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Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done

Posted By: autoeng

Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 12:30 PM

Hello all,

We will be making our 1st trip to SXM in July (8-18th) and will need some limited cell phone service. I had planned on renting from Sharon and now need to make other plans.

I guess I have 3 choices:

I can get my phone unlocked for international travel and buy some kind of card on the island.

I can buy AT&T's International Day Pass Plan for $10 a day. Seems expensive to me....

I can buy AT&T's Passport Plan for $40 that is good for 30 days but with limited data I don't think it will what I need.

What are my options from you seasoned travelers?

Thanks,

Autoeng
Posted By: boucharda

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 12:38 PM

I guess it depends on what you will be using your phone for and whether you have wifi available.

You mention you will need "limited cell phone service" bu then hint you will have a decent data requirement.

We use wifi for all our data absorbing stuff (phone, tablet, laptop) and we can make and receive calls to/from the USA in airplane mode with wifi enabled...no extra charge. We have Verizon but I believe AT & T enabled wifi calling before Verizon

You do need a reasonable recent phone (S6/7/8) or a similarly recent I-phone.

NOT appropriate for calling to a number in SXM...Just your normal USA stuff.

Easiest option...no effort or cost involved. It all depends on whether it fits your needs
Posted By: autoeng

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 01:23 PM

Thanks for the advice. After reading more I think that with WiFi we can get by with using Facebook Messenger calling and messaging, maybe Google Voice if someone we need to contact doesn't have FB. And WiFi for the data needs as well.

If I'm mistaken about the FB messenger calling and texting please let me know.
Posted By: BillandElaine

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 02:05 PM

We use FB messenger all the time with wifi.
Posted By: jeepers

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 02:23 PM

We also use FB messenger, it works great. We have iphones & we can text home for .75 Canadian per text. Works great as well. No issues.
Have fun on the "Friendly Island"!
Posted By: GaKaye

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 02:25 PM

Yes, you're correct about that. However, if you're on the road and have an emergency, then your wifi won't help you. That's why we purchased a sim card from Sharon and put it in our phone when we arrive on the island. You can get them now at the UTS store which is in the same shopping area with IZI restaurant. The people there are very helpful (but they're not Sharon <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />)
Posted By: astropilot

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 02:41 PM

have have Verizon service. I just signed up for their international plan -- ALL of the same services as you have at home Voice/Text/and Data - same as at home.

The cost $10.00 per day when you use it. Use it for two days $20.00 use it each day for a week $70.00.

However we only use our phone for emergency situations and use the studio's WIFI for everything else. So if i need to make a call I can, if I don't there will be no charge.

for us, this is ideal. Might or might not be for you...
Posted By: IslandBoi

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 03:16 PM

if all one is concerned with is having phone service in case of emergency, another option without having to buy a local SIM or pay for an international roaming plan, is just using your US phone and paying the full international roaming rate...looks like AT&T is up to $3/min. now for the Caribbean, which admittingly is pretty steep....but personally, since we don't actually PLAN to use our phones for local calls, we choose not to pay for any additional plan or buy a SIM

we use WiFi (calling, texting, email, FB) for all planned communication to the US

Note: for those considering the AT&T Passport plan, remember that in addition to the $40 monthly fee, you will also pay $1/min for calls
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 03:33 PM

Rather than 70 a week your better off with the $40 Verizon plan for 30 days. Worked slick for the four weeks we were in SXM.
Posted By: spiker

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 03:48 PM

I used the AT&T international day plan for $10 per 24 hour period. If you only use it 2 days then its only $20!Unlimited calls, data, & text - no problem except with Chippie. They weren't privy to the plan when I got there back in April. After a few days all went great.
Posted By: pasnyder

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 05:07 PM

Many of my friends who travel out of the country use Whatsapp on their cell phones. WhatsApp voice and video calls use your phone's Internet connection, instead of your cell plan's voice minutes. So, if you can get free wifi, it's free to call or text anywhere. https://www.whatsapp.com/

Pauline
Posted By: JoeC047

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 05:32 PM

Let me shed some light on this topic. For the past 20 years I use a phone purchased in SXM for $50. and a sim card for $11. The average local call is approximately .11 cents per minute and a call to the states around .30 cents per minute. I have had the same SXM phone # for many years. You can extend the expiration date of the sim card on line with Top Up. Any questions?
Posted By: CaribLee

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 05:48 PM

Bob with packlight provides essentially the same services that Sharon did. Just Google Packlight sxm.
Posted By: Bahston

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 05:50 PM

Quote
JoeC047 said:
Let me shed some light on this topic. For the past 20 years I use a phone purchased in SXM for $50. and a sim card for $11. The average local call is approximately .11 cents per minute and a call to the states around .30 cents per minute. I have had the same SXM phone # for many years. You can extend the expiration date of the sim card on line with Top Up. Any questions?


