travelling to states

[mauimama]

Im going to the u.s for 5 months....do I just put my plan on hold and have a u.s chip put in or is it easier to buy a disposable phone while im there?

[xl · Accepted solution]

• Where do you plan to be in the states? This can affect your options as some carriers do not offer coverage.
• Is your phone unlocked? It needs to be if you plan to do a SIM swap.
• How many minutes do you need? How much data do you need?  If only for emergencies, you can just turn your phone off until you need it.  For a few minutes, you can sign up for a low usage plans.  If the plan is more than $40 a month..... I would be looking at prepaid US options to supplement the service to save costs.
• Do you have a need to call back to Canada? Some prepaid US plans need a calling card to reach Canada.
• How attached are you to your current number? Replacing the SIM means you won't be able to receive calls to your Canadian number.

It's not uncommon to carry two devices, one to keep your Canadian SIM to receive calls.  Then one with a USA sim for savings.

When I travel to the US....

• I turn on airplane mode if I'm there for 30 minutes to get gas
• I ask for a package if I'm there for a half day and don't expect more than a 15 minutes for a call.  Or I can stay within the US pass minutes and data
• I look for Roam Mobility if I'm there for a full day and need serious data.  Friends like TMobile plans as it's a little cheaper, but Roam Mobility allows me to call Canada and it's billed by the day.... not by the minute.  You can spend HOURS on the phone without racking up minutes.
• I look for ATT if I'm going to Alaska, Wyoming, Montana or Jellystore where Roam Mobility has no coverage
• I remove my SIM card and stick it in an old phone.  A US sim goes onto my primary phone.  This allows friends to reach me on a familar number, and then I call back with Roam Mobility for savings.
• seriously look at the cost and feature comparisons with a US pass, Roam Mobility, ATT and TMobile.
• avoid discount carriers.  Discount carriers don't offer coverage indoors or rural locations away from urban centers.

[WongTong]

You can also add a 30-days US roaming package. See here http://mobility.telus.com/en/AB/us_travel/index.shtml.