US SIMple Calling Service

If you are going to visit or live in the US, the SIMple Calling service is your best option.

You get a United States +1 phone number and can enjoy T-Mobile and AT&T coverage ( the largest GSM operators in the United States). The service also has international roaming automatically activated for over 160 countries.

Benefits:

  • Includes bonus call credit
  • Use in the United States (including Hawaii) and as well as 160 countries
  • Works on AT&T and T-Mobile networks for superior coverage
  • Rates from USD 25c per minute in the US
  • No connection fees
  • Data in US for $15.00 per MB on AT&T ($2.50 per MB on T-Mobile)
  • Send text messages in the US for USD 25c each
  • Send international text messages in the US for USD 35c each
  • FREE to listen to voicemail in the US
  • FREE 24/7 Customer Service in the US
  • FREE for family and friends to call you (a USD 39c surcharge applies)
  • Receive a Free online Travel Journal and Map of your Trip
  • Best expiry terms of any prepaid US service
  • Easy to set up forwarding of your existing number
  • Recharge minutes anytime via the phone, web or auto-recharge
  • View call records and receipts online
  • It is prepaid: so no contracts, no credit checks and no monthly fees
  • Receive a US +1 local number, and Global +44 (United Kingdom) number

This service also has international roaming automatically activated

  • Roaming rates from USD 59c per minute
  • Send international text messages from USD 79c each
  • FREE to receive text messages (on your Global +44 number)
  • Prepaid Data in 110 countries from $2.50 per MB

Got an iPad or iPhone? Need a Micro or Nano SIM?

Standard, Micro and Nano SIM cards are available for purchase.
Many new phones such as the iPhone 4 and the iPad require Micro SIM cards, the iPhone 5 and iPad mini require Nano SIM cards.
There is an option to select your SIM card type during Step 1 of the purchase process (learn more)

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User guide | Rates | Coverage | Features | Prepaid Data | Getting started | Making calls | Receiving calls | Recharge | Customer service | Service life | Handset compatibility | Tips

User guide

Download a print-friendly version of the User Guide (wallet) (1037KB PDF file).
Download a print-friendly version of the User Guide Booklet (491KB PDF file).

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Rates

United States

Calling from
Per minute rate to make a local call*
Per minute rate to call an international landline**
Per minute rate to call an international mobile**
Per minute rate to receive a call
Send a local SMS text message
Send an international SMS text message
Receive an SMS text message
Recharge using the self service phone menu
Per minute rate to call Customer Service or listen to voicemail
United States$0.25$0.40$0.65$0.25$0.25$0.35$0.24FREEFREE
Canada$0.45$0.60$0.85$0.45$0.25$0.35$0.24FREEFREE

* The cost of calling a cell phone in the United States is the same as calling a landline.

** Surcharges may apply to call some remote countries. Please use our Rate Finder to confirm the rate for the country you are calling.

Example: The cost of a call from the US to a landline in Australia is US$0.40 per minute and to a mobile phone in Australia is $0.65 USD per minute.

Example: The cost to receive a call when you are in the USA is US$0.25 per minute.

Using our service in Canada

Our Canada Service works on the Bell Mobility and Telus networks, which have 3G frequencies of 850 and 1900MHz. Phones that have these frequencies include: iPhone (5, 4S, 4, 3GS, 3G), Samsung Galaxy SIII, SII and Note, Nokia N8, and any Smartphones purchased from AT&T in the United States. If your phone is not one of these, it most likely will not work in Canada.

International Calls and International Roaming

Calling from
Per minute rate to call a landline or a US Cell Phone
Per minute rate to call a mobile *
Per minute rate to receive a call ¶
Rate to send a text message
Per minute rate to call Customer Service or listen to voicemail
Zone 1a$0.59$0.59 -> $1.09$0.25$0.79FREE
Zone 1b$0.99$0.59 -> $1.49$0.89$0.79$0.10
Zone 2$1.39$0.59 -> $1.89$1.19$0.79$0.26
Zone 3$2.39$2.89$1.99$0.79$1.00
Zone 4$3.49$3.99$2.99$0.79$2.50
Zone 5$4.49$4.99$3.99$0.99$3.50

Determine the zone for the country you are traveling to and use the table above to find the applicable rate. A per minute surcharge applies to call some non-key countries. View applicable countries

For example:
- The cost of a call from the United Kingdom (zone 1a) to a landline in any other country is $0.59 USD per minute and to a mobile phone in the European Union is $0.59 USD per minute.
- The cost to receive a call when you are in France (European Union) on your Global +44 number (zone 1a) is $0.25 USD per minute.

