Anyone use a SIM card in their phone in Bonaire?

[backprop]

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

Yes that's for voice/text charges.

Now with the similar card I had for Mexico, I was able to reload the SIM the next time I returned, so it was just the cost of the plan for the repeat visit. I'm not certain it will work that way with mrsimcard but if you go back frequently it might be worth checking.

 

[TT_Vert]

duplicate post

 

[TT_Vert]

Yeah I got a Claro card for Costa Rica which was rechargeable. I just called sprint for those who care and they have free plans that cover Bonaire, I'll paste the transcript when done.
Synapses
I already had "Open World" calls @.20/min and unlimited text. 1GB is $30
I switched to the "Global Roaming" plan calls @.20/min and free unlimited text/data at 2G speeds
I will switch to the open world while on bonaire if the 2G speed is unusable.
Bonaire coverage seems pretty good when using sprint

Hope this helps others who have sprint who are going to Bonaire, this Global Roaming seems like a no brainer and almost too good to be true.


Transcript (removed some of the non necessary chat):

Jodi R.: I see that you are on the Open World plan which does cover Bonaire. If you'd like to use this plan there calls will be $0.20, texts will be Free, and data will be $30/GB.
Dave Brunner: 20 cents per minute?
Jodi R.: Yes that's correct. If you'd like I can switch you to the Global Roaming plan which includes calling for $0.20/minute, in addition to Unlimited text and data (2G speeds).
Dave Brunner: how much is that plan?
Dave Brunner: and what speed will I be on the open world plan?
Jodi R.: It's Free.
Jodi R.: Data speeds are 3G/4G with Open World plan.
Dave Brunner: what speed is 2G exactly?
Jodi R.: It's a little slower than 3G.
Dave Brunner: Can you give me a speed so I know if my navigation will work on this
Dave Brunner: and can you tell me the coverage map for bonaire?
Jodi R.: You should be able to use your navigation with the 2G speed, and what cities in Bonaire will you be visiting?
Dave Brunner: the entire island, do you have a map of the coverage?
Dave Brunner: please switch me to the Global Roaming with the understanding that 2g data/text is free at .20/min for calls.
Jodi R.: You may view the coverage map online at

http://www.Sprint.com/international
Jodi R.: Okay no problem, allow me a moment please.
Jodi R.: Thanks for patiently waiting.

Please complete a profile update before leaving the US. Settings > System Update > Update Profile.
Jodi R.: Please complete these steps in Bonaire:

1. Turn Off WiFi, Bluetooth, and Airplane mode.

2. Apply these settings:

Settings > More Networks > Roaming > Roaming Settings > Turn on international Voice and Data.

Settings > More Networks > Mobile Networks > Network Mode > GSM/UMTS > Select Automatic.

You may use WiFi or Bluetooth once you're able to connect.
Dave Brunner: quick question.
Dave Brunner: the sprint world open says it comes FREE w/ 1GB then $30 for additional GB ist hat correct?
Dave Brunner: you had said $30 per GB
Jodi R.: The free 1 GB does not include Bonaire. That's only for Mexico, Canada, and Latin America.
Dave Brunner: yeah I see that now.
Dave Brunner: how can I be sure that the change has taken effect on my phone?
Dave Brunner: says profile has been updated
Jodi R.: Great, that indicates that the Global Roaming plan was enabled.
Dave Brunner: excellent!!
Dave Brunner: so to clarify, I will get free 2G data speed and texts and pay .20/min to make calls to the US? How much are calls to bonaire while on bonaire?
Jodi R.: That's correct. The rates will remain the same ($0.20/min).
Dave Brunner: excellent thank you
Dave Brunner: and I can chat with you guys while there if I need anything else
Dave Brunner: can I change my plan to the open world while there if the 2g is too slow?
Jodi R.: You're welcome. Yes, or you can contact us by phone at +1-817-698-4199.
Jodi R.: Yes you may change to the Open World if you need to.
Dave Brunner: Excellent, thanks again!! please send the transcript
Dave Brunner: and to clarify
Dave Brunner: the open world plan costs how much extra?
Jodi R.: It is FREE.
Jodi R.: to add*
Dave Brunner: thank you

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

I'll put my .20/min. (Bonaire cost) in...
I take a laptop to transfer photos and use wireless connection to connect back to the world.

I don't expect many phone calls, nor do I want them while I am on vacation, but I connect my phone to the wireless and use What's App to make calls on Bonaire (What's App is free).

I do not carry my phone when we are out diving for the day, so the resort is pretty much the only place the phone goes, or if we go out to dinner, they usually offer free wireless Internet, which allows me to still receive text messages and place calls through What's App

No SIM worries because I am on vacation in Bonaire and don't want my phone stolen from the truck while we are out diving...

Oops! .40/2 minutes, crap!

 

[TT_Vert]

How are you receiving texts via whatsapp exactly? Do you somehow tie your US cell # into the app? When you call someone, does the other person have to have the whatsapp app also?

Dave

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

Dave Wrote: "How are you receiving texts via whatsapp exactly? Do you somehow tie your US cell # into the app? "
No, as long as my phone is connected to WiFi, I receive text messages

Dave Also Wrote: "When you call someone, does the other person have to have the whatsapp app also?"
Yes, that is correct. Both users simply create a free What's App account and they can connect to each other via VOIP through WiFi connection... Similar to Skype.

For those I might want to contact, or who might want to contact me, I let them know that text or using What's App is the only way to contact me and leave it up to them as to whether they want to be in contact during my vacation. Some have the app, and some don't want to contact me on my vacation

In most cases, they will see my photos soon anyway, since I edit and post them to Facebook in the evenings while cooling down with a nice adult beverage

Everyone knows they can get me through Facebook while on vacation

 

[TT_Vert]

So when you set up whats app the app will ask your phone number to somehow intercept your texts and send them to the app?

Dave

 

[tursiops]

So when you set up whats app the app will ask your phone number to somehow intercept your texts and send them to the app?

Dave

WhatsApp :: Home

 

[Lorenzoid]

So when you set up whats app the app will ask your phone number to somehow intercept your texts and send them to the app?

Dave

WhatsApp is an Internet-based instant messenger-type service that is entirely independent from the mobile telephone network's SMS service. In other words, a WhatsApp message is indeed text, but it has nothing to do with what we in the US commonly refer to as "text messages" (and what Europeans commonly refer to as "SMS") through our mobile phone service provider's SMS service. You use the WhatsApp app to send and receive messages instead of the "text message" app that your mobile phone SMS works through. Two different apps, two different systems. There is no "intercept" of SMS messages. WhatsApp uses your phone number as your address or unique identifier, but the way WhatsApp uses the phone number to route WhatsApp messages has nothing to do with how your phone service provider uses your phone number to route SMS messages.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

So when you set up whats app the app will ask your phone number to somehow intercept your texts and send them to the app?

Dave

Dave, they have nothing to do with each other.

When my phone is on Wifi, I receive text messages just as if I was in the U.S. The difference being that I cannot place phone calls unless I get a SIM card or use What's App