I do the same. I've had a French-side mobile phone for years. I use it or do a Top Up every 3 months, and my number stays alive. I've also got a French-side phone card that I use for calls to the US. For data, other than Wi-Fi, I use my ATT-iPad with a Passport plan.
Posted By: tmsxmsails

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 06:47 PM

Quote
SXMScubaman said:
Rather than 70 a week your better off with the $40 Verizon plan for 30 days. Worked slick for the four weeks we were in SXM.


This is what I just did and I agree, it worked fine. I didn't use it much but it was there when I did need it. The only issue I had was trying to send a text to someone specifically (I could send texts to others). As your phone connects to different carriers (I was sailing from island to island) you get a bunch of texts from Verizon telling you (again) about your Intl plan. In these texts are numbers to call for help. I called it and got an extremely helpful woman who helped me figure out that the reason I couldn't text this one person is because he likely didn't have his iPhone set to accept SMS messages if iMessage was unavailable (or something like that). Bottom line, Verizon support was impressively good.
Posted By: kim

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 07:06 PM

But, how quick can you run through 100mb of data??
Posted By: tmsxmsails

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 07:17 PM

Quote
kim said:
But, how quick can you run through 100mb of data??


Good question/point. I don't know. We really only do this for basic/emergency use. If you want to use large amounts of data you need to find wifi.
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 07:35 PM

Quote
kim said:
But, how quick can you run through 100mb of data??

We were there a month on this plan and never used up all the data of the program. We would just use the wifi at the resort or wifi at the many places that had free wifi to use.
Posted By: Leagle49

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 08:04 PM

We've rented a phone from Craig/Bob at Packlite for years. His service is great and it's very reasonable too. Outgoing calls at .35 and incoming free. You don't have to load any preset amount on the phone but only as many dollars as you want. Recommend him highly. Here's the email address. packlightsxm@hotmail.com
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 08:34 PM

I was under the impression he got his phones through Sharon.
Posted By: pony600

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 08:41 PM

We have also rented from Craig at Packlight for years. Great service and he also rents chairs, umbrellas & coolers.
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 09:00 PM

But does he has his own phones or getting them from Sharon?
Posted By: The_Lurker

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 09:24 PM

Since Smart phones, we have always rented a SIM from Sharon.
I will probably buy from UTS when we arrive. Do you just call them to top off if you run out of time?
We really don't use the phone much--mostly for reservations and a quick check home.
Or if my credit card company decides to send me an urgent message!!!! I almost forgot--- changing airline reservations <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: boucharda

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 09:52 PM

Maybe I'm very low maintenance but I have to do nothing to be able to make calls home from my own cell...and receive them (or return the call) when on wifi at SBR. I just inform everyone to use email instead of text and there is no issue.

I would think it overkill to rent a phone or get a sim just for reservations (use Skype) and on road calls....

Just a simple person I guess.
Posted By: JoeC047

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 10:32 PM

Lurker: Here is the link to top up your SIM card. It will give you an expiration date when you enter your phone #. http://utschippie.com/expirationdate.aspx
Posted By: BeachKitten

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 11:52 PM

Quote
JoeC047 said:
Lurker: Here is the link to top up your SIM card. It will give you an expiration date when you enter your phone #. http://utschippie.com/expirationdate.aspx


Not sure if it's just me, but t that link hasn't worked in ages.

I bought a super cheap dual SIM (unlocked) phone on Amazon, and then a Chippie (UTS) SIM card. I can make local calls and have my very own SXM phone number! Love it!
Posted By: pony600

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/13/2017 11:54 PM

I believe that he has his own phones.
Posted By: MotownTim

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 01:03 AM

The UTS store by IZI was closed the last time I went there. Possibly for good.
Posted By: BeachKitten

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 01:27 AM

You can buy at Mailbox in Simpson Bay
Posted By: kim

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 01:53 AM

Or was it for lunch. I was there in March. Realized they close for 60 or 90 minutes for lunch
Posted By: MotownTim

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 02:24 AM

Don't think it was for lunch. They were moving furniture out. Something about an odor in the place. Maybe they returned. I don't know. This was just a couple weeks ago. I went down to Telcell.
Posted By: Mikel

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 10:29 AM

I have been using Chippie's TopUp service for years and never knew there was a way to confirm the expiration date. Tried it this morning and it worked just fine. Thanks for the info.
Posted By: The_Lurker

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 12:01 PM

Joe, Thank-you for the link.
I saved it, since I will be buying the sim on our next trip.
Posted By: GaKaye

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 12:51 PM

Unless something's changed in the past couple of weeks, you can't actually purchase more time for your topup card on the website. You have to go to the UTS store or the Mailbox in SXM to do that. Tim just posted that the UTS store near IZI has closed; does anyone know if there's another one on the island?

