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Just back I did not have a mobile there but saw that you can buy one at the airport (EWR) really cheaply with pay as you go sim card.

You uk mobile will not work there even with usa sim because it works on a different frequency.

Only apple phones work in the usa and europe as far as I am aware.

Thanks for that Pluto, I didn't realize that! Maybe I will try and get a cheap pay as you go phone there then.

Hi, Sunflower -Some UK mobile phones will work in the USA. You will need a triband phone. I'm not sure whether that's standard or not these days. (In Europe, you need a dualband phone: all UK phones should be dualband).If you phone is "locked", you will probably not be able to just put another SIM card in it. You can get your phone unlocked: your service provider is obliged to let you know how, but they can be obstructive. If you are still within your contract period, it's possible that they don't have to tell you. And there are warnings with unlocking phones that, if you mess up, you can block the phone entirely. Whether that's true, I don't know, but is obviously a bit of a risk.Whether it's worth buying a phone and a prepaid SIM card compared to using your existing SIM card and roaming depends on how much you're going to be using it. Don't forget that pay as you go rates are higher (and sometimes a lot higher) than the rates you pay with a contract phone. E.g. Virgin Mobile rates are 40p per minute. Say your phone and SIM card cost £20 but you save 50p per minute, you'd only be saving money if you used your phone for more than 40 minutes.Love,Corkwing

I went to America earlier this year and used my Samsung Galaxy which is on Orange. Check with your provider before you go that your phone is set up for using abroad. You can buy bundles to reduce the cost of phoning, testing and internet use abroad. Make sure you turn off data roaming and use free wifi when its available.Have a great time.Nixie

You do need a triband or quadband phone for the US. I know Nokia does them (in addition to Samsung and Apple). In fact most manufacturers do now.I have bought a US SIM in the past but found that just using my UK pay as you go (Vodaphone) was cheaper. But I only wanted it for emergencies/ short calls. If you want to talk a lot or use data it probably does make sense to get a US SIM card.Have fun! BdF

Thanks for all the replies. Will look into some more may ask my supplier-Vodafone. Will be using it everyday as my 2 boys are staying at home so I will want to talk to them.

3 years ago my mum took her old Nokia, so old it didn't even have a camera!It's a very basic phone, but we had a very close elderly relative who was thought to be near death and so she wanted to phone/text home every day. We had orange(now EE) and O2 contracts and both PAYG and a contract phone. We did have to contact the providers, but had no problems, but we didn't use new sims.

for phoning home each day set up the skype app on your phone and home pc and use free wifi somewhere ( mcdonalds, starbuck, etc all allow free wifi) to phone home will save you money. You just need to agree time you will be phoning to make sure skype open for you calling.Nixie

That's a nice idea, then you can see them too!

I knew you guys would be a great help. Well I have just set up a Skype account - with the help of my son, comes to something when a 12 yr old needs to Show you how to do it .Had a little practice so think I may use that, but will also speak to my mobile provider just in case.Thanks