Forums > Specific Focus > Technical Mexico

brecky

Oct 30, 2009, 10:35 AM

Post #1 of 11 (9440 views)

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Telcel Sim card.....

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Quote | Reply | Private Reply I will be spending 3 months this winter in Alamos. I will fly into Phoenix then take the bus from there. I would like to activate my cell phone (unlocked quad band GSM) when I arrive in Phoenix, before I cross the border, in case there's been an onward travel glitch & I need to make some calls. This means I need to get a Sim card ahead of time, or at least at the Phoenix airport. Is there a Telcel kiosk at the Phx airport? If not, where can I order a Sim card online? I will be in San Miguel soon, but I can't buy one there as it's the wrong region.... any suggestions? Thanks

My travel photography home page:
http://www.worldisround.com/home/brecky/index.html

johanson / Moderator

Oct 30, 2009, 6:15 PM

Post #2 of 11 (9423 views)

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Re: [brecky] Telcel Sim card.....

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I sure hope someone has better information than I do, but flying to and from Mexico from either Vancouver, BC or Seattle and flying via Dallas, Houston, or SF about four times per year for 12+ years, never have I seen a telcel store in the US.

Maybe someone knows how to order one online but I wouldn't be surprised if that is not possible. Good luck.

Pete

(This post was edited by johanson on Oct 31, 2009, 3:04 PM)

brecky

Oct 30, 2009, 8:22 PM

Post #3 of 11 (9413 views)

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Re: [johanson] Telcel Sim card.....

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Thanks J..... There's an Alamos fella in Tucson who thinks he's seen them there, but I suspect he's wrong. I guess worst case scenario, I can use a payphone if I need to make calls... Thanks for trying..... ;o)

My travel photography home page:
http://www.worldisround.com/home/brecky/index.html

RickS

Oct 31, 2009, 8:51 AM

Post #4 of 11 (9383 views)

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Re: [brecky] Telcel Sim card.....

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Couple of thoughts....

Maybe while you are in San Miguel you could go to a Telcel store and see if they have some ideas/recommendations for your trip down.

Here are a couple of Alamos links. Maybe one of them will enable you to contact a 'local' or ask a question about your plight.

http://www.visitalamos.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alamosnews/

brecky

Oct 31, 2009, 9:25 AM

Post #5 of 11 (9378 views)

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Re: [RickS] Telcel Sim card.....

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Thanks Rick. I am told that the Telcel shops can only sell cards for their region? Alamos is in region 2. SMA would be in another region. Twould be nice if they sold cards for any region & one would choose the right one when they activated it?
Oh well...... I do plan to pop into a Telcel shop in SMA & get their opinion on what to do.

I already belong to both of those forums you mentioned. The one forum isn't very active at all. I was able to ascertain from the News forum that there's at least one Telcel shop in Alamos. I suppose I could ask one of the residents I've met on the forum to get me a card & mail it, but I'm new there & don't want to seem too demanding?

My travel photography home page:
http://www.worldisround.com/home/brecky/index.html

bournemouth

Oct 31, 2009, 1:52 PM

Post #6 of 11 (9363 views)

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Re: [brecky] Telcel Sim card.....

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Given the new push of regulations on cell phones in Mexico, it might actually be hard for someone to just buy a chip for a phone that is somewhere else.

Don Gringo

Nov 7, 2009, 12:09 PM

Post #7 of 11 (9314 views)

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Re: [bournemouth] Telcel Sim card.....

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My wife got a chip for my unlocked G-1 this past summer for 250 pesos. It did have to be registered with her CURP though, as I'm just using the tourist visa. It was a local number, and if we wanted another number we would have to drive to a "real" Telcel store and sign up for a plan. Still don't have a plan as we just buy minutes. This works out very well if we don't make voice calls. You can go seemingly forever on 30 pesos if you only text message.

Living with chickens, cows, horses, burros, roosters, and a few animals I'm not sure about in Misantla, Veracruz
Doug
Lived for 35 months in Mexico. I feel like I paid my dues...

brecky

Nov 7, 2009, 2:27 PM

Post #8 of 11 (9301 views)

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Re: [Don Gringo] Telcel Sim card.....

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Hi Doug,
You may know by now that my problem has been resolved, sort of...... on the slim chance I have to make a call, I will try to use someone's cell phone for a nice tip ;o)

I see you're in the Veracruz area. That area is on my list of possible wintering destinations for future winters ;o)
I found this interesting article that perked my interest, again.
http://www.johntoddjr.com/125%20Misantla/misantla.htm

My travel photography home page:
http://www.worldisround.com/home/brecky/index.html

Don Gringo

Nov 7, 2009, 2:50 PM

Post #9 of 11 (9293 views)

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Re: [brecky] Telcel Sim card.....

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Hi brecky,

I'm glad you fixed the problem. I also use Yahoo Messenger's phone feature for calls to the states, or from the states. That of course means I have to be connected to the Internet. I know about Skype, but I like YM.

I am not sure how old those pictures are of Misantla, but I would guess a few years old at best. He failed to mention the furniture makers, which is what Misantla is famous for. As for Naolinco, it's know for shoes. I got the best pair of leather slippers there. I am pretty sure I would never stay on Costa Esmeralda unless you like being that close to a nuclear power plant. Who knows one might even glow in the dark while they sleep.

Off topic I know, but just couldn't let it go like that.

Doug
Lived for 35 months in Mexico. I feel like I paid my dues...

brecky

Nov 7, 2009, 3:50 PM

Post #10 of 11 (9285 views)

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Re: [Don Gringo] Telcel Sim card.....

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Thanks for the headsup Doug.... I will be doing my usual thorough research before I decide to winter there ;o)

My travel photography home page:
http://www.worldisround.com/home/brecky/index.html

joaquinx

Nov 7, 2009, 4:54 PM

Post #11 of 11 (9280 views)

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Re: [bournemouth] Telcel Sim card.....

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In Reply To

Given the new push of regulations on cell phones in Mexico, it might actually be hard for someone to just buy a chip for a phone that is somewhere else.

The bets are on that this regulation on cell phones will be shelved just so many other plans.
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.