Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Communications
USA Pay As You Go or Prepaid SIM Card? USA Pay As You Go or Prepaid SIM Card?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Jun 2010
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
USA Pay As You Go or Prepaid SIM Card?
Hi guys
I'll be doing a US bike trip this summer. Check out http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-tat-cdt-50366

I'll carry an ASUS eee901 and use wireless hotspots whereever I can for email. Haven't bothered signing up with Skype/VOIP as I have no need for it in Europe.

It'd be useful to stay in touch with local friends and to receive calls from home as well as sending/receiving text messages, so rather than using my UK SIM and incurring big charges, I'd like to buy a US "pay as you go" or prepaid SIM card. Can anyone recommend any particular provider? FWIW, my trip starts in Phoenix, AZ and I'd ideally like to buy one there or get it mail ordered and shipped there in advance of my arrival.

Many thanks in advance for your input.
cheers
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 42
I don't have any experience with prepaid SIM cards, but I do use Net10 phones which are cheap and have good service everywhere I've been. You can buy a cheap phone and minutes just about everywhere. Minutes range from $0.10 per minute to unlimited for $59.95 per month. I think you have to pay extra for service outside the U.S. though. TracFone is the same company, but I like the Net10 plans better. Cell phone service is highly variable in the U.S. depending on your location and your carrier. Net10 uses a variety of carriers so they tend to have service almost everywhere it is available. More remote areas sometimes do not have service except along interstate highways.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Jun 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
I use Tracfone also. As mentioned, coverage can be spotty in some areas but has improved a lot in the last couple years. If you can get into any sort of town or up on a hill you can usually get signal.

Any chain drug store, (Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart or dozens of other super stores) sell phones and top up cards for Tracfone and other companies. They often have deals where the Phone is like $20 and you can start with $20 worth of minutes (60 minutes) and a 90 day use period. Topping up takes seconds, works fine.

Other services also offer Pay As You Go. T-Mobile is one, there are several others too. Tracfone is widely available in the West at least. Not sure in other areas. My Tracfone even worked in Mexico near the border.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Jun 2010
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Many thanks for the leads. Here: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...920#post293830 another HUBBer suggested a card from tuyo/T-mobile. i've ordered one. I'll let you know how I get on.

cheers
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Jun 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ny
Posts: 1
cell phones for travel
We went with Net10 as we travel so much and wanted a reliable service with national coverage and no roaming fees. We now pay 10c per minute for all our calls and we also spotted some really good deals on NET10 Infectious Laughter we are going to look at!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Jun 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
I bought a Net10 phone when I got to the states in April last year. I bought is from a WalGreens chemist, it cost $30 and it came with 300 minutes of phone time which lasts for 2 months before expiry.

It was easy to buy a new top up card as everyone sells them, once again, about $20 for 300 minutes.

The only small issue is when you buy these phones new, you need another phone to call up and activate it, but this was not a big hassle. Topping up is easy as the phone is still working and you get enough warning 'low time/credit' messages not to get stuck

I had no coverage problems and I rode most of the US including Alaska. It did NOT work in Canada, even though I was told it would, so if that is an issue, keep this in mind.

Nowhere in Canada will they sell a national coverage disposable phone, so in th eend I went without one as I did not want to sign up for an extended plan.

It did not work anywhere outside the US in fact, so Mexico and south I did without a phone and had no major dramas.

Cheers
TS
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Jul 2010
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Cheers for all the input. Somebody on a diffrerent thread suggested a Tuyo sim card. I've gone for that and will put it into my handset. It should be arriving at my contact address in PHX,AZ. If it doesn't, a net10 phone seems like a good deal too.

Many thanks
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Jul 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
Quote:
Originally Posted by TravellingStrom View Post
It did not work anywhere outside the US in fact, so Mexico and south I did without a phone and had no major dramas.
Cheers
TS
My friends that live in Mexico say they actually have Tracfone there ... uses a different SIM chip than USA. But Mexico have a few "pay as you go" plans in available. I think most work nationwide (where cell towers are available)

Good luck. You could go deluxe and buy yourself a SAT phone. Expensive monthly charge but works worldwide, no waiting! $$$$

We ride our dual sport bikes places (US deserts/mountains) where NO Cell phones work. The SAT phone always works but pricey, but I hear rates have dropped a bit. Dunno? My buddy was paying $50 a month plus cost of each call. Said he averaged $100 a month even with minimum calls.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Sep 2010
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Feedback on Tuyo mobile sim cards in USA after using one for 8 weeks: In large latino urban areas like PHX AZ, LA and SFO it worked fine. Everywhere else, virtually no cover what so ever: So for a CDT, Oregon and TAT trip virtuually useless. A total waste of money. Best to pay more for something from Verizon or ATandT.

HTH
Chris
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Green card?? Outlaw Trip Paperwork 6 24 Feb 2010 05:56
Green Card Rhino Trip Paperwork 4 18 Feb 2010 21:02
Which card for Morocco? Linzi North Africa 15 4 Aug 2009 12:17
Green Card ngummow North Africa 0 12 Feb 2009 11:27
use of carnet card Hindu1936 Trip Paperwork 2 7 Feb 2006 05:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:52.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top