Since my 83 year old mother is travelling with us I am trying to rent a phone so that my father back home can call her.

I have tried both the contact form and the reservation form from QueenofSXM but have yet to hear back.

Has anyone else ever tried using her and been successful? Has there been contact or has it just worked out that you go by the business and can get a phone at the counter?

The website says that customers are e-mailed a phone number 5 days before they are to arrive but it would be nice to know the order request has been received...

We are flying down September 12 so it is getting close and I want to have my ducks in a row.

Thanks for any advice/help!

Check your spam folder. Many US internet providers routinely block messages from the caribbean. She usually sends a confirmation notice upon receiving your rental request. If it's not there, try sending a message to <a href="queenofsxm2000@yahoo.com" target="_blank">Queen of SXM</a>

If you are bringing your computer buy a Magic Jack at Best Buy and you can call USA via internet. Magic Jack costs about $40 including 1 year free service to USA or Canada. I use it in SXM and it works well. Also SKYPE works.

But for MagicJsck, unless you are going to lug a laptop everywhere you go, and are assured of an Internet connection EVERYWHERE, a cell or SIM card is still the way to go IMO. You said you wanted to be reachable by your father.....and you won't be staying in the room all of the time.

If your magicJack is plugged into your computer, the computer must be on and you must have an active Internet connection to be able to place and receive calls.
It is also good to have peace of mind to be able to reach someone if your rental car breaks down....or you're laying on the beach and inspiration suddenly hits for where you want to have dinner, you can call and make a reservation, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

How long ago did you send in your request? Possibly the reply is in your spam filter, but you can always send a PM to SharonfromSXM.

I agree that cell phone and SIM card are the way to go, especially for on island calls and messaging.

But if you have an android device an option to include is Hangouts Dialer. It offers free calls from your cell to US and Canada and you can get a Google number so people can call you, too. The downside is that you need wifi or a data plan (which is why I say a local plan is a good idea).

We changed to T mobile about 2 years ago and just use our phone as we do at home. No data charges and just 20 cents/minute for calling. Not as great coverage as ATT in the US, but saves us thousands the last 2 years. Only paid roaming in Bahamas and Lichtenstein so far.

I used Sharon for years until I bought an Android phone. Great service & reliability (Sharon.) Got our phone unlocked and have used a SXM SIM ever since, from Chippie.

I have a Samsung S5 through Verizon and I checked before traveling last year and they told me it was already unlocked for an international SIM. Sure enough, got a SIM and put it in the phone and it worked perfectly. You may want to verify if you have another carrier but I'd say grab a SIM on island and you'll be all set.

I have Sprint and they are pretty expensive. It would be cheaper to rent.
If you go with a SIM there do you use your cell phone plan or are you buying service there. I find that part confusing.
I'm more savvy then my husband but that's not saying much, lol!

I have tried the PM to Sharon but worse case I land and rent there...

If you purchase a sim card for your phone, you purchase local service with that sim. You are not using your call phone plan in that case.

Personally, we always rent a phone from Sharon. It's easy, reasonably priced, and serves the purpose.

If you sent Sharon a PM HERE, she will definitely respond, though knowing how on top of things she always is, I'm surprised she hasn't already.

Regarding who's more savvy, because as scary as this may sound to those who know us, that's our situation too. Scary - really scary! I'm bad but DH is even worse than me. Just ask my Grandchildren!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Yes, Sharon just replied to me here. I am glad I found this forum! Well, actually it was pointed out to me by someone on Cruise Critic, another forum I love.

It is so great to be able to ask questions and read about others' experiences, and potentially meet new people and make friends. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />