Probably left this a bit late in the day but off on 21st for three weeks holiday. I am travelling with my husband and we are both in our sixty something so don't want to be confused with all the high tec. stuff.My cell phone will not work in USA and I thought of buying a phone card as in previous trips really to keep in touch with family back home. Just had a thought, would it be cheaper and easier to buy a cheap phone in USA rather than a phone card? Hope someone can advise. Looking forward to the trip, just love USA!

I am one of those people who really don’t like cell phones and rarely use them. But when my mom was so ill I had to have one. I found at Best Buy a “Go Phone” for $15.99 (about £8) and $15 (about £7.50) for a month’s use. I don’t know if that is cheaper than a phone card, or if it is easier. This was unlimited calling. I hope you have a great trip and will tell us about it. I love Rye and that area of your lovely county.

There are probably others in this community who are better able to respond to your question than I, but I'll start out. Although there have been several discussions of mobile/cell phone use here, most concern places outside the US. As many people have mentioned, cell phone service in the US lags way behind that elsewhere, particularly Europe and parts of Asia. Here are some factors to consider.

First, most plans, though not all, involve long-term contracts, usually two years. There are some pre-paid plans which don't require them, however. Tracfone is one, although one poster didn't recommend it. T-mobile is another and probably better option. Here's a new one I just found, Net10, which consumer advocate Clark Howard now recommends. If you choose a phone, this may indeed be your best option. Most international calls are only 15¢/minute.

However, you'd still confront another issue. All phones don't work everywhere because of different technologies and geography. We had to change our service after a move because our existing phone wouldn't work at our current home.

You'd have more flexibility, though, with a phone card. In the past, that's what Clark Howard has recommended. Pennytalk is one which seems particularly reasonable. You may be able to sign up online and get a number to use without actually having a card in hand.

Good luck!

Ann

Is your cell phone triband or quadband and unlocked? If so, you can buy a prepaid SIM card that will work in it. I bought one online from this place, but you wouldn't have time to order it now. (It says it's for students, but I'm in your age range and ordered one for myself with no problem.) I understand from others that it may be possible to get a card at a T-mobile store if you can find one where you are going.

You might want to click on that link above anyway to read their info about how US cell phone service differs from what you are used to in Europe. If you want to consider this, you might also check the T-mobile coverage map to make sure it does cover the area where you will be.

But if you will have easy access to a landline, and don't care about the convenience of a cell phone, the phone card will be cheaper.

- Roz

Yes, you can get a T-Mobile SIM at their store if you have an unlocked GSM phone. I've done it. It is $10 and includes 10 minutes of starter time. Here is a bit about it on the web. Here are the rates. I use the pay as you go and fill it when I need more minutes.

The 'Go' phone is AT&T/Cellular. It might have a little bit better coverage depending upon where you are going to be.

Thanks everyone for all the help. Busy packing now, can't wait!!Had to cancel this holiday last year the day before our departure due to family problems so really looking forward to our trip.