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Phone Question #251236
03/27/2021 06:57 PM
03/27/2021 06:57 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline OP
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If all goes well, we will be heading to St. Maarten in 10 days (fingers crossed that testing, results and SXM approvals go well). My cellphone carrier won't work in St. Maarten. I'm taking an old galaxy s7 down and want to get a local sim card to use while there. Where in the Simpson Bay/Maho area is the best/most economical place to buy a sim card and set up phone service? Thanks for any help.

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Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251237
03/27/2021 07:56 PM
03/27/2021 07:56 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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BillandElaine  Offline
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St Maarten
The Mailbox, Simpson Bay.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251242
03/27/2021 10:03 PM
03/27/2021 10:03 PM
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CaribLee Offline OP
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CaribLee  Offline OP
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Thanks.

Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251246
03/27/2021 10:32 PM
03/27/2021 10:32 PM
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Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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download whatsap and make calls on wifi. Most places on island us it.

Re: Phone Question [Re: SXMScubaman] #251250
03/28/2021 07:07 AM
03/28/2021 07:07 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
download whatsap and make calls on wifi. Most places on island us it.


Everyone is always suggesting wifi calling, and that's great if you're somewhere that has it, as most places do. But what if you're on the road and have an emergency? Wifi isn't going to help you there. We have a local sim card, and like the peace of mind that having that brings.

Re: Phone Question [Re: GaKaye] #251253
03/28/2021 07:57 AM
03/28/2021 07:57 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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St Maarten
Totally right Georgia. We're certainly not the only ones on the island that don't have wifi unless we are somewhere it is available. I know when we visit the states people are sometimes shocked they couldn't reach us because we were on the road. Seems to be a bigger thing in US than here.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Phone Question [Re: GaKaye] #251256
03/28/2021 08:26 AM
03/28/2021 08:26 AM
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Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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Quote
But what if you're on the road and have an emergency? Wifi isn't going to help you there


Correct....that's why we have "Travel Pass" with Verizon (other carriers have similar) for use only in an emergency or if needed on road. It automatically kicks in if you try to make a call outside a wifi area . Otherwise it's wifi calling for everything ...free to the USA and minimal charges to SXM and other countries. Obviously a long call would just be made using the Travel Pass....

Probably not appropriate in this case if the OP doesn't have a useable network to start with but the wifi calling would work ...and that "old S7" is my main phone right now...works great

Last edited by boucharda; 03/28/2021 08:27 AM.
Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251264
03/28/2021 09:16 AM
03/28/2021 09:16 AM
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Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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We are enjoying both our cell phones from T Mobile this trip. Most of our calls have been made with either whatsapp, or with facebook messenger. one or two calls were made without wifi, and for the measly price of 25 cents per minute, i really don't care.(calls have been short). This is still much cheaper than renting a phone, and ''buying minutes'' for local carriers. As stated, most restaurants i have seen are using the whatsapp also, so in two full weeks here, i think my phone has cost maybe one or two dollars. smile

Re: Phone Question [Re: EdB] #251265
03/28/2021 09:53 AM
03/28/2021 09:53 AM
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Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
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We use to buy the sim, but switched to WIFI calling
and Whatsapp.

We do have the $10 international plan with AT&T, but can't remember, do we have to take it off Airplane Mode
if we need to use it in a non-WIFI area? I don't think the problem ever came up.

I've dialed local numbers and was automatically charged a very small amount, since they aren't included
in WIFI calling. I'm guessing that if we called out of a WIFI area, to the states, the plan would automatically kick in to the emergency plan.

It's been a while...senior moments, lol---- rereading what Boucharda wrote, I have the answer,
but would like to know if there is a directory
of Whatsapp numbers for local businesses in SXM?

