Cell Phone Options for International Students
To avoid expensive roaming fees, it is a good idea to purchase a U.S. based cell-phone plan upon arrival
in the U.S.
You have three choices for cell phone plans:
1. Using an unlocked cell phone from home and purchasing a new SIM card in the U.S.
2. Buying a new phone and setting up a pre-paid plan to pay as you go
3. Buying a new cell phone and setting up a contract plan to pay monthly
Option 1: Using an unlocked cell phone from home and purchasing a new SIM card in the U.S.
It’s important to note that most international phones are locked in the U.S., which eliminates the option.
If you have an unlocked phone, campusSIMS is a great option for purchasing a new SIM card. The Office
of International Services has a supply of campusSIMS cards that you can set up via a downloaded app or
online.
Option 2: Buying a new phone and setting up a pre-paid plan to pay as you go
Pre-paid plan is a more expensive option in terms of overall value but can be good if you are in the U.S.
for a limited time or do not expect to use your phone much. You purchase the phone, which is usually
rather expensive (at least $50-60 for the simplest models), then purchase minutes, which are often sold
to you at a premium price. You must buy more minutes every time you use them up. It does not require
a contract.
Option 3: Buying a new cell phone and setting up a contract plan to pay monthly
Contract phones require that you buy a phone from the specific company. You must also sign an
agreement for a one or two-year plan. This will mean that once every month you will receive a bill for
the use of the service. Contract plans generally require either a Social Security number or a credit check,
which most international students cannot provide. T-Mobile is one carrier that does not require a
contract, nor deposits or a credit check to set up a contract, which makes it a great option for
international students.
Phone stores near Lasell College
AT&T
88 Needham St.
Newton, MA 02461
https://www.att.com
(617) 965-8181
T-Mobile
348 Moody St.
Waltham, MA 02453
https://www.t-
mobile.com
(781) 647-0952
Boost Mobile
485 Moody St.
Waltham, MA 02453
https://www.boost
mobile.com/
(781) 893-0900
Sprint Store
110 River St.
Waltham, MA 02453
https://www.sprint.com
(781) 996-7070
How can I call overseas?
The cheapest and easiest way to call overseas are mobile and desktop messaging apps like
WhatsApp, Viber, Skype or WeChat. Any of these options can be downloaded for free and used within
the U.S.
