Getting a mobile phone...

[lalalacereza]

How hard is it for an international student to sign up for a phone plan? In no small part to make my dad jealous, I want to get an iPhone, but it seems they're only available with a 2 year plan from AT&T. Will they just want a security deposit, or is it an big hassle?

[bgk]

If you want a contract they'll do a credit check and without a SSN and credit history they'll demand a deposit ($200-$500) refundable in a year. It's not such a big hassle :-). Another option is to consult with other international students, sometimes people get family plans and are willing to let you join that way.

Getting a credit history seems to be a bit of chicken/egg thing. I suggest you get a credit card with whomever you bank with when you arrive, which should speed up the process.

[magamago]

Last year, I studied in the US for one semester only. I bought a mobile phone card, but I decided to buy a rechargeble one... Some friends told me that it is not very convenient (price calls...), but anyway, it is fast to obtain...I remember I just went to a T-Mobile shop with my passport..it costed me about 50 buck and then you can recharge it also on the internet.

[nowikissyou]

I was in the US for the Fall 2006 semester and I too bought a rechargeable card as well (T-Mobile). Pretty much the same situation as described by magamago: they only asked for the passport, no need for SSN (social security number).

I do recommend you to get an account at an US back and get a credit card or at least a debit card that can you can use as a credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX...) to easily recharge your minutes (indeed, the Internet option is quite handy). Like bgk said, getting a credit history can be tricky but will sort of solve itself out as time goes by. Just pay your bills on time and don't let your account run out of funds.

I can't add anything about the iPhone, but you might want to call/email AT&T's customer service and ask.

Depending on your estimated usage of the cellphone, having a monthly plan might in fact be more cost-effective than prepaid minutes. Just do your math!

[LittleJay]

I got the TMobile rechargable phone as well: I believe if you get it online you get the phone for free when buying a certain ammount of minutes. The phone is locked, so you will be able to use it only with Tmobile.

Also, as nowikissyou said, it is crucial you get a debit card!!!