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Phone network #301425
05/19/2023 01:01 PM
05/19/2023 01:01 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106
Southport, North Carolina, US
candj Offline OP
Traveler
candj  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106
Southport, North Carolina, US
I am planning to buy a new unlocked phone so that I can just add a SIM card to use in SXM. Does anyone know if the SXM network is now 4G moving to 5G?


Fair winds and following seas!
SSN691-May She Ever Prowl The Seas in Defense of Human Freedom!
SSN787-Preserving Peace, Prepared for War
SXM Sponsors
Re: Phone network [Re: candj] #301427
05/19/2023 01:58 PM
05/19/2023 01:58 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,241
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
Kathleen Online content
Traveler
Kathleen  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,241
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
This past November, I had to switch my (T-mobile) phone from 5G to 4G to get it to work in SXM. I didn't have any problems making calls or sending texts once I switched it to 4G. Don't know if there are plans to have SXM go to 5G (I would be surprised if they do).


That's why I wander and follow La Vie Dansante, that's all I want, La Vie Dansante (JB)
Re: Phone network [Re: candj] #301429
05/19/2023 02:25 PM
05/19/2023 02:25 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline
Traveler
CaribLee  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
If you have an old unlocked phone it will likely work with a SXM sim card. I have an old samsung galaxy s8 that is working great. (was originally used on the Verizon/Visible network back home). Just make sure it is unlocked.

Last edited by CaribLee; 05/19/2023 02:35 PM.
Re: Phone network [Re: Kathleen] #301445
05/20/2023 07:28 AM
05/20/2023 07:28 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,860
Greensboro,N.C.From Colonie NY
wildbill069 Offline
Traveler
wildbill069  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,860
Greensboro,N.C.From Colonie NY
Don’t understand ??
I have a new iPhone 14 pro max and are on T-Mobile and I don’t have to switch anything and everything works fine !!

Re: Phone network [Re: wildbill069] #301448
05/20/2023 08:53 AM
05/20/2023 08:53 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
Traveler
kim  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
T-Mobil you don’t have to do anything.

I have an iPhone 13 plus with Verizon, most iPhones are now dual sim. So I have my US number as an E-sim and have the Chippie installed as a chip and can flip back and forth. Super easy and no need for a second phone. But to be honest I almost never used my sxm number as there is Wi-Fi everywhere. Keep you phone on “cellular data off”, you don’t incur charges but calls and texts will come in and respond when on Wi-Fi.

Re: Phone network [Re: kim] #301452
05/20/2023 09:24 AM
05/20/2023 09:24 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,860
Greensboro,N.C.From Colonie NY
wildbill069 Offline
Traveler
wildbill069  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,860
Greensboro,N.C.From Colonie NY
I would switch to T-Mobile much cheaper on and off the island !!
You don’t have to do anything !!
I should have switched years ago !!

Re: Phone network [Re: wildbill069] #301455
05/20/2023 09:32 AM
05/20/2023 09:32 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Knowing where the OP lives, I doubt that T-Mobile is a viable option for them at home. I know where I live in ENC, Verizon is the only reliable option.

Re: Phone network [Re: GaKaye] #301458
05/20/2023 12:49 PM
05/20/2023 12:49 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
Traveler
kim  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
Exactly. t-Mobil is crappy here in CT. Few pockets of good coverage but Verizon is perfect in the NY/CT area. Trust me I looked into it!

Re: Phone network [Re: candj] #301463
05/20/2023 02:28 PM
05/20/2023 02:28 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,917
New England (home), St. Maarte...
jmbcomms Offline
Traveler
jmbcomms  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,917
New England (home), St. Maarte...
I'm pretty sure it's 4G. Make sure you get an unlocked US phone with a US warranty (I just bought two) and have the supplier clone your current phone's data onto it. I got two Samsung S20s, both unlocked with the capability of holding two SIMS each; you just switch to whichever you need.


Jeff Berger
Visiting SXM Since 1978
Re: Phone network [Re: candj] #301646
05/24/2023 07:39 AM
05/24/2023 07:39 AM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 815
ME
singbeach Offline
Traveler
singbeach  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 815
ME
I was told by TMobile if you use WhatsApp, calls are free...I was travelling to Dominican Republic...so? Hopefully next year my new s23Ultra will work in SXM...Particularly text, internet!

Re: Phone network [Re: singbeach] #301656
05/24/2023 08:54 AM
05/24/2023 08:54 AM
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 111
M
Mia Offline
Traveler
Mia  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 111
All calls and texts are free on WhatsApp. It doesn't matter what network.

