Best pay as you go cell phone service?

[JJsmama]

I am in the USA for 2 months every year. I need cell phone service, but I do not want a contract obviously and I don't need a phone. I need a SIM card (phone number) and minutes. I want to be able to buy it easily, like in a drugstore or Target,etc. Last year I bought a T Mobile one an it was fine but I remember thinking that there were ones with a lot more minutes for about the same price with other packages. (my t mobile one expired by the way, so it won't work regardless.) During those months, I will be in the Southeast and the Northeast, if that matters.

 

[mayshamp]

I use tracfone. You pay as you go, no contracts. Good deal.

 

[gshumaker]

Straight talk is available at any walmart...runs on the verizon or AT&T network.

45 for unlimited or 30 for 1000 minutes per month

No contract

 

[torinsmom]

Virgin Mobile has unlimited data and text with 1200 minutes for $40/month or with 300 minutes for $25/month. Phones start at $10. You can also do pay by the minute with them as well.

 

[mrodgers]

Depends on where you are as well. Tracfone around me uses the Verizon service and Verizon seems to have the best coverage throughout all of the US. AT&T doesn't work well in the rural areas here, but does closer to the cities. Tracfone will use other carriers for signal in other areas. That is why some specific Tracfone phones are available in some areas and not in other areas.

 

[torinsmom]

Virgin Mobile runs off Sprint and definitely has better coverage than AT&T around here. Verizon seems to do well around here as well.

 

[ellone]

I use Pageplus and for me it's super cheap (they run off Verizon's network). I get 100 minutes for $10 and I have to refill every 120 days. So it costs me about $40 per year...I don't use my phone much. You can also get 400 minutes for $25 or 1000 for $50.

 

[ceecee]

Tracfone gets the best receptionist in our area so we use it.

 

[JJsmama]

Ok, great! These are definitely better than what I got last year. Where are these Tracfones and Virgin Mobile sold? (I know, I know.. I am really out of the loop after living abroad for 5 years...)

 

[torinsmom]

Not sure about Tracfone, but you can get the Virgin Mobile phones at Best Buy, among other places.