Cell (Mobile) Phones

Whether or not you decide to purchase a new cell and/or cell phone contract plan, or bring your phone from home and purchase a SIM card, there are several options for obtaining cell and Internet service in the U.S. You are encouraged to do your own research and talk to current students and scholars at W&M to decide which option is best for you.

When you first arrive at W&M, you can connect your existing cell phone to W&M's wireless network on campus to use the Internet and send texts. Free wifi is also available in many Williamsburg establishments (e.g., DoG St., Prince George St., Target, etc.). You can use online messaging apps to send international messages or make international calls for free.

SIM Cards

You may be able to use a cell phone from your home country if it has a SIM card slot and has been unlocked. You can purchase pre-paid SIM cards at selected stores or online. ISSP may also provide free SIM cards to new international students during orientation welcome activities.

Popular online SIM card options include and .

Pre-Paid Phone Plan vs. Contract Phone Plan

If you decide to purchase a new phone with a phone plan, consider how long you are staying in the U.S., as this can be a determining factor in which you choose to buy. A typical contract phone plan lasts 1-2 years and canceling the contract early usually comes with a hefty fee-- typically several hundred dollars. A Social Security Number (SSN) is not needed to purchase a phone or sign up for a contract plan.

Cell phone companies (called "carriers”) run on different networks (e.g., CDMA, GSM, etc.). If you would like to use your cell phone internationally, you might want to consider buying a cell phone that will work on different networks. Once you have made friends at W&M, you could consider joining a “family share plan.” All cell phone carriers offer “family share plans,” which offer discounted rates for families and/or a group of individuals on a shared plan.

Pre-Paid Plans

No contracts or monthly payments—purchase a phone and a specific number of minutes, with the option to buy more minutes if you run out
Can be more expensive than a contract plan, depending on usage
No deposit or SSN required

Contract Plans

Can typically get a lower monthly rate and lower prices for new phones
Typical contract lasts 1-2 years with hefty penalty for early cancellation (several hundred dollars)
May have to pay a large deposit if you do not have a SSN and/or if you have no established credit history in the U.S.

Required Documents

Before visiting a cell phone company in person, call or look online to see what documents you need to bring with you to make a purchase. Most companies ask for:

Passport and I-20/DS-2019
Government-issued Photo ID (Driver’s License or VA ID card)
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Social Security Number (if you have one)

Local Cell Phone Providers

Williamsburg

You can reach all of these stores using the (free with your W&M ID).

- 5227 Monticello Avenue, Suite C
- Walmart, 4670 Casey Blvd.
- 4645 Casey Blvd., Suite 120
- 4950 Monticello Ave.

Near VIMS

- Walmart, 6819 Walton Lane
(Verizon Authorized Retailer) - 2417 York Crossing Dr., N3, Hayes

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