We have been searching for a way to stay connected
this summer while on our little journey through US waters.
Several options were considered,
from swapping out the SIM card
for our iPhone or iPad,
WiFi boosters (Captain wants a Rogue Wave),
pay as you go plans.
Our Canadian location also presents us with additional limitations:
We don’t have a US address
so we toddled off to the nearest USPS location
in Plattsburgh, NY
to inquire about their services.
Some possibilites there to be considered.
We don’t hold a US-based credit card
so toddled off to a US branch of our card provider,
…but we need a US address for that.
OK then, what if we applied for a USPS service?
Well, no it needs to be a residential address.
Drat!! a never-ending loop of frustration!
But then a friend suggested something he uses…
Jetpack Ellipsis from Verizon.
No contract needed.
No US address needed.
No US credit card needed.
Bingo!
…then stopped for a delicious bite and refreshing brew
before heading back home.
We found lots of places had free Wi-Fi, so never purchased anything for our phones/tablets. Being only 3 weeks we limited our phone calls but also purchased a travel package from Rogers for airtime while roaming in the US.
Will
We had heard that Will. We had a travel package from our cell provider last summer which worked fairly well cost wise but I kind of blew our data quota blogging. Since we'll be in US waters for the better part of 2 months this summer we felt safer with this pay as we need option. Will see how it goes this year in view of what we may need when we do the big loop in 2 years. Our next hurdle is travel insurance where age (at least for me) will be an issue.
Another reason we though the Wifi device would be a good option instead of relying on our cell is that I have an app for the iPad (Fongo & Talkatone) that I can make long distance calls anywhere for free as long as I'm connected to wifi. Works well so far but will see how effectvie it is in the US.