Re: Phone Question [Re: The_Lurker] #251269
03/28/2021 10:25 AM
03/28/2021 10:25 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
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Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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I put my phone in airplane mode when I step on the plane in the US and leave it there until I return. If I need to use the International plan I would take it off and dial...but....it would cost 10 bucks for that call so use it for the 24 hours you have it. Most times when I land in a European country I will take it off when I land and use it for that day....especially during a road trip ....call the rental owner about arrival etc....then put it back in airplane mode the next day

Last edited by boucharda; 03/28/2021 10:26 AM.
Re: Phone Question [Re: boucharda] #251270
03/28/2021 10:39 AM
03/28/2021 10:39 AM
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Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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Originally Posted by boucharda
I put my phone in airplane mode when I step on the plane in the US and leave it there until I return. If I need to use the International plan I would take it off and dial...but....it would cost 10 bucks for that call so use it for the 24 hours you have it. Most times when I land in a European country I will take it off when I land and use it for that day....especially during a road trip ....call the rental owner about arrival etc....then put it back in airplane mode the next day



Exactly what I do. I do have an island number and keep it active (when I remember) but barely use it. Didn’t use it once last trip as so many use WhatsApp I call on that.

Re: Phone Question [Re: boucharda] #251271
03/28/2021 11:12 AM
03/28/2021 11:12 AM
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Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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Originally Posted by boucharda
I put my phone in airplane mode when I step on the plane in the US and leave it there until I return. If I need to use the International plan I would take it off and dial...but....it would cost 10 bucks for that call so use it for the 24 hours you have it. Most times when I land in a European country I will take it off when I land and use it for that day....especially during a road trip ....call the rental owner about arrival etc....then put it back in airplane mode the next day

That is what we do too.

Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251272
03/28/2021 11:20 AM
03/28/2021 11:20 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,146
Louisiana
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We used to use SharonQueenofSXM (IIRC) for Chippie cellphone rentals. We used to pick up the phone at Royal Palm after arriving on the Island, and return it to her there on our way to the Airport at the end of our trip. Sure was convenient and the price was reasonable. Is she still in business?

Last edited by o2bnsxm; 03/28/2021 11:21 AM.
Re: Phone Question [Re: o2bnsxm] #251273
03/28/2021 11:31 AM
03/28/2021 11:31 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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No

Re: Phone Question [Re: boucharda] #251278
03/28/2021 12:42 PM
03/28/2021 12:42 PM
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Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
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Originally Posted by boucharda
I put my phone in airplane mode when I step on the plane in the US and leave it there until I return. If I need to use the International plan I would take it off and dial...but....it would cost 10 bucks for that call so use it for the 24 hours you have it. Most times when I land in a European country I will take it off when I land and use it for that day....especially during a road trip ....call the rental owner about arrival etc....then put it back in airplane mode the next day


That's what I have been doing, too. Thank-you all .

I just wasn't sure if I had to take it out of Airplane Mode to make an emergency call or not.
I had this picture in my mind of taking it out, and it roaming and receiving all the spam calls from home. jester

Great idea about traveling in Europe, if we ever get there again.

thanks

Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251298
03/28/2021 02:07 PM
03/28/2021 02:07 PM
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Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline OP
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As a way of explanation, I have Visible service here in the states. Can't beat unlimited talk, text and data for $25 per month. However, it will not work at all in St. Maarten (not even sure I can do wifi calling using my phone # but will find out when I get there). I use whatsap and messenger but found many St. Maarten restaurants and businesses use neither. It was really aggravating wanting to make a dinner reservation with no good way to call. Also, I assume someone has to have the whatsap app for me to call them in the states. Too many folks I may want/need to call who don't have it. So....just looking for an easy and economical way to wifi call (or cell tower call) an actual phone # in the states and make local calls when desired. Listening to any and all suggestions.

Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251302
03/28/2021 03:45 PM
03/28/2021 03:45 PM
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boucharda Online content
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You do not have to wait to get to SXM to try wifi calling....at home, put the sucker in airplane mode, turn wifi back on and make a call to a friend. I use it at my residence 'cuz the cell service sucks and the wifi works great

Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251305
03/28/2021 04:23 PM
03/28/2021 04:23 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
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Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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I make my calls from home via wifi calling. I don't put it on airplane mode. As long as I'm on wifi and signed in it automatically places call via wifi so I'm not using data.

Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251353
03/29/2021 07:38 AM
03/29/2021 07:38 AM
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Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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Visible service? Is that the name or do you mean Verizon. Verizon works all over the island. 10.00 a day or I think 75 a month. Just put your phone in airplane mode and try using it in your house on WiFi. Sure driving around WiFi won’t work, but almost all establishments have WiFi you can sign into. You can call using WiFi on iMessage if you have an iPhone, you can call people through Facebook and Instagram. And WhatsApp which many have. Or worse case pay the 10:00 a day. Also another option is bring another phone and buy a chip pie. Or depending on where you are staying have the front desk (if hotel) make a reservation.

Re: Phone Question [Re: SXMScubaman] #251355
03/29/2021 07:48 AM
03/29/2021 07:48 AM
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Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
I make my calls from home via wifi calling. I don't put it on airplane mode. As long as I'm on wifi and signed in it automatically places call via wifi so I'm not using data.


Hmmmm.....my Verizon S7 manual states calls will be made on the Verizon network and then, as a back up, wifi will be used if the signal is weak BUT the calls always drop out with the switchover so I just airplane Mode/WIFI all calls...and calls do not count against your data plan but if you have limited minutes they will count against that,,,,same with texts.

Re: Phone Question [Re: kim] #251365
03/29/2021 08:36 AM
03/29/2021 08:36 AM
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CaribLee Offline OP
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CaribLee  Offline OP
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Visible is owned by Verizon. It is a no frills cheaper service that uses the same cell towers as Verizon. Will not work in St. Maarten. I pay $50 total per month for wife and my phones and have unlimited talk, text and data. Even have an unlimited hotspot although only one device can connect at a time. I knew going in that they did not have international calling. But given the money I am saving, I can easily afford to buy a sim card in St. Maarten and pay for the limited minutes I will be using. Just trying to make sure that is the best option.

Last edited by CaribLee; 03/29/2021 08:41 AM.
Re: Phone Question [Re: boucharda] #251373
03/29/2021 09:05 AM
03/29/2021 09:05 AM
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CaribLee Offline OP
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Visible only has international calling available in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Isles. Wifi calling works fine in the US. Visible has told me wifi calling from St. Maarten will work when calling back and forth to US but I cannot call any other country. I'm hoping they are right.

Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #251411
03/29/2021 11:52 AM
03/29/2021 11:52 AM
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kim Offline
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Originally Posted by CaribLee
Visible only has international calling available in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Isles. Wifi calling works fine in the US. Visible has told me wifi calling from St. Maarten will work when calling back and forth to US but I cannot call any other country. I'm hoping they are right.


Ok. That makes sense. If you have an extra phone laying around, bring it and go to the MailBox and ask them to help put a chipie in it. That way you can make whatever calls on island you need - car rental, reservation, break down etc. then you are covered each way. Good luck!

Re: Phone Question [Re: kim] #251413
03/29/2021 11:54 AM
03/29/2021 11:54 AM
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CaribLee Offline OP
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Thanks. That's the plan at this point.

Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #253037
04/16/2021 12:38 PM
04/16/2021 12:38 PM
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Maryland
Jim_Laraine Offline
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A related question: On Verizon, if you are in SXM and someone in the US calls your cell number, does the call go straight through to you. Also if you don't answer, would you be charged the $10 for any day when this happens? Might be better to pay the monthly international fee.

Re: Phone Question [Re: Jim_Laraine] #253045
04/16/2021 01:18 PM
04/16/2021 01:18 PM
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Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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Your phone won't ring if it is on Airplane mode which you'll want to do to avoid exorbitant charge being connected. Have the people that you think will call you download Whatsapp for wifi calling or if you have an Iphone and they do too use Facetime on wifi.

