Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

How does this work?

Step 1: Order your SIM online and receive it by mail

  • Create a free account in the Travel Mobile portal.
  • Order your SIM online by choosing the operator, SIM card size and quantity.
  • Select your shipping method to receive your SIM(s) by mail.

Step 2: Choose your plan and schedule your activation date

  • With your SIM in your hands, access the Travel Mobile website and add the serial number of the SIM located on the back of the SIM card.
  • Choose your plan and activation date.
  • On the activation date chosen you will receive an email with your U.S. telephone number.

Step 3: Install your SIM and use it!

  • When you arrive in the United States, remove your home country SIM.
  • Insert the SIM from Travel Mobile.
  • You are ready to use the service!

What kind of phone do I need?

  • You will need an unlocked GSM phone that supports 1700 and 2100 MHz for the United States.
  • A multi-band phone will work in Europe.
  • For travel to Asia be sure your phone supports 2100 MHz.

How can I find out if my phone is unlocked?

  • Check with the store or operator where you purchased the phone, or install a SIM from another operator and see if the phone still works.
  • If you have an iPhone, dial *#06# on your phone and send us the code that appears, or go to http://www.imei.info and enter the IMEI there.

Are there additional costs?

  • In addition to the cost of the prepaid plan you choose, you will be charged for a new SIM card.
  • Standard shipping rates vary by country and are displayed prior to checkout.
  • Express shipping is available for an additional cost.

Payment Methods Accepted

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • PayPal

Customer Service


SIM cards and Plans

What size SIM do I need?

Nano

  • Apple iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6s, 6 Plus, 7, 7 Plus
  • Apple iPad Air, Mini
  • Asus PadFone Infinity, Infinity 2
  • HTC Desire 610, 810
  • HTC One M8, M8 Prime, E8, mini2
  • Motorola DROID Maxx, Mini, Ultra
  • Motorola Moto X
  • Nokia Lumia 930, 1520, Icon
  • Samsung Galaxy A3, A5, A7, S6, S7

Micro

  • Apple iPhone 4, 4s
  • Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5
  • Motorola Moto G
  • Many others - please send an email to inquire.

How long is my SIM valid?

  • The SIM is valid while the account is active and has credit.
  • LYCA and Red Pocket SIMs expire after 30 days without a recharge.
  • ONESIM SIMs expire after 1 year with a zero balance or no use.
  • JT SIMs expire after 3 months with a zero balance, or no use.

Where does the SIM function?

  • US SIMs only function in the United States.
  • Global SIMs from ONESIM and JT function in over 100 countries, and rates vary by country and operator.

How long are the plans valid for?

  • Our plans are valid for 30 days.
  • Plan details vary by operator.

At the end of my credit, how can I buy more credit?

  • Return to the Travel Mobile website and select the plan you wish to activate.
  • Proceed through the normal checkout process.

Is Internet access unlimited?

  • United States plans offer unlimited internet.
  • Global plans offer limited data access.
  • Please consult plan details for more information.

Shipping

What are the standard shipping timeframes?

Argentina, Chile and Peru

  • 6 to 10 business days

Brazil

  • Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, 2 to 3 business days
  • Other locations, 3 to 5 business days

Canada

  • 6 to 10 business days

Europe

  • 5 to 10 business days

Mexico

  • 3 to 5 business days

United States

  • 3 to 5 business days

Operator - LYCA (United States)

How can I check my balance?

Dial *611# from your phone

How can I check my voicemail?

Dial 121 from your phone

Coverage

Lycamobile has excellent coverage throughout the U.S. (no coverage in Alaska) and runs on the network of a large U.S. operator. Our plans allow you unlimited calls in the U.S. (local and long-distance), unlimited Internet, unlimited SMS and credits for international calls.

High-speed data package

Once you have used all your high-speed data, the data connection is reduced to 2G.

How can I make international calls?

  • Start with 011 followed by the country code, the area or city code and telephone number.
  • Your call will be connected.
  • For a complete list of rates to all available international destinations, please visit http://www.lycamobile.us/en/internationalrates

How can I configure my phone for Internet access?

