Most international students and scholars will most likely need or want a U.S. cellphone number upon arrival in America. To help you understand the process of acquiring a SIM card on a phone plan, please find a few options below that are available to you in most phone carriers in the U.S.
Prepaid vs. Contract Phone Plans
A Quick Guide for International Students:
Prepaid Plans
No contract required
No SSN or credit history needed
Pay month-to-month
Typically $35–$75/month
Best for new arrivals and short-term stays
Contract Plans
Good for students staying 2+ years
Usually requires an SSN and credit check
May include phone financing and upgrade options
Monthly costs may be higher
Best for long-term residents
U.S. Phone Carries
Although the Dashew Center does not recommend a specific phone carrier to international students and scholars, some of the current most popular companies are: T-mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Mint, Visible and Metro.