u.s. cell phones in the caymans?

[SFScuba]

We have service both with Verizon and Cingular. We have been unsuccessful using our Verizon cell in Grand Cayman. Our solution was to go buy a pre-paid Sim Card for the Cingular phone. This allowed us to make calls back to the US for 25 cents/minute. The only issue is that it gives you a Grand Cayman number, so you have to give that number to everyone you want to call you.

I was in GC earlier this year. They are on the global standard GSM network. This means that GSM phones should work on the network - provided your carrier has a roaming agreement with them. A pre-paid SIM card is probably the best/cheapest bet. However, make sure to check with your carrier to see if you need an unlock code for your phone to take non-verizon SIMs (I was able to call T Mobile and they provided an unlock code).

 

[eric1979]

Yes you have to have a GSM phone. Cingular, At&t, T-mobile. Verizon is on the CDMA network which is only a U.S standard.

 

[TxHockeyGuy]

If you absolutely have to use your Verizon phone you could try to get as close to the cruise ships as you can. They have CDMA towers on the ships which would allow your Verizon phone to work. But I doubt that's what you had in mind.