International students and scholars purchasing cell phones or phone plans in the US will have many options upon arrival. Below is some general information to help guide the process for purchasing a phone plan or phone; however, it’s important to research what is available and choose what will work best for your personal needs.
Getting Started with U.S. Cell Phone Service
Using Your Phone in the United States
Before arriving in the United States, contact your current mobile service provider to determine whether your phone and service plan will work while you are in the U.S. Although international roaming may be available, it can be costly for extended stays.
Many international students and scholars choose to use a U.S.-compatible SIM card instead. If you plan to do this, first confirm that your phone is unlocked and can be used with another carrier. Your current provider can help you determine whether your device is unlocked. Once confirmed, research which U.S. networks are compatible with your phone and compare available service providers and plans.
Prepaid mobile plans are often a popular option because they do not require a long-term contract and are generally easy to set up. Providers such as T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello are commonly used by international students, but you should compare features, coverage, and pricing to find the option that best meets your needs.
Another alternative is an eSIM, a digital SIM that can be activated without inserting a physical card into your phone. Several companies offer eSIM services, including Airalo, Holafly, and Roamify. Websites such as eSIMDB allow you to compare plans, data allowances, and pricing across providers.
While eSIMs can be a convenient solution, especially for short-term travel, many plans do not provide a U.S. phone number. Because a U.S. phone number may be needed for services such as banking, housing, and two-factor authentication, students planning to stay in the United States for an extended period should carefully review their options before selecting an eSIM plan.
Selecting a Phone Plan
Mobile service providers in the United States offer a range of plan options, including prepaid and contract-based services. Depending on the provider, you may be asked to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) when opening an account. Some companies may also require a security deposit if you do not have an established U.S. credit history.
Before selecting a plan, carefully compare available options and review all fees and terms. Consider factors such as monthly costs, coverage in your area, international calling and texting rates, data allowances, overage fees, and any additional charges that may apply. Taking time to evaluate different providers can help you choose a plan that best fits your communication needs and budget while studying or working in the United States.
Prepaid Mobile Plans
Prepaid mobile plans are a popular option for international students and scholars because they offer flexibility without requiring a long-term contract. With a prepaid plan, you pay for service on a monthly basis and can typically cancel or change plans at any time.
If your phone is unlocked and compatible with U.S. networks, you may be able to use your existing device by purchasing a U.S. SIM card or activating an eSIM. Monthly costs vary by provider and plan features, but many prepaid plans include unlimited talk, text, and data options.
One advantage of prepaid service is that providers generally do not require a U.S. credit history, contract commitment, or cancellation fees. In many cases, students can activate service without a Social Security Number or security deposit, making prepaid plans a convenient choice for those who are new to the United States.
Contract Mobile Plans
Contract-based mobile plans are another option available through many U.S. wireless providers. These plans often include access to extensive network coverage, premium features, and the ability to finance or purchase a new phone through the carrier.
Depending on the provider, contract plans may require a credit check, Social Security Number (SSN), or a refundable security deposit if you do not have an established U.S. credit history. Requirements and eligibility vary by company.
Many contract plans offer discounted devices, promotional pricing, or bundled services in exchange for a longer-term commitment. However, it is important to carefully review the terms of the agreement, as early cancellation or changes to your plan may result in additional fees.
Major U.S. providers offering contract and postpaid service options include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Before selecting a plan, compare coverage, pricing, device options, and contract terms to determine which provider best meets your needs.
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Helpful Terminology
- Airtime: Actual time spent talking on the cellular telephone. Most carriers bill customers based on how many minutes of airtime they use each month. Airtime charges during peak periods of the day vary from about 20 cents to more than 40 cents per minute, depending on the service plan selected. Most carriers offer reduced rates for off-peak usage.
- Bluetooth: A wireless method of communications between devices.
- Call Waiting: If your line is busy, callers are asked to wait while you are alerted to their incoming call.
- Calling Plan: A rate plan selected by subscribers when they start up cellular service, usually consisting of a base rate for system access and a per-minute rate for usage. Service plans are designed to provide the most cost-effective rates for different types and amounts of usage by the cellular subscriber.
- Data: This allows you to access the internet when you are not connected to wifi.
- Land Line: Traditional wired phone service. Voice, video and data transmission technology that relies on wires. Also called wireline.
- Local Calling Area: The geographical area that a customer may call without incurring toll charges.
- Off-Peak Periods: Times when carriers offer discounted airtime charges. Each carrier designates its own off-peak hours, usually after normal business hours during the week, and weekends.
- Pay-As-You-Go: Essentially another term for pre-paid, meaning service that is paid in advance, as-needed, instead of billed at the end of each month (post-paid). Since service is paid for in advance, there is no generally no need for contracts or credit checks with pay-as-you-go. One difference from prepaid is that a PAYG plan can be set up to automatically deduct funds from a bank account when depleted, instead of the balance simply becoming zero, rendering the phone unusable until the account is manually replenished.
- Peak: Highest-usage period of the business day when a cellular system carries the most calling traffic.
- Roaming: The ability to use your cellular phone outside your usual service area – when traveling outside of the “home” service area defined by a service provider. Higher per-minute rates are usually charged for calls made or received while roaming. Long distance rates and a daily access fee may also apply.
- Service Charge: The amount customers pay each month to receive wireless service. This amount is fixed, and to be paid monthly regardless of how much or how little customers use their wireless phones.
- Service Plan: The rate plan you select when choosing a wireless phone service. A service plan typically consists of a monthly base rate for access to the system and a fixed amount of minutes per month. Service plans are designed to provide the most cost-effective rates for different types and amounts of usage by the cellular subscriber.
- SIM card: A Subscriber Identity Module or a smart card that stores data for GSM cell phone users.
- Storage: This is the space (gigabytes) that your device has available to keep files directly on it, such as photos and apps.