United States of America Travel Answers

Get a disposable phone with AT&T Minutes Plan. It is prepaid and they only charge you for the actual minutes you use. One of our daughters has it and loves it. Just be sure AT&T covers the area you will be traveling. There is a lot of the American West that isn't covered but it's not particularly tourist country there.

This is what I did: I went into the nearest cheapo phone shop (it was a Best Buy, as it happens) and found the cheapest pay-as-you-go phone I could find on the racks. As it happens, it's AT&T. The nice chap in the shop set it up for me, and I added enough credit to see me through 2 weeks. Cost me less than 30USD all told, and I think about 15USD of that is credit (much too much, actually, didn't use most of it). Phone was abs fine and is in no way 'disposable'. I shall use it again this summer, although I know my remaining credit may have expired and I may have to top it up (and certainly charge it up!). A caveat: shop asked for my passport (I gave a photocopy) just so they could have proper ID for my UK address etc etc. I consider this to be absolutely fair enough and it was no problem at all..but do make sure you take passport or copy with you when you go to buy the phone.

Ah . . . Best Buy, one of our favorite stores! ;^)

I have to say I was very impressed by the range, the prices and the very nice people who were serving (it was the NY one somewhere near Grand Central station).

Yes, go to the nearest shop that sells mobile phones (a mall may be more appropriate if you can't find a store). Everybody is so friendly. Just ask the sales person about what you require, and they will be more than happy to help. They will not try to force anything on you that you don't want. Just be straight with them and they will tell/find you exactly what you need. It's a sure-fire way to more have a huge phone bill on your return!! Good luck, Hayley :)

The cheapest is probably a TRACFONE. They are the closest phone to a "Disposable Phone". Right now there is a deal for19.95 and free shipping (in the states). You get the phone and a phone card with 60 minutes on it. The card is only good for 3 months, but does not start until it is activated. If you have a friend or relative here in the states near where you are arriving at, have it sent to them. And tracfone coverage is good for Seattle and Minnesota. OR when you arrive go to a local Walmart. They have a TRACFONE model LG410G with 60 minute card for19.88.

BTW, When you buy a TRACFONE here you don't need an ID unless you are using a credit card. If you pay in cash, nothing is needed.

There are a number of places that will accept phones back too. There is a store near me that buys back pretty much any cell phone that will work on a digital network (they don't buy the analog stuff that won't work today). There are also a number of charities that will accept them as donations.

go to walmart and just get a mobile not dear[i got one for$30 and inc calls] you can look online at walmart.com i have bought 2 in the past and you can use it next time. ps i also bought a bike in vegas only58 cheaper than bike hire

Thanks for all the good information. I don't have to worry about passport etc. as I'm a U.S. citizen but live permanently in the UK. I think I'll send my son shopping before I arrive! The tracphone sounds like a good deal.

i never liked the trac phone,i bought verison nokia its in my draw here still i bought from walmart you can look online for walmart stock and stores

WOW i just looked on walmarts site cheapest mobile is a trac phone$9,98 with calls to lots of mobiles [cellphones]under40