All rates quoted in US dollars. You are billed in 1 minute increments.


Global Calling surcharges
* The cost of calling a cell phone in the United States and Canada is the same as calling a landline.

¶ There is a 15c per minute surcharge to receive calls on your US +1 number in all countries.

» It costs 10c per text message to receive text messages on your US +1 number in all countries.

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Coverage

Make calls from United States (including Hawaii) and over 160 countries

There is also coverage on over 280 Cruise ships and Ferries.

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Features

Voicemail
Voicemail is automatically enabled. An inbound caller will be directed to voicemail if the call is not answered within 30 seconds, if the phone is switched off or if there is no coverage. A text message will be sent to notify you of a new voicemail.

To listen to voicemail, dial 121 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen). The messages will be played in order of last received.
Charges apply.

To change your greeting message, dial 732 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
To disable voicemail, dial 866 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
To enable voicemail, dial 869 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).

Balance inquiry
Dial 187 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen). The account balance will be sent in a text message.
No charge applies.

Recharge minutes
Dial 191 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
You will be connected to the Self service recharge menu. Have your credit card handy.
No charge applies.

Customer service
Dial 154 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
You will be connected to 24/7 Customer Service.
Charges apply.

Toll-free calling
This feature can be used to let your family and friends call you from landlines, payphones and US and Canada cell phones at no charge to themselves, saving them the cost of a call. To call you, they just dial a toll-free number provided by you and enter your phone number. You will be charged a USD $0.49 per minute surcharge to receive the call, in addition to the incoming per minute call rate for the country you are in.

To enable, dial 373 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
To disable, dial 282 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
Please note a call is not made. You will receive a message saying Toll-free calling is either enabled or disabled.

Auto-recharge
Auto-recharge automatically recharges your account with USD$30 when your balance falls below USD$5. The automatic recharge is instantaneous and you receive a text message when it occurs.

Enable or disable Auto-recharge at any time by signing into your account online or by calling Customer service. You can also change the minimum balance and the charge amount.

To enable, dial 171 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
To disable, dial 393 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
Please note a call is not made. You will receive a message saying Auto Recharge is either enabled or disabled.

Call forwarding
Calls to your phone number may be forwarded to any other number. You will be charged the standard rate for zone 1 landline or mobile, depending on whether the call is forwarded to a landline or mobile phone, and if a surcharge applies.

To enable, dial 102+ followed by the country code and number you wish to forward to (for example 102+18582742686), then press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
To disable, dial 103, then press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).

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Prepaid Data

Prepaid Data is available for customers with applicable devices who wish to read and send emails and access the Internet using their mobile phone or tablet while traveling.

You can also use prepaid Data in the following ways:

  • Enable your smartphone as a personal WiFi hotspot (Tethering)
  • Use a USB modem to allow your laptop to connect to the Internet

If you're going to take your smartphone or tablet away with you, check out how much data you might use for commonly used apps like Facebook, Twitter and Skype.

How much does it cost?
Rates are based on kilobytes of data used, and are charged at 99c per MB when connected to T-Mobile or $15 per MB when connected to AT&T in the USA . The minimum charge is for 100KB and further usage is charged in increments of 100KB. A minimum charge of 50c per session applies.

Examples
Sending a 500KB photo via email using a smartphone will cost 50c in the USA when connected to the T-Mobile network and $7.50 when connected to the AT&T network.

Find out more about coverage and configuring your phone for data.

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Getting Started

Your phone numbers and PIN are printed on the enclosed letter. Please read the letter carefully and keep in a safe place. Your Global service is already active for you. When you receive your package, you should:

  1. Check that the SIM card is correctly inserted and secure.
    * The SIM card is already inserted into your phone if you ordered one. The SIM card is the small chip card located in the back of the phone. It allows you to connect to the network.

