Phone use in States

theoneeyedman · 01-08-2018 2:18pm

Berty wrote: »

I used it as a Hotspot when my wife needed it on my Dual Sim phone.

Me too.

I did find it hard to get 4g in and around NYC tho, at best 3g.

mutley18 · 02-08-2018 9:32am

So correct me if I am wrong please somebody, going to the States for 2 weeks, don't care about calls or texts, just want data to use Whatsapp etc, is my best bet to buy a Three UK sim and pop it in my unlocked Samsung S7? Sorry this is all new to me

errlloyd · 02-08-2018 9:38am

mutley18 wrote: »

So correct me if I am wrong please somebody, going to the States for 2 weeks, don't care about calls or texts, just want data to use Whatsapp etc, is my best bet to buy a Three UK sim and pop it in my unlocked Samsung S7? Sorry this is all new to me

This may work, but it may not. Whatsapp is attached to one number and sends a verification text to that number to activate the app. I think if it detects a new sim it'll send a new verification text. I think you're actually better off getting a cheap old phone, putting the three sim in that, and using it as a hot spot.

MoyVilla9 · 02-08-2018 9:38am

mutley18 wrote: »

So correct me if I am wrong please somebody, going to the States for 2 weeks, don't care about calls or texts, just want data to use Whatsapp etc, is my best bet to buy a Three UK sim and pop it in my unlocked Samsung S7? Sorry this is all new to me

Yes, exactly. You probably will have to add the Three UK APN before it works. At least that's what I had to do. http://support.three.co.uk/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBISAPI.DLL/,/?New,Kb=Mobile,Ts=Mobile,T=Device,varset_pid=5808,Case=EXT(EM79771)

MoyVilla9 · 02-08-2018 9:40am

errlloyd wrote: »

This may work, but it may not. Whatsapp is attached to one number and sends a verification text to that number to activate the app. I think if it detects a new sim it'll send a new verification text. I think you're actually better off getting a cheap old phone, putting the three sim in that, and using it as a hot spot.

It doesn't do this when a new sim is put in.

xckjoo · 08-08-2018 9:34am

Going to be heading to the states for a short holiday soon (5 days). Don't expect to be using the phone a huge amount but always handy to have. Is the Three UK SIM the standard advice or should I just eat the roaming costs if/when I need to? With Eir if that makes a difference. I don't imagine we'll need to ring people too often but we might need to make calls to AirBnB host, etc. Is there a VOIP option I could use easily and just go with data?

Berty · 08-08-2018 10:14am

You get 3000 Texts and 3000 mins along with 12GB of data if you buy that one so I'd be using the UK phone number to make calls to the Air BNB person. I'm heading next week and plan to use my new UK number(30 day sim) for all outgoing calls when over there. For me with Eir it costs money to both answer the phone and make calls so I'll be not even answering if it rings but ringing people back using my Three UK Sim.

If you're there for 5 days I'd be getting the 5GB version of the sim with the cheaper price instead of the 12GB.

Duff · 27-09-2018 4:00pm

Heading to LA/Vegas next weekend.. Is this the SIM I need?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-3-PAYG-4G-Trio-Data-SIM-Pack-Preloaded-with-12GB-of-Data-Three-Sizes/153163599727?hash=item23a9430f6f:g:WzwAAOSwIShbi~LH

Thanks.

Berty · 27-09-2018 4:07pm

Yes, if you use Parcel Wizard or similar, doesn't post here.

How long are you going for? Would 3GB do you? (No Mins/Texts)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Mobile-Pay-Broadband-Data/dp/B006H7BKXG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538064434&sr=8-1&keywords=three+sim+card+3gb

the perfect ten · 27-09-2018 4:24pm

I'd be interested to hear if anyone had experience of using the WorldSim (www.worldsim.com) international SIM card in the States.

Duff · 27-09-2018 5:19pm

Berty wrote: »

Yes, if you use Parcel Wizard or similar, doesn't post here.

How long are you going for? Would 3GB do you? (No Mins/Texts)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Mobile-Pay-Broadband-Data/dp/B006H7BKXG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538064434&sr=8-1&keywords=three+sim+card+3gb

Going to get it posted to in-laws in Belfast so should get there during the week I'd imagine?

Going for 15 days so not sure if 3GB would be enough as I'll be using it for GPS driving around LA and to Vegas. Thanks.

Berty · 27-09-2018 5:52pm

Duff wrote: »

Going to get it posted to in-laws in Belfast so should get there during the week I'd imagine?

Going for 15 days so not sure if 3GB would be enough as I'll be using it for GPS driving around LA and to Vegas. Thanks.

Yes a good idea alright albeit don't rely on a good signal when driving out of major areas. A few weeks back I lost signal for about 30 miles south of San Francisco so would have been better downloading an "Offline Map" which you should do over Wifi.

