How to use unlocked cell phone in U.S.A.

[kev_n_jena 89]

It wont take long in the USA before she realizes how screwed up the cell phone system is . She will quickly learn that prepaid in the USA actually costs more than being on contract, which is why most Americans are suffering $50 a month and up cell bills while hardly using them

Know what my cell bill is in the Philippines? About $4 a month, Strange how a country like the USA can't get it together when it comes to communications companies but yet the philippines beats them in every fashion

Prepaid is more expensive? I spend about $22/month on my phone and my wife spends about $30 for her phone since she calls Phils a couple times per month. That is prepaid with Virgin Mobile. I usually buy 200 mins. for $20 and 30 messages for $1.99.

Kev n Jena

[Kang 22]

One has to look at the standard of living. Even in the philippines, prepaid is more expensive. Its just that people dont realize it because cellphone culture is tingi tingi and people hardly call because it is very expensive.

[kev_n_jena 89]

One has to look at the standard of living. Even in the philippines, prepaid is more expensive. Its just that people dont realize it because cellphone culture is tingi tingi and people hardly call because it is very expensive.

I think it depends on usage in the US. We don't use our phones much so prepaid is cheaper us.

Edited November 15, 2011 by kev_n_jena

[A and T 82]

Prepaid is more expensive? I spend about $22/month on my phone and my wife spends about $30 for her phone since she calls Phils a couple times per month. That is prepaid with Virgin Mobile. I usually buy 200 mins. for $20 and 30 messages for $1.99.

Kev n Jena

Virgin mobile is not GSM, a philippines GSM phone that uses a sim card wont work on virgin mobile

[SuperDuper! 230]

Referring you to T Mobile for your best bet. Forget the rest!

http://www.t-mobile.com/?cm_mmc_o=Vzbp%20mwzygtCjCVAygtzlwCjCPyzEpCjCW%2f-

[RK_and_Inday 10]

@all members responding this thread: thank you for the continuing information, replies which is much appreciated.

@teapotgurl and GLJ1322: Question: If one is using roaming SIM in U.S.A., how does a person maintain he load balance. In other words, how does one place more load on roaming SIM while in U.S.A.? Thanks.

Thank you all again for very interesting discussion. All information, links (e.g., from "Boing!" et al) are being considered.

--RK

[penguin mahal 0]

You can maintain balance by having someone in the Phils load your #.

[Hank_ 9,174]

with the new magic jacks u do not need a computer just need internet

voip is the way to go i use vonage seems to be more clear and less issues but it is more expensive than magic jack

Hey!!! Thanks for the info on the new magic jack, I will be buying one of those for use in the Phils. Did some research and the power plug works on 110-240 so no issues.

[thekfc 26]

Is the unlocked phone tri-band or quad-band? If not, it won't work in the U.S. If it is, just get a new sim card

That is a very good question.

The USA GSM band is 850/1900 while the Philippines band is 900/1800. So if she have a dual band (or even certain tri-band) phone it will not work - she will need a quad band phone.

[Loolie 56]

i think your fiancee wants to have a roaming sim so her family or friends can text her so cheap... my hubby before he got a razor motorola before, he had it unlocked and it worked for philippine sim card like globe and smart (it was a t-mobile phone)... im sure your fiancee has a nice phone so if she wants to use it here in the US then she can using Sim card from the philippines. But if she wants to unlock her phone and use it a sim card from USA then she can try... but if its a MY Phone...i dont think if it will work using USA sim cards though.

[Sirach123 2]

Referring you to T Mobile for your best bet. Forget the rest!

http://www.t-mobile.com/?cm_mmc_o=Vzbp%20mwzygtCjCVAygtzlwCjCPyzEpCjCW%2f-

Agree. Prepaid is cheap and load won't expire. Local and international texting is about 10 to 15 cents. I am consuming only about $10 a month. I am using my old open line N70.

[RK_and_Inday 10]

@bmmtrrbt, Sirach123 et al--Thank you everyone for continuing suggestions; all are being considered.

@To all: another question. Inday is now here in U.S. In PI she purchased OFW SIM card thinking that would be a good option. She has tried calling family and friends in PI from US using this OFW SIM, following instructions to enter 131+63+number. However, she is unable to successfully make the call. Does anyone know how she may successfully use the OFW SIM? Thank you!

--RK

Edited December 5, 2011 by RK_and_Inday

[Loolie 56]

i think she need enough load to call thats why it doesnt go through... it will be cheaper to get her a MaGic jack, or any line here from Usa coz that will be cheaper than calling using ofw sim. if her family doesnt have internet then keep the ofw sim so her family can text her anytime they want or if theres emergency... then she can call back using any line here from usa. Just like me i can talk to my family on facebook and if i want to call them just for a few minutes then i use my att phone coz they will only charge me cents per minute( i forgot how many cents per minute).

[Loolie 56]

i used to have globe sim before when they didnt have internet yet but now they do so facebook is a way to go...

[RK_and_Inday 10]

@bmmtrrbt--Thank you for continuing input/recommendation(s)!! --RK & Inday