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/fttr...orum/frown.gif )

What did it cost you to roam?

$1.29 a minute... See:
http://www.attwireless.com/global/co...=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.

Kanebear... Movistar is a roaming partner. http://www.t-mobile.com/internationa...C=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.

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

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.