try to hook you up for a year or two of contract and it is not as convenient as it is in Europe.

- Collapse -
Foreign SIMS
Apr 23, 2005 8:48AM PDT
- Collapse -
This company is for US people visiting foreign countries...
Apr 23, 2005 11:45AM PDT

not for foreigners visiting USA.

- Collapse -
suggestion
Apr 23, 2005 12:21PM PDT

Simply get a prepaid mobile # from either T-mobile or Cingular. No contracts, use current handset.