What you can do on the website is add time to your phone from your card, which you have to do every 90 days to keep your sim card, and therefore your phone number, active.
Posted By: BillandElaine

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 01:16 PM

Another option is the Top Up Card, which I believe you can only get from Sharon. Allows you to add $ to your phone via a web portal.

There are UTS stores in Philipsburg, Marigot and I believe the one in Cole Bay is still open.
Posted By: ChiTownHarry

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 01:42 PM

Because nobody mentioned it, if you want a French phone number, you can purchase a SIM from Dauphin Telecom in Marigot. Since we spend almost all of our time on the French side, it is easier to make calls with it. And I do not have to add funds to my telephone account when I am not on the island and we're only on the island once a year.
Posted By: GaKaye

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 03:53 PM

The Top Up card is what I have, and I do add money to my phone from that. I thought that I could load more money onto that at a UTS store or at the Mailbox. Am I wrong about that, Elaine?
Posted By: DanNJessica

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 04:53 PM

Project FI! https://g.co/fi/r/D5342K
I use it all over the world $10 per GB.
Posted By: islandgem

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 05:13 PM

I have done that at the Mailbox several times.I keep my phone active by adding money from my card on the website buychippieonline.com
Posted By: wilsonck

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 05:56 PM

Quote
GaKaye said:
Unless something's changed in the past couple of weeks, you can't actually purchase more time for your topup card on the website. You have to go to the UTS store or the Mailbox in SXM to do that. Tim just posted that the UTS store near IZI has closed; does anyone know if there's another one on the island?


The UTS store in Philipsburg is open. It is located on Codville Webster Road. The Philipsburg location is open Mon-Fri 8am to 4 pm. There is another UTS store in Marigot at 24 Rue de la République. I believe this store is open till 5:30 pm and does have Saturday hours as well. I'll know more next week when I'm there.

As far as the Cole Bay location, as of May 29th, UTS posted on their facebook page their locations that would be closed due to weather and they listed the Cole Bay location, but it had the same hours as the Philipsburg location only M-F 8am to 4 pm. I'll see next week if it is truly closed.
Posted By: dkupersmith

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 06:00 PM

I use the Verizon daily international plan when traveling but your description misses the biggest "gotcha" catch. The $10 is triggered by texts not just calls. There is no way I can get everybody to stop texting me so I just assume I am paying each day.
I used the 40/month plan once but you go through data quickly then have to keep in wifi mode to avoid overage.
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 06:04 PM

"There is no way I can get everybody to stop texting me so I just assume I am paying each day."

Only if you open them.
Posted By: boucharda

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 07:16 PM

Unfortunately if you see texts then the daily charge was initiated..opened or not

The Verizon $10/day or $40/month uses the same plan constraints (data, text, minutes (if any) you have in the USA...why are you exceeding it?
Posted By: kim

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 07:25 PM

Quote
dkupersmith said:
I use the Verizon daily international plan when traveling but your description misses the biggest "gotcha" catch. The $10 is triggered by texts not just calls. There is no way I can get everybody to stop texting me so I just assume I am paying each day.
I used the 40/month plan once but you go through data quickly then have to keep in wifi mode to avoid overage.


Put your phone on airplane mode. Then the texts won't come through until your on wifi. That's how we use the 10 a day, we stretch it out if we need to make calls. We still have to work from the island so found this to be the best approach.
Posted By: boucharda

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 07:27 PM

If your phone is on airplane mode (wifi on) chances are you CAN make those work calls using your own carrier without an International plan...

Trust me..it works well
Posted By: DandM29212

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/14/2017 07:44 PM

Quote
dkupersmith said:
I use the Verizon daily international plan when traveling but your description misses the biggest "gotcha" catch. The $10 is triggered by texts not just calls. There is no way I can get everybody to stop texting me so I just assume I am paying each day.
I used the 40/month plan once but you go through data quickly then have to keep in wifi mode to avoid overage.


