If you live in, or are a regular visitor to the USA, Canada or Mexico, the SIMple Calling Plus service is for you. You get a United States phone number and enjoy a combined T-Mobile and AT&T coverage (the largest GSM network operators in the USA), as well as coverage in Mexico with IUSAcell and 3G coverage in Canada with Bell and Telus
Benefits:
- Receive a US +1 local number, and Global +44 (United Kingdom) number
- Includes bonus call credit
- Use in the United States and Mexico (including Alaska, Hawaii)
- Works on AT&T and T-Mobile for superior coverage in the USA
- Works on Bell and Telus (3G handset required) in Canada
- Rates from USD 9c per minute to make calls in the US
- Rates from USD 9c per minute to receive calls on your US number
- FREE to receive calls on your Global number in the US and Mexico
- Rates from USD 9c per minute to make international calls
- Connection fee of 49c in the US
- Send text messages in the US for USD 15c each
- Send international text messages in the US for USD 25c each
- Get FREE Facebook notifications
- Data in US for $1.99 per MB on AT&T (49c per MB on T-Mobile)
- FREE to listen to voicemail in the US
- FREE 24/7 Customer Service in the US
- Caller Line Identification is only available on some international networks.
- Best expiry terms of any prepaid US service
- Easy to set up forwarding of your existing number
- Family and friends can call you Toll Free (USD 39c per minute surcharge applies to your account)
- Receive a Free online Travel Journal and Map of your Trip
- 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
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.
Coverage
Make calls from United States (including Alaska and Hawaii).
Rates
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 | $0.09 | $0.09 | $0.59 | $0.09 | $0.15 | $0.25 | $0.10 | FREE | FREE |
| Canada | $0.19 | $0.19 | $0.69 | $0.19 | $0.15 | $0.25 | $0.10 | FREE | FREE |
| Mexico | $0.19 | $0.19 | $0.69 | $0.19 | $0.15 | $0.25 | $0.10 | FREE | FREE |
All rates quoted in US dollars. You are billed in 1 minute increments.
§ A USD 49c connection fee applies to each call made or received on your US number when in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
* The cost of calling a cell phone in the United States and Canada is the same as calling a landline.
** A per minute surcharge applies to call some non-key countries. View applicable countries
¶ It is FREE to receive calls and text messages on your Global number in the USA Mexico and Canada. It costs 19c per minute to receive calls and 10c per message to receive texts on your US Number.
Example: The cost of a call from the US to a landline in Australia is US$0.58 for the first minute and then US$0.09 per subsequent minute.
Example: The cost to receive a call when you are in the USA is US$0.58 on your US number for the first minute and then US$0.09 per subsequent minute of that call.
Example: It is FREE to receive calls and SMS text messages on your Global number when you are in the USA, Mexico & Canada
Example: The cost of a call from Mexico to a landline in Australia is US$0.68 for the first minute and then US$0.19 per subsequent 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.
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 49c per MB when connected to T-Mobile or $1.99 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 around 25c in the USA when connected to the T-Mobile network and $1.99 when connected to the AT&T network.
Find out more about coverage and configuring your phone for data.
Prepaid Data Bundles
Data Bundles
All our products come with standard data rates and purchasing a Data Bundle is a great way to get the best value mobile internet while you’re away in any of the countries listed below.
What are Data Bundles?
Data Bundles provide you with a separate credit balance which is used for surfing the web, emailing, streaming music and videos and all other kinds of data usage on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
What’s more, because you’re buying more credit upfront our Data Bundles provide you with up to 200% additional bonus credit. See the table below for details.
| Bundle name |
You Pay |
You Get |
Bonus Value |
| Lite Data Bundle |
$49 |
$66.15 |
35% extra credit |
| Medium Data Bundle |
$69 |
$142.14 |
106% extra credit |
| Heavy Data Bundle |
$119 |
$357.00 |
200% extra credit |
Data bundles can be used in any of the following countries:
Albania, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belgium, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Cyprus (North), Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Isle Of Man, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Turks & Caicos, United Kingdom, United States
Features
Click each feature for more information.
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.
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 181 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.
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 need to dial a toll-free number, provided by you, and enter your phone number. You will be charged a USD$0.39 per minute surcharge to receive the call, in addition to the incoming per minute call rate for the country where you are.
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).
Facebook Notifications
You can link your international phone service to your Facebook account:
Comments left on your Facebook wall by Family and Friends will automatically be sent to you via text message for free. There is a limit of 20 free messages per day.
