Options for temporary service

[luckydonut]

I live in the UK but visit the US about 3 times a year for 2-4 weeks at a time.

Currently I have a T-Mobile ToGo phone for voice and text which has suited me well for 3 years because I can go up to a year between reloads, letting me keep the same number and giving me a phone that works when I step off the plane.

I now have an unlocked iPhone 3GS that I'd like to use in the US next time I travel. I have been considering the following:

1. Switch to the $1/day Sidekick plan. But I've heard that this doesn't work with iPhone any more. Is there a clever workaround?

2. Get a new SIM on Even More Plus and pay only for the first month; then cancel and throw it away and do this again for the next trip.

I know #2 means I get a new phone number every time, but I can probably live with that for unlimited Internet... is it viable?

If I order a SIM card in advance with 500 Talk + Text and add $10 Unlimited Web does the plan start immediately, or can I wait until I'm in the country to activate it?

Actually, Talk + Text + Unlimited Web is $10 cheaper than selecting Talk + Text + Web right away. Is there a difference?

Will it cause problems further down the line with by repeated orders if they can see I frequently dump a plan after just one month?

Or (ideal scenario) is it possible to switch between my ToGo plan and Even More Plus and back again on a month-by-month basis - so that way I have full service when I'm in the US, but my account stays active but costs me nothing when I'm back home?

Thanks for any advice!

[GIRLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL]

You should keep the sim card, and just get Flexpay & sign up for E-Billing. With Flexpay you only pay for the month you want. I had an inactive (did not pay) Flexpay account for a few months with no loss of account or number.


The web for $10 is for other phones. You should just get the other web for Smartphones, it's a $10 difference and you are not going to have any problems with this plan.

SK data does not and will not ever work again.

Do you get good T-Mobile service where you go or are you always roaming?

Service will start once you check out, they activate it before shipping. It's best to just go into a T-Mobile store (not a reseller) and get started up that way.

[luckydonut]

Thanks. Can I switch my existing SIM to Flexpay or do I need a new number? The only options I have online are $1/day or Sidekick.

Do I need to pretend to have another phone than an iPhone if I get this done at a store?

I do generally get good T-Mobile coverage.

Thanks again.

[GIRLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL]

They don't care if you have an iPhone. You can probably keep your SIM and switch service over, but the number goes back into the pool once your prepaid account is released. If you do go to a store they will give you a free sim card.

I was asking about roaming because T-Mobile hasn't renewed any roaming agreements so you need good native coverage. I'm sure you're also aware that T-Mobile 3G doesn't work on the iPhone's 3G radio too.

[luckydonut]

Great, thanks. I'll give it a go next month!