If we keep our phone on airplane mode on the days we don't need the phone, we don't see incoming texts and don't get charged by AT&T for that day.
Posted By: yanks03

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/15/2017 01:10 AM

T Mobile offers .20 a minute calls and unlimited text and data for no additional charge to your regular plan. Data is steady but slow, although faster than Club O's wifi.
Posted By: RICKnGRACE_LI_NY

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/15/2017 03:38 PM

I am a bit slow when it comes to Sim Cards and top up and stuff like that. We have been using Sharon's Service since it started.

I have an IPhone 6s and have Verizon as my carrier. Without buying a phone or taking one apart, what seems to be my best option? Is it a service from Verizon or Pack Light? Does a Sim Card work on an iPhone? Is so where is the best place for me to go? Staying at Royal Palm.coming in on a Friday.

Thanks in advance for an answer in layman terms.
Posted By: IslandBoi

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/15/2017 05:15 PM

Quote
dkupersmith said:
I use the Verizon daily international plan when traveling but your description misses the biggest "gotcha" catch. The $10 is triggered by texts not just calls...


i wonder if AT&T's $10/day plan works the same way, considering that AT&T doesn't normally charge you to RECEIVE texts while outside the US, just charges for sending

From AT&T's website:

Pay-per-use messaging rates
Text $0.25/message sent
Picture/Video $0.50/message sent

Standard domestic messaging rates apply to text, picture, and video messages received.

Pay-per-use rates apply if you do not have a package.
Posted By: JoeC047

Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/15/2017 06:12 PM

Rick & Grace, You will spend much more using your Verizon than buying an inexpensive phone and a sim card, depending on how often you visit SXM, or how much you use your phone.
Posted By: The_Lurker

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/15/2017 07:12 PM

Quote
JoeC047 said:
Rick & Grace, You will spend much more using your Verizon than buying an inexpensive phone and a sim card, depending on how often you visit SXM, or how much you use your phone.


Why do you need to buy the phone? Why not just the SIM?
Posted By: ChiTownHarry

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/15/2017 08:27 PM

Quote
The_Lurker said:
Why do you need to buy the phone? Why not just the SIM?


You do not have to buy the phone if the phone is unlocked. If the phone is locked, then you have to deal with your provider (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) to have the phone unlocked or buy another unlocked phone.
Posted By: JoeC047

Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/15/2017 09:55 PM

You need to have a tri-band phone, or as ChiTownHarry explained.
Posted By: The_Lurker

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/15/2017 10:02 PM

Quote
ChiTownHarry said:
Quote
The_Lurker said:
Why do you need to buy the phone? Why not just the SIM?


You do not have to buy the phone if the phone is unlocked. If the phone is locked, then you have to deal with your provider (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) to have the phone unlocked or buy another unlocked phone.


Ok, was just curious, since we have been changing the SIM for a few years in SXM. We do the same thing in Italy.
Posted By: Shelby2

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/16/2017 12:49 AM

How do I determine if I have a locked or unlocked phone? I'm clueless about all this stuff...just got a "smart" phone not too long ago, still figuring out how to use all things on it!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: dkupersmith

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/16/2017 03:13 AM

True, but the reason I keep my phone on is in case of a medical emergency with my mother, so wifi won't work. The assisted living facility will call if any problem.
Posted By: jaxon60

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/16/2017 03:42 AM

For Canadians that want to have their phones unlocked, there was good news this week. As of December 1, 2017, Canadian carriers will have to unlock phones at no charge and all phones sold as of that date will have to be unlocked. I have always had and unlocked phone and switch out the SIM card where ever we go. I always find it the least expensive way to go.
Posted By: ChiTownHarry

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/16/2017 02:00 PM

Quote
Shelby2 said:
How do I determine if I have a locked or unlocked phone?


If you received the phone from a US carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile,etc) it is likely locked. We are with AT&T and if the phone is paid for, you can contact AT&T to have it unlocked. For more information AT&T unlock device information
Posted By: Shelby2

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/16/2017 02:31 PM

appreciate your reply, thanks! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: wilsonck

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/16/2017 03:00 PM

Quote
ChiTownHarry said:
If you received the phone from a US carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile,etc) it is likely locked. We are with AT&T and if the phone is paid for, you can contact AT&T to have it unlocked. For more information AT&T unlock device information


All Verizon LTE phones are sold unlocked. This is due to certain spectrum allocated to them by the FCC that is designated for open source and they are not allowed to lock their devices using that spectrum.

Sprint will unlock your device for international sim use once the device has been on your account for 90 days.
Posted By: jmbcomms

Re: Cell phone options now that Queen of SXM is done - 06/16/2017 06:47 PM

We've used a local SIM in our unlocked Android phone for years, from UTS. The pain is adding to the balance every so often while we're away. We get it done, but not convenient.

For calls home I usually use Skype...
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