Verizon

[VBdiver]

does Verizon work in Cozumel ?
If so is there a rate package I should get here before I go ?
Local Verizon store like a trip to the DMV !

 

[deborahdelamar]

Yes, Verizon works but the airtime costs add up to real folding money very quickly. You may need to subscribe to an international plan to save on the rate -- a phone call is all it takes to do that.

If you're taking a laptop, Skype is better: Free program via download, 2.1 cents per minute to call a telephone; free computer-to-computer calls. Wireless access is easy to find on the island. If you don't have both speakers & microphone built in, you'll need a headset to use the service.

 

[letterboy]

for the love of all things right in this world, if you use skype, PLEASE use a headset and mic, don't try and use it with speakers and built-in mic in a public place

 

[judydivescoz]

I have to agree with Deb. I thought I had some sort of North American Plan with Verizon so that I did not get hit with the roaming charges. Maybe I was confused or maybe Verizon changed what they offered. Anyway, last trip, I used my Blackberry to text talk and check my email. My charges for the week were close to $70. Next time the simple thing to do is use Skype or a friends Vonnage phone. I did look at Verizons web page and saw that the offered some short term plans for traveling internationally that were more reasonable if you need to use your cell.

 

[DandyDon]

Verizong does have a plan for no-roaming charges. Dial 611 on your cell and set it up before you go. I used to do this with Alltel, but now that they've merged, I have to update my equipment before I can use their plans - and I have a better phone than is sold now, so using Skype this time.

 

[sddiver]

Verizon no longer offers the "North American Plan" if you had it you could keep it, but they no longer offer new sign ups. To bad, it was ~$5-7 more for the month and had same charges as in the US but included Canada and Mexico as part of the plan area. Now the option is international roaming at much bigger bucks. Carlos Slim did not become one of the richest men in the world for no reason. Like others mentioned Skype works well (but google them, they have technical licensing issues that may put them out of business potentially). You can check your Verizon voice mail via Skype and return needed calls if that works for you for a few bucks.

If you find any kind of economical plan through Verizon please post here about your findings.

Good luck

Rich

 

[Fin59]

Here ya go...

Calling From Mexico

 

[TheScubaBOB]

MagicJack....

Gives you a US based phone number and unlimited calling to US numbers.

Plugs into a USB port, can use a cheapo phone or headset.

 

[jmorriss]

MagicJack....

Gives you a US based phone number and unlimited calling to US numbers.

Plugs into a USB port, can use a cheapo phone or headset.

Also scans and looks through all the info on your computer....

 

[TheScubaBOB]

Also scans and looks through all the info on your computer....

Yeah?

Magic Jack - Good or Evil?

Look before you leap. My wife & I have been using Magicjack for almost a year now with no problems.