I had 3 cars in the USA as well and each of them had Android Auto/Apple Car Play which was very handy. You might be lucky so bring your USB with you as well.

Duff · 27-09-2018 7:31pm

Berty wrote: »

Yes a good idea alright albeit don't rely on a good signal when driving out of major areas. A few weeks back I lost signal for about 30 miles south of San Francisco so would have been better downloading an "Offline Map" which you should do over Wifi.

I had 3 cars in the USA as well and each of them had Android Auto/Apple Car Play which was very handy. You might be lucky so bring your USB with you as well.

Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely download them offline just in case! If I got a car with Android auto it'd be fantastic. I'm actually seeing about renting a car on Monday, who did you rent with if you don't mind me asking?

Berty · 27-09-2018 7:42pm

Duff wrote: »

Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely download them offline just in case! If I got a car with Android auto it'd be fantastic. I'm actually seeing about renting a car on Monday, who did you rent with if you don't mind me asking?

I rent with avis.ie direct so avoiding way drop off fees as well. Use code E888805 when booking. *not responsible for code being rejected when collecting car, code meant for their top tier members. (I'm not one) but never been stopped on the past 6 rentals in different countries, including the USA.

brijay · 28-09-2018 1:21am

Metro PCS is 50 dollars for unlimited everything I believe

Batesout · 28-09-2018 5:04pm

Berty wrote: »

Yes a good idea alright albeit don't rely on a good signal when driving out of major areas. A few weeks back I lost signal for about 30 miles south of San Francisco so would have been better downloading an "Offline Map" which you should do over Wifi.

I had 3 cars in the USA as well and each of them had Android Auto/Apple Car Play which was very handy. You might be lucky so bring your USB with you as well.

I bought a Sat Nav on Amazon when I was in the USA, but had none driving from Los Angeles to San Diego . I downloaded Navmii on play store ,downloaded the California map and it worked perfectly.

Duff · 04-10-2018 10:05pm

The sim card I ordered still isn't here from UK to a UK address that was dispatched Monday morning :rolleyes: Anyway, I actually found the sim I used last year with same deal on it. However, that was 13 months ago and it hasn't been used since. Can I just top up again to get the deal again or is it useless as it hasn't been used in so long?

Thanks.

acquiescefc · 15-01-2019 7:38am

Just for reference i wanted to check balance on 12gb 3 sim.
Been to US twice and going again in March so wasnt sure what my balance was.
Got onto three.co.uk chat with and they just ask for last 6 digits in sim itself to check.
Cant believe i still have 9gb left...brilliant deal

Berty · 15-01-2019 7:53am

I got a 5gb 30 day with 3000 mins and texts delivered yesterday from my memory. Was €13.51 delivered. 6 days in New York coming up. Bargain, compared to Eir who want 14.99 for 200mb alone.

Hurrache · 15-01-2019 9:35am

Can you tell us the link as to which you bought?

Macer123 · 15-01-2019 10:49am

Can anyone please confirm if I am to buy the Three UK SIM as linked many times on this thread, will the phone I am using need to be unblocked (currently on the Three Ireland network) ? Thanks.

Atlantic Dawn · 15-01-2019 11:32am

Macer123 wrote: »

Can anyone please confirm if I am to buy the Three UK SIM as linked many times on this thread, will the phone I am using need to be unblocked (currently on the Three Ireland network) ? Thanks.

Yes needs to be unlocked, separate company.

paulhardman · 15-01-2019 11:35am

Macer123 wrote: »

Can anyone please confirm if I am to buy the Three UK SIM as linked many times on this thread, will the phone I am using need to be unblocked (currently on the Three Ireland network) ? Thanks.

Yes, it will. Either unlocked or locked to Three UK.

Berty · 15-01-2019 11:39am

Hurrache wrote: »

Can you tell us the link as to which you bought?

https://www.mymemory.ie/3-payg-4g-trio-sim-pack-aio15-3000-minutes-3000-texts-5gb-data.html

€16 now though. Guess I got a January Sale.

Remember Amazon also sell this and the prices often fluctuates(currently around the same price but no free shipping until you hit £20/25

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Mobile-Data-Pay-You/dp/B0753DK9JP/ref=sr_1_2?s=telephone&ie=UTF8&qid=1547552339&sr=1-2&keywords=three+5gb

ParkyJiSung · 15-01-2019 11:50am

Is there anywhere you could buy these in manchester airport? Heading to NYC sunday,, too late now to get anything shipped.
Never realised they existed they sound the right job

Berty · 15-01-2019 12:13pm

ParkyJiSung wrote: »

Is there anywhere you could buy these in manchester airport? Heading to NYC sunday,, too late now to get anything shipped.
Never realised they existed they sound the right job

Dunno but this could cost a bit more BUT you could buy one from Amazon, get it shipped 1/2 days to Northern Ireland and through Parcel Motel/Wizard to get it to you wherever you are. If you used Parcel Motel at least they fill the lockers on a Saturday so a better chance.

