What is the best way to use a mobile phone in the USA | iD Mobile Community
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What is the best way to use a mobile phone in the USA

  • August 7, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 262 views

I am hoping to travel to the southern USA later this year.

Whilst there, I will need to make a few internal calls and send a few texts. I do not expect to use any data.

My UK phone is pretty ancient and I have been told it will not work over there.

A friend has suggested that I should buy a cheap burner phone and a SIM card suitable for the US on eBay and then activate it when I get there.

Can anyone advise on this, please?

I am not at all tech-savvy.

Thanks.

Best answer by Tyler C

Hi there ​@victim311, to be able to use our network in USA, you will need to ensure you’re using a compatible phone from the list below to begin with:

 

 

Secondly, you’ll need to enable roaming via both the iD Mobile app/website, as well as via your phone’s own settings, and also increase your bill cap to allow for charges for all calls, texts and data use. Or, purchase a data only add-on for USA.

 

In terms of buying a burner phone etc, we can’t comment on that I’m afraid, and that’s not something we can advise. We can only advise how to use roaming on our network with our SIM cards.

 

Thanks,

Tyler

2 replies

andewhite
Platinum 
Contributor
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  • Platinum 
Contributor
  • August 7, 2025

Sounds like good advice from your friend, ​@victim311


Tyler C
iD Mobile Employee
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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • Answer
  • August 7, 2025

Hi there ​@victim311, to be able to use our network in USA, you will need to ensure you’re using a compatible phone from the list below to begin with:

 

 

Secondly, you’ll need to enable roaming via both the iD Mobile app/website, as well as via your phone’s own settings, and also increase your bill cap to allow for charges for all calls, texts and data use. Or, purchase a data only add-on for USA.

 

In terms of buying a burner phone etc, we can’t comment on that I’m afraid, and that’s not something we can advise. We can only advise how to use roaming on our network with our SIM cards.

 

Thanks,

Tyler