Savanna Hoffman
International students studying in the US may need to get a US phone plan and phone number, especially if they intend to stay for a long time. An SSN is usually essential for setting up a phone plan in the US, but some carriers, such as T-Mobile, offer plans for customers without an SSN. International students can also opt for a pay-as-you-go plan, which does not require a contract or credit check. Students can also use their current phone with a US SIM card, but it must be 'unlocked'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Social Security Number (SSN) cost | Free |
| Time to get SSN | 2-4 weeks |
| SSN application process | Online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card |
| SSN application requirements | Original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, letters from DSO and employer (if applicable) |
| SSN replacement | Free, limited to 3 cards per year and 10 during a lifetime |
| Phone plan providers | AT&T, EE, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Verizon, StraightTalk, Orange, Republic Wireless, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless |
| Phone plan costs | $15-$90 per month |
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What You'll Learn
International students can get a phone plan without an SSN
International students can get a phone plan without a Social Security Number (SSN). When choosing a phone plan, it's important to consider your needs, such as affordability, global coverage, and flexibility. Here are some phone plan options tailored to international students in the United States:
FreedomPop
FreedomPop offers budget-friendly plans that include both local and international connectivity. They provide a free phone plan with 500 text messages, 200 minutes, and 500MB of data. They also have an international plan called Global Free 100, which offers 100 international minutes to 50+ countries. FreedomPop uses the Sprint 4G LTE network.
Orange
If you're an international student exploring Europe during your breaks, Orange provides smooth connectivity throughout the continent. Their Holiday Europe plan is designed for short-term travels, offering flexibility without long-term commitments. Orange also offers student discounts of up to 25% off.
Republic Wireless
Republic Wireless offers a range of cost-effective plans for international students seeking value for money. Their plans range from $15 to $90 per month, with unlimited features, ensuring you stay connected in the U.S. without financial stress.
Simple Mobile
Simple Mobile caters to international students who frequently need to call and text internationally, especially to countries like India, Mexico, Canada, and China. Their plans provide flexibility and affordability.
T-Mobile Prepaid
T-Mobile Prepaid offers a blend of reliability and affordability. They provide varied data packages and special international calling options. Their plans range from $45 (4GB LTE) to $55 (6GB LTE), with additional options for stateside and Canada/Mexico calls.
Total Wireless
Total Wireless understands the budget constraints of international students and offers affordable monthly plans with consistent and reliable connectivity. They make it easy to add more data, ensuring you stay online whenever needed. Their monthly plan includes unlimited calls and texts with 5GB of data for $35, with additional data available for $10 per 3GB. International calls are also available at low rates.
Tracfone
Tracfone offers international students flexible plans and compatibility with multiple networks, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Their plans start at $15 per month, with calls within the U.S. at domestic rates.
Verizon
Verizon is a top-tier choice, providing robust network coverage and diverse plans to match varying needs. Their plans range from $35 to $80 per month, with affordable international calling options available.
AT&T
AT&T offers extensive network coverage, making it a good choice for navigating U.S. campuses and cities. They provide an International Day Pass for students who want the familiarity of their domestic plan while travelling. AT&T also offers flexible data packages and student discounts, such as a $10 monthly reduction on their Unlimited Premium plan.
It's important to research and compare different plans to find the one that best suits your needs as an international student.
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SSN is only required for employment
International students in the US have a variety of phone plan options, and SSNs are not mentioned as a requirement for any of them. For example, international students can consider providers such as AT&T, EE, Vodafone, Orange, Republic Wireless, Simple Mobile, T-Mobile Prepaid, and Total Wireless. These providers offer features such as comprehensive coverage, flexible data packages, international calling options, and student discounts.
While an SSN may not be necessary for phone plans, international students may still encounter situations where an SSN is required, such as when applying for certain financial services. For instance, while it is generally possible to open a bank account without an SSN by presenting other forms of identification, such as a passport or student ID, obtaining a credit card typically requires an SSN. However, there may be exceptions, like the Harvard Federal Credit Union, which offers credit cards with limited credit even without an SSN.
It is worth noting that some sources do mention the possibility of needing to make a sizable deposit when purchasing a phone plan without an SSN. However, this does not seem to be a standard requirement across all providers. Overall, international students should be able to find suitable phone plans without needing an SSN, but they may encounter SSN requirements in other aspects of their financial lives in the US.
To make a well-informed decision, it is advisable for international students to conduct thorough research on the various phone plans available and their specific requirements. This will enable them to identify the most suitable options that align with their academic journey and financial circumstances.
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Prepaid plans don't require an SSN
International students in the US have a variety of phone plan options, and prepaid plans are a great choice for those without a Social Security Number (SSN). While individual and family plans often require an SSN, prepaid plans typically do not. This makes them an accessible option for international students who may not yet have an SSN or prefer not to provide it.
Prepaid plans offer flexibility and convenience, and they are available from many major carriers in the US. With a prepaid plan, you purchase a prepaid cell phone card, and there are no monthly fees or contracts. This means you can avoid credit checks, which often require an SSN, and you can control your spending by paying upfront. Prepaid plans are also a good option if you want to avoid sharing personal information, such as your SSN, with carriers.
While prepaid plans may be more expensive per month than other plans, they provide a simple and straightforward way to stay connected. Some carriers, like T-Mobile, offer prepaid plans with varied data packages and international calling options, which can be especially useful for international students who want to stay in touch with their families back home.
In addition to T-Mobile, there are several other providers that offer prepaid plans without requiring an SSN. Republic Wireless, for example, offers a range of cost-effective plans with unlimited features, and you can pay by the month or save by paying for a whole year at once. Simple Mobile is another affordable option, with plans that include international calling and texting to countries like India, Mexico, Canada, and China.
When choosing a prepaid plan, it's important to consider your specific needs, such as data requirements and international calling preferences. Additionally, keep in mind that some carriers may still ask for identification or other personal information, even if they don't require an SSN. Overall, prepaid plans offer international students a convenient and flexible option for staying connected in the US without the need for an SSN.
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Student discounts are available from some providers
International students in the US have a variety of phone plan options that offer student discounts. Many mobile carriers offer discounts for students, which can be availed by providing valid identification, such as a student ID, a university-affiliated .edu email address, or a student visa.
US Mobile, for example, offers a 20% discount for students, with a higher discount of 25% if your university is a partner. They also offer international calling as an add-on for their Light and Monthly Starter plans. Students can also pause their plan at any time or upgrade or downgrade their line without affecting their discount status.
AT&T offers a $10 monthly reduction on their AT&T Unlimited Premium plan for students, along with an International Day Pass for usage in 100+ countries.
T-Mobile has a range of Prepaid and Postpaid offerings for international students without a Social Security Number (SSN). They offer international calling from the US, Canada, and Mexico to landlines in over 70 countries and destinations, along with unlimited calling to mobiles in over 30 countries. Their Go5G Next and Go5G Plus plans offer up to 15GB of high-speed data in 215+ countries and destinations.
FreedomPop offers budget-friendly plans with free phone plans and international calling perks, including 500 text messages, 200 minutes, and 500MB of data.
Other providers like Orange, Republic Wireless, and Simple Mobile also offer student discounts and flexible plans for international students. It is recommended that students research and compare plans based on their individual needs, such as data usage, calling frequency, and preferred countries for communication.
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International students can get a phone plan with an SSN
There are a variety of phone plan options available for international students in the US, including major providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. These providers offer a range of data packages and international calling options to suit different needs and budgets.
AT&T, for example, offers an International Day Pass for students who want the convenience of their domestic plan while travelling. They also provide a $10 monthly discount for students on their Unlimited Premium plan. T-Mobile Prepaid offers plans starting at $45 (4GB LTE) and including international calling options. Verizon has plans ranging from $40 to $80 per month, all of which include unlimited talk and text.
Other providers cater specifically to international students, such as Simple Mobile, which includes international texting and calling to countries like Mexico, Canada, China, and India. Republic Wireless offers cost-effective plans ranging from $15 to $90 per month with unlimited features.
When choosing a phone plan, international students should consider their usage needs, budget, and desired level of flexibility. With the variety of options available, it is important to research and compare plans to find the one that best suits their individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
International students do not need an SSN to get a phone contract in the US. An SSN is only required when they get employed. However, if you don't have an SSN, you may have to pay a security deposit when getting a phone.
Simple Mobile, T-Mobile Prepaid, and StraightTalk offer international calling and texting to several countries.
There are several affordable phone plans available for international students in the US. These include plans from Republic Wireless ($15-$90/month), T-Mobile Prepaid ($45-55/month), and StraightTalk ($30-60/month).
It is important to research and compare different phone plans to find the best option for your needs. Consider factors such as affordability, global coverage, and flexibility. Look for student discounts and international features to enhance your connectivity.
