Trine University International Booklet 2016 | Page 36

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Cell Phones
Many students choose to get a U.S. cell phone if they are in the U.S. for a long term. There are a variety
of cell phone providers/carriers. It can be difficult for an international student to get a contract plan. As
a result, some students opt for a “pay as you go” or prepaid plan where the user pays for the minutes
used. Below is a comparison between contracted phones and pre-paid phones.

Initial Info

Cost

Deposit
International
Calling

Length of Contract

Texting

Contract Phone Plans
A contract is signed for
call/text/data service
that you decide on. You
pay at the end of each
month. Make sure you
understand how you are
charged for calls.

Actual phone; activation
fee; deposit and the
phone plan.
Students with no credit
history may be required
to pay a deposit.
Make sure to check if
international calling is
included in your plan
Contracts are normally
1-2 years. If you breach
the contract, there will
be a high penalty fee.
Unlimited local texting.

Pre-Paid Phone Plan
A sim card and phone
plan is purchased with
a specific amount of
money or a number of
minutes. After the
given number of
minutes are used, you
have to renew your
plan every 30 days.
Actual phone; cost of
minutes, depending on
what do choose
N/A

CampusSIMs
A free sim card
provided at
International
Orientation to use
with your existing
phone.

Check to see how much
it will cost.

Depends on the
country and the
plan chosen.
No contract

A pre-paid phone does
not have a contract.
You have to pay for
service every 30 days.
Check on your phone
package for texting
information.

See CampusSIM
package/link for
monthly plans
N/A

Unlimited local
texting.

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