Would it be safe, and is it even possible to find a burner at any big-name retail store? Or are corner stores/mom n pop shops the best bet? I've bought a pre-paid phone at Metro before, but they asked for my name, and since it wasn't for illicit purposes, I just gave it to them. I wasn't carded but does anyone know if proving your identity (license) is necessary? Also, would texting with the burners be safer vs using a burner with internet connection and messaging via an app (TextSecure)?
Walmart. A straight-talk flip phone is less than $20. I'm not sure about the price of a card for airtime. They don't ask your name or for any ID when you purchase it. Use cash. You do need to input a name and address information for your ST account on the website, but don't need to input your identity information, AFAIK.