Are there Data-plan for travelers in the USA?

Question

I intend to travel to the US for a month, and I would really like to use a lot of data traffic during the trip, for browsing, maps, Skype calls, etc. How can I do that? Should I buy a sim? Do I have to order one in advance, or are data sims readily available in the airport? Is there any website that can show me competing options and maybe compare them?

Also, I guess sims are linked to one specific carrier. Does it matter which cellular carrier I choose, or do all have similar coverage and do all support GSM phones? Does it change from state to state? e.g. do some of the more states, like Hawaii, have limited coverage for some of the carriers?

In short I am clueless here, and would really appreciate any information about this.

EDIT: meanwhile I have found this comparison between various data sim suppliers, seems very useful though I'm not sure how reliable or up-to-date this page is.

Answer 1

AT&T has PayAsYouGo SIM cards, but you can only buy them in the real AT&T stores. You just come in and ask the clerk to sell you one. It costs $20 (as far as I remember). Then there's a $20/200mb (not sure about exact numbers) data plan for this card which is pretty expensive if you really plan to use the internet extensively.

T-Mobile also has a prepaid card but there's no data plan for it.

Other major operators (Sprint, Verizon) are off limits if you have a GSM phone.

Another thing to consider - I couldn't refill a T-Mobile card with my credit card online and even when I called in they couldn't help me because they needed to enter my zip code into their system and they couldn't. So I had to refill it by buying refill in the supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. and it's not as widely available as it is in other places.

Answer 2

Well, turns out this is really easy - I just entered a store and asked for a monthly plan which includes unlimited data, and the clerk was happy to offer me a choice between a couple of available plans, without any requirement except a credit card (no need for zip code or credit check or American credit card / address). The store was T-Mobile, but I think other carriers offer similar deals as well.

Just be aware that the listed plan prices usually do not include sim cost or one-time activation fee. Still, travelling with an Internet-enabled smartphone is amazing, and definitely worth some money.

The sim card was activated almost immediately - I was able to data-surf while still in the store.

Answer 3

Was in the same situation a while ago, and found it impossible to find a prepaid sim for my phone in the states. Short answer is: it's easier use open WiFi hotspots instead of purchasing a prepaid sim card.

The long answer is that you can get really cheap phones for less than $30 on supermarkets, corner stores and petrol stations, but they all have a sim card build in and you wont be able to take it out and use it in your sim. AT&T and T-Mobile do offer sim cards you can use in any phone, but you won't get a sim with any prepaid plan and they are usually only sold in the "big" AT&T/T-Mobile stores, not in the small stands you might find in the mall. If you're lucky enough to find one make sure it also works in your phone - from what i have heard the T-Mobile sim cards don't work in unlocked phones.

The correct term is "SIM only Pay-as-you-go-plan" in the states, otherwise the store operator might not understand what you're looking for.

So if you really, really need prepaid and data you should use your own and get charged a arm and a leg for roaming fees. Otherwise turn off your cellphone and log in to the free WiFi near each Starbucks or fast food chain to check your emails.