Android

  • Turn your WiFi OFF and make sure the phone is not in Airplane Mode.
  • Go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Network > Access Point Name.
  • Press Menu and select New APN.
  • Enter these settings (case sensitive):
  • Leave all other fields empty.
  • Press Menu and select Save.
  • Make sure you select the Lycamobile profile you just created.
  • You must remove the other APN's that are listed on your phone. Select each APN, press the menu button, select Delete APN. Delete all of the APN's until Lycamobile is the only one left.

iPhone

For iOS 9 and up:

  • Go to Settings > Cellular
  • Make sure Cellular Data is enabled
  • Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options
  • Make sure Data Roaming is enabled
  • Select Enable LTE
  • Select Voice and Data

  • LTE is now enabled

  • In the Cellular Data Network section enter (case sensitive):

    • APN: data.lycamobile.com

  • In the MMS section enter (case sensitive):

  • Leave all other fields empty.

  • Restart your phone.

Operator - PTEL (United States)

PTEL

PTEL ended its operations on January 30, 2016.


Operator - RED POCKET (United States)

How can I check my balance?

Dial *777#

How can I make international calls?

  • Dial 011 + country code + area/city code + telephone number.
  • If you’re unable to connect:
    • Try dialing 1-626-388-9788, which is an international access number.
    • After hearing the chime, start dialing 011 + country code + area/city code + telephone number + #.
  • The Red Pocket website has more international tariff information

How can I configure my phone for internet access?

Note: You must be in the U.S. and will need WiFi access to install the APN.

  • Go to http://goredpocket.com/configure
  • Click on Configure Now that conforms to your model of mobile phone
  • Enter your phone number and you will receive a SMS with a link to download the APN
  • Click on the link in the SMS to download the APN
  • If you are asked for a PIN enter 1234
  • Restart your phone

Operator - ONESIM (Global)

How can I check my balance?

  • Dial 099
  • To check the balance of a data bundle, dial * 146 * 942 #

Getting started

  • Your Global phone number and PIN are printed on the SIM card.
  • Calling and texting is automatically activated once you pick up a network for the first time.

How do I make an international call?

Your SIM has a EU phone number that lets you roam in over 100 countries.

To make a call:

  • Dial 00-CountryCode-AreaCode-Number and press the TALK/SEND button.
  • Example: To call OneSimCard Support in the USA you would dial 00-1-617-313-8888 and press TALK/SEND.
  • After pressing the TALK/SEND button you will see a variable message on the screen (for example 'Wait for call') which you can ignore and your phone will ring back in a few seconds.
  • Answer this ring as you normally would answer any incoming call.
  • Your call will then be connected.

How can others call me?

  • Your family and friends can call you at anytime by dialing your international number
  • Be sure to use the correct prefix when dialing the international number
  • From a cell phone they should dial + 372
  • Example: + 372 XXXXXXXX

How can I configure my phone for Internet access?

iPad or iPhone

  • Select Settings > Cellular
  • Turn on Cellular Data
  • Turn off EU Internet
  • Select Settings > Cellular Data Options
  • Turn on Data Roaming
  • Select APN Settings and in the APN field insert send.ee
  • Leave all other fields blank
  • Press Menu
  • Start your browser and access the internet

Android

  • Select Settings > Wireless and Network > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names
  • Press Menu
  • Select New APN
  • Enter the Name as OneSIM and the APN as send.ee
  • Leave the username/password fields blank
  • Press Menu
  • Select Save
  • Ensure OneSIM is selected as the Preferred APN
  • Start your browser and access the internet

Asia

Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates

  • USD 0.29 to 0.75 / Minute
  • USD 0.40 to 0.59 / SMS

  • USD 0.25 / MB

  • Data bundles are available in 500 MB, 1 GB (USD 0.10 / MB) and 2 GB sizes (USD 0.05 / MB)

Europe

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom

  • USD 0.49 / Minute
  • USD 0.25 / SMS

  • USD 0.25 / MB

  • Data bundles are available in 500 MB, 1 GB (USD 0.10 / MB) and 2 GB sizes (USD 0.05 / MB)

The Americas

  • North America - Canada, Mexico, United States
  • Central America - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama

  • South America - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay

  • USD 0.49 to 0.69 / Minute

  • USD 0.25 to 0.59 / SMS

  • USD 0.25 / MB

  • Data bundles are available in 500 MB, 1 GB (USD 0.10 / MB) and 2 GB sizes (USD 0.05 / MB)

NOTE:

  • Service is available in other countries.
  • Service may include expensive non-standard pricing for data, or data may not be available.

Operator - JT (Global)

How can I check my balance?

  • Dial 187

Getting started

  • You can find out your Global phone number by dialing 568 ; you will be sent a text message with your details shortly after.
  • Calling and texting is automatically activated once you pick up a network for the first time.

