Phone use in USA

[Anonymous]

I'm looking to use my iphone in America. I've got a contract out with o2 but I would only be using my phone to text.

Is there anything I can do to reduce costs? Also what would be the cost difference between using imessage and the normal text messaging?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Use a local sim is the best way.

I'd your phone is locked to o2 then it's free to
Unlock for contract customers and £15 for payg.

https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Handset%20Unlocking%20Form

iMessage works off data use so you would incur data charges or use wifi.

If your going to use your 02 sim then ensure you turn off voicemail before you go.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

What I usually do is buy a local sim card for wherever I go, so make sure your device is unlocked before you go.

Alternatively you can use imessage (and other data) for free when you have wifi (which is everywhere in the states)

If you want to send a text it will cost you as per the below info:

Travelling To USA (including Alaska)

In the USA our local network partners support O2’s Home from Home service so you can make a call or send a text with your O2 mobile just like you do in the UK.
You can dial numbers programmed in your phone to make a call
Just call 901 to listen to your voicemail.
Remember though that you will need to use the international prefix (+1) to make a call to a phone in the US or Canada.
You will need to use the full international format to call any other country.

Before you go

Follow our step-by-step list to make sure you have everything you need so you can make and receive calls on your O2 mobile while you're abroad:

1. If you don't have your voicemail service already activated simply call 1750. You can obtain a voicemail retrieval number by dialling 1780, and following the instructions. When you're abroad you can get your voicemail retrieval number by dialling +447802090100. To retrieve your messages dial your voicemail retrieval number. On some occasions you may need to press * and then enter your PIN.
2. Re-programme your phonebook so that all your numbers you're likely to call have the correct country code in front of them, e.g. +44 for UK.
3. Make sure your international calling bar has been lifted by calling your service provider. Their number will be on your bill.

Call Charges

This table charts Call Charges. Prices are incl. VAT  Standard Charges

Calling back to UK	£0.90
Receiving a Call	£0.39
Calling In Country	£0.90
Calling In Zone	£0.90
Calling Out of zone	£1.79
Sending a Text	£0.25

More information about the networks

We have coverage in USA (including Alaska) with the following network providers:

AT&T
T Mobile

[Anonymous]

I used to use T-Mobile over there when I was staying for a while they do great pre-paid plans:

Buy a sim card in any target/wallmart etc and then choose a plan:

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans