Easiest way to have a personal number in US & Call rates

[hackernewbie]

Hi everybody, as some of you might already be knowing, I am heading to Chicago for a few weeks on an official assignment and so,
I am looking for the easiest way to be connected with home.

At office and at home, it will be a non-issue as I will have access to wifi and so we can use Viber/Skype etc.
I wanted to know what options do I have to stay connected when I am out in the city?

*The option should not make a hole in my pocket

Any idea about google voice anybody?

 

[anupmathur]

Hacker, Google Talk? That is a viable option too.

And you hardly need to worry about a SIM card, except maybe to make calls home to Silchar. There are many SIM VoIP options that you'll find there.

Have a great trip!

 

[hackernewbie]

Hacker, Google Talk? That is a viable option too.

And you hardly need to worry about a SIM card, except maybe to make calls home to Silchar. There are many SIM VoIP options that you'll find there.

Have a great trip!

Thanks Sir!

Google talk IS another good option but, as I have already mentioned, that will work only when I am in the office or hotel.

I am also not too keen on having a number but parents think, its always better to have a way of contacting as and when they want .

I think my prepaid number will serve that purpose, as in, I can receive SMSes. Not sure about it though!!

 

[hiambuj]

We always buy Matrix PP cards. Matrix : International Postpaid SIM Cards|Country Specific SIM Card

 

[satyawali]

You can use Metrix or Clay prepaid cards which will give you a US number. Or you can take a use and through phone at any shop at US.. they come with different plans like USD 10 / USD 20 etc... For calling to India, https://www.relianceglobalcall.com/‎ is one of the best option.. their plan starts form USD 5

 

[hackernewbie]

We always buy Matrix PP cards. Matrix : International Postpaid SIM Cards|Country Specific SIM Card

You can use Metrix or Clay prepaid cards which will give you a US number. Or you can take a use and through phone at any shop at US.. they come with different plans like USD 10 / USD 20 etc... For calling to India, https://www.relianceglobalcall.com/‎ is one of the best option.. their plan starts form USD 5

Thanks, I think I should do some Clay vs Matrix.

The reliance site is pretty confusing and I dont see them talking about incoming (which means having a number).

Can you please give me some more info on ...use and through phone at any shop at US.. ? Any specific documents they ask for or Passport is enough?

 

[satyawali]

Thanks, I think I should do some Clay vs Matrix.

The reliance site is pretty confusing and I dont see them talking about incoming (which means having a number).

Can you please give me some more info on ...use and through phone at any shop at US.. ? Any specific documents they ask for or Passport is enough?

Reliance is only for outgoing.. It has cheapest rates with best quality.. They have toll free access, you can use any office phone... not from all hotels toll free is actually free to check that before using it.
Use and through phones are available at most of the electronic shops or stores like Walmart.. If I remember correct only passport is needed to pick one..

 

[hackernewbie]

Reliance is only for outgoing.. It has cheapest rates with best quality.. They have toll free access, you can use any office phone... not from all hotels toll free is actually free to check that before using it.
Use and through phones are available at most of the electronic shops or stores like Walmart.. If I remember correct only passport is needed to pick one..

Thanks for the info, I think the use & throw ones are my best bet! Lets see how much they cost!

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Topic moved to International Travel Resources.

 

[rajeshv]

You can get pre-paid no contract phones between $20-$200 in any Radioshack, Bestbuy and Walmart outlets. You just need to submit the photocopy of your passport as proof of your address.

Bestbuy has vending machine kind of kiosks all over the major Airports in US.

No Contract Phones - Walmart.com