How to Pay for Prepaid SIM Cards

The Subscriber Identification Module card, also called a SIM card, holds the cell phone subscriber's phone number, personal security key and other data necessary for the phone to function. If you are using a phone not linked with any specific provider--an "unlocked" phone--SIM cards may be switched from phone to phone, letting the new phone receive all calls to the subscriber's number. International SIM cards are available for travelers, since country-specific SIM cards usually work only in their country of origin. SIM cards can be conveniently purchased in stores or online.

Instructions

1. Most Convenient Option

   • 1
     Go to a discount department store and look at the phones with prepaid, pre-installed SIM cards. Purchasing a brand name phone directly from a well-known store is the most convenient way to obtain a SIM card, although you will not be able to insert SIM cards from other networks into a "locked" phone.
     
   • 2
     Explain to the store clerk where and when you will be using your phone, and ask the clerk to help you compare the available network phones that contain prepaid SIM cards.
     
   • 3
     Ask the store clerk to activate the phone if you purchase it in the store. Upon activation, you can purchase additional SIM card minutes through an online account.
     

   Purchase a Prepaid SIM Card Online

   • 4
     Look at your upcoming travel schedule. If you want to use your SIM card in another country, you will need to purchase either an international SIM card or a country-specific SIM card.
     
   • 5
     Check online auction houses such as eBay and Amazon if you have an unlocked phone. You may be able to purchase unused SIM cards for a discount.
     
   • 6
     Go to your carrier's website if you have a locked phone and choose from the available SIM cards. If you are replacing your SIM card because your phone has been lost or stolen, alert your carrier about the situation. While you can only lose the amount of money you spent on the card, criminals may use your stolen phone and SIM card.
     

Tips & Warnings

• Do not buy a new SIM card when your prepaid minutes run out. Go online or call your network's representative to purchase additional minutes for your present card.
• If you're traveling to another country, make sure that you purchase an appropriate SIM card before your trip. SIM cards are a convenient communication tool for criminals and terrorists, so many counties make buying them extremely difficult for foreigners.