T-Mobile Tourist Plan / What to do?

[Mama Bear Me2]

Hi All,

1) Does T-Mobile Tourist Plan charge for "activation" of SIM card?

2) Cost would be USD$30 + taxes? NO extra charges?

3) I assume to avoid roaming & data charges, as soon as I get on the plane (departing Canada) I turn all data & roaming OFF so this does NOT kick in when I arrive in the USA (since I will still have my Canadian SIM in the phone and need to get to a T-Mobile store 1st).

4) Is it better to just "remove" the SIM from the phone when I get on the plane (departing Canada)?

5) Would the above (data & roaming = OFF) be done IF I put the phone on "airplane" mode OR does "airplane" mode do something else?

Thanks ... newbie and don't really understand cell phones as I will be getting a new phone for the 1st time.

Many thanks!

 

[starvenger]

1) Most prepaid SIM cards don't charge for activation so I would assume this does not as well.

2) Looks like shipping is free, so correct.

3) Yes. Although for me personally, I turn the cellular data off before switching to airplane mode, as I will turn airplane mode off after landing. I'm not too worried about incurring roaming charges for phone calls - if I have to make a call, I'll take the hit - but I'm not getting dinged for data simply because I got a few emails.

4) I think it's best to leave it in until you have to switch over.

5) Yes, airplane mode turns off phone, cellular data, and wifi services. Although you can turn wifi back on as needed. And again, I'd manually turn the cellular data off first before switching to airplane mode, just in case.

 

[xlxo]

Another option is Roam Mobility.... It's a Canada operation that resells TMobile coverage. I love how I can use my phone once the plane reaches the landing strip.
https://roammobility.com/plans

SIMs are available at the airport or Canadian retailers.
https://roammobility.com/where-to-buy

Another option is to purchase a travel plan with your Canada carrier. Telus is $7 and Rogers is $5 a day.

 

[starvenger]

With regards to Roam, the price is quite good. Including the cost of the SIM, you're looking at about $42 CDN for the week, versus $40 CDN for T-Mobile. But since Roam uses per day pricing, the T-Mobile plan has better value if you're in the US for more than 7 days consecutively this first time out.

Also I forgot to ask - what carrier are you with and did you buy the phone direct from them?

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

With regards to Roam, the price is quite good. Including the cost of the SIM, you're looking at about $42 CDN for the week, versus $40 CDN for T-Mobile. But since Roam uses per day pricing, the T-Mobile plan has better value if you're in the US for more than 7 days consecutively this first time out.

Also I forgot to ask - what carrier are you with and did you buy the phone direct from them?

STARVENGER & XLXO:

Thank you!!! Thanks for educating me on when to switch out SIM & how to prevent unwanted roaming & data charges!!

In reply to Starvenger's questions:

1) In the next day or so, I will buy an entry level phone from Costco (Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)). It's SIM locked but I understand that I can call for an unlock code so I should have an unlocked phone for my trip (fingers crossed).

I researched until my head hurt and was going to get a better phone (loved the premium phones and was pretty close to getting one) but then I decided that I didn't want to travel abroad with a better phone ... keep it cheap and if anything happened (ie. lost, dropped during rides etc.) it wouldn't hurt as much to replace since the phone is just a cheap entry level phone. The money saved will be used towards my kid's summer camp fund this summer!

Since this will be my 1st phone, I'll test out how much I actually use & how I use my phone AND then in the future decide if a mid-tier or premium phone is warranted. Locally, I will mostly use for talk & text (too cheap to pay for data) & will take photos (but unfortunately, better cameras cost more so I'll make do with the entry level phone).

2) Will be going for longer than 1 week so value wise (although not as convenient) is the T-mobile Tourist plan.

3) I've tried checking to see if the phone I intend to buy is compatible with T-Mobile's frequencies on the willmyphonework.net site BUT since I don't have the submodel number until I actually purchase the phone (I couldn't find it on the phone description listed on Costco's website), I'm "guessing" it should work with T-Mobile's frequencies. I will double check once I actually buy the phone and can get the submodel number off the actual phone. Fingers crossed since the phone description on Costco's website shows the phone to be compatible with a bunch of frequencies.

