[H]Phone service question ?

<p>Hi, I will be moving to the U.S in a few days to study electrical engineering? </p>

<p>I am going by myself so I was wondering how phone services work there because my friend who goes there say it is very expensive and you need to get a contract with a credit history. I want to be able to get in touch with my family easily. </p>

<p>Also I am told no carrier will use my phone there so I have to get a new phone ?</p>

<p>I researched it a bit but it is all very confusing. It seems to me like the best service available is AT&T and Verizon but they are very expensive and I want to use stuff like data and text my family but that costs even more. Are the contracts really good since most people seem to use that.</p>

<p>Anyone have any idea what the best service to use is in the U.S for me ?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>