Cell phone question-Help

[avb13]

We a have cell/mobile tri band phone that uses a sim card. Are you able to buy preloaded sim cards to use while in PDC/Mexico to call internationally? Unfortunately we have to make a few business calls while on holiday and this is usually the most convenient. Any help suggestions much appreciated.
Thanks

[John]

If your phone is not locked (tied to a certain cell company), it should work here. Unfortunately, many phones acquired through cellular plans in the States lock you to your cell company because they are selling you the phone at a discount.

Assuming your phone works, you can pick up a SIM card at most cell phone stores in town. These stores are everywhere, so no matter where you go, you'll quickly find one. The cost of a new SIM card should be about 150 pesos ($15 US). After that, you can add credit to your card by purchasing pre-paid cards. Telcel sells Amigo cards for 100, 200, 300, and 500 pesos. With each card, you get pesos credits, with the 100 pesos card you get about 115 pesos credit, with the 500 pesos card you get about 900 pesos credit - reference the Telcel website. Movistar is another option.

Calling internationally from Playa is quite expensive. If you expect to be making numerous calls, you may want to use international calling centers located throughout town, an international callback service (we've used Koala Calling), or buy a Skype USB phone before your trip.

Hope that helps ya!

[himynameisjan]

My cell provider is Altell. They have a plan for international use. It runs about $10 more per month than my regular plan. I can make and receive calls from Playa with no extra costs per call. It is free to switch back and forth between plans. I don't know if all providers offer this plan though. It worked great last time I was in Playa. The only problem I had was with voice mail. The number to retrieve my voicemails is programmed into my phone, and I didn't know how to change it to include the international code.

[barbj050]

Originally Posted by himynameisjan

My cell provider is Altell. They have a plan for international use. It runs about $10 more per month than my regular plan. I can make and receive calls from Playa with no extra costs per call. It is free to switch back and forth between plans. I don't know if all providers offer this plan though. It worked great last time I was in Playa. The only problem I had was with voice mail. The number to retrieve my voicemails is programmed into my phone, and I didn't know how to change it to include the international code.

did you get charged roaming....i can call from my cell but the roaming charges are what takes my bill over the charts....

[avb13]

Thanks for the info John, we are from New Zealand and do our phones are not tied into any US companies. So, buying a sim card or using a interntional calling card from a regular phone should work. We are really looking forward to our visit to Playa.
avb13

[John]

It is probably not the most ideal solution, but buying a temporary phone here only costs $40-50 US. Buying a "disposable" phone while you are here might be an option.

[himynameisjan]

Originally Posted by barbj050

did you get charged roaming....i can call from my cell but the roaming charges are what takes my bill over the charts....

Nope, no extra charges at all. I just switch plans and start calling.

[maliasma]

Originally Posted by himynameisjan

My cell provider is Altell. They have a plan for international use. It runs about $10 more per month than my regular plan. I can make and receive calls from Playa with no extra costs per call. It is free to switch back and forth between plans. I don't know if all providers offer this plan though. It worked great last time I was in Playa. The only problem I had was with voice mail. The number to retrieve my voicemails is programmed into my phone, and I didn't know how to change it to include the international code.

How I wish T-Mobile was like that...my phone bill last September was ridiculous because of all the calls we made & received while in Playa. Hubby's business was moving office's at the time and it seemed like we were always on the phone.

[maliasma]

Originally Posted by John

If your phone is not locked (tied to a certain cell company), it should work here. Unfortunately, many phones acquired through cellular plans in the States lock you to your cell company because they are selling you the phone at a discount.

Assuming your phone works, you can pick up a SIM card at most cell phone stores in town. These stores are everywhere, so no matter where you go, you'll quickly find one. The cost of a new SIM card should be about 150 pesos ($15 US). After that, you can add credit to your card by purchasing pre-paid cards. Telcel sells Amigo cards for 100, 200, 300, and 500 pesos. With each card, you get pesos credits, with the 100 pesos card you get about 115 pesos credit, with the 500 pesos card you get about 900 pesos credit - reference the Telcel website. Movistar is another option.

Calling internationally from Playa is quite expensive. If you expect to be making numerous calls, you may want to use international calling centers located throughout town, an international callback service (we've used Koala Calling), or buy a Skype USB phone before your trip.

Hope that helps ya!

What is the Skype USB phone??

[John]

I am sure there are numerous Skype USB phones, but here is a link to one of them on their website. Click here. $24, not a bad deal.