I-Phone Roaming in USA (Telstra)

[crazydave98]

I'm heading to the States next week - can anybody tell me whether a Telstra iPhone will work on roam in the USA, or whether you can rent a local SIM card in teh US that will work with an Australian-bought iPhone?
Many thanks.

CrazyDave98

 

[notzac]

Re: Buying iPhone overseas

It'll roam without an issue, but you mightn't like the price! :shock:

I've heard of problems with prepaid SIMs, but can't confirm either of the following: AT&T sims will not work in an unlocked iPhone, and T-Mobile SIMs won't work with 3G.

Please post back and let us know how you go!

 

[docjames]

Re: Buying iPhone overseas

Will work.

For calls expect to pay $6/minute + connection fees.

I hate to think what the data download fees are :shock:



Edit: US is cheaper than that (around $3/min) but iirc we paid $6/min in mexico.

 

[samh004]

Re: Buying iPhone overseas

Will work.

For calls expect to pay $6/minute + connection fees.

I hate to think what the data download fees are :shock:

Turn off data roaming, it'll save you a bundle.

 

[serfty]

Here's some more related information:

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/gsm-sim-card-usa-canada-13784.html
  
• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...and-internet/pre-paid-sim-card-us-5516-3.html
  
• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/using-aussie-mobile-phones-us-9408.html

 

[serfty]

Here's the link to Telstra's roaming charges:

International Roaming - Telstra - USA

Note the image - I think the girl is in shock on checking her bill!

 

[Bundy Bear]

If you are a Telstra customer then the Overseas data roaming part is automatically turned off.

If you are an Optus customer then data roaming is usually left on and you need to manually turn it off, or expect to get hit with a big bill. :shock:

 

[crazydave98]

Thank you all for the advice.
cheers
CrazyDave98

 

[GoldCoastGuy]

Get the Skype app... add credit... find a free wi-fi hotspot (which includes some hotels) and call away at around 3c per minute

I called home in NYC from my hotel (Hilton Garden Inn W35th St)... 39 min call cost $1.13.

I also use it to make international calls from home.


Evan :->

 

[SnowYeti]

Get the Skype app... add credit... find a free wi-fi hotspot (which includes some hotels) and call away at around 3c per minute

I called home in NYC from my hotel (Hilton Garden Inn W35th St)... 39 min call cost $1.13.

I also use it to make international calls from home.


Evan :->

Evan, I stayed there too! and used skype but on my Mac, not iPhone! hehe.

 

[Maca44]

Here is the page from the Wallmart website that deals with the purchase of a prepaid cell phone, and is a great option if you have a lot of calls to make whilst in the USA. As I only travel to the USA every 18mths to 2 yrs I purchase a phone from either Wallmart or Fred Meyer when I arrive in the USA and the cost of the prepaid "usually" does me for the three weeks I am there.
Walmart.com: Electronics: Prepaid Cell Phones

 

[drewbles]

Problem with the USA is pre-paid data is still a pain.

I actually work for a company that does pre-paid global (and USA) SIM cards. We offer data in the USA, but it's not at prices you'll enjoy (thanks to the stupidly huge cost local carriers charge us for the privilege of using it).

Your iPhone will work with any carrier, providing you pay Telstra to unlock your phone to work with any carrier. Once it's unlocked, it's open slather for any provider you wish. You can go with a pre-paid SIM like the ones we sell, or a local provider such as AT&T or T-Mobile. You'll have no problems with any of them for voice calling. If you want 'reasonable' priced data, you may be able to get something on T-Mobile or AT&T direct, but don't count on it for prepaid