4) I'm thinking of using FIDO for my local carrier (or maybe Koodo) ... just something basic (text & talk) on their prepaid monthly plan ... too cheap to pay for data that I'm not likely to use much of as I usually use WIFI at home. Again, once I have the phone, I will need to check to see IF I can use my phone with these carriers (ie. check for compatibility) otherwise I will have to look for another (sadly, more expensive) carrier.

5) Order of preference for "Roaming" in the USA:

* T-mobile (gives a little more data allowance & free SIM although there's the extra inconvenience of going to a T-mobile store AND the poor exchange rate)

* Roam Mobility ("believe" you pay Canadian funds, smaller data allowance & SIM card cost = will need to buy again for next time as we don't travel every year outside of Canada ... I know I can buy ahead and just keep re-scheduling the date times but that would be too much of a hassle if we only travel every few years)

* Use local carrier's USA Roaming options = most expensive since we'll be in the USA for 3 weeks (visiting family etc. so it's a longer trip).

I hope that I'm not too off track with my decisions. I welcome your suggestions if you can suggest improvements or have other ideas.

Many thanks again!!

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

Another option is Roam Mobility.... It's a Canada operation that resells TMobile coverage. I love how I can use my phone once the plane reaches the landing strip.
https://roammobility.com/plans

SIMs are available at the airport or Canadian retailers.
https://roammobility.com/where-to-buy

Another option is to purchase a travel plan with your Canada carrier. Telus is $7 and Rogers is $5 a day.

Thanks!! Please clarify:

1) Did you TURN OFF your data etc. when you boarded (Canada departure)?

2) AND THEN: SWITCH out the Canadian SIM for the Roam Mobility SIM "on the plane" so it's ready to go once you land in the USA?

3) Do the "the same thing" on the way home (USA departure)?

Poster Starvenger suggests switching SIMs when you have both SIMs and, to me, it makes the most sense "timing wise" to do as listed above.
I'm assuming "NO" tools required to switch SIMS? Am I correct?

Thanks!

 

[starvenger]

It depends on the phone model. I'm unfamiliar with the Samsung Galaxy but my iPhone has a pinhole that you need to push in order to eject the sim card, so a tool (or in a pinch, a single staple) is required to get it out. Samsung may have something similar, but you can probably do a google search to find out.

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

It depends on the phone model. I'm unfamiliar with the Samsung Galaxy but my iPhone has a pinhole that you need to push in order to eject the sim card, so a tool (or in a pinch, a single staple) is required to get it out. Samsung may have something similar, but you can probably do a google search to find out.

THANKS!!

 

[xlxo]

Thanks!! Please clarify:

1) Did you TURN OFF your data etc. when you boarded (Canada departure)?

2) AND THEN: SWITCH out the Canadian SIM for the Roam Mobility SIM "on the plane" so it's ready to go once you land in the USA?

3) Do the "the same thing" on the way home (USA departure)?

Poster Starvenger suggests switching SIMs when you have both SIMs and, to me, it makes the most sense "timing wise" to do as listed above.
I'm assuming "NO" tools required to switch SIMS? Am I correct?

Thanks!

Yep, I swap out my SIMs mid-flight. Be careful not to drop the SIMs. I want to maximize my coverage time with the right SIM where I am.

 

[starvenger]

I actually did that once (dropped the SIM) on the flight coming back from Hawaii. Serious pain in the butt trying to find the SIM...

 

[Donald - my hero]

Just a couple of things to point out (not sure if you've noticed or talked about how you'll handle this ...too lazy to check this thread and the other one!) You said you don't travel stateside yearly not sure if you have a US credit card

ALSO of note ... if you'll needing to CALL your husband's phone ....


Here's the information on the Roam monthly plan --- i understand not wanting to keep accessing the account and adding time to keep it active, I have a single day of simple talk & text which cost me $2.95 that i just keep bumping out. This is in Canadian funds BTW and you either order the SIM card on-line or pick it up at any number of places .. Staples, gas station stores, airports .... on-line sale till end of March is $7.46 free shipping.

