Going to USA for the weekend

[panzerkinder1]

Im heading to montana for the weekend . Do I need to get an american data plan to use my data there ?

[darlicious]

@panzerkinder1 

To use your public mobile service in the US you need a US Roaming add on. But you don't use the services included in your plan but rather the service you purchase with the US Roaming add on you choose to purchase. If you only want to use data then choose one of the US Roaming data add ons. 

Where are you going to be in Montana? Given the mountainous terrain and its smaller population Montana does not have the best coverage of either the 2G network or the 4G LTE network. (After looking the 2G network is pretty much non existent in Montana and 4G LTE network coverage is a little more than 50% with decent enough coverage along the highways mostly bands 2, 12, 66 and 71.) That also applies to any of the US mobile network providers so don't expect great coverage. You are probably better off relying on wifi where you are visiting and just enjoy the beautiful scenery and the great outdoors.

More info here....

https://productioncommunity.publicmobile.ca/t5/Get-Support/US-Roaming-Add-ons-Decommissioning-of-US-...

[BKNS27]

@panzerkinder1 

Yes you will need a USA Add-on (for 15 days) talk & text for $15 or talk, text & 3gb data for $30.

PM has a contact with T-Mobile to use their cell towers while in the USA.

If you are just staying for the weekend and don't need 15 days of service. I would suggest you use the WhatsApp or TextNow for free talk & text through wifi.

Just need to plan ahead using the free hotel wifi or business wifi.

[will13am]

@panzerkinder1 , in order to use the phone in the US, you will need to purchase one of the US roaming add-ons.  Note that calling capability in the US is very spotty due to shutdown of the 3G network by the roaming partners.  Calling is only possible on T-Mobile 2G network which does not appear to be well covered everywhere.  

[softech · Accepted solution]

@panzerkinder1 if you need PM service when you are in US, then ,you need the roaming service.

You can buy Data roaming add-on.  It uses T-Mobile 4G/LTE network.  While it can be used in most area in US, some area might have not have good reception.  But worst case, PM will likely partially or fully refund depends on your experience.

or your other option is to buy US local data sim card.