Using IPad in USA

Snubber · 1 Jun 2012 at 14:57

Hi, I am getting a new IPad next week (cellular version) and wondering if it is possible to purchase a PAYG data only sim to use over in the USA when on holiday next month. Obviously I would buy the sim whilst over in the States.

Anybody done the same and can recommend what sim to buy, where etc.

Thanks,

CH

Nexus · 1 Jun 2012 at 18:38

It's been a few years now, but when I was living in Canada and the US, I found that phones and retail were very different to here in the UK. The iPhone and Smartphones in general have changed things a bit, but when I was there, you couldn't just easily get SIMs like you can over here, where the mobile networks are basically giving them away. They didn't even have any phones for really cheap with SIM cards like you can get for very little in Supermarkets here.

I remember to get a US SIM card, I had to buy one with a phone, the cheapest being $60 and it was way behind the cheap phones we had in the UK at the time.

Perhaps somebody knows otherwise though.

aj casey · 1 Jun 2012 at 22:22

Most of the hotels ive stayed in over there have free wifi

Detroit_Waves · 2 Jun 2012 at 00:51

Nexus said:
It's been a few years now, but when I was living in Canada and the US, I found that phones and retail were very different to here in the UK. The iPhone and Smartphones in general have changed things a bit, but when I was there, you couldn't just easily get SIMs like you can over here, where the mobile networks are basically giving them away. They didn't even have any phones for really cheap with SIM cards like you can get for very little in Supermarkets here.

I remember to get a US SIM card, I had to buy one with a phone, the cheapest being $60 and it was way behind the cheap phones we had in the UK at the time.

Perhaps somebody knows otherwise though.

Luckily things have changed a little. Not much, but enough to get what the OP wants.

The main provider that will give you what you want, is T-Mobile. None of the others, as I know will do what you need. You should be able to find a store, if your staying near any major city.

They will be able to give you a cellular sim card, on a PAYG basis, that will provide internet roaming. Im not sure if they do one specifically for the iPad, but they do for the iPhone, so you will just be able to use that without drama.

Don't expect a bargain though. Last time my friend grabbed one when over, he ended up having to pay about $50 a month on the cheapest side.

Glaucus · 2 Jun 2012 at 02:32

It's expensive as said your looking at around $50 minimum and more realistically $80, you can buy before you go, eBay and simcardguru and other similar places sale them.

Tunney · 2 Jun 2012 at 10:01

The problem with T-Mobile USA is that its 3G network isn't compatible with the iPad. You'd be much better off with an AT&T SIM if you can find one.

Or stick to WiFi.

Snubber · 2 Jun 2012 at 10:44

Cheers guys...I'll stick to places with wifi.

RSR · 2 Jun 2012 at 13:16

Tunney said:
The problem with T-Mobile USA is that its 3G network isn't compatible with the iPad. You'd be much better off with an AT&T SIM if you can find one.

Or stick to WiFi.

T-Mobile 3G bands in the us are on both 1700 and 2100, the new iPad only supports 3G on 2100. I bought my iPad in the US and it came with a AT&T sim, which I believe was around $14.95 for 250Mb on PAYG.