Re: Phone Question [Re: Jim_Laraine] #253056
04/16/2021 02:23 PM
04/16/2021 02:23 PM
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CaribLee Offline OP
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You don't need whatsapp to do wifi calling back and forth to US. Put your phone on airplane mode before landing. Connect to wifi (which I assume you will have where you are staying), turn on wifi calling (Google it if you are not sure how to do) and you are good to call and text numbers back in the states. If you are not in airplane mode before landing, your phone will automatically connect to the closest available cell tower and you will be charged for any text or call downloaded to your phone.

Re: Phone Question [Re: Jim_Laraine] #253070
04/16/2021 04:13 PM
04/16/2021 04:13 PM
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Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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Originally Posted by Jim_Laraine
A related question: On Verizon, if you are in SXM and someone in the US calls your cell number, does the call go straight through to you. Also if you don't answer, would you be charged the $10 for any day when this happens? Might be better to pay the monthly international fee.


You did not specify how you were "connected"...Travel Pass cell network or wifi. If cell network yes it will go straight through to you and also activate the $10/day thing...but in reality if you were not on airplane mode it would have been activated everyday by texts or emails received

If in airplane mode AND wifi activated then it will got straight to you at no cost to either side IF you are in a wifi area. Same with texts and emails....

Last edited by boucharda; 04/16/2021 04:14 PM.
Re: Phone Question [Re: boucharda] #253071
04/16/2021 04:16 PM
04/16/2021 04:16 PM
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Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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I believe if your not in Airplane mode and your phone is on it will automatically start with charges as it's roaming and connecting with a tower.

Re: Phone Question [Re: SXMScubaman] #253072
04/16/2021 04:21 PM
04/16/2021 04:21 PM
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boucharda Online content
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Not unless you get a text/email/call...I (duh) forgot to put in Airplane mode the whole flight to Amsterdam...and.....as we were landing....my phone announced "Welcome to Amsterdam" ...travel pass available for use

I immediately put it in AP mode and had no charges

Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #253144
04/17/2021 03:19 PM
04/17/2021 03:19 PM
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East Tennessee
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I have Verizon and turn off my cellular data, but do not put it in airplane mode because I want my kids to be able to reach me if they need me. It does not trigger the $10 pass automatically (although years ago, they did this in Europe and I complained because I did not answer yes to their texts - they credited the amount off and it has never happened again). We were in SXM for 2 weeks in Jan/Feb and my bill was about $6 total for the texts I sent and received. Last year, I was only charged the $1.79 per minute when I spoke with my daughter, which is still much less than the travel pass. I am not charged at all for calls that go to voicemail.


Laura
Re: Phone Question [Re: lhbsurf] #253148
04/17/2021 03:57 PM
04/17/2021 03:57 PM
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Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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I think you answered my question. I recently installed my island number on my iPhone and turned my Verizon number into the “Digital E-Sim”. So I only need one phone and both numbers are on it. I’m assuming if I turn off “cellular data” for Verizon, it won’t trigger the 10 a day. But calls and texts can come in. And I just need to respond when on WiFi if I don’t want to get charged. But if I answer an incoming call on my US number there also won’t be a charge. For outgoing. I just select which number and dial. .

Re: Phone Question [Re: lhbsurf] #253152
04/17/2021 04:11 PM
04/17/2021 04:11 PM
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Posts: 5,081
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boucharda Online content
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That's a new one to me....I don't understand how you can received/send texts over a cell network without having the cell network active....and pay the ten bucks....shutting off just cell data should not allow texts to be received or sent....

Educate me....difference between AP mode and "shutting off cell data".????...a nd....receiving cell calls? With no active Travel Pass?? What would be the point of travel pass if you could do everything without it?

Quote
After turning off mobile data, you’ll still be able to make and receive phone calls and get text messages. But you won’t be able to access the internet until you reconnect to a Wi-Fi network. Most people have Wi-Fi at home, at work and at random food-and-beverage establishments such as Starbucks.

By turning off mobile data, you end up with a dumb or minimalist phone while out and about, but a fully internet-connected smartphone while at home, at work and in coffee shops and restaurants that provide Wi-Fi. (And, of course, if at any time you truly need mobile data, you can just turn it on, use it, then turn it back off. It’s an option that’s always there when you need it.)