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

Just a couple of things to point out (not sure if you've noticed or talked about how you'll handle this ...too lazy to check this thread and the other one!) You said you don't travel stateside yearly not sure if you have a US credit card
View attachment 228369
ALSO of note ... if you'll needing to CALL your husband's phone ....
View attachment 228371

Here's the information on the Roam monthly plan --- i understand not wanting to keep accessing the account and adding time to keep it active, I have a single day of simple talk & text which cost me $2.95 that i just keep bumping out. This is in Canadian funds BTW and you either order the SIM card on-line or pick it up at any number of places .. Staples, gas station stores, airports .... on-line sale till end of March is $7.46 free shipping.
View attachment 228372

THANK YOU! Appreciate you pointing out the above noted. Everyone on these forums are always so helpful and considerate about making sure everyone has all the information they need to make decisions!!


1) T-Mobile: I did read about needing a USA shipping Address (IF not going to the T-Mobile store) & needing USA credit card HOWEVER I totally forgot about those points! Appreciate the heads up & refreshing my memory!! If we go this route, we should be OK since we can use our relative's address (or find a store when we arrive) and we do have a USA credit card (hate using CAD credit card and paying for those pesky exchange rates & foreign exchange fees).

2) Calling Spouse (T-Mobile): Hmm ... how does this work? My husband is travelling with us BUT he's using his phone (Canadian Number which will have roaming plan added to it from his Canadian carrier).

IF I call him is it considered an "International Call"? I just "assumed" that it would be a "domestic" call since he's in the USA with us.

Are calls classified as either "Domestic" or "International" based on the "phone number" OR "location of where the physical phone is"?

Never thought about this. Can you please clarify? Hopefully you know the answer!! Many thanks ... never thought about this!


3) Appreciate the info re: Roam Mobility ... did read about it but again, totally forgot about the $7.46 special.

Do you know if I order the Roam SIM now whether or not I will need to schedule a date now? I can schedule ahead and "change" it?

Also ... depending on answer for (2) above I may go with Roam since it does allow "international" calls if I plan on making a lot of calls ... toss up ... more data (T-Mobile) vs being allowed international calls (Roam).

Many thanks again for pointing out the finer details ... need to consider more! Hopefully you can also help answer the above questions!!

 

[Donald - my hero]

I don't mind answering your questions at all --- i have all of this information handy because it was just this past January that i was in the same spot! Ended up going with T-Mobile because i needed a new phone and had no time to pick one up before we left. I also have a Roam SIM card that i keep active.

Your hubby's phone will be an international call when you are in the States --- it is a Canadian number plain and simple. Won't matter if he's with you or home in Canada, will always be an international call to the T-Mobile SIM card

With the Roam SIM card you don't need to schedule your start date until you are ready --- I tend to pay for it as soon as i know my exact needs. You can easily go in at any time and alter the start date and time. I don't think you'll find you don't have enough data BTW ... we were in Florida for almost 3 weeks and when we came home I still had more than 1/2 of my 2GB left on my T-Mobile plan and i didn't limit my usage at all.

There's also the added bonus of Roam being a Canadian company, and we like to support fellow Canadians whenever possible.

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

I don't mind answering your questions at all --- i have all of this information handy because it was just this past January that i was in the same spot! Ended up going with T-Mobile because i needed a new phone and had no time to pick one up before we left. I also have a Roam SIM card that i keep active.

Your hubby's phone will be an international call when you are in the States --- it is a Canadian number plain and simple. Won't matter if he's with you or home in Canada, will always be an international call to the T-Mobile SIM card

With the Roam SIM card you don't need to schedule your start date until you are ready --- I tend to pay for it as soon as i know my exact needs. You can easily go in at any time and alter the start date and time. I don't think you'll find you don't have enough data BTW ... we were in Florida for almost 3 weeks and when we came home I still had more than 1/2 of my 2GB left on my T-Mobile plan and i didn't limit my usage at all.

There's also the added bonus of Roam being a Canadian company, and we like to support fellow Canadians whenever possible.

