Cellular telephones and handheld devices are the best communication medium for most USA visitors. Many wireless networks in the US, are now equipped with GSM technology allowing international travelers with compatible devices to communicate with US networks. Your service provider should be able to explain that GSM telephones are classified as dual-band, tri-band, and quad-band. Tri- and quad-band are recommended to provide the best service in the USA.
Before traveling to the USA, check with your service provider about coverage. It may be that the “smart card” (also known as a SIM card) in your existing cellular telephone simply needs to be replaced with one that is compatible. Since SIM cards are not readily available in the USA, it might be wise to purchase your SIM card before you depart. You might, also ask about USA roaming rates as the charges could be very high!
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Another option is to purchase a USA compatible cellular telephone rental plan that includes accessories, voicemail, and more. These rental plans can be purchased at retail cell-phone stores, on the Internet, or from some of the rental car agencies. Under such plans, the rental cost of the cellular device can range anywhere from completely free up to $5 to $7 per day. You can expect to pay rather expensive connect-time rates ranging from 70 cents to several dollars per minute for calls within the USA plus extra charges for long-distance and international calls. This may be expensive, but it provides you a very convenient way to stay connected while traveling around the USA.
Prepaid cellular phones are another very convenient way for foreign visitors to stay connected. These “pay-as-you-go” telephones are now available at many phone stores, drug stores, department stores, and shopping-mall kiosks. The prices of the phones are as low as $29.99, but you must prepay the per-minute calling charges. You can easily purchase additional minutes by using your bank credit card at any later time. If you shop around, you can find some of these phones with very competitive international calling rates.
Public pay telephones that accept coins, calling cards or credit cards can be quite expensive. Fifty cents is typically the minimum charge for a local call with very high long-distance rates. Many pay telephones in the USA now offer English and Spanish language capability. If you must use a public pay telephone, try to find one operated by a major service provider such as Bell Atlantic, Southern Bell, or Pacific Bell as their rates are usually the most reasonable.
Most hotels offer free local telephone calls, but typically charge for all long-distance or international calls. At some hotels, these charges may include connect fees or surcharges plus $1 to $3 per-minute for long-distance calls and even more for international calls. If you plan to use a hotel’s telephone service, always check their telephone rates before making a call.
Telephone calling cards can be used for long-distance or international calls from any telephone. They typically require you to call a toll-free number (800 or 888) to access the provider’s network. You can purchase calling cards on the Internet or from many retailers throughout the USA including most department stores, gas stations, pharmacies, supermarkets, discount stores and shopping-mall kiosks. Rates can vary from 5 cents a minute to 35 cents a minute for domestic calls. International rates can be as low as 20 cents, but can also be as high as $8 per minute. It pays to shop around for the best rates
Some credit cards now allow you to charge telephone calls directly on your account. Similar to a calling card, you must call a toll-free number (800 or 888) to connect to the credit card company’s network. You then dial your credit card account number, your secret code, and the number you are calling. Calling rates vary, so you should contact your credit card company for their rates.