How do I make an international call?

Your SIM has a UK phone number that lets you roam in over 150 countries. Each country has its own rates; please consult the pricing guide below.

  • Dial + followed by the country code, the area code and telephone number.
  • You must dial the country code even if you are making a local or national call and drop the leading zero if the number you are calling has one.
  • Press the call key and wait:
    • In the USA and Mexico your call will connect normally.
    • Outside of these countries, ignore any messages shown on your screen.
  • You will be disconnected for 10 to 30 seconds and then your phone will call back.
  • Answer the call normally, and your call will be connected after a few seconds.

How can others call me?

  • Your family and friends can call you at anytime
  • They can call your UK number by dialing your international number
  • Be sure to use the correct prefix when dialing the international number
  • From a cell phone you dial + 44 and from a fixed line phone you must dial 011 44
  • Example: + 44 793 XXX XXXX, or 011 44 793 XXX XXXX

How can I configure my phone for Internet access?

iPad or iPhone

  • Select Settings > Cellular
  • Turn on Cellular Data
  • Turn off EU Internet
  • Select Settings > Cellular Data Options
  • Turn on Data Roaming
  • Select APN Settings and in the APN field insert mobiledata
  • Leave all other fields blank
  • Press Menu
  • Start your browser and access the internet

Android

  • Select Settings > Wireless and Network > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names
  • Press Menu
  • Select New APN
  • Enter the Name as EKIT and the APN as mobiledata
  • Leave the username/password fields blank
  • Press Menu
  • Select Save
  • Ensure EKIT is selected as the Preferred APN
  • Start your browser and access the internet

Asia

Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates

  • USD 0.75 / Minute
  • USD 0.75 / SMS

  • USD 0.45 / MB

  • Data bundles are available in 500 MB, 1 GB (USD 0.10 / MB)

Caribbean

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Netherland Antilles, Puerto Rico, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, U.S. Virgin Islands

  • USD 0.75 / Minute
  • USD 0.75 / SMS

  • USD 0.45 / MB

  • Data bundles are available in 500 MB, 1 GB (USD 0.10 / MB)

Europe

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom

  • USD 0.35 / Minute
  • USD 0.35 / SMS

  • USD 0.25 / MB

  • Data bundles are available in 500 MB, 1 GB (USD 0.10 / MB)

The Americas

  • North America - Canada, Mexico
  • Central America - El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama

  • South America - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay

  • USD 0.75 / Minute

  • USD 0.75 / SMS
  • USD 0.45 / MB

USA

  • USD 0,35 / Min
  • USD 0,35 / SMS

  • USD 0,25 / MB

  • Data bundles are available in 500 MB, 1 GB (USD 0.10 / MB)

Note: Service is available in other countries, but may include expensive non-standard pricing for data.


Tips and hints

Configuration

  • If your phone prompts you to accept new carrier settings, be sure to say yes!

  • Remember you must have an unlocked GSM phone to use the service.

  • For 4G / LTE service within the United States your phone must support network frequencies of 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz.

Be sure you to check your APN settings

It may be necessary to configure the APN of the operator for your phone's data network to function. If you cannot access data after inserting the SIM, then simply follow the APN configuration instructions that were delivered along with your SIM chip, or consult the FAQ here for the operator SIM you purchased.

  • You can use one of the many sites on the web to check how to configure your phone. Just select the manufacturer and model of phone, and then the operator you will be using.

  • Recommended site: https://apnsettings.gishan.net

DUAL SIM

If your phone is a dual-SIM model, please remove the SIM from your home country and leave only the Travel Mobile SIM you purchased in slot 1 (bottom Tray 1).

WhatsApp

You do not need to register your new phone number to use WhatsApp.

  • Wait until you arrive in your destination.

  • When you open WhatsApp the app will identify a new network and a new number, and will ask if you want to update the telephone number.

  • We recommend that you choose NOT to UPDATE, so all of your existing conversations and groups will be kept.

Data usage and monitoring

We suggest that you install an application to keep track of your data use and identify which applications consume data. There are several options available, for example My Data Manager, which has a user-friendly interface and supports multiple languages.

  • The app performs monitoring of all processes on the phone that are making use of the Internet connection, and can help identify if the data plan purchased will meet your needs based on your normal data consumption.

  • The app also gives you the option to customize notifications, view historical data consumption and assess which applications consume more data.

Customer support