Simcards in New York City

S

StNick

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I am travelling to New York at the end of the month and I was wondering what my options for mobile internet access will be. From what I can find online, there are no "cellphone stores" at JFK Airport, so I am either going to have to roam on my SA simcard until I get into the city (ouch $$$), or try to purchase a US simcard before I leave. I've seen a few services online that do this, can anyone recommend one? Or any other advice for me?

T-mobile do a 30-day prepaid SIM for $70. Not cheap, but it gives me unlimited calls, sms and internet for the duration of my trip, so I'm prepared to pay that kind of money for that peace of mind.
 
I went the T-Mobile route when I was over there. It was $50 for the same thing at the time but it was definately worth it. We travelled across country and it had coverage everywhere. I think you need to take your passport when you go to signup.

We also found out the hard way not to buy from the guys in the electronic stores all over Time Square. They sell pre-paid simcards that don't seem to ever work and you cant get your money back from them.
 
There wasn't anywhere at the airport when I was there but it was in 2011 so it might have changed. I bought from a T-Mobile store in Time Square.

I don't know about the flyconnected cards, haven't seen them before.
 
Thanks, but I'm a bit confused. You said that you learned the hard way NOT to buy from Times Square? Where do you recommend I go then?
 
Oh no sorry I don't think I was clear on that. I bought from one of these funny little electronics stores on Time Square first and it was that card that was a scam. I then went to T-Mobile and they sorted me out.

When you get there you will understand about the electronics stores, there are a whole lot of them all over New York and they are mostly run by foreigners. They sell anything and everything, including bogus simcards.

As long as you go to one of the official operators you should be fine, doesn't matter where the store is though.
 
Okay, great thanks a lot for the advice!!!

So I guess I'll just have to make sure I get on the right train from the airport if I'm not going to have any access until I get to the city. :)
 
Yeah I was a little nervous about the trains and the subways but all of the stops have security guards who are really good about helping out.
 
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