We are going to US for about a week do I need to get roaming access to save on my bill? What plan

[jesperame]

What plan is best to get if you are traveling in the US for about a qeek? If so what would be the best plan? I am reluctant because it is only a short 7 days visit. Thanks.

[xl · Accepted solution]

It really depends on how often you use your phone and data.

If you never turn the phone on or use wifi.... you don't need a plan.  Just turn cellular data off or remove the SIM.

For light use look at the US passes.

• http://mobility.telus.com/en/BC/calling_services/usroaming.shtml
• http://www.telus.com/wireless/travel/index.jsp?zone=us&country=USA#travel-passes
  
  For heavier use (eg are you planning to exceed 300mb?), I get my phone unlocked and chamber in a Roam Mobility SIM card when not Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming or Jellystone.  Otherwise a PrePaid ATT card is my second choice (ATT card does not allow me to call back to a Canada number or a travel companion with a Canadian number).
• http://www.roammobility.com/talk-text-data
• forget slow hotel coverage
• skip unprotected public wifi
• pay for the day or week instead of the full month
• keep in touch with fellow travellors
• call ahead for restaurant reservations
• use Google maps
• plan your day itinery on the bus

[xl · Accepted solution]

It really depends on how often you use your phone and data.

If you never turn the phone on or use wifi.... you don't need a plan.  Just turn cellular data off or remove the SIM.

For light use look at the US passes.

• http://mobility.telus.com/en/BC/calling_services/usroaming.shtml
• http://www.telus.com/wireless/travel/index.jsp?zone=us&country=USA#travel-passes
  
  For heavier use (eg are you planning to exceed 300mb?), I get my phone unlocked and chamber in a Roam Mobility SIM card when not Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming or Jellystone.  Otherwise a PrePaid ATT card is my second choice (ATT card does not allow me to call back to a Canada number or a travel companion with a Canadian number).
• http://www.roammobility.com/talk-text-data
• forget slow hotel coverage
• skip unprotected public wifi
• pay for the day or week instead of the full month
• keep in touch with fellow travellors
• call ahead for restaurant reservations
• use Google maps
• plan your day itinery on the bus

[chuck]

Be very careful. I bought a plan for use while away. I confirmed the purchase by phone twice with Telus. When news of a sick family member reached me, I was unable to phone for updates as Telus neglected to activate the international calling. Do not trust Telus if they only give verbal conformation.

[NFtoBC · Accepted solution]

Chuck, two separate processes. If you have chosen to have international calling disabled, you need to request it be enabled separately from the purchase of a discount pass.

I choose not to disable international calling. If an emergency occurs, I'd rather pay the bill than not have a usable phone. If I want to avoid cross border connections when in areas where the US signal is stronger, I set my phone to Telus only to avoid unexpected roaming charges.