Your replies to these text messages will be posted on your Facebook wall. You will be charged the standard text message rate.
You can post updates to your Facebook wall simply by sending the update via text message to 8888. You will be charged the standard text message rate.
Click Here for more information
Getting Started
Your Global phone number and PIN are printed on the SIM card.
You can also find out your Global phone number by dialing 568 (using this service) - you will be sent a text message with your details shortly after.
Please keep the credit card sized SIM card holder in your purse or wallet. Calling and texting is automatically activated once you pick up a network for the first time.
When you receive your package, you should:
- Insert the SIM card.
* The SIM card is already inserted into your phone if you ordered one from us. The SIM card is the
small chip card located in the back of the phone. It allows you to connect to the network.
- Attach the fully charged battery to the phone.
- Turn the phone on.
* Refer to your handset user guide on how to turn it on.
- Turn the phone on.
- Refer to your handset user guide on how to turn it on.
- When the phone registers with an available network (this will take 30-120 seconds) it is ready for use.
Get US Number
When you turn your phone on and pick up a network for the first time using this service in the USA or Mexico, your US Number will be automatically sent to you via text message.
You can also get your US number two other ways:
- Online. Visit www.rechargeminutes.com
- Click on "Get Number" at the top.
- Enter your Global phone number printed on the SIM card and your 4 digit PIN and click on the "Get Number" button.
- On the next page click on the "Get US Number".
- Your new number will be displayed on the screen. Please take note of it.
- Using our self service phone menu. Using a landline (home phone) or payphone (have pen and paper handy!):
- Dial the toll-free number of the country where you are calling from:
- In the US or Canada dial 1-888-513-8804
- In the United Kingdom dial 0800-376-2370
- In Australia dial 1800-795-252
- For the Rest of the World (international call charges apply) dial +1 213 337 5525
- When prompted enter your Global phone number (starts with 44), then press 2 to activate.
- Your US Number will be announced over the phone and will also be sent to you via text message.
Making Calls
Using this service is a little different from normal calling but so easy!
How to make a call in the USA, Mexico or Canada
Turn your phone on and when the phone registers with an available network it is ready for use.
Dial the country code (+1 for the US and Canada, +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.
Press the call key. The call will be connected normally in the USA or Mexico.
^ If the call back does not happen, please refer to the following section titled Tips
Got an Android or BlackBerry Smartphone?
If you plan to use our service with an Android or BlackBerry Smartphone you can download a FREE application to your phone that works in conjunction with the service to give you a normal calling experience outside of the USA and Mexico, instead of the callback experience. Refer to your User Guide for more details.
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:
- Give your family and friends either your Global or US phone number.
- 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
- They listen to the prompts and enter your number.
- 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$0.39 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.
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 six easy ways to recharge your account.
Retail Locations
While you're visiting the USA, you can purchase recharge vouchers from many of the largest and most well-known retailers, as well as thousands of independent locations across the country.
To ensure the retail location nearest you offers recharge vouchers, please use the following
store locator.
What voucher should I ask for?
When in store ask the retailer for an ekit - US SIMple recharge voucher.
$20, $30, $50 & $100 vouchers are available to purchase.
Using the website
Using a landline, hotel or payphone (toll free call)
- Dial the toll free access number for the country you are in.
- Enter your phone number then press the hash key.
- Press 1 to recharge using the Self-service phone menu.
- 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 Plus service (the call is free)
- Dial 181 from your phone
- Press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen), and wait for the call back.
- Answer the call normally.
After 10-15 seconds your call will be connected.
- Follow the voice prompts to recharge your account.
Via 24/7 Customer Service (charges apply)
- Dial 154 from your phone
- Press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen), and wait for the call back.
- Answer the call normally.
After 10-15 seconds your call will be connected.
- 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.
Contacting Customer service
From landlines, hotels and payphones:
- Dial the access number for the country you are in.
- 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):
- Dial 154 from your phone
- Press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen), and wait for the call back.
- Answer the call normally.
After 10-15 seconds your call will be connected.
- Follow the voice prompts to speak with Customer Service
User guide
Service life
Your Service will remain active indefinitely if you 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 your 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 twelve (12) months of last use, or purchase a new SIM card from Customer Service after twelve (12) months.
US number expiry terms
After 2 months of inactivity your US number may be changed when you go to use it again. If it has changed you will receive the new US number 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.rechargeminutes.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).
Handset compatibility
This service works with virtually all GSM handsets. If you have difficulty using the service in your handset, please contact Customer service
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.
