Australian phones in U.S.

We are traveling to the US in Sept for a 6 week vacation. We each have a Samsung mobile phone (SGH-A501 and SGH-A701 - both have the capability to run on 900gsm).

Here's what we would like to do - it would be great if someone could tell me if it is possible and, if not, an alternative.

1. Use our phones - removing the Australian sim card
2. Buy a new sim card and have it sent to us
3. When we arrive, phone to activate the card and receive a new phone number
4. Be able to 'recharge' or buy time for the 6 weeks we will be in the US
5. Have coverage all over the US as we are traveling from the west coast, through Texas, to the east coast
6. We have a relative in Texas who's address we could use as a base. Alternatively he will buy the cards in his name and we will 'borrow' them.

Hoping for some good help - thanks in anticipation!

First of all, you don't need GSM 900. You need to make sure that your phones run on 850/1900.

1. As long as it is unlocked it will work.
2. Why have it sent to you if you're not gonna use it until over there anyway?
3. ?
4. Yes
5. Not possible with any network.

Ok so I can go into an AT&T store when I arrive and arrange to buy a new sim card, activate it, receiving a new phone number and put a $ amount on the phone as prepaid - presuming this is right.

My phone is able to run on GSM 850/1900.

Is there a map somewhere that shows where the phone will work. We will be in San Francisco, Texas (driving San Antonio to Dallas), Washington DC, then driving through Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and then to Boston, San Diego, Los Angeles. I'm going to presume that any major city or large town will have coverage - am I right?

My phone can be used with any provider - I am currently signed on a two year contract but when that runs our the phone is mine and I can change providers. I could buy out the contract and change providers now so I am going to assume my phone is unlocked, however I will call my provider to double check that.

Is there anything else I need to know? If not, then thanks for clearing my mind on these things. We don't want the phones to call home, we want them as security - or to find each other if we separate - or to call a cab if we are on foot and lost!

Here's the coverage map.

Click GoPhone and there you go

http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer

As you can see, Maine and Vermont will be problematic. Otherwise it should be ok

I appreciate the link to the map - I had a look too and it looks pretty good - as good as the cover we get here. It is mainly in the large cities that we might need to be in touch - one might want to go shopping (amazingly, my husband) while the other has a read on the bed. It's good to be able to ring and see what he/she is up to.
Cheers from sunny Queensland

Glad I could help

Another alternative is virgin mobile. since cdma has better coverage in america than gsm, this may be a better choice for you.

They clearly said they want to use their phones.

Australian phones in U.S.

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