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phatphug's profile

Tutor

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7 Messages

Wednesday, July 19th, 2017 8:03 PM

Does AT&T PREPAID have a travel plan?

Hello,

 

I'll be visiting the US for three weeks in September, and would like to get a local (American) sim card to use during my stay. My needs are primarily for data (preferably 4G) and tethering that data for my tablet.

 

Some questions:

  1. As a tourist, can I purchase a Prepaid sim card?
  2. Do I require a US credit card to do so, or can I pay cash or an international credit card? (mastercard)
  3. What are the data options, my usage will be quite high, would ideally like around 10GB of 4G data (with tethering/hotspots).
  4. Are there any restrictions on making calls using data (Whatapp or Viber calls for example).

 

thanks!

Andrew

Accepted Solution

Official Solution

Former Community Manager

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10.4K Messages

7 years ago

@sandblaster @lizdance40

 

Hi @phatphug

 

Here is what I got from my source:

  • The $45 monthly plan includes Wi-Fi hotspot capability, which provides compatible smartphones the ability to share their data with other devices and support video calling over cellular. 
    • Wi-Fi hotspot is only available in the U.S. Data package stackable up to 6GB.
    • The $65 monthly plan does not include Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. 

I hope it helps and I apologize for the delay.

 

Dmitriy

Accepted Solution

Official Solution

ACE - Sage

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116.6K Messages

5 years ago

Prepaid service requires no identification.  I advise you pay with a prepaid, prepurchased card, not your credit card.  We get complaints often of auto pay being turned on and it’s impossible to turn off once you leave the USA.

 

 

Accepted Solution

Official Solution

ACE - Expert

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64.7K Messages

5 years ago

@ormskirt Prepaid service does not roam internationally except Canada and Mexico. Getting that message from the UK means nothing because prepaid service does not work in the UK. As long as your prepaid account is open, you will have service when you arrive back in the US.

Community Support

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230.7K Messages

7 years ago

Hello @phatphug!


Planning your visit ahead is definitely important, and I am glad you reached out to us to find out more about our prepaid options!


The good news is you can certainly purchase an AT&T prepaid SIM card and use it for as long as you need it without a contract!


You can obtain a SIM card by visiting any of our local AT&T stores or ordering it online. To review our available plans, please click here.


Also, feel free to connect with your loved ones via third party calling apps using your cellular data or Wi-Fi network, if desired.


I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to let us know.


Thank you for considering AT&T as your service provider during your stay. Have a safe trip!


Anabel, AT&T Community Specialist

Tutor

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7 Messages

7 years ago

Thanks for your reply. I'd prefer to walk into a local AT&T store to purchase.

If I want to use my phone as a hotspot, would the $45 monthly plan work? This gives me 6GB of 4G LTE allowance? Then, if I need more data after a week or two, I can purchase a 1GB or 3GB add-on for $10 or $20?

Can you confirm my other questions?:
- Do I need a local US credit card to purchase this? T-Mobile have this requirement (which is a nuisance for tourists).
- Are there any restrictions on making calls using AT&T mobile data? (Whatapp or Viber calls for example).

thanks again!
Andrew

ACE - Sage

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116.6K Messages

7 years ago

$45 plan and added data at $20 for 3 gigs.    https://www.att.com/prepaid/plans.html

This is prepaid, they don't care how you pay for it.  No credit checks.  ATT hosts tourists and foreign students all the time as the largest GSM network in the USA.   

Calls through apps would use data, or might go through as cellular calls.  Use care when calling long distance (out of the USA).  Use in and between Mexico and Canada are included at no extra cost.  Using wifi where you are staying would cut down on the mobile data use.  But you can use data as you like.  

 

Community Support

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230.7K Messages

7 years ago

Hello again @phatphug,


I hope your day is well so far!


At this time, the Prepaid monthly plans for smartphones prohibit the hotspot feature. However, if you have a tablet, plans are available which include it! If you’re interested, please click here for more info on all the plans offered.


The $45 plan is a great choice if you will be using mobile data and browsing the internet and yes, this does include high speed 4G LTE! You also do have the option to add on more gigs – 1GB for $10 or 3GB for $20 at any time online.


As far as making your purchase, you can certainly use an international card and make payments to your account! There’s also no restrictions with the 3rd party apps you mentioned if you would like to use them as an alternative option for calling.


Best regards. Have a great one!


Anabel, AT&T Community Specialist

ACE - Sage

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116.6K Messages

7 years ago


@ATTHelp wrote:

Hello again @phatphug,

At this time, the Prepaid monthly plans for smartphones prohibit the hotspot feature. However, if you have a tablet, plans are available which include it! If you’re interested, please click here for more info on all the plans offered.


 

Anabel, AT&T Community Specialist


WHAT?    The $45 plan DOES include the hotspot feature.   It is the only prepaid plan that allows tethering.  Could you please recheck your information.   

 

 

Tutor

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7 Messages

7 years ago

Thanks for your replies.

 

My understanding from the prepaid plans page is that hotspots are only forbidden on the unlimited $65 plan (indicated by footnote 2). Hotspots should not be forbidden on the $35 and $45 plans, as there is no indication of this on footnote 3. Please can you confirm Anabel?

 

If, as you suggest hotspots are not available on any of the $35/$45/$65 plans. Please can you tell me the names of the specific plans which do allow this feature? I find the web page very confusing.

ACE - Expert

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64.7K Messages

7 years ago

@lizdance40 The plan page used to specifically list hotspot as a feature. The current plan page does not mention it at all. @ATTMobilityCare, can you please clarify? Is hotspot still supported on the $45 plan or any prepaid plan?

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