I bought something last week on a Monday at 7pm, it was delivered to my house(direct and not through NI) at 8am Wednesday so you could run the risk.

Hurrache · 15-01-2019 5:00pm

Berty wrote: »

https://www.mymemory.ie/3-payg-4g-trio-sim-pack-aio15-3000-minutes-3000-texts-5gb-data.html

€16 now though. Guess I got a January Sale.

Remember Amazon also sell this and the prices often fluctuates(currently around the same price but no free shipping until you hit £20/25

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Mobile-Data-Pay-You/dp/B0753DK9JP/ref=sr_1_2?s=telephone&ie=UTF8&qid=1547552339&sr=1-2&keywords=three+5gb

Cheers!

Wasn't aware of this thread until your post bumped it. So basically buy that SIM and you have that allowance to use while in the US? There's a Q&A on the Amazon website that says that the text and voice allowance can only be used to call the UK?

And the Amazon one you link to has 30GB of data, the mymemory one has 5GB.

Berty · 15-01-2019 5:06pm

Hurrache wrote: »

Cheers!

Wasn't aware of this thread until your post bumped it. So basically buy that SIM and you have that allowance to use while in the US?

There's one with 12GB Data Only, then the others have 1,3,5GB and upwards that come with calls and texts.

12GB lasts 12 months from the date you activate it(put into the phone)
The others are basically pay as you go cards pre loaded where the data/calls/texts you buy only last 30 days.

My upcoming trip is 6 days so I went with 5GB as I'll also have Wifi in the hotel and my wife can tether off my data when needed out and about. Tested already with my S8 so definitely works for me.

No calls and Texts can be used in the USA. I know as I've used it to call home on the last trip.

Hurrache · 15-01-2019 5:36pm

Berty wrote: »

No calls and Texts can be used in the USA. I know as I've used it to call home on the last trip.

Hope it's a case of "Eats, shoots and leaves",

You're saying "No, calls and texts can be used" as in you've used the calls and texts to text and call Ireland from the US?

acquiescefc · 15-01-2019 6:30pm

ParkyJiSung wrote: »

Is there anywhere you could buy these in manchester airport? Heading to NYC sunday,, too late now to get anything shipped.
Never realised they existed they sound the right job

if youve chance to go to argos in uk, £35 for 12GB with 12 months expiry

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5787957

acquiescefc · 15-01-2019 6:31pm

Hurrache wrote: »

Hope it's a case of "Eats, shoots and leaves",

You're saying "No, calls and texts can be used" as in you've used the calls and texts to text and call Ireland from the US?

I think you can use whatsapp/viber but not regular phone service, i struggled to send texts in US

Hoolies · 17-01-2019 2:13pm

Hoping someone can guide me. Trying to top up one of three SIM cards I bought approx 18monthd ago. Failing to topup online. Using Revolut card but fails due to different addresses - I have tried to change the Revolut card address. Any ideas? Anyone else have problems topping up?

Thanks

Atlantic Dawn · 17-01-2019 2:21pm

Hoolies wrote: »

Hoping someone can guide me. Trying to top up one of three SIM cards I bought approx 18monthd ago. Failing to topup online. Using Revolut card but fails due to different addresses - I have tried to change the Revolut card address. Any ideas? Anyone else have problems topping up?

Thanks

Are you logging in through Three.co.uk?

The pricing to topup is multiples of the price to buy a fresh card, if you have time it's far cheaper to just buy a new card.

Hoolies · 17-01-2019 4:46pm

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Are you logging in through Three.co.uk?

The pricing to topup is multiples of the price to buy a fresh card, if you have time it's far cheaper to just buy a new card.

Yes using the .co.uk site and selecting one of the multiples available for top ups. It fails based on addresses saved for three website and Revolut. As stated in OP I have changed both of these to be a UK address as it has to be UK. If no-one else has successfully topped up i’ll Look at getting another SIM. Thank you @AtlanticDawn

dodzy · 17-01-2019 11:10pm

Hoolies wrote: »

Yes using the .co.uk site and selecting one of the multiples available for top ups. It fails based on addresses saved for three website and Revolut. As stated in OP I have changed both of these to be a UK address as it has to be UK. If no-one else has successfully topped up i’ll Look at getting another SIM. Thank you @AtlanticDawn

Forget topping up and success of others. GET THE NEW CARD. different number, but surely that’s irrelevant.

glog · 17-01-2019 11:37pm

Hoolies wrote: »