  2. Attach the fully charged battery to the phone.

  3. Turn the phone on.
    * Refer to your handset user guide on how to turn it on.

  4. If you are going to be making calls or using an Easy Dial number in the United States, you must activate US Calling:
    • Visit www.simplecalling.com and follow the prompts
    • Dial the following toll free number of the country you are in (using a landline or payphone), and follow the prompts of our self-service menu
      US & Canada - 1-888-513-8804
      UK - 0800-376-2370
      Australia - 1800-795-252
    • If outside the United States (and about to enter the United States), dial the Easy Dial number 870

  5. Turn your phone on and when prompted for the PIN, please follow the instructions printed on the SIM card for entering the PIN (these vary according to which country you are calling from).
    * When the phone registers with an available network (this will take 30-120 seconds) it is ready for use.
    * Your PIN code is a four digit code printed on the plastic credit card sized SIM card.
    * Please enter the PIN correctly. The service will be blocked if the PIN is entered incorrectly 3 times. You must then enter the PUK to unblock it. The PUK is a number printed on the SIM card, next to the PIN number.

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Making Calls

Using this service is a little different from normal calling but so easy!

How to make a call in the US

  1. Activate US Calling if you haven't already done so (refer to Getting Started).
  2. Turn your phone on and when prompted for the PIN, please follow the instructions printed on the SIM card for entering the PIN. When the phone registers with an available network it is ready for use.
  3. Dial the country code (+1 for the US, +44 for the United Kingdom, +61 for Australia), area code and phone number.
    Example: To call (213) 337-5555 in the United States you need to dial +12133375555
    Please remember to enter the '+' before the number when making an international call.
  4. Press the call key. The call will be connected normally.

How to make a call in Europe and other countries (other than the US)

  1. Turn your phone on and when prompted for the PIN, please follow the instructions printed on the SIM card for entering the PIN.
  2. Dial the country code (1 for the US, 44 for the United Kingdom, 61 for Australia), area code and phone number.
    Example: To call (213) 337-5555 in the United States you need to dial 12133375555
  3. Press the call key and please wait. Ignore any messages shown on your screen. You will be disconnected for 10 to 30 seconds, and then your phone will call back.
  4. Answer the call normally. Your call will be connected after a few seconds.

^ If the call back does not happen, please refer to the following section titled Tips

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Receiving calls - plus how family and friends can call you toll free

How to receive a call

Just like at home - when your phone rings simply answer the call.

Family and friends can call you for free (Toll-free calling)

You're about to travel, but your family and friends think that since you are traveling the world it will be too hard and too expensive to call you. Toll-free calling is the answer! Toll-free calling makes it easy for family and friends to call you from landlines, payphones and US and Canada Cell Phones at no charge to them.

Here's what to do:

  1. Give your family and friends your new US or Global phone number.
  2. They dial our toll free numbers from a landline, payphone or US or Canada Cell Phone

    US & Canada - 1-866-305-6462
    Australia - 1-800-261-038
    France - 0805-101-177
    Germany - 0800-000-6485
    United Kingdom - 0800-376-5637

  3. They listen to the prompts and enter your number.
  4. Your phone will ring and you're chatting away - at no cost to your family or friends. And if you don't answer, they can leave you a voicemail.

Your family or friends will not be charged if they are using a landline, payphone or US or Canada Cell Phone. You will be charged a USD 0.39c per minute surcharge to receive the call, in addition to the incoming per minute call rate of the country you are in.

Please note: Family and friends will need to have international text messaging enabled on their cell phone accounts in order for them to send a text message to your Global +44 number. However they can send a text message to your US +1 number as per normal.

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Recharging your account

Buying more calling time is simple. Use your American Express, Mastercard or VISA card to add USD $30, $50, $100, $150 or $200 to your account.

There are five easy ways to recharge your account.

Using the website

Recharge online now!

Using a landline, hotel or payphone (toll free call)

  1. Dial the toll free access number for the country you are in.
  2. Enter your phone number then press the hash key.
  3. Press 1 to recharge using the Self-service phone menu.
  4. Follow the voice prompts to recharge your account.

