Using a UK iPhone in America

[thestrangestick]

Hey guys. I'm doing a study year abroad in America in August, and I want to use my phone over there. It's an iPhone 4 on O2, and I already filled out an unlock form for it a few months ago, and now I understand I just need to sync with a different network's SIM in it.

Basically, I was just wondering what kind of options you have in the USA as far as mobiles go? I don't want a contract, as I'll just Skype people from home, I only want to use it for a few texts and maybe the odd call. Are there any Pay as you Go options available in America, and if so, which are the cheapest/best, and how can I get my hands on a SIM?

Thanks in advance

[GnatGoSplat]

If your phone is unlocked, you can use AT&T GoPhone or T-Mobile prepaid. You can usually buy SIMs on eBay that are pre-activated with a few minutes already on it. However, I've read O2 can roam on AT&T networks, so you could probably use your current O2 SIM unless international roaming is too expensive.

[thestrangestick]

If your phone is unlocked, you can use AT&T GoPhone or T-Mobile prepaid. You can usually buy SIMs on eBay that are pre-activated with a few minutes already on it. However, I've read O2 can roam on AT&T networks, so you could probably use your current O2 SIM unless international roaming is too expensive.

Thanks for the info. International roaming would definitely be too expensive, especially as I am there for a year.

So if I were to buy something like this:
America AT&T USA PAYG Prepaid Micro SIM Card MICROSIM | eBay UK

how would I put credit in it for use?

[GnatGoSplat]

If you have a credit card, I believe you can purchase airtime directly from an automated voice when you dial 611. You can also use your credit card and purchase minutes online through AT&T's website. Prepaid cell phone, GoPhone® - Wireless from AT&T
When you're here, you could also drop by an AT&T store or big chain store like Wal-Mart, and I believe also gas stations and convenience stores, and purchase a prepaid refill card which will have a PIN number that you can enter into your phone though the automated voice in 611 or the GoPhone website.

I usually buy refills for a discount from Calling Cards | Prepaid Wireless Minutes | Phone Cards | Prepaid Airtime Wireless Refill from CallingMart, which will email you a PIN number, same as the kind you'd find on the prepaid cards and you'd enter it the same way, through website or 611 automated voice.