Cell Phone and Phone Plan Options
This list represents only the main carriers in Salem. We do not have specific recommendations. We encourage you to visit company websites and compare your options.
Remember to keep the receipts and/or contracts you receive, especially if you are paying a security deposit.
Cell plans, options, phone packages, and other services offered change quickly. Determine what you need and compare all carriers. Often you can get a better deal if you say you are looking at several companies.
Some of the carriers may have post-paid service plans that work for you. While these generally require credit checks and signing a contract, some companies offer service if you pay a security deposit, which will be refunded at the termination of service if you have followed your contract rules.
All of the carriers listed below have options for pre-paid plans or pay as you go service. These usually do not require contracts, credit checks or social security numbers. The plans and phones offered will vary depending on the company. This type of service allows you to select the amount of money/minutes you would like per month. You are able to add minutes or change plans for your account as needed. Paying your bill at the beginning of the month or buying minutes as you go will help your budget.
Most carriers will allow you to use your existing phone, if it is unlocked and uses a SIM card. If so, you won’t have to buy a phone. Check with the your own phone carrier for options. If this is not an option, there are often deals where you purchase a new phone at a reduced price when starting service with the company.
No matter what you do, if you need your phone for international communication, make sure you will have that capability either via phone calls, texting, or use of an online app. More and more students do NOT use their calling capabilities to communicate internationally, they use an app via the internet.
ALL of these: Be sure to compare plans to see what is the best deal for you.
| Carrier | Plan information |
T-Mobile: | Check out their Prepaid Plans or Pay as You Go. |
Verizon Wireless | Verizon has a plan for international students. |
Sprint: | Their prepaid plans are called “Spring Forward”. |
AT&T: | AT&T has the GoPhone, which offers a variety of prepaid and pay as you go options that do not require a |
Local stores carry pay-as-you-go phones with options to purchase minutes or for a time period of access. These are not phone companies, they sell groceries and every day items. Local stores that have many store locations are (not EVERY location will have phones): | You buy these phones off the shelf and buy minutes cards as you need them. There is no identification, SSN, contract, or other personal information shared. These generally have very inexpensive options, including smartphones. You buy minutes specifically for that phone instead of going to a carrier to enroll in a plan. If you are keeping your own phone but want something just for the U.S., this is a good option. |