Smart Fones Smart Enough To Work In The Us?

[THAIPHUKET]

I remember the telephoning here or Europe plus the USA requires a second phone or a very special one. I guess that also means that my German Android will not work for internet connections ?

How to solve the problem on a 4 weeks trip to the US, mainly NY area?

[lomatopo]

Can you share any details re: any phones which you might already possess?

I suspect your "German Android" phone will be fine, but I really need the exact make and model.

You can get a SIM from AT&T or T-Mobile, or one of their many, many MVNOs (resellers like StraightTalk, SImple et al.), pop it in your phone, add value then subscribe to a plan. If you phone supports 850 MHZ, or 1900 MHz 3G then you can use 3G as well.

[THAIPHUKET]

Lomatopo, you are very resourceful ! Here the specs http://mobile.softpedia.com/phones/HTC/HTC-Desire.shtml

In addition to normal phone calls within the US, could I email, etc plus SKYPE with it too?

One observation= Skype calls from here to the US the quality is unbeatable, makes a normal phone line sound like the first Edison call.

[lomatopo]

That model/version will work on T-Mobile and/or AT&T, directly or via an MVNO like StraighTalk, in the U.S. for GSM voice and data (2G). Unfortunately it will not work on 3G as it supports 900/2100 MHz 3G while you would need 850, 1900 or 1700/2100 (AWS).

2G is fine for email, but not for Skype.

You can get unlimited voice, text and 2G plans for $2/day, or $45/month.

In the U.S. one pays for BOTH incoming and outgoing calls.

Alexander Graham Bell is generally credited with making the first telephone call; "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you", maybe while Thomas Alva Edison was still working as a telegrapher.

Edited May 10, 2013 by lomatopo

[ExpatOilWorker]

Smart and Fone, now that is an oxymoron.

[MMan]

My Sony Experia Android works fine in the US for data / internet. As I'm not there for more than about 2 weeks I just keep my Thailand number with AIS, rather than signing up with a US carrier for a local number. Of course there are international roaming charges and I buy an overseas data package before I go. After I determine about how many MB I think I'll want to use I just call AIS to inquire what they can offer. I think last trip I got a 50 MB plan for maybe 2000 thb (though I can't really recall the amount).

[THAIPHUKET]

So, if I read the 2 posts correctly, I can have my cake and eat it=

1.Yes, my phone works =

That model/version will work on T-Mobile and/or AT&T, directly or
via an MVNO like StraighTalk, in the U.S. for GSM voice and data (2G)

2. Yes, it can be done without stress

I can keep my Thailand number with AIS, rather than signing up with a
US carrier for a local number. Of course there are international
roaming charges and I buy an overseas data package before I go.

That is the solution to my Android problem

What about my lap top? Skype from a hotel etc?? What needs to be considered here?

[lomatopo]

Your cake and meal are mutually exclusive.

Option 1 will cost you $45 - $60 (USD) for your 4 week trip; Option 2 will incur significant costs, based on your calling. You might end up paying 80 baht/min for a local voice call.

You should review the AIS international roaming charges for calls, texts and data. Only you know your requirements, so only you can make the best choice. Assuming you plan to make any phone calls at all a local SIM would be better.

You can tether or hot-spot your Android phone, to share the 2G connection. Hotels will have WiFi, it may be complimentary or there may be a daily charge.

http://www.ais.co.th/interservice/en/pro-otc-usacanada-dr.shtml

http://www.ais.co.th/interservice/en/pro-otc-usacanada-dr.shtml#!prettyPhoto/0/

Edited May 10, 2013 by lomatopo

[THAIPHUKET]

quote

Your cake and meal are mutually exclusive.

unquote

just for once in my whole life, I thought I had struck luck , no such thing. The expense warning is much appreciated , in particular the in and out call feature, too many traps to fall into, can ruin a good time. Rather spend the money on Broadway or on a gigantic prime rib at Smith&Wolensky : -)

[lomatopo]

Get a local SIM.

Go to "Peter Luger's" (Brooklyn).

[THAIPHUKET]

Happy to follow both your commands , SIR

Never been to Peter Lugers, eager to try something new.