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 to call American numbers because most Americans can't call or text your number 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 much of the Monterey area. You may not be able to 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 they aren't as popular, even with students. 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. AT&T PrePaid plans are $30 for 5GB of data and $40 for 15GB. If you use your laptop a lot, 5gig will probably work... you can always upgrade if needed.
If you bring your own phone, be sure it's a newer recognized brand phone, at least 4G. And, 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.
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A very strong suggestion -- many students are doing this.
Regardless of what U.S. carrier plan you choose to get when you arrive, order a temporary plan and sim card online (the minimum you can get, maybe lasting just a few days) so you will have it with you when you leave to come here. 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. :)
When you order it, tell them you want a phone number with a pre-fix for the zip code 93940. Once you get here, there are big advantages to having this specific pre-fix.
If you do this one thing, it will help in a big way as you first arrive and feel jet-lagged.
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 -- tell them you want to keep the US number you have, but move it to the new plan. (They will ask for the carrier & account that gave you the temporary sim card so keep the receipt or info on it when you order it.)
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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 that uses a special International Calling Card. They are available online or at many commodity/food stores.
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. They say it will save money. If there are many in the plan, it might... but it might not be as cheap as the regular $30 AT&T Pre-paid plan. But here is the concern: To begin with, the monthly charge can change based on the usage (not fixed). It's also based on the number of people in the plan. If someone cancels out, the rate can change. If the person who set it up leaves, the entire plan collapses and no one has anything... and can't get it back. Best to just get the fixed $30 plan.
Finally, there are other plans but AT&T has the best coverage. Some try T-Mobile, but the reception may not be as good depending on where they are.
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 to call American numbers because most Americans can't call or text your number 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 much of the Monterey area. You may not be able to 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 they aren't as popular, even with students. 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. AT&T PrePaid plans are $30 for 5GB of data and $40 for 15GB. If you use your laptop a lot, 5gig will probably work... you can always upgrade if needed.
If you bring your own phone, be sure it's a newer recognized brand phone, at least 4G. And, 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.
===========================
A very strong suggestion -- many students are doing this.
Regardless of what U.S. carrier plan you choose to get when you arrive, order a temporary plan and sim card online (the minimum you can get, maybe lasting just a few days) so you will have it with you when you leave to come here. 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. :)
When you order it, tell them you want a phone number with a pre-fix for the zip code 93940. Once you get here, there are big advantages to having this specific pre-fix.
If you do this one thing, it will help in a big way as you first arrive and feel jet-lagged.
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 -- tell them you want to keep the US number you have, but move it to the new plan. (They will ask for the carrier & account that gave you the temporary sim card so keep the receipt or info on it when you order it.)
===========================
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 that uses a special International Calling Card. They are available online or at many commodity/food stores.
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. They say it will save money. If there are many in the plan, it might... but it might not be as cheap as the regular $30 AT&T Pre-paid plan. But here is the concern: To begin with, the monthly charge can change based on the usage (not fixed). It's also based on the number of people in the plan. If someone cancels out, the rate can change. If the person who set it up leaves, the entire plan collapses and no one has anything... and can't get it back. Best to just get the fixed $30 plan.
Finally, there are other plans but AT&T has the best coverage. Some try T-Mobile, but the reception may not be as good depending on where they are.