FWIW, (I'm a fellow newbie), been using a pre-paid phone and it's been fine.  Just don't block your number.  Others w/ more experience may know better.

Prepaid "hobby phones" seem to be very common.I actually just use my regular cell, and my home phone as well. But then I don't worry so much about those kind of details....and I'm single.

some people do use their own phones - just be prepared to 1) take the risks and 2) answer any potential inquiries by the SO.  It's better to use a cheap prepaid phone.

I would opt for a hobby phone.  If that is your situation, advise you to do the same.  I can personally use my own cell phone, as I am single, and my employer does not pay the bill.  If LE wanted, they could probably trace back, but other than the fact that I hobby, they would have no reason to do so.

It's a small added expense that provides you some protection from your curious SO, LE, flaky providers, pimps, jealous husbands & boyfriends, etc.  These are all low probability events, but if they occur can be a major hassle.

Just keep the same phone number by keeping the pre-paid phone topped up.  Having the same number (until circumstances force you to ditch it) will make it easier to get, keep, and provide references.

Don't worry about providers being spooked because they can't google up your number.  Google won't tell them anything useful unless you've posted your phone number on craigslist, ebay, linkedin, etc.  Might be more info than you want someone to have, anyway.

Initially I used my regular cell...  then I joined TER & discovered how unwise that is.  Ask Tiger about cell phones!  Regular cell phones leave tracks, even if you d not request a detailed print out.  

A hobby phone is no problem...  pretty much stardard operating proceedure.  I keep mine turned off & put away except for the hobby.  I do not keep phone numbers in my hobby phone beyond the date...  I erase it all.  Even if found, it is "suspicious" but to leave the data in there "confirms" suspicions.  The beauty of a hobby phone is it can be thrown under a tire or disgarded if necessary...  minimal loss.  $20 for the phone, $20 for minutes every 90 days...  all bought with cash.  

Also, be sure you use a "free" hobby e-mail account...  Delete emails after the date.  Be sure to delete "History" on any computer others might access.  Be wary of using business computers for hobbying or visiting adult sites...  guys have been fired over this.  Never forget companies have the right to track use of their equipment!  I would not use a personal laptop for this on a company wireless.  IT guys can track the sites accessed.

Clear memory on your auto GPS, if you use it.  Mine keeps "previous destinations"...  which I delete when I return to my vehicle.

Do not use your credit card anywhere you would not normally be.  Gas up the day ahead.  Buy snacks etc with cash.

You want to minimize the tracks that you leave.  Do not be sloppy.  Sloppy gets people caught.

How do I survive with "no records"?  I need internet access & I retrieve the information fresh for each date.
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