Anyone use a SIM card in their phone in Bonaire?

[TT_Vert]

I'm planning to buy a SIM from mrsimcard.com - Chippie Wireless Bonaire Sim Card- @mrsimcard, mostly if not exclusively for data, shipped to me before I leave.

I'm sure it could be more economical dollar-wise to buy it on the island, but I like to hit the ground running. I chatted with them and they said the 7 day plans stay activated a few days longer, so that it should work for a Saturday-to-Saturday stay.

Even though it shows St. Martin it'll work in Bonaire? The website was a bit confusing, how much data did you get and how much was it for a week? Do they use Digicel towers?

Thanks
Dave

 

[DMDavid]

Tagging in just to keep track of how this sim card works for you.

 

[diversteve]

I'm pretty sure I used a Telestial card there once but it's one of those call u back types. Call anywhere in the world with the card in and within a minute or two your phone calls you back and you're connected. It's actually an Estonian phone # but people calling from the US get an 800# to call you. I used it on Curacao also a couple years later.

I'm sure you know this but your phone needs to be GSM to work.

Chippie works on Bonaire also - from infobonaire.com

 

[TT_Vert]

I do have GSM. have you set up your APN yet? I did this in Costa Rica but I'm curious how it will work for Bonaire. I looked at telestial and their pricing is through the roof. Over $220 for 1GB of data!! It seems for $50 I can get 2.5GB w/ chippie. I just need to see how well they work.

Dave

 

[backprop]

Even though it shows St. Martin it'll work in Bonaire? The website was a bit confusing, how much data did you get and how much was it for a week? Do they use Digicel towers?

Thanks
Dave

I didn't get it yet. I'm going in November and will get it then.

The site is a little confusing but yes, it works on Bonaire. The SIMs this mrsimcard outfit sells are prepaid service from UTS. UTS has coverage in all the Dutch islands, which UTS itself refers to as "Chippieland". (Chippieland | UTS Bonaire). So while I wish mrsimcard would use normal terminology, I guess it's not their fault

Before AT&T had a decent Mexico plan, I bought a SIM shipped from a different provider with the same basic setup. It worked great. (mexicosimcard.com)

WIth mrsimcard, you have to buy the SIM, activation fee, and shipping (about $35) and then add your plan. I'm either going to buy the 7-day/2.5GB/$5 of talk time/free incoming texts plan for $35, or the 7-day/2.5GB data-only plan for $30 (no voice/texts possible). So about $70 for a week.

The closest AT&T plan is $60 for 300MB of data, or $120 for 800MB of data, with no included voice (unlimted outgoing texts, but incoming are charged). So mrsimcard is a clear winner.

 

[tursiops]

The closest AT&T plan is $60 for 300MB of data, or $120 for 800MB of data, with no included voice (unlimted outgoing texts, but incoming are charged). So mrsimcard is a clear winner.

Isn't one of the differences that with the AT&T plan the texts come to and from your normal AT&T number, instead of a different Chippy number that does with yo new SIM card? If you want mainly text capability, the $40 AT&T plan is the winner...no charge either way for texts so long as you stay within your non-travelling text allowance. If you want mainly data, as you say the AT&T plan is not the preference...

 

[backprop]

Isn't one of the differences that with the AT&T plan the texts come to and from your normal AT&T number, instead of a different Chippy number that does with yo new SIM card? If you want mainly text capability, the $40 AT&T plan is the winner...no charge either way for texts so long as you stay within your non-travelling text allowance. If you want mainly data, as you say the AT&T plan is not the preference...

I should have said it's the clear winner for me. I don't care (too much) about having my own number or SMS, though it would be nice. I usually use internet based apps for text and my work phone # is exclusively Skype. Therefore I'm almost solely interested in data. But yes, if you wanted to keep your number, an add-on plan would be the only choice.

Just to be clear, I'm not 100% sure there's "no charge either way for texts" with an AT&T add-on. It COULD be, but this wording from AT&T leaves me a little suspicous (underline mine):

3Unlimited Texting: Applies only to messages sent via AT&T Short Messaging Service (SMS) & Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and not to other messaging services/applications. Messages received are charged at domestic messaging rates.​

AT&T International Roaming and World Passport Packages - from AT&T

I don't know why they'd make the distinction between sent and received unless they're charging you for incoming text (i.e. you're on Bonaire receiving a text).

 

[tursiops]

I should have said it's the clear winner for me. I don't care (too much) about having my own number or SMS, though it would be nice. I usually use internet based apps for text and my work phone # is exclusively Skype. Therefore I'm almost solely interested in data. But yes, if you wanted to keep your number, an add-on plan would be the only choice.

Just to be clear, I'm not 100% sure there's "no charge either way for texts" with an AT&T add-on. It COULD be, but this wording from AT&T leaves me a little suspicous (underline mine):

3Unlimited Texting: Applies only to messages sent via AT&T Short Messaging Service (SMS) & Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and not to other messaging services/applications. Messages received are charged at domestic messaging rates.​

AT&T International Roaming and World Passport Packages - from AT&T

I don't know why they'd make the distinction between sent and received unless they're charging you for incoming text (i.e. you're on Bonaire receiving a text).

Based on my experience using Passport in Bonaire, there is no charge for incoming texts in Bonaire if there would have been no charge at home. That is, your home plan allows for a certain number of free texts; that is also your limit in Bonaire. Or in Mexico, or Phillipines, or wherever. The Bonaire part is incidental to Passport. The more countries you go to in a 30-day period, the more that Passport is preferable.

 

[backprop]

Based on my experience using Passport in Bonaire, there is no charge for incoming texts in Bonaire if there would have been no charge at home. That is, your home plan allows for a certain number of free texts; that is also your limit in Bonaire. Or in Mexico, or Phillipines, or wherever. The Bonaire part is incidental to Passport. The more countries you go to in a 30-day period, the more that Passport is preferable.

OK, that's what I was hoping it meant.

Great point about he multiple countries - that can be a hassle if buying SIMs locally.

 

[TT_Vert]

Yeah I don't have AT&T so passport isn't an option for me I don't think. I wasn't aware w/ mrsimcard.com I had to buy a sim on top of the price of the actual plan. I was looking at the $35 plan myself w/ 2.5gb data as well. But the question is, is that $5 credit just for phone calls/text credit?

Dave