Buying a sim in the USA?

[Mumma]

Hi, we are heading to the states in a few weeks and I'm trying to find info on buying a sim for my iPad while we are there. We are hoping to use wifi as much as possible but want to have a back up.
My issue is how do you go about registering it? Do they require an American address and credit card etc?
I've currently got a Telstra sim (which the creidit has just expired anyway), can you just purchase some sort of global sim card to use or turn on global roaming of some sort?
I'm not concerned about the cost, as I said it will just be a back up if we happen to get stuck without wifi or if I need to google an address while we are driving etc.
I could ring Telstra and ask them, but I'd rather poke myself in the eye with the pointy end of a pencil

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

Have a look here at the AT&T data plans in the US specifically designed for the iPad....

http://www.att.com/Common/about_us/files/pdf/emerging_devices/iPad_fact_sheet_081210.pdf

Tim

 

[K1W1]

I'm not concerned about the cost, as I said it will just be a back up if we happen to get stuck without wifi or if I need to google an address while we are driving etc.

Have you got health insurance?
You'll need it when you see the prices Telstra charge for Global roaming

Have a stiff drink and then check here

I'm off to the USA for a couple of weeks later this month and I'll either stick with free wifi (there are apps that list public locations in major cities) or look at the AT&T option.

 

[Mumma]

Thanks Tim. Do you know if you can just pick those up from any AT&T outlet over there?

K1W1, I used my iPhone last year for the odd google etc and my total bill was only an extra $30 including my sms and calls as we only used the data when there wasn't wifi.

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

Yes - you can call into any AT&T outlet, sign up and you're good to go.

Tim

 

[Ianhilton]

Free wifi at Starbucks, they're on every corner just park outside and you'll pick it up.I did that on my laptop until I got my iPad ,then used AT&T from ny and up into Canada lost signal now and then but was only there a week so didn't bother with Canadian telco.

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

The copy shop, Kinkos, also has free WiFi. It's very common all over the US.

Tim

 

[SweetPoison]

Free wifi at Starbucks, they're on every corner just park outside and you'll pick it up.

Every corner, pretty much!

 

[samurusawyer]

Thinner, lighter, and full of great ideas.

Once you pick up iPad 2, it’ll be hard to put down. That’s the idea behind the all-new design. It’s 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter, so it feels even more comfortable in your hands.2 And it makes surfing the web, checking email, watching movies, and reading books so natural, you might forget there’s incredible technology under your fingers.

 

[babygirl]

Remember to compare the price,every store 's price is different .

 

[leelai]

I'm off to the USA for a couple of weeks later this month and I'll either stick with free wifi (there are apps that list public locations in major cities) or look at the AT&T option.

Hi, can I ask what you ended up doing, I'm going to the US next month. I'm looking to get a sim for my iPad and one for my phone for local calls. I've heard there's plenty of shops that sell them, but did you find one you preferred. Thanking you.

 

[K1W1]

Hi, can I ask what you ended up doing, I'm going to the US next month. I'm looking to get a sim for my iPad and one for my phone for local calls. I've heard there's plenty of shops that sell them, but did you find one you preferred. Thanking you.

Easiest thing in the world. Check this thread.

Have a great trip.

 

[leelai]

Thanks for that. A very informative write-up. Amazing they just don't have a prepaid sim like here.

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

There are many many PAYG (pre-paid) microSIMs in the US - just Google 'PAYG US' for many many deals...I've used PAYG US SIM cards for many years, there is no problem

Tim

 

[leelai]

There are many many PAYG (pre-paid) microSIMs in the US - just Google 'PAYG US' for many many deals...I've used PAYG US SIM cards for many years, there is no problem

Tim

I will check this out, I would rather just get a prepaid sim and not have to worry about cancelling a plan. It's much simpler than worrying if they will charge my credit card again.
Thanks Tim