Here are some steps you can follow that will simplify the process. First, you need to choose you service provider first. Some providers don't work very well in some areas, and if you choose a bad one for your area your reception will be poor.
When trying to decide on a service provider, you should talk to friends and family about how well they like their service. You may find that one of your friends has used more than one service provider. They would know how well each provider functions in your area. Since service providers rely on cell towers, one that works very well in one area might be terrible in another.
One option that you can take advantage of is testing the cell phone you get. Most people don't know that most service providers will allow you to return the phone if it doesn't function properly. You can test it for a few days, and if it doesn't work in an area, take it back!
Most providers will give you at least three days. This, of course, would be a good question to ask the guy at the cell store. You wouldn't want to get stuck with a bad model because you forgot!
Most stores will allow you to also exchange your phone itself. Let's say that the service works great, but the phone is really slow or something. As long as you keep the phone in new condition, they will let you trade it for a different model.
When choosing a phone, you should ask the guy at the store about each model. He will probably know whether people have had problems or not.
Make sure you get all the features you need! Some phones can't take pictures or record video. Some models can't play music. If there's a feature that is important to you, make sure you get a phone that has it.
You will probably have to keep the model you get for at least a year, so it would be worth a couple bucks to get a nicer one. Most times people buy the cheapest phone, and then hate it for 12 or 24 months.
When you choose your plan, make sure you get enough minutes. Usually people think that they don't need as many as they do. You should ask yourself how much you talk everyday.
If you only talk for twenty minutes a day, you'll need at least 500 minutes, even if you have free nights and weekends. If you go over even 60 minutes, one hour, it will probably cost you about $25 extra. If would be a lot better to pay $10 and have an extra two hundred minutes available.
Whatever you do, take your time! Test out a few phones and talk to as many people as possible. A little caution can save you a lot of money, and keep you from being frustrated with your cell phone for the next year or two.
