I have lived in Asia for 9 years, and now that I’m traveling in the States a lot and relying on strangers to pick me up from airports, I needed a cell phone.

Telling people that you don’t have a cell phone here in America results in a shocked stare, a flicker of disbelief, and then finally a look of pity. I also got the vibe they thought I might belong in an adult daycare. But I could be projecting.

Yesterday, Deeds and I hit the road and visited Boost, Verizon, and AT&T to find a prepaid (slash) no contract cell phone.

I didn’t have an existing number OR phone (this was also confusing for the sales associates).

I wanted something cheap. I already have an iPod touch that I can use around free WiFi spots, so flair like web access via the phone wasn’t really a priority. Ditto for camera and video.

I ended up getting the second-to-cheapest model at one of the above stores, because the $10 phone was one of those flip-open models which reminded me of the 90′s. The $15 was of a simple one piece construction, perfect for the discerning pauper.

Watch the video to see our grand total!