Note: a per minute rate applies to call a toll-free access number from your mobile phone.

Using your SIMple Calling service (the call is free

  1. Dial 181 from your phone
  2. Press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen), and wait for the call back.
  3. Answer the call normally.
    After 10-15 seconds your call will be connected.
  4. Follow the voice prompts to recharge your account.

Via 24/7 Customer Service (charges apply)

  1. Dial 154 from your phone
  2. Press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen), and wait for the call back.
  3. Answer the call normally.
    After 10-15 seconds your call will be connected.
  4. Follow the voice prompts to speak with Customer Service.

Using Auto-Recharge

Auto-recharge automatically recharges your account with USD $30 when your balance falls below USD $5.

Enable or disable Auto-recharge at any time by signing into your account online, by calling Customer Service or by dialing a short number on your phone (refer to Features). You can also change the minimum balance and the charge amount.

The automatic recharge is instantaneous and you receive a text message when it occurs.

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Contacting Customer service

From landlines, hotels and payphones:

  1. Dial the access number for the country you are in.
  2. Press 0# to speak to Customer Service.
    Press 0 for English
    Press 1 for French
    Press 2 for German
    Press 3 for Portuguese
    Press 4 for Spanish
    Press 5 for Japanese
    Press 6 for Italian

Note: a per minute rate applies to call a toll-free access number from your mobile phone.

From your mobile phone (charges apply):

  1. Dial 154 from your phone
  2. Press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen), and wait for the call back.
  3. Answer the call normally.
    After 10-15 seconds your call will be connected.
  4. Follow the voice prompts to speak with Customer Service

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Service life

Your Service will remain active indefinitely if you:

  • add a minimum of $10 call credit at the time of purchase or within one month of your initial use of the service and
  • use a charged service (such as making a call, or sending a text message) within any six month period.

We will send you an email and text message notification one week in advance of your Service becoming inactive. If you Service does become inactive, all your remaining credit (including the credit that comes included with the SIM) will expire. However, we will automatically re-instate your full expired credit balance (including any remaining initial included call credit) if you recharge your account with $30 or more via Customer Service within fifteen (15) months of last use.

After fifteen (15) months of inactivity your SIM card will be permanently deactivated. However, we will provide you with full credit for your expired credit balance (including any remaining initial included call credit) if you purchase a new SIM card via Customer Service.

After 2 months of inactivity your US number may be changed when you go to use it again. If your number has changed you will receive a new US number automatically via text message. You can ensure that you retain your US number indefinitely by paying USD $0.50 per month for each number. Simply visit www.simplecalling.com, click on the 'Get number' menu option, enter your number and PIN, and click on the 'Keep Number' button (in the Account status section).

Your ability to make outbound calls in the US is hibernated 10 to 28 days after your last call in the US, however your US number will continue to receive calls and text messages for up to two months after the last use of the service. You can reactivate the ability to make calls in the United States in three ways: online at www.simplecalling.com, over the phone using our self-service menu, or over the phone with a Customer service representative.

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Handset compatibility

This service works with all handsets in the United States. When roaming, this service works with the vast majority of handsets, but not all.

If you have difficulty using the service in your handset, please see our Buying Tips for information on handset frequencies and how to unlock your handset.

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Tips

Making calls

  • Before you go, enter all your phone numbers into the address book of your new mobile handset for quick and easy dialing when you are traveling.
  • Enter all phone numbers in the international format, starting with the country code (1 for the US), area code (without the leading 0) and phone number.
    For example 12133375555, if the number is(213)337-5555 in the US; 61390100225 if the number is 03-9010-0225 in Australia; etc.
  • Prefix dialing - If you are trying to make a call outside the United States, and the call back does not occur or if you hear a message saying the call cannot be completed, please do the following:

    Dial *126* followed by the country code (1 in the United States), area code and phone number, followed by #.
    If you wish to call 03 9010 0225 in Australia, dial *126*61390100225#
    If you wish to call 0207-943-2772 in the UK, dial *126*442079432772#
    If you wish to call 213-337-5555 in the US, dial *126*12133375555#
    Remember to enter # at the end of the number.
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