Cell Phones - A Great Question!
This page talks about different phone carriers - some are definitely better in our area than others. It talks about monthly plans that are paid automatically so time, minutes, or phone numbers are not lost. It also talks about pre-paid, no-contract plans... Stay away from contract phones unless you know you will be here for more than 2 years and can afford extra fees required and penalties if you end the contract early.
Two important things to know about using cell phones in the U.S.
First: If you have an international phone plan, it will not work in the U.S. because no one can call or text you back. We have 9 digits, you probably have 10.
Second: Basically all plans will include Unlimited Talk & Text. Data plans are based on how much you need. International calling is always extra -- most students don't get this option on their American plan.
Most of you have heard of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. T-Mobile has poor receptions in Monterey so there is no local official "T-Mobile" store. This also means you cannot get a T-Mobile Sim card in Monterey. You can get them online, but before you do (they are cheaper), remember there is a reason why they can't sell them here. There are also other various carriers that will sell you plans. Do not even try to get a plan with anyone else... you will be disappointed because of the poor reception.
Verizon has the best coverage most everywhere, but it also costs more than AT&T.
If you bring your own phone, be sure it's a newer recognized brand phone. Also, 3 gig phones are becoming harder to activate so they may not work. Be sure it's unlocked.
If you will be here for only a few short months, there are a couple cheaper options that might get you through... You probably won't use it as much as those here for a year or more.
AT&T has been the most popular plan with students because it's cheaper than Verizon. Their most popular plan is for $40 per month for unlimited everything and up to 8 GB at high-speed. Generally it's the best, though the coverage everywhere isn't as good as Verizon.
===========================
A very strong suggestion -- many students are doing this.
Regardless of what U.S. carrier plan you choose to get when you get here, order a temporary plan and Sim card online and order it soon enough to have it with you when you leave -- Make sure it has a phone number that will activate as soon as you arrive in the U.S. Then you can use it immediately to call and receive calls... specifically to search for housing but also to contact us if you need help. :)
If you can do this one thing, it will help you in a big way when you first arrive and are very tired. If you don't already have a number, getting one will be the very first thing you'll need to do and if the store is busy it can take a very long time.
Switching off the temporary plan and keeping your same phone number is easy.
Once you get here and choose what carrier you wish to use -- AT&T is most popular -- then tell them you want to keep the US number you have but move it to the new plan. Again, with any carrier they first need to make sure your phone works.
===========================
Special note on International Calling -- Most students do not pay extra for this on their American plan. If you do want it, a better way might be to look for a cheaper rate with special International Calling Cards available online.
Family Plans: Some decide to join others in a family plan. It means one person sets up the plan and then invites others to join it. Sometimes this saves money but after figuring it all out, sometimes it's about the same. But here is the concern: Each person is responsible for their portion of the plan. However, if one person isn't around to pay their part, the person who set it up may become responsible.
Two important things to know about using cell phones in the U.S.
First: If you have an international phone plan, it will not work in the U.S. because no one can call or text you back. We have 9 digits, you probably have 10.
Second: Basically all plans will include Unlimited Talk & Text. Data plans are based on how much you need. International calling is always extra -- most students don't get this option on their American plan.
Most of you have heard of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. T-Mobile has poor receptions in Monterey so there is no local official "T-Mobile" store. This also means you cannot get a T-Mobile Sim card in Monterey. You can get them online, but before you do (they are cheaper), remember there is a reason why they can't sell them here. There are also other various carriers that will sell you plans. Do not even try to get a plan with anyone else... you will be disappointed because of the poor reception.
Verizon has the best coverage most everywhere, but it also costs more than AT&T.
If you bring your own phone, be sure it's a newer recognized brand phone. Also, 3 gig phones are becoming harder to activate so they may not work. Be sure it's unlocked.
If you will be here for only a few short months, there are a couple cheaper options that might get you through... You probably won't use it as much as those here for a year or more.
AT&T has been the most popular plan with students because it's cheaper than Verizon. Their most popular plan is for $40 per month for unlimited everything and up to 8 GB at high-speed. Generally it's the best, though the coverage everywhere isn't as good as Verizon.
===========================
A very strong suggestion -- many students are doing this.
Regardless of what U.S. carrier plan you choose to get when you get here, order a temporary plan and Sim card online and order it soon enough to have it with you when you leave -- Make sure it has a phone number that will activate as soon as you arrive in the U.S. Then you can use it immediately to call and receive calls... specifically to search for housing but also to contact us if you need help. :)
If you can do this one thing, it will help you in a big way when you first arrive and are very tired. If you don't already have a number, getting one will be the very first thing you'll need to do and if the store is busy it can take a very long time.
Switching off the temporary plan and keeping your same phone number is easy.
Once you get here and choose what carrier you wish to use -- AT&T is most popular -- then tell them you want to keep the US number you have but move it to the new plan. Again, with any carrier they first need to make sure your phone works.
===========================
Special note on International Calling -- Most students do not pay extra for this on their American plan. If you do want it, a better way might be to look for a cheaper rate with special International Calling Cards available online.
Family Plans: Some decide to join others in a family plan. It means one person sets up the plan and then invites others to join it. Sometimes this saves money but after figuring it all out, sometimes it's about the same. But here is the concern: Each person is responsible for their portion of the plan. However, if one person isn't around to pay their part, the person who set it up may become responsible.