Tourist mobile phone packages where i get to keep my number.

Question

Dear All,

Visiting Chicago for a month,can I get a mobile phone package that will allow me to use my existing mobile number.

Can i buy in store or on-line?

Thanks for any help/advice.

Answer

Great question! If you're visiting Chicago for a month and want to use your existing mobile number, there are a few options for getting a mobile phone package that will allow you to keep your current number while you're in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

International Roaming with Your Current Carrier:
If you're coming from outside the U.S. (e.g., Europe, Canada, etc.), the easiest option is to check with your existing mobile carrier about international roaming packages. Most major carriers (like Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, etc.) offer short-term international plans that allow you to keep your current number while traveling abroad. These packages usually come with a set data limit and a per-minute rate for calls, and they’re designed for tourists. However, be aware that roaming charges can be quite high unless you specifically buy a package. You can activate it online or through customer service.
Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Plans in the U.S.:
If you're coming from a country with GSM technology, you could purchase a prepaid SIM card from a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in the U.S. This allows you to keep your existing mobile number if your phone is unlocked. Providers like Google Fi, T-Mobile, or AT&T Prepaid offer packages that allow you to keep your home number while using a U.S. network, provided your phone is unlocked. You can get SIM cards from these companies either in-store or online, and they typically offer affordable data, talk, and text plans. You may need to contact your home carrier to activate international roaming and ensure your number works while in the U.S.
Number Porting or Call Forwarding Services:
If your existing carrier doesn’t provide an affordable roaming solution, or if you'd prefer to have your calls forwarded to a U.S. number, another option is using a call forwarding service. This is useful if you don’t need to use your existing number directly but want to keep it active while you’re in the U.S. Services like Google Voice allow you to forward calls from your home country number to a U.S. number.
Buying a U.S. SIM Card and Using VoIP for Your Existing Number:
Alternatively, if you don’t mind having a new number for local calls, you could purchase a prepaid SIM card in the U.S. and use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber for international calls and messages. This way, you keep in touch without needing to rely on your existing number for data and voice calls. This would allow you to keep your number, while still accessing local data and services in the U.S.

Where to Buy:

In Store: You can visit major mobile stores in Chicago, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T stores, to buy a local prepaid SIM card or to inquire about international roaming options. MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Cricket Wireless, or Straight Talk also sell SIM cards at retail locations like Walmart and Best Buy.
Online: Many of the same MVNOs and U.S. carriers allow you to buy a SIM card online through their websites, which can be shipped directly to your hotel or accommodation before your arrival. Alternatively, services like Google Fi and T-Mobile allow you to sign up for international plans online.

Overall, it’s best to contact your home mobile carrier to inquire about their international packages first, and then consider local options in the U.S. depending on how much you plan to use data and make calls. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Chicago!

Tourist mobile phone packages where i get to keep my number.

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