How to buy a SIM card?
In the U.S., there are two types of plans – prepaid and contract.
Prepaid – works like in Russia. You pay first for a month, then use the service.
Contract – a formal contract, usually for 1–2 years. Monthly payments are automatically deducted after the billing period.
Contract plans sometimes have promotions where expensive top smartphones can be free or half-price. However, to sign a contract plan, an SSN is mandatory.
So initially, you buy a Prepaid SIM card. You do not need any documents for this ‼️.
You can buy a SIM card with chips, for example, at Walmart.
Note: Phones in the U.S. are often locked to a specific carrier. Make sure the package says something like "works with most compatible, unlocked phones" or ask the seller which SIM cards work with any phone.
Plans
All packages usually say UNLIMITED – text, calls, internet*. In reality, unlimited applies only to calls and texts; data is conditional. Depending on the plan cost, you get a certain number of GB at full speed. After exceeding the limit, speed may drop to 64–256 Kbps (enough for messaging apps like Telegram).
Hotspot sharing to other devices is not available on all plans and is often limited separately.
Cheapest prepaid operators:
Mint Mobile – can be bought at Best Buy
Metro
Boost Mobile
Cricket Wireless
Approximate cost: $15–$20/month with 5–15 GB data
Top 3 U.S. operators:
T-Mobile
AT&T
Verizon
The most expensive plans with truly unlimited or near-unlimited data cost $40–$70/month.
Both prepaid and contract plans often allow family groups and discounts – the more people, the cheaper.
Will my phone work in the U.S.?
❗️Before buying a SIM card, check if your phone will work with it.
https://willmyphonework.net – you can check if your phone is compatible with a specific operator.
You can also check on the operator’s website. Look for the "Check compatibility" section.
• Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Translations are provided for convenience and may contain errors or omissions. For guidance on your specific situation, always consult official sources or a qualified attorney.
