@PhoneChanger wrote:
$50 is quite a bit, would you not be better just getting a pay as go sim from 3 in the UK?
--------------------- PSA ---------------------
Just got back from NYC, here's a few pointers I found...
1) eSIM users.
Use T-Mo, as they support eSIM on prepaid, while ATT seemingly don't.
2) Use the T-Mo app to get a line, don't waste time going to a store.
Just download the "T-Mobile eSIM" app; no need to go to any store. This can be downloaded from the UK iOS store (and most other iOS stores worldwide). It may/may not have to be set-up on landing in the US though (to be on a US network when setting-up – not sure though, so you could try before leaving the UK??). The app has loads of details. All you need to enter is a US zip of anywhere you want (I just used "10001" for NYC central zip, though I think you could get away with entering a random Delaware zip and pay no sales tax, so try!), all other info is optional (just ignore entering it!).
3) Pricing.
The T-Mo (per 30-day) plan options I had (using NYC "10001" zip code, sales tax rate 8.875%):
a) "Simply Prepaid" $40 plan: Unlimited talk/text + 10GB data: $43.55 ($40+sales tax) / ~£35.
b) "One Prepaid" $70 plan: Unlimited talk/text/data: $76.21 ($70+sales tax) / ~£60.
I used the $40 one which more than covered my week there. I think it doesn't allow tethering though, or maybe it restricts it to 3G speeds (can't remember?), so read the T+C's.
4) Settings.
Make sure you go into the Settings app and set-it up correctly. I turned off most of my O2 stuff as possible, and got data to connect via the T-Mo network. The settings I found a bit confusing though, so be aware of that.
Note that, AFAIU, if someone tries to call you on your O2 number, you'll trigger the £4.99/day O2 charge in most instances on top of the T-Mo you paid. If travelling with a friend/relative, use third-party apps to contact each other while abroad, instead.
TIP: turn OFF or remove the US line in device settings before it connects ASAP on landing in UK, in case it conencts to a UK network or something! (I did this, and the line remains available in Settings, presumably I could re-use it if going back to the US or something??).
5) Why foreign SIM?
- While you could use one from Three, that's currently not eSIM-able yet to start with, so you couldn't just have it with your local O2 number on the same device.
- Additionally while you're travelling you often have to call a US number to sort bookings or other issues out while away, and US number calls are included in the foreign SIM plan price. It makes things a lot less stress, knowing you can call/text intra-country while there without having extra call costs (US love their 'please hold' systems too, so that's gonna get pricy if paying the standard £2.00/min!).
The end.
Let the thread know if I missed something on pricing/settings, as it'd greatly help others (including myself TBH!) – this stuff gets soooo complicated quickly (what am I gonna be charged for exactly?...settings that are best done?...avoiding faffing around?...etc... !!).