Re: Phone network [Re: Mia] #301658
05/24/2023 09:00 AM
05/24/2023 09:00 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
Traveler
kim  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
Originally Posted by Mia
All calls and texts are free on WhatsApp. It doesn't matter what network.


When on Wi-Fi.

You can also make calls via Facebook for free on Wi-Fi.

Re: Phone network [Re: Mia] #301659
05/24/2023 09:25 AM
05/24/2023 09:25 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Just make sure you are on airplane mode.

Re: Phone network [Re: candj] #301687
05/24/2023 01:37 PM
05/24/2023 01:37 PM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 164
L
Lancer Offline
Traveler
Lancer  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 164
We have T-Mobile. I did a live chat with a representative and they have a plan for foreign travel. It cost $15 monthly to add it to your existing plan. However, he said he was waiving the $15 fee and we have the plan now indefinitely for 250 countries. I suppose it was because we have had T-Mobile for many years, but not sure. When I asked what we have to do to get it to work in SXM he said we simply shut down our phone and restart and it will automatically connect to the service in St. Martin. It's unlimited text and stream and .25 per minute for calls. We'll try it out in a few weeks when we're down there. Anyone else have this T-Mobile service and how did it work? We'll be on the French side.

Re: Phone network [Re: Lancer] #301691
05/24/2023 01:56 PM
05/24/2023 01:56 PM
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 796
Ontario Canada
Whale Tail Offline
Traveler
Whale Tail  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 796
Ontario Canada
Wow Lancer $15 a month for foreign travel. On our recent visit this year our mobile provider (Bell Canada) charged me $16 per day to use my phone in addition to the monthly rate!!! We're getting ripped off by Canadian mobile providers.

Re: Phone network [Re: kim] #301694
05/24/2023 02:30 PM
05/24/2023 02:30 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
Originally Posted by kim
Originally Posted by Mia
All calls and texts are free on WhatsApp. It doesn't matter what network.


When on Wi-Fi.

You can also make calls via Facebook for free on Wi-Fi.


Doesen't the receiving party also have to have WhatsApp? or is that for off wifi calls....and if calling the USA (or USA cell phones anywhere) I just use wifi calling at no cost but calling an SXM establishment would have a small charge DEFINITELY not $16/day

Re: Phone network [Re: boucharda] #301704
05/24/2023 05:49 PM
05/24/2023 05:49 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by boucharda
Originally Posted by kim
Originally Posted by Mia
All calls and texts are free on WhatsApp. It doesn't matter what network.


When on Wi-Fi.

You can also make calls via Facebook for free on Wi-Fi.


Doesen't the receiving party also have to have WhatsApp? or is that for off wifi calls....and if calling the USA (or USA cell phones anywhere) I just use wifi calling at no cost but calling an SXM establishment would have a small charge DEFINITELY not $16/day

Correct. Receiving phones have to have WhatsApp too.

Re: Phone network [Re: SXMScubaman] #301708
05/24/2023 06:18 PM
05/24/2023 06:18 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
Thanks...the comment made it seem that you could call anyone for free

Re: Phone network [Re: boucharda] #301709
05/24/2023 06:20 PM
05/24/2023 06:20 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Yes as long as you are on wifi, airplane mode and recipient also has WhatsApp. At home you don't need to be on airplane mode to call it receive any number foreign or domestic.

Re: Phone network [Re: candj] #301732
05/25/2023 07:47 AM
05/25/2023 07:47 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
WhatsApp and wifi calling are great, IF you have wifi. Doesn't do you much good if you have a emergency on the road. We had an old phone with a chippie card for several years, but for the last few trips have just used our Verizon international plan when we don't have wifi. Our plan gives us one free international day per month, so we've never had to pay the usual $10 fee.

Re: Phone network [Re: GaKaye] #301738
05/25/2023 09:18 AM
05/25/2023 09:18 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Isn't that 10 per day whenever you do use it. You could do that everyday if needed if I remember right from the past.

Re: Phone network [Re: Lancer] #301742
05/25/2023 10:56 AM
05/25/2023 10:56 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,241
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
Kathleen Online content
Traveler
Kathleen  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,241
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
Just make sure that you have your phone set to 4G. I set mine to 5G in the US since we have a pretty robust 5G signal here in NJ. A couple of years ago, when we got to SXM my Tmobile was inexplicably not working. Jeff from DK Gems explained that I just needed to switch to 4G and everything worked perfectly again.


That's why I wander and follow La Vie Dansante, that's all I want, La Vie Dansante (JB)
Re: Phone network [Re: SXMScubaman] #301776
05/26/2023 07:28 AM
05/26/2023 07:28 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Isn't that 10 per day whenever you do use it. You could do that everyday if needed if I remember right from the past.


