ScubaBoard SURGE Central 2024 Philippines

[Smit]

Since I'm traveling without the wifey I might have the need to call home on occasion. Does anybody know if our cell phones will work as is or do we need something special to make an international call home? Or will wifi calling work the same as it does here?

 

[ROXANNE]

Since I'm traveling without the wifey I might have the need to call home on occasion. Does anybody know if our cell phones will work as is or do we need something special to make an international call home? Or will wifi calling work the same as it does here?

Contact your cell phone provider and they'll be able to help you with that question.

 

[EberWolf]

Since I'm traveling without the wifey I might have the need to call home on occasion. Does anybody know if our cell phones will work as is or do we need something special to make an international call home? Or will wifi calling work the same as it does here?

Living overseas I have to deal with this whenever I need to call family in the US. If you want to call using your cell then you absolutely need to talk with your carried or the international roaming bill will be an unwelcome surprise when you get home. If you can wait for a WiFi signal there's plenty of options.
If you're both using Facebook you can voice or video chat through the messenger.
I use SKYPE to call my parents. Skype to Skype is free or Skype to a toll free number is free, or you can add money to your account like a calling card to call.
Whats-app is still widely used outside of the US. I've been using it to call the reservation desk to make payments and verify my information. As long as both parties have it the calls are free.
There's also Face time if you're one of those Iphone people

Jim

 

[ROXANNE]

Living overseas I have to deal with this whenever I need to call family in the US. If you want to call using your cell then you absolutely need to talk with your carried or the international roaming bill will be an unwelcome surprise when you get home. If you can wait for a WiFi signal there's plenty of options.
If you're both using Facebook you can voice or video chat through the messenger.
I use SKYPE to call my parents. Skype to Skype is free or Skype to a toll free number is free, or you can add money to your account like a calling card to call.
Whats-app is still widely used outside of the US. I've been using it to call the reservation desk to make payments and verify my information. As long as both parties have it the calls are free.
There's also Face time if you're one of those Iphone people

Jim

Those are great suggestions, I'll add them to the packing thread

 

[EberWolf]

Something else came to mind from a trip to the Maldives last year.

I would recommend bringing an empty bag in your carry on that is just big enough for your electronics and batteries.

I flew to Male without any issues. But I had a 300 mile domestic flight to the southern island of Fuvahmulah. I found out my carry on bag was no longer carry on size and had to be checked. This included backpack size and bigger items. All my electronics and batteries had to be removed and carried onboard separately. Luckily someone had a spare bag I could use. It wasn't a major issue but it's something that can be easily avoided.

 

[bethie]

I have been looking into getting to the Belmont Hotel. It is only walkable from terminal 3. If your airline arrives at another terminal, you need to take a taxi (which are notorious for tourist rip offs) or "Grab" (like Uber) or Belmont's transport (which seems pretty expensive). It appears that the airport shuttle which goes from terminal to terminal is only for connecting flights and they ask for a ticket as proof. Does anyone have any other insight into this? Here is part of the email from Belmont.

We would like to inform you that our complimentary shuttle service is currently unavailable until further notice. In line with the transportation, we are pleased to inform you of our airport pick up and drop off arrangements for our guests. Kindly find below the available transportation types and their corresponding rates:
(Sedan)      PHP 1,200.00 per way

(Van)        PHP 1,800.00 per way

(Coaster)    PHP 5,500.00 per way

(Bus)       PHP 8,112.00 per way

 

[ROXANNE]

I have been looking into getting to the Belmont Hotel. It is only walkable from terminal 3. If your airline arrives at another terminal, you need to take a taxi (which are notorious for tourist rip offs) or "Grab" (like Uber) or Belmont's transport (which seems pretty expensive). It appears that the airport shuttle which goes from terminal to terminal is only for connecting flights and they ask for a ticket as proof. Does anyone have any other insight into this? Here is part of the email from Belmont.

We would like to inform you that our complimentary shuttle service is currently unavailable until further notice. In line with the transportation, we are pleased to inform you of our airport pick up and drop off arrangements for our guests. Kindly find below the available transportation types and their corresponding rates:
(Sedan)      PHP 1,200.00 per way

(Van)        PHP 1,800.00 per way

(Coaster)    PHP 5,500.00 per way

(Bus)       PHP 8,112.00 per way

Let the Atlantis know you would like transport arranged from the Airport and they can take care of it for you with the Belmont.

 

[Smit]

Bing AI says Terminal C is the main terminal for international flight. It also says United uses Terminal C. Walking with luggage would be a PITA but manageable.

I don't know if there is a way to positively confirm which terminal a flight will arrive at. It looks like if the flights arrived at either Terminal A or B it would be a real PITA. And those prices look really high!

 

[ROXANNE]

Let the Atlantis know you would like transport arranged from the Airport and they can take care of it for you with the Belmont.

Bing AI says Terminal C is the main terminal for international flight. It also says United uses Terminal C. Walking with luggage would be a PITA but manageable.

I don't know if there is a way to positively confirm which terminal a flight will arrive at. It looks like if the flights arrived at either Terminal A or B it would be a real PITA. And those prices look really high!

It's only about $22 for the sedan, $32 for the van if you have 2 people.

Your airline tickets should provide your terminal #.

 

[bethie]

It's only about $22 for the sedan, $32 for the van if you have 2 people.

Your airline tickets should provide your terminal #.

You can look up which terminal you flight comes in at, jus google it.
Atlantis just said "take a taxi". No offer to arrange anything.
The Grab taxi is around 4 dollars so the $22 is quite high (if you are traveling alone)