Feature	Buying Outright	Buying on a Plan
Upfront Cost	High ($1,200 – $2,500)	$0 (Usually)
Commitment	None. Switch SIMs anytime.	36 Months. Leaving means paying the full remaining phone balance.
Flexibility	Use any local or travel SIM.	Often easier to manage on one bill.
Credit Check	No.	Strict. Hard for new international students.

Feature	Buying Outright	Buying on a Plan
Upfront Cost	High ($1,200 – $2,500)	$0 (Usually)
Commitment	None. Switch SIMs anytime.	36 Months. Leaving means paying the full remaining phone balance.
Flexibility	Use any local or travel SIM.	Often easier to manage on one bill.
Credit Check	No.	Strict. Hard for new international students.

Feature	Buying Outright	Buying on a Plan
Upfront Cost	High ($1,200 – $2,500)	$0 (Usually)
Commitment	None. Switch SIMs anytime.	36 Months. Leaving means paying the full remaining phone balance.
Flexibility	Use any local or travel SIM.	Often easier to manage on one bill.
Credit Check	No.	Strict. Hard for new international students.

Feature	Buying Outright	Buying on a Plan
Upfront Cost	High ($1,200 – $2,500)	$0 (Usually)
Commitment	None. Switch SIMs anytime.	36 Months. Leaving means paying the full remaining phone balance.
Flexibility	Use any local or travel SIM.	Often easier to manage on one bill.
Credit Check	No.	Strict. Hard for new international students.