Question

Hi everybody! I am an exchange student from Europe, and I will be in USA for the next 6 months.

My problem is that I need a phone.

First. I wanted to buy an iPhone, but an iPhone is $99 only with the AT&T 2 year contract - which is around $75 a month - well this isn't a good option for me at all.

Second. Because of the iPhone thing I'm thinking to buy an android phone, without an contract. Which are the cheapest android phones without contract and where can I buy them?

Answer 1

Without a 2 year contract, the iPhone and the Android models are pretty close to the same price bought new. For a 6 month stay in the US, I'd recommend skipping the smart phone altogether and picking up a cheap pay as you go from TMobile, Revol, Verizon or Tracphone.

Or you could get a global Blackberry model and take it with you when you move back.

Answer 2

Have you considered picking up a used G1 off eBay and getting a T-Mobile prepaid plan. $100 will get you 1000 minutes, and you can usually get some throw-away phone for nearly free with that plan. Just insert your SIM into the G1 and you are good to go.

I am not sure what you would do about the data plan, but if you don't need/want it you can just use the wifi wherever there is an open access point and call it good.

Just one of many, many options - this being being focused primarily on being cheap.

Answer 3

I bought a myTouch on craigslist.com. If you want to stay on t-mobile, then have a "pay as you go" plan which is month-to-month, and I also thing they have a prepaid plan.

I already had a ATT contract, so I paid these guys (www.expressunlockcode.com) $24.99 to unlock it - and I use my myTouch on ATT.

NOTE: if you use a t-mobile phone on ATT, you only get EDGE networks speeds - as the 3G is at a different frequency.