Yes using the .co.uk site and selecting one of the multiples available for top ups. It fails based on addresses saved for three website and Revolut. As stated in OP I have changed both of these to be a UK address as it has to be UK. If no-one else has successfully topped up i’ll Look at getting another SIM. Thank you @AtlanticDawn

This site works to buy a voucher, but they take a £1.50 cut for £10

https://www.mobiletopup.co.uk/

webpal · 02-02-2019 9:35pm

I’ve come across this deal - 8gb data a month, for three months, $20 all in.

https://www.mintmobile.com/product/03-month-medium-sim-card-plan/?clickid=X5NUrg2AcxyJTc30RFzYkRCrUkgVciR25wbu0g0&irgwc=1

Use code CHUNKYTWEET to take off $40

Might not be the best or cheapest but it’s an option

mar2000 · 03-02-2019 2:53pm

Hoolies wrote: »

Hoping someone can guide me. Trying to top up one of three SIM cards I bought approx 18monthd ago. Failing to topup online. Using Revolut card but fails due to different addresses - I have tried to change the Revolut card address. Any ideas? Anyone else have problems topping up?

Thanks

Hi there. I have a 3 UK sim that I use once or twice a year and I buy top up from a website called mobiletopup.co.uk and they email you the top up code immediately and then I just top up online as I have the number registered.

adam88 · 07-02-2019 1:17am

If you get one of these SIM cards are you screwed for using what’s app ???? What’s app is linked to a phone number correct? So if I’m using a three Uk SIM card my Irish what’s app number won’t wirk.

EdgeCase · 07-02-2019 1:24am

Only if you reregister the WhatsApp account with a new number or attempt to use it on two phones at the same time.

If you don't do anything, it shouldn't care as long as it has data.

fifi28 · 07-02-2019 9:46am

adam88 wrote: »

If you get one of these SIM cards are you screwed for using what’s app ???? What’s app is linked to a phone number correct? So if I’m using a three Uk SIM card my Irish what’s app number won’t wirk.

Used mine in November when in florida and the first time i opened whattsapp after putting in the us sim it asked did i want to switch the number to the us one and i tapped no and then it just worked as normal. Hth

jem · 07-02-2019 10:24am

Looked up 3mobile uk site.
Looks like you can only phone or text uk numbers - cand ring Ireladn or other phones in USA. Am I reading this correctly.
If I am, any other sugestions. group of us going to vegas in april and would like to be able to ring home and also to be able to ring/text each other while there.

dodzy · 07-02-2019 12:28pm

jem wrote: »

Looked up 3mobile uk site.
Looks like you can only phone or text uk numbers - cand ring Ireladn or other phones in USA. Am I reading this correctly.
If I am, any other sugestions. group of us going to vegas in april and would like to be able to ring home and also to be able to ring/text each other while there.

Set up a group of the travellers and keep in touch over whatsapp. For calling home, again just use whatsapp or an alternative. If you want the luxury of dialling home as a regular call, you'll have to get a plan with an international calls add-on.

Just use whatsapp. Cheaper & easier.

mac_daddy · 07-02-2019 1:30pm

Cheaper than Argos and looks like they ship free to Ireland:

https://www.mymemory.co.uk/3-payg-4g-trio-data-sim-pack-with-12gb-data.html

Hardtochoose · 07-02-2019 2:16pm

Looks like exactly what I’m looking for. How do people use these, just swap out with your Irish SIM card, giving you data and WhatsApp ?
How does it work for phone calls and sms, do people set up a call divert to their new SIM card number for the duration of the trip ?

fast_eddie · 07-02-2019 2:20pm

There's an even cheaper one for stg£20 with loads of calls and texts - but the 12Gb data allowance will only last for 30 days...

https://www.mymemory.co.uk/3-payg-4g-trio-sim-pack-aio20-3000-minutes-3000-texts-12gb-data.html

JonnieGee · 07-02-2019 2:40pm

I'm flying to the US next week, forgot to get a sim. Could anybody recommend somewhere I could buy a preloaded UK sim that would deliver by next Wednesday close of business?

Thanks in advance

pissed · 07-02-2019 3:18pm

fast_eddie wrote: »

There's an even cheaper one for stg£20 with loads of calls and texts - but the 12Gb data allowance will only last for 30 days...

https://www.mymemory.co.uk/3-payg-4g-trio-sim-pack-aio20-3000-minutes-3000-texts-12gb-data.html

Would those calls and texts work for calls back to Ireland or would they just be for calls to the UK?

fast_eddie · 07-02-2019 3:51pm

pissed wrote: »

Would those calls and texts work for calls back to Ireland or would they just be for calls to the UK?

Calls/texts to UK numbers only afaik...

Atlantic Dawn · 07-02-2019 8:55pm

One good plus with the Three Data sim when abroad is the IP address it gets assigned is a UK one so you can use the likes of BBC iPlayer with them.

Phone use in States

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