Which Mobile Operator to Choose in New York: Immigrant Tips

If you are going to visit New York or move here permanently, then one of the first questions that you will have is how to stay in touch with loved ones. Who better to know the answer to this question, if not the Russian-speaking residents of the United States? They share their recommendations in group "Looking for advice" в Facebook created by the administrators of the ForumDaily.com website.

The author of one of the posts asked for advice on which operator's SIM card is best to buy upon arrival in New York. Below you will find out what Russian-speaking residents of the United States and those who have traveled a lot in America think about this.

The fact is that SIM cards are sold in many places: airports, pharmacies, supermarkets, and so on.

However, there are several mobile operators, and newbies often don't know which one to choose.

“Where to connect mobile communications? How much does it cost not to overpay too much? At first, my wife and I will call mainly to each other. There is no American address yet, there are no documents, except for the Russian passport, ”- the author of the post asks.

So, there are several major mobile operators operating in New York: T-Mobile, Verizon, Metro-PCS, Sprint и AT&T... There are also dozens of smaller operators, including Ultramobile, Simple Mobile, H2O, Mint Mobile and others.

According to Vadim, Verizon the best communication quality. “But it will not work for Russian phones, since it does not work on GSM,” he notes. - From cheap providers you can see Ultramobile, Simple Mobile, H2O. T-Mobile also has prepaid SIM cards, but more expensive than Ultramobile or Simple Mobile. "

In addition, the author recommends that you familiarize yourself with the roaming rates of your mobile operator at home in advance and simply pay extra if necessary, so as not to change the operator upon arrival. This is suitable for those who are traveling to New York for a short time as a tourist. To stay connected and save money, you can, for example, use the WhatsApp app.

Another member of the group supports this idea and advises using MTS in New York. “Was a week ago. If you are traveling for less than two weeks, then it is better to stay on the MTS. 200 rubles a day, 1 gigabyte, or pay $ 50 at T-mobile for the same, ”he writes.

Another group member advises paying attention to the operator Mint mobile... “Take Mint and you won't be mistaken,” writes Konstantin. - They will send SIM cards by mail. Only $ 15 per month. It's cheap to call Russia. "

“I join the Mint ad! I tried all the operators - this is the best way out, - writes Roxana. - I rarely watch videos, I use the Internet for correspondence, I call via Viber and WhatsApp - without interruption and problems. If there is not enough internet, buy internet for $ 5 every month. Take Mint, and you will be happy. "

If you want to buy a starter pack from AT&T, T-mobile or Verizon, then keep in mind: all three have the same tariff, but the quality is different, Vasily notes. “Verizon has the best connection quality, but not all handsets work with it, and you will have to call the operator to put the handset in the base and start the Internet. I do not recommend T-mobile - the quality of communication is worse than that of the other two, but in some places it may work well, ”he writes.

Or you can purchase a package Tracfone Wireless... “It has three cards from different operators, including T-Mobile, but there is a package for $ 25 for 2 months. True, there are limits on the Internet and conversations, ”writes Sergei.

Another member of the group, Olga, advises using Wi-Fi. “Where you live, he will clearly be,” she notes.

On the subject: 5 rules of life in New York: tips for beginners from a Ukrainian immigrant

Straight Talk Is another mobile operator recommended by Russian-speaking New Yorkers. “You can buy SIM cards and a phone at Walmart, use the Verizon option. It is cheaper and the quality is like that of Verizon itself, sometimes even better, ”advises Alexandra.

As an alternative to T-mobile, some members of the group advise Boost Mobile... “Everyone advised T-mobile, but it's expensive. The same service and cheaper in Boost Mobile. In the first case, you pay the operator $ 83 for one, and in the second, $ 100 for four, ”writes Den.

By the way, you can save on mobile communication if you buy several cards at once from one operator. Pay attention to the operator simple mobile... “Simple mobile has the cheapest (connection - Ed.), - writes Svetlana. - Tariffs - from $ 20. If you take two numbers, you will get a discount. "

Olga added: "If you really need a connection across the States, then Simple Mobile has low tariffs - $ 20-25 per month, you can connect it in the T-mobile store."

Some advise to choose an operator Lycamobile... It is a British mobile operator with operations in 23 countries. Calls from Lycamobile to Ukraine and Russia are free, writes Maxim.

Recall that in the Big Apple there are many ways to stay in touch with family and friends. About free Wi-Fi in New York we wrote to this publication.