Yes, $10 for 24 hours of talk, text, and data, beginning when you first actually use the service. I've never actually used it more than a few days during our annual three week trips, but I like knowing I have the option.

Re: Phone network [Re: GaKaye] #301777
05/26/2023 07:49 AM
05/26/2023 07:49 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Great option for an emergency. We have used it before WhatsApp.

Re: Phone network [Re: candj] #301811
05/26/2023 03:11 PM
05/26/2023 03:11 PM
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 685
L
lcote Offline
Traveler
lcote  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 685
If I am not mistaken, 5 G requires a fair amount of infrastructure. And I doubt very seriously that is going to happen in SXM soon.

Re: Phone network [Re: lcote] #301812
05/26/2023 03:11 PM
05/26/2023 03:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,476
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,476
Central Florida!
Heck, we can't get 5 G here in Central Florida in the boonies!


Carol Hill
Re: Phone network [Re: SXMScubaman] #301816
05/26/2023 03:51 PM
05/26/2023 03:51 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Great option for an emergency. We have used it before WhatsApp.


Are the police on whatsapp?

Re: Phone network [Re: GaKaye] #301822
05/26/2023 04:35 PM
05/26/2023 04:35 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
I wouldn't worry about that. If I need police I'll dial 911 and wouldn't care what it costs.

Re: Phone network [Re: SXMScubaman] #301831
05/26/2023 08:04 PM
05/26/2023 08:04 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,476
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,476
Central Florida!
I actually don't think it's 911 in SXM?


Carol Hill
Re: Phone network [Re: Carol_Hill] #301835
05/26/2023 08:39 PM
05/26/2023 08:39 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Phone in our room says to dial 911 for emergency.

Re: Phone network [Re: Carol_Hill] #301837
05/26/2023 09:54 PM
05/26/2023 09:54 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Yes, it is. I have dialed it.


[Linked Image]
Re: Phone network [Re: Carol_Hill] #301842
05/26/2023 10:38 PM
05/26/2023 10:38 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx
I
IslandBoi Offline
Traveler
IslandBoi  Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx


[Linked Image]
Re: Phone network [Re: Carol_Hill] #301844
05/26/2023 10:47 PM
05/26/2023 10:47 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,625
United States of America
bdeeley Offline
Traveler
bdeeley  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,625
United States of America
Sint Maarten (Dutch side)

910 = St. Smarten Medical Center

911 = Police

912 = Ambulance

919 = Fire Department


Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. 😁
Re: Phone network [Re: GaKaye] #301871
05/27/2023 10:39 AM
05/27/2023 10:39 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106
Southport, North Carolina, US
candj Offline OP
Traveler
candj  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106
Southport, North Carolina, US
Yep, Verizon is the only one that works well in Southport.


Fair winds and following seas!
SSN691-May She Ever Prowl The Seas in Defense of Human Freedom!
SSN787-Preserving Peace, Prepared for War
Re: Phone network [Re: candj] #303260
06/26/2023 09:09 PM
06/26/2023 09:09 PM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 379
J
Joecool Offline
Traveler
Joecool  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 379
Hello All,
We are arriving in SXM on Sunday. We have Android phones, Samsung Galaxy S22+. Will my phone not work in SXM? I have AT&T.

Re: Phone network [Re: Joecool] #303262
06/26/2023 09:38 PM
06/26/2023 09:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 383
U
Uksimonusa Offline
Traveler
Uksimonusa  Offline
Traveler
U
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 383
If you have the international pass it will work, $10 per 24 hour period and $5 for a 2nd line

Re: Phone network [Re: Joecool] #303263
06/27/2023 06:25 AM
06/27/2023 06:25 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
International plan works fine for emergency calls but I keep my Samsung on airpalne mode and just use wifi calling (no cost at all) for calls back to the USA or to USA based cell phones. You can always turn off airplane mode if you need to make a call outside of wifi availability but it will cost $10 for a 24 hour period.

If you just have to make a few local SXM calls then still use wifi calling and the cost will be much less for those assuming they are reasonably short. I did this with a car rental issue when in SXM and the calls (2) cost me less than $3

Re: Phone network [Re: candj] #303264
06/27/2023 08:08 AM
06/27/2023 08:08 AM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 379
J
Joecool Offline
Traveler
Joecool  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 379
Thanks to you all for the help! Greatly appreciated.

Re: Phone network [Re: boucharda] #303267
06/27/2023 08:57 AM
06/27/2023 08:57 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,476
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,476
Central Florida!
as boucharda said, IF you are someplace where you have internet, just put the phone in airplane mode and it works great to make calls to and from the US! No cost on either side of the call.


Carol Hill

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