DONALD - MY HERO: You are my "hero" also ... thanks for answering all my questions and so quickly as well!

OK ... sounds like Roam is the way to go ... thanks for the pointer about the International Call since his number is a Canadian number ... I just assumed it would local since he'd be with me but you know what they say about "*** uming"! Ha, ha!!

Now ... I just need to confirm with Roam that my phone will work on their frequencies (can't find my sub model number on the "Will My Phone Work" website so I'll try and check with Roam since I'd like to take advantage of the SIM special before it expires tomorrow otherwise I guess I'll have to pay full price later.

Many thanks again!

 

[xlxo]

What is the make and model of your phone?

Not only do you choose your day.... Roam Mobility allows you to specify the hour for service to start. If you really want to maximize your hours.... you can purchase your plan the moment you board your plane (in case of plane delays).... it's ready in 15 minutes.

Otherwise, to make it less stressful.... just tell Roam Mobility to start on the hour your plane hits the airstrip.

BTW.... check out the Roam Mobility 2 packs. You might find savings by putting everyone on Roam Mobility on the trip.

• http://www.ncix.com/detail/roam-mobility-4g-lte-3-in-1-37-102632.htm
• http://www.staples.ca/en/Roam-4G-LTE-Sim-Card-2-Pack/product_1383434_2-CA_1_20001

OMG.... that 25% sale if you put your orders in before Friday night!
https://roammobility.com/sim-card

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

What is the make and model of your phone?

Not only do you choose your day.... Roam Mobility allows you to specify the hour for service to start. If you really want to maximize your hours.... you can purchase your plan the moment you board your plane (in case of plane delays).... it's ready in 15 minutes.

Otherwise, to make it less stressful.... just tell Roam Mobility to start on the hour your plane hits the airstrip.

BTW.... check out the Roam Mobility 2 packs. You might find savings by putting everyone on Roam Mobility on the trip.

• http://www.ncix.com/detail/roam-mobility-4g-lte-3-in-1-37-102632.htm
• http://www.staples.ca/en/Roam-4G-LTE-Sim-Card-2-Pack/product_1383434_2-CA_1_20001

OMG.... that 25% sale if you put your orders in before Friday night!
https://roammobility.com/sim-card

XLXO: Thanks for sticking with me on my voyage of cell phone discovery!! Appreciate it! Again, Dis'ers are the most generous people! So willing to share their time and knowledge!

My phone:

Phone: Samsung Galaxy J3 (6) ... the "6" stands for (2016 ??)

Bought from: Costco (Canada) ... good to know because apparently those who bought phones from Costco, Staples or other 3rd Party Retail locations have special "unlocking" instructions re: SIM Card insertion ... here's the link IF anyone's in a similar situation as myself:

https://support.roammobility.com/hc...locked-Samsung-device-from-Costco-or-Staples-

I've emailed ROAM and am waiting for a reply. Hopefully someone gets back to me from ROAM re: compatibility.


* Didn't know that scheduling could be that specific! Good to know for those who want to maximize their hours! Thanks!

* Thanks for the 2 pack links!

* Yes ... what a deal! 25% off will make a difference for those families who need to buy multiple SIM's or the real thrifty ones who like to buy ahead for next time if they're not planning on keeping their current SIM.

* APN: I've been reading a lot of articles on the ROAM website and it appears that I need to change my phone's APN when I insert the ROAM SIM so that I can use data? However, the phones should "automatically" revert back to its "original" APN setting once we get back to Canada and insert our Canadian SIM? Please correct me if I'm wrong ... this was another question I sent off to ROAM for clarification so hopefully ROAM can help if no one knows the answer to this question.

Thanks again!

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

By the way ... thanks everyone for your patience! I'm driving myself crazy because I'm asking an endless amount of questions so I appreciate your patience and generosity in answering them!

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

Much appreciation again for all the help I received on this thread!

To pay forward some of the kindness you've shown me, I've created a new thread and posted up some of my findings re: Roam Mobility + Samsung Galaxy J3 (6) and their compatibility. I hope someone else will find my findings as useful as the knowledge that you've so generously shared with me.

Thanks again!