Forums > Specific Focus > Technical Mexico

raferguson

Sep 20, 2007, 3:00 PM

Post #1 of 7 (2510 views)

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Mexico cell phone question - SIMs available?

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I have an unlocked quad band GSM phone, which should work in almost any country in the world, (except Japan and Korea). Telcel uses GSM. We are headed down to Catemaco for a few weeks, so I would like to have a phone.

Since I already have the phone, can I just buy a SIM at a phone store/kiosk and buy minutes for it? I will want a phone number local to Catemaco, Veracruz, so I figure to wait until I arrive at Catemaco to buy anything. Obviously I will use prepaid service.

Richard

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

johanson / Moderator

Sep 20, 2007, 5:11 PM

Post #2 of 7 (2502 views)

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Re: [raferguson] Mexico cell phone question - SIMs available?

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My piers could not answer your question, so I asked an 18 and 20 year old from here in Ajijic whether an unlocked phone would work. Both said with some it would and with others it would not. So go ahead and bring it with you and try. Perhaps if you shared the name and model # of the unit, I might be able to get a better idea of whether or not it would work.

With the name & # of the unit, I will approach the telcel office which is maybe 25 meters from my office and see what they say.

Pete

PS apparently if you are coming with a cellphone that Telcel sells, your phone should work down here with a new sim card (chip)

Brian

Sep 20, 2007, 7:05 PM

Post #3 of 7 (2492 views)

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Re: [raferguson] Mexico cell phone question - SIMs available?

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It doesn't matter which model telephone you have as long as it is GSM and is unlocked. When you get to town, just go to any Telcel dealer and purchase a SIM with prepaid minutes for "Plan Amigo". You can purchase additional minutes with your ATM card at HSBC and other banks.

Brian

raferguson

Sep 20, 2007, 9:21 PM

Post #4 of 7 (2480 views)

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Re: [johanson] Mexico cell phone question - SIMs available?

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I have a Motorola V188, which is a quad band GSM phone sold by T-mobile, similar to a V180. The quad band is supposed to cover both US/Mexico bands as well as both Europe/world bands, so should work most anywhere. I picked it up off Ebay to be my travel phone.

I will take it down there and see what the phone kiosk folks say. I took this phone and plugged an ATT/Cingular SIM in it, and it took on that number and service without difficulty, and would make a call, so I know that the phone is unlocked and functional.

I am not concerned about fancy features, I just want to be able to make and receive calls.

Thanks.

Richard

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

Tequisbob

Sep 22, 2007, 8:26 AM

Post #5 of 7 (2456 views)

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Re: [raferguson] Mexico cell phone question - SIMs available?

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Even though I live in Tequisquiapan, Qro. I read all the forums on Mexconnect. When I moved here full-time in July I brought my Motorola Cingular flip phone and Telcel simply put a new Sim Card in and then the young lady was able to transfer all my stored information on the new card. I purchased a minimum card for $100 pesos...it is good for two months....that is much better than the $50 to $60 I was paying a month NOB...

My readout on the phone says TELCEL GSM.

Good Luck.

Oscar2

Sep 24, 2007, 9:23 AM

Post #6 of 7 (2419 views)

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Re: [bobr76453] Mexico cell phone question - SIMs available?

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Quote

I purchased a minimum card for $100 pesos...it is good for two months....that is much better than the $50 to $60 I was paying a month NOB...

Bob that sounds like a good deal. You’re correct, rates are much higher NoB. Does this SIM used on GSM phones allow calls too NoB as well or just local calls? If it doesn’t how otherwise do you accomplish your calls NoB?

Tequisbob

Sep 24, 2007, 10:19 AM

Post #7 of 7 (2412 views)

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Re: [Oscar2] Mexico cell phone question - SIMs available?

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I use Vonage for my calls NOB...I have had good luck with their connection. A few dropped calls but not many. Most of the time I can stay in touch with my son in Texas and other family and friends once or twice a week with Vonage.

I don't know about calls NOB on my cell phone. I just use it to call in Mexico. I like having my Vonage phone. I also let friends from England and here in Mexico come to my house and use it as well. I am on the unlimited plan to USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Great Britain and Europe. So far so good.