Telephones and Internet are widely available all over the United States. Some restaurants and gas stations have pay phones that require coins or a credit card in order to make calls. Most American families, businesses, and individuals have landlines, cellular phones, and many have the Internet. Probably the most expensive way for international travelers to make local or international calls from the US is by a pay phone or by phone from a hotel. Per minute rates can be charged to the hotel room or to a personal credit card, but rates are much higher than those of most cellular phone companies.
There are many wireless telephone providers who have GSM technology that enables international travelers to use their own mobile phones from home when they visit the US. Because this may require a slight change to the phone, it is best to visit the cellular provider in one’s home country before coming to the US since the special SIM card needed to use the wireless network may not be available in the US.
Many international travelers find that the most economical way to have a phone while in the US is to buy a pre-paid mobile phone which can be purchased for about $20. Minutes can be added from a credit card at any time. These phones are available at shopping malls, cellular phone stores, and other large stores in the country.
General information that travelers should know is that to find the phone number of a person or business, dialing 411 can often provide that number. However, it is not possible to get an individual’s cellular phone number in this way. Phone companies usually charge $1.00 for providing a phone number.
The Internet is widely available all of the US. Over 77% of the population used the Internet in 2010. Internet access is available for a fee at libraries, and many hotels offer free Wi-Fi service as an amenity. Wi-Fi access can also be found at business such as coffee shops or fast food restaurants, which are sometimes free or access will be granted for a small charge.