Last edited by boucharda; 04/17/2021 04:13 PM.
Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #253162
04/17/2021 06:01 PM
04/17/2021 06:01 PM
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Vancouver, WA
Todd Online content
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What I have done since we are here for two weeks and need cell and data at all times or as close as we can get to it is paid for the Verizon Wireless International Monthly Plan that is upgraded to 2GB over the normal .5GB per day. I am on a business plan and the cost is $130 per month for each phone, we have two with us and note that I get a business discount so it really is lower than that for us. Note that the only thing I know about how much data I use is that I know when I only have .5GB I usually run out and that sucks when it throttles down and that will not work for MJ. So far using on day 1 for a full day we have been fine and have done Dutch and French side with zero issues. The real test will be Monday when it is a work day, but again so far it has been good and for us well worth it.

Life is good on island!


I prefer the Isle seat
Re: Phone Question [Re: CaribLee] #253167
04/17/2021 07:57 PM
04/17/2021 07:57 PM
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EdB Offline
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I have tmobile. Used it all over the island for three weeks. Didn't use the phone much, but had it with us everywhere we went. Made most calls through facebook and whatsapp. Got home, received bill for the three weeks, and it was like four bucks!! Tmobile is only .25/minute. Last year, did the same, but needed to use the phone almost every day to check in on our mothers. The total for three weeks then amounted to under Fifty Bucks.

Re: Phone Question [Re: lhbsurf] #253180
04/18/2021 08:19 AM
04/18/2021 08:19 AM
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Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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lhbsurf...still waiting to hear how you could make/receive calls using a cell network without paying to connect to that network. Turning off data should just...well...turn off data. Cell network will still roam to connect and either charge per call or trigger the daily plan. At $1.79/minute it wouldn't take much time to reach the ten buck charge for one call anyway...with data left on

Re: Phone Question [Re: boucharda] #253187
04/18/2021 08:43 AM
04/18/2021 08:43 AM
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Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
I was playing with my phone last night. iPhone 11pro. Yes. When you turn off “Cellular Data” your phone will still work. Just no data. I turned that off. And turned off WiFi. To pretend I was sitting on Mullet. My texts came through in “green bubbles”. I can still dial numbers. And if on sxm I would get charged 1.79 a minute. Texts are .05 incoming and .50 outgoing. So you will still get all incoming. Then respond when on WiFi. Or use and pay or turn on celluLar data and trigger the 10.00 a day

Re: Phone Question [Re: kim] #253189
04/18/2021 09:05 AM
04/18/2021 09:05 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
I understand that part..but...you are in the USA and still connected to your normal cell network,

Comment was that it is possible to use a cell network OUTSIDE the USA and not pay to connect to that network. Data is not the issue....voice phone calls is. Using wifi calling in AP mode removes the need to shut off data since it will be shut off by default and will use wifi for all the data (and calls) you need ...at zero cost to the USA

Example/question : I am in SXM and at the new BBB and have my data AND AP mode shut off. Someone calls me from home.....I can receive and answer the call and there will be no charge to either party...or $1.79/min to both?

Re: Phone Question [Re: boucharda] #253191
04/18/2021 09:11 AM
04/18/2021 09:11 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
If you are in Airplane mode then no - you get nothing unless you are are WiFi. But if you just turn off “cell data”. You will receive calls and texts. Pretty sure no charge for incoming, just outgoing. And incoming texts are a nickel and outgoing are .50 cents. Or turn on cell data and pay the 10.00 a day.

Re: Phone Question [Re: kim] #253194
04/18/2021 09:34 AM
04/18/2021 09:34 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
Interesting.....and thanks. Learned something new today. I will assume the person calling me in SXM will be charged as an international call...

I think AP mode left on and wifi on use still works better for me because I'm kinda a text machine....when away from the SBR wifi all texts I missed show up as soon as I enter the property.

But...good to know another option

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