Travel Technology - GSM "roaming" in Mexico

I thought I'd see if anyone here has used their GSM phone in Mexico, whether "roaming" on the 1900 MHz networks there, or by purchasing a pre-paid SIM card while visiting.

We're going to be there for a week in an area of good coverage by both TELCEL and MOVISTAR networks... I think I'd rather buy a pre-paid SIM to save money, but have no idea where to go for such things when we arrive.

Any advice from more well-travelled FT'ers? I've been strictly a domstic flyer, 'till now. :-)

I'm an AT&T wireless user here in the US and I had no problems roaming with Telcel while in San Felipe a few months ago.

this is a great topic but belongs in Travel Technology. Let's continue it over there.

--richard, moderator

Also AT&T Wireless and I've used my service flawlessly in both Acapulco and Tijuana (where it annoyed me that the San diego service didn't reach! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif )

What did it cost you to roam?

$1.29 a minute... See:
http://www.attwireless.com/global/content/business/int_gsm_country_popup.jhtml?offerType=MEXICO&Disc=1

T-mobile works great with Telcel but won't roam on Movistar (yet). Had no trouble roaming whatsoever. In fact, I was at the border and kept ping-ponging back and forth between T-mo and Telcel. Never knew the difference unless I looked at the screen closely.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kanebear:
T-mobile works great with Telcel but won't roam on Movistar (yet). Had no trouble roaming whatsoever. In fact, I was at the border and kept ping-ponging back and forth between T-mo and Telcel. Never knew the difference unless I looked at the screen closely.</font>

Kanebear... Movistar is a roaming partner. http://www.t-mobile.com/international/wcpickcarrier.asp?iMkt=13&CC=MX&CN=MEXICO

I'm wondering if something on specific Movistar region prevented T-Mobile roaming users.

I haven't received the bill yet, but I can vouch for T-Mobile's efficacy roaming in Quintana Roo. I was almost never out of signal from Cancun down to a few miles past Tulum on the coast, but I do not yet know which Mexican carrier I used because the handset only showed a series of numbers in the space where the name of the carrier usually is found.

334-02 would've been TelCel and 334-03 would've been Telefonica. I'm frankly AMAZED you had GSM coverage down there... just a few years ago I barely had AMPS coverage in many places and digital was confined to the largest cities.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kanebear:
334-02 would've been TelCel and 334-03 would've been Telefonica. I'm frankly AMAZED you had GSM coverage down there... just a few years ago I barely had AMPS coverage in many places and digital was confined to the largest cities.</font>

334-03/Would show on new programmed SIMS or handsets as "MOVISTAR"

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by NickP 1K:
334-03/Would show on new programmed SIMS or handsets as "MOVISTAR"</font>

Right right right right... *slapping forehead*

Try Verizons new program. All calls in Mexico, USA and Canada are considered local calls. I just used mine in Puerto Vallarta and it worked perfectly. No one from the US knew I was in Mexico. The program works out to about .05 per minute, well worth it with the comparision costs in mexico.

What is the new Verizon program. I wish I knew this before as I was just in PVR!

The new Verizon program is call from US, Mexico or Canada to any of those places as a local call. It works great in PV and I am going back next week to try it again. If you already have Verizon just change your plan for your time in Mexico. You won't be disapointed.

Where can I find the details for the VZ program?

i-800-5646 for Verizon. If you mention my name and cell# 206-999-5100 I might get a referal fee. The program is North America's Choice.

I know that the two prepaid GSM companies in Mexico are Telcel and Movistar. Does anyone know whether there are free incoming calls on their prepaid SIM cards?

I am going to Cozumel for about 4 days, and unfortunately, I expect to have to be on the phone an hour or two to Asia and Europe, and I would like free incoming calls so that I can use my callback service.

$1.29 a minute... See:
http://www.attwireless.com/global/content/business/int_gsm_country_popup.jhtml?offerType=MEXICO&Disc=1


What a great site, thanks.

I ended up buying a Texmex SIM card for use in Mexico. I still have about 80 pesos on it, and the credit doesn't expire until Nov 2. If someone is going to Mexico and can use it, let me know and I'l ship it to you for the balance about $8.00 and shipping. It will save someone the hassle of acquiring the card locally (registering your phone, etc.)

my email is my username followed by @yahoo.com