Cell Phone

Ok, it's been a while since I have chartered, and I have a total newbie crew. I have checked with my service provider, and they do not provide coverage in the BVI.

What providers do?

Can I just buy some minutes, and put a different SIM in my Iphone 6? Or should I buy a cheap phone, and get a SIM there?

I am sure someone has figured this out, so please share your solution.

Thanks!

If your phone is unlocked you can get a Digicel or Lime sim. If you want to save time and a visit to one of the stores, you can order a LIME sim from https://www.mrsimcard.com/caribbean/s-limebvi.html.

It's worth calling ahead as some of the stores do run out of sim cards. We've seen that happen at the Virgin Gorda Digicel store.

Cheers, RickG

Thanks for the response.

It is unlocked. I may want to get it in advance, and see if I can have calls forwarded to the Digicel or Lime SIM #.

Will that work?

Verizon has a number of programs.....more info here https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/international-travel/

I will probably a monthly plan @ $70.

AT&T has great coverage and reasonable plans.

i am using wifi calling with Sprint on an android...

We have found that T-Mobile is best deal if using existing domestic service.

I have had an older Motorola flip phone unlocked with a CCT 'SIM' for years. I think I might have gone to their office to obtain the SIM card, and now I can reload online with a few bucks before each trip. It works fine for local calls, although I've never tried it for long distance or data. I have noticed the AT&T signal from St. Thomas seems to be stronger when in BVI this past December. Once I obtain the AT&T signal, I've got the 'works' under my plan at home in the States.

I'll second getting a sim card from mrsimcard.com. Just plug it into your phone once you get there and you're good to go with a local phone number.
The other way to do it - and what we've been doing the last couple of years - is to use the international day pass program. Both Verizon and ATT have one. It's $10/day. Works well.

I am on Verizon. The $10 international plan works fine. But with a wife that enjoys social media, midway through the day the data slows down. It still works. Just takes longer to load a page. I have found streaming doesn't work at all or just barely. But for just using the phone it is perfect.

We use T-Mobile. Just get off the plane and it works and costs nothing extra. Yes, the data is slow(er), but it's plenty fast for all I care about doing while sailing: weather and streaming some tunes.