Canadians in US...Cell phone service?

[poncho62]

This is a question for Canadians that travel to the US. What do you do for cell service down there?

I am on Rogers cellular. I am planning a trip next winter for 6 weeks or so and going to Arizona. I havent asked Rogers yet, but can I expand my coverage to include the US at a reasonable cost? Wouldnt be going crazy with it, but need to keep in touch with family and such. I did see on the Rogers site where I can add texting only for the US...I wonder though if that makes roaming kick in which would cost a fortune.......What do you all do? Any experience with this?

Also, we are on Rogers mobile internet at home. Have a hub which we take camping with us. It is good anywhere in Canada, but would be roaming in the US. Seeing how crappy the internet is generally up here, would hate to have to depend on that....lol

[poncho62]

Thanks all....I just looked at the Rogers site and it seems I can get a roaming package.....100 min of calls, unlimited texting for $40/month on top of my regular bill.......seems to be the way to go.

[francheska]

We travel into the US often and use Consumer cellular. Very reasonable with many different plans none of
which require a contract. Plus you can add or subtract service at any time. We have been on both coasts
and thru almost all states and have always had service. But in order to call back into Canada we purchase a prepaid phone card which also works great. Bob

[Fizz]

If you plan on doing a lot of talking Tracfone is the way to go.

[Beverley_Ken]

We are with Rogers and they do offer plans for travelling. Check there website and search for travelling to the U.S. We get one for about $40, includes 100 minutes, texting (limited??) and about 10MB of data, for emergencies.
Last winter we got a T-Mobile hot spot for internet use. For extended call (DW to DD or her sister), we will get a low cost Tracfone from Walmart, with double or triple minutes.

Beverley and Ken

[Elizabeth24]

We have a US phone with Verizon and use the prepaid pay as you go cards. That way there are no surprised, once the balance on the card is used up, we get a new one.

[ReadyToGo]

My Canadian friend also used Virgin for phone. If you need an address when registering the phone, use a park address.

[grampscamper]

I'm with Fido. I get 100 minutes, no data & unlimited texting when in the U.S. I think the cost is $40.00 for 30 days. I turn off my data. I'm sure Rogers must have a similar plan. I only use the internet when WIFI is available.

[VintageRacer]

Most Canadian carriers have a US roaming plan for voice, or voice and data. Just call and ask. I am with Virgin, it costs $20 for US voice roaming per month.

Brian