Cell Phone Providers

Coming to another country is filled with exciting places to see and people to talk with about your adventures. Having a cell phone is important not only so you can update your fellow students about your well being, but also to stay in touch with friends and family back at home. If you are looking for cell service that works in the U.S., we recommend getting a domestic plan so you can stay in touch with your relatives and friends at a cheaper cost, avoid expensive international fees for talk, text, or web, and grants you access to service here in the U.S. easier and faster for internet or other needs.

To obtain a U.S. cell phone number, you can either:

• Purchase an unlocked phone and buy a U.S. sim card

OR

• Buy a new phone with a pre-paid "pay as you go" or a contract monthly plan

Consider and research now what option will be right for you:

• Require any documents (Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or fees (deposit)
• Where you can buy an unlocked or new phone
• Plan provides international talk, text, or abroad access 
• Download cheap/free overseas messaging apps (WhatsApp/Skype)

Any reference to external organizations, services, products, or websites on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not mean that the University of South Florida (USF) approves or officially supports them. USF makes no guarantees about the accuracy, usefulness, or reliability of information from outside sources. We encourage all users to carefully evaluate third-party content and make informed decisions before using or relying on it.