Getting a Cell Phone in the US
Getting a phone is one of the easiest ways to keep in touch with work, family, and friends. New York International has looked before at the best way to make cheap international calls, but if you’ve just moved to the U.S., or even if you’re firmly settled in, being able text, call and e-mail wherever you are have become a must; especially considering all the apps available to smartphone users - cell phones are increasingly used as city guides, maps, and as a method of payment. In fact, the uses are almost endless.So, how do you go about getting a cell phone?It’s surprisingly simple to sign up for and activate a cell phone here in NYC. As long as you have a credit card, bank account and proof of a permanent address, you can walk into any phone store and leave with one that same day. Having proof of address and a working bank account are especially important.There are many factors to consider before you get a U.S. cell phone. Are you planning to stay here long? Contracts commonly last two years or more – and it’s costly to break the plan. Have you made sure to budget for any initial connection fees? The rate you pay in the long run may not match what you see on your first few bills. What will you be using this phone for? The smartphone market has changed the way cell phones are used in the U.S., and there really is a whole new world out there if you know where to look.
What type of phone?
Smartphones have become the norm in New York. Internet browsing, cameras, e-mail, GPS, and specialized “apps” – downloadable applications developed for a specific use – have changed the way people relate to the world, as well as cell phones. In the US, as long as it’s within your budget, there’s really no reason not to get a smartphone – and increasingly you’ll find yourself left behind in work meetings and with friends if you’re out of the loop with the latest apps. Smartphones are available from most providers and makers, so do shop around.If you’re only staying in the US for a limited time, prepaid phones may be a better idea. These “pay as you go” phones allow you to pay by month, day, or even minute, and can cost as little as $2 a day for unlimited use. The package you want will depend on the usage, but you can get anything from $65 monthly plans to $0.10 a minute plans. All the major providers offer prepaid cell phones – just make sure you know the limitations. If, for example, you bought a prepaid phone but want to surf the web and check e-mail, you’ll need a data plan on top of it – normally you pay per megabyte or gigabyte of data.
Who from?
Currently, the four biggest providers in the US are Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Though there are also some local and regional service providers, as an international likely to travel around, it’s probably best to stick to these four. As large, established companies, this could also make things easier should you need to use your phone abroad.
How long?
If you’re buying a cell in the US, there are two main options open to you: Prepaid or contract. Prepaid charges you by the minute, or by data-usage, for calls, texts and browsing – in which case you’ll also need to buy the phone itself. If you instead sign a phone contract, the phone will either be reduced or “free” in exchange for a fixed monthly price set by a contract lasting several years. US cell phone contracts often require you to be signed up for several months before international usage is enabled.If you do sign up to a provider but then want to change, you can usually keep your number as long as you’re staying within the same state.
Where from?
The providers sell their own phones, but you’re also able to shop in larger stories, such as Walmart, Target, and RadioShack. If you’re really not sure which phone you’d like, this can be a great way to compare competitors side by side. If, though, you’ve looked around and settled on a phone you’d like (and factors here may include camera quality, processor speed, battery life, and 3G / 4G capability) then the provider’s store may have the better deals. The representatives there will be able to help you, but do ask questions and be aware that they may have a particular phone they’re trying to push – don’t be pressured into a contract you don’t want.
Plans?
The term “plan” here refers to the specific details of any contract or prepaid agreement you enter into. The monthly fee of a phone contract covers a set amount of talking minutes, and sometimes a set amount of data usage – anything over can result in separate charges. It’s these charges that can make phones unexpectedly expensive, so make sure you get a plan that’s right for you. There are specific plans catered to those who will talk more than browse, or browse but not necessarily talk very much, and other variations. It’s hard to judge how you’ll really use your phone in NYC, but being aware of the caps as you sign up to will save headaches and unexpected bills later on.If you sign a contract and then want to end it before the specified time, you’ll have to pay an “early termination fee.” At the moment, Verizon (one of the largest networks in the US) charges $350 for early termination of a smartphone contract, minus $10 for every full month you’ve had it. This is pretty standard. AT&T charges $325 for termination of a smartphone contract with a data plan, minus $10 for every full month of the service plan you’ve fulfilled. For basic phones, this becomes $150 minus $4 for every full month ($5 on Verizon).When contracts are up, you normally have the option of renewing it, often with the chance to change or upgrade the phone you’re using. This way you keep the latest technology, and the provider keeps your custom. Be aware that every time you change the terms of your contract (such as adding more minutes to the monthly plan) you contract term will extend.If you are getting phones for a spouse or your children as well, there is the option of a family plan – a contract with more than one phone number on it, but paid through the same account and with the same rates. This is a great way for families to all have their own phones while still keeping the benefits of the initial contract – plus, adding a new number to an existing contract is normally cheaper than signing up for a new contract in itself.
Enjoy!
With the phone and the plan chosen, you’re set. You can check out our guide to the Top Ten Apps for NYC internationals, browse our website, even view our Facebook page, Twitter account, or sign up for the New York International newsletter. It might also be worth reading our guide to social etiquette in NYC. With all the phones in New York City, people do appreciate a bit of peace and quiet every now and then. Article updated December 2, 2014