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#82147
01/14/2016 03:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 412
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So I was told about the whatsapp app for making calls using wifi. I wasnt sure if I really needed it. but I'm gonna give it a whirl next time im in SXM! Has anyone else here tried it?
Also, is there a directory what shows where there are free wifi hotspots?
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,787 Likes: 1
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No directory that I am aware of, but many or most restaurants have free wifi if you eat and/or drink there, as Georgia said.
Carol Hill
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Joined: Nov 2015
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Here is a directory map of Wifi spots: Map of Wifi spots Maho
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,309 Likes: 2
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The resorts shown on that aren't for general use without a password that is only given out to guests staying there.
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Joined: Dec 2015
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I have the app. The only problem with it is that the other person you are calling has to have the app too. And, it's only free for the 1st year.
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Joined: Nov 2015
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Yes, but for the restaurants, which are the majority of these spots, it works.
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Joined: Sep 2000
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mirrodie said: So I was told about the whatsapp app for making calls using wifi. I wasnt sure if I really needed it. but I'm gonna give it a whirl next time im in SXM! Has anyone else here tried it?
Also, is there a directory what shows where there are free wifi hotspots? The other person has to have it and like someone else said, the calling feature isn't always working unless you pay for it. If you both have Facebook you can call through that, or if you both have an apple product. iPhone. iPod, iPad, Mac you can always FaceTime on wifi
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Joined: Dec 2010
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Last year we left the laptop at home ("I thought YOU had it"!), and I used Viber on my phone - worked great! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 203
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I agree, but resorts only account for a small part of the wifi spots on the map. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
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Thanks. I really dont hope to use the phone at all!
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Joined: Jan 2013
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If you are on android, Google Hangouts works very well. We used it to call home when in St Martin. Calls to Canada and the US are free.
We picked up a SIM card from Sharon for local calls and didn't need to buy any more time than came with the card.
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Joined: Nov 2015
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One other thought,... I tend to use WAZE on most travels in the US. I guess I'd be subject to raining if used on SXM? Or should I use the gps map app that comes on the iPhone?
Better yet, maybe just use a map like the pre-iPhone days and rough it?!
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,623
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How does Whatsapp charge you after the first year of phone calls?
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,998
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MotownTim said: How does Whatsapp charge you after the first year of phone calls? I heard it is only 99 cents after then first year. Not sure this is correct. My cousin put it on my phone and we texted them from US, Hawaii, Italy and Germany. Works great with attachments and voice.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,998
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jaxon60 said: If you are on android, Google Hangouts works very well. We used it to call home when in St Martin. Calls to Canada and the US are free.
We picked up a SIM card from Sharon for local calls and didn't need to buy any more time than came with the card. Never heard of this. How does this one work?
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 763
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The_Lurker said: Never heard of this. How does this one work? Hangouts? See: Google Hangouts You can text, call, or video call from the same app. --H
--ChiTownHarry
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 331
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I much prefer Skype app where you can program the caller ID to match your cell so the people know it is you that is calling and it works just like your regular phone (outgoing only unless you pay more). Seems like I only use less than $5 of Skype credits every time I travel for a week internationally and that includes some long phone calls (its like 3 cents a minute).
Last edited by Mantas; 01/16/2016 01:29 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 544
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mirrodie said: One other thought,... I tend to use WAZE on most travels in the US. I guess I'd be subject to raining if used on SXM? Or should I use the gps map app that comes on the iPhone? raining or roaming? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />...to avoid data roaming charges you would need a GPS/navigation app that stores maps on the phone, and doesn't rely on a constant data connection with Waze and Google Maps, while on WiFi, you can download the maps to your phone for the area you'll need, then use the app for offline navigation... How to use Waze and Google Maps Offline or you try a standalone navigation app like Be-On-Road , it's free
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 263
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Download the Hangouts app and the Hangouts Dialer from Google Play. If you are in the US, you can also get a google phone number to associate with your gmail/hangouts app. That will allow people to call you. (Harder to implement the number if in Canada, but I have managed to do it.)
With that installed, you can make phone calls from a phone or tablet to Canada and the US at no cost over wifi.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,553
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Check out Talkatone. I have it and love it. Using (a good) wifi, you can call from ANY COUNTRY in the world to any phone, land or cell in the U.S. or Canada. You get 10 free minutes a month with 60 minutes for only 99 cents if you need more time in that month. I think (but am not 100% certain) that you can call anyone from anywhere to anyone anywhere if the other person has Talkatone as well. You get to pick your phone number among a list. You must keep it active or you lose your number and must pick a new one if you want to use Talkatone again. BY active I mean one phone call a month no matter how short it is. Any unused minutes carry over to the next month.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 268
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I'll second Viber. Have used it the last 2 years and has worked well. Free but wifi dependent (actually it can work on 3G networks as well but you would have to pay the normal carrier fees associated) and the receiver needs to have the app as well. Overall, has been a great option and call clarity has been outstanding!
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