Visiting the USA for the first time...

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@Ed-Cric wrote:

We're visiting the USA (from Europe) from the beginning of July until the end of August. Both my wife and I would like to have prepaid phone cards. My wife needs only 1GB per month and I would like around 5GB. As part of the holiday will be spent in Canada we would like it if the service is covered as well.

ATT offers a 1 gig and 8 gig and unlimited with 10 gigs of hot spot for $85 less $10 discount for auto pay.  

 

My 4 questions are as follows:

 

- Do we need to order the basic SIM card package and have it sent to our hotel in time for our arrival - or can we pick up the SIM cards from any AT&T store in San Diego where our holiday starts?

 Plan on going to ATT or Best Buy for a SIM card, you do not want it shipped.

- Would we need to purchase the data and voice package separately once we have received the SIM cards or can this be done in advance or from a store on arrival?

 Prepaid plans are inclusive, talk text and data.  It’s a good idea to get help in store if possible.  Not required.  

As non-residents can we still take advantage of the discounts offered by Autopay by subscribing to the service with our (Swiss) credit card details (MASTERCARD & VISA) ?;

 Yes.  Just remember to turn it off before you leave the US.  

Would the same SIM card be compatible with a mobile hotspot we intend purchasing in the USA for use when using our laptops in between travelling to the larger cities (i.e San Diego to LA or LA to Vegas for example).

 No.  And I recommend you get the $75 (85-10) unlimited phone plan and use your phones.   Hotspots only have limited and expensive plans.  The device cost $200 and can’t be unlocked from ATT.  Waste of money.  Especially when your phone can use 10 gigs of hotspot.   

Many thanks in advance and hope my questions have been clearly set out and not too obvious....

 

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