Slater International Center
1
106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481 Tel 781.283.2082
BUYING A CELL PHONE IN THE U.S.
Buying a cell phone is more than just choosing a handset; you also have to pick a service
provider. There are two types of cell phone service plans: contract or prepaid plans.
Contract Plans
With a contract plan, you will get very low prices on new phones compared to prepaid
plans, however they come with higher monthly rates. A typical contract will last two years
for cell phone service. Terminating the contract early may require the customer to pay a
large penalty fee.
To qualify for a contract plan, a cell phone provider may review the customer’s credit
history. This is challenging for international students who do not have a Social Security
Number or credit history in the U.S. Cell phone providers may require a security deposit
instead, which can cost up to $400-$500.
o AT&T and T-Mobile do not require a Social Security Number or security deposit to
open an account. Students will need to show two photo IDs (i.e. passport and
student ID), plus a copy of an apartment lease, a bank statement, or a utility bill.
Prepaid Plans
Prepaid plans are easier for new international students to obtain because they do not
require a Social Security number and/or a credit history check. These "pay-as-you-go" plans
use the same cell phone networks and offer the same services as contract plans do,
generally at lower monthly rates. Other advantages of these plans include no long-term
contracts, security deposits, or penalties for cancellation. However, you will likely have to
pay full price for your phone itself.
It may be possible to use a cell phone from your home country if it uses a SIM card and has
been unlocked. However, ask a technician to confirm if the phone is compatible with that
company's network.
o CampusSims can ship you your SIM card to your home so you will have it before you
arrive in the U.S.
Examples: Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Cricket, and more (offered by most major companies
(AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon) and are also available through electronic retail stores
(Best Buy, Radio Shack)
Messaging Apps
Apps are another way to stay in contact with your friends without paying fees
Examples: WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, WeChat, GroupMe and more
Please see other side for links, locations, and phone numbers of companies.
2
Do your research before buying a phone and don’t forget that besides technology, there are
other factors that should play into your service provider decision:
1) Which carrier has the most economical service plans?
2) Which carrier has the most attractive selection of phones?
3) Which carrier has the best reception?
Company
Links
Location
AT&T
Best service on Wellesley campus!
Website: https://www.att.com/wireless/
Prepaid Plan Information:
https://www.att.com/shop/wireless/gophone.ht
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Natick Collection
1245 Worcester Street
Natick, MA 01760
508-650-6970
699 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-369-9000
T-Mobile
Website: http://www.t-mobile.com
Prepaid Plan Information:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/
1245 Worcester Street
Natick, MA 01760
774-330-5439
1084 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-536-0138
Sprint
Website: http://www.sprint.com
Sells prepaid phones by:
www.virginmobileusa.com
www.boostmobile.com
1245 Worcester Street
Natick, MA 01760
508-975-4258
422 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-747-1300
Verizon
Wireless
2
nd
Best service on Wellesley campus!
Website: http://www.verizonwireless.com
Prepaid Plan Information:
https://www.verizonwireless.com/prepaid/
1245 Worcester Street
Natick, MA 01760
508-647-4008
745 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-266-9000
CampusSims
Website: https://www.campussims.com/
Service works with any unlocked GSM phone
Select monthly plan
Order SIM online, ship to college or home
residence, insert SIM into phone, and activate.
