Cell Phones in Komodo?

[matt215]

I'm going on a liveaboard from Bali to Komodo. On a trip like this are you too far from land to get cell phone coverage, or will cell phones work in this area? I have a satellite phone and want to know if I need to buy more minutes or if I can just use my cell phone.
Also, what about buying an Indonesian SIM card? How does that work? Ive heard of people buying international SIM cards and getting best rates.

 

[Zippsy]

Around Komodo dive sites, you are often in cell phone range. During the days when you are doing the long crossing from Bali, I am not certain but you probably would not have much coverage if ever at all. When in Indonesia, I have a very cheap old cell phone with my normal SIM card in it so that I don't miss calls. I buy an Indonesian SIM card which is available at many stores all over Indonesia (even in Labuan Bajo). I put this in my iPhone to make local calls, receive calls from people I give the number to and check the internet. It seems to be my best option but I don't make many/any overseas calls.

 

[matt215]

Ok, so to answer my own question, I'm currently on a live aboard to Komodo and we have had nice clear cell phone signals the whole time. Good to know. Now, back to diving...

 

[Zippsy]

You had it the whole way from Bali? Great!

 

[vladimir]

Ok, so to answer my own question, I'm currently on a live aboard to Komodo and we have had nice clear cell phone signals the whole time. Good to know.

Worst news I've had all day. The last time I went to Komodo, I left the office with the vessel's name in case they had to reach me, knowing full well that nobody would go to the trouble. Now where do I hide?

 

[Zippsy]

Is there really a reason to change your instructions????

 

[mantajohn]

In June/July I went from Bima round to S Rinca & back. We had a decent signal for about 50% of the trip. Which is about 50% too much!