cheapest way to keep in touch during day

[disneyred]

hi,
there will be 2 groups touring for 2 weeks in and around disney/orlando.

since the groups will always not be together ... want to meet for lunch , dinner , etc... what is the cheapest way you have found to keep in touch via cellphone plans.... any suggestions ??/

i had proposed tracfone to them .. but one of the guys had the worst possible customer service with them .. so no to that option.

 

[CdnCarrie]

We just add on a U.S. texting plan before we go.

 

[mamaCta]

Get an international texting plan added to your phone for a month. The only concern with this, I have heard, is the time it can take for texts to go through.

If your phones are unlocked you can buy a local SIM card when you get down there and put it in your phone. Not sure about the logistics of this.

Buy $20 phones at a corner store.

 

[disneyred]

Get an international texting plan added to your phone for a month. The only concern with this, I have heard, is the time it can take for texts to go through.
.

i will also look into this.. but I thought even if i get an international texting plan... since i was using my phone in the states.... i would get high cost of roaming costs..... not sure how it works... i will have to call my cell provider..

thanks for tips .... but it just seems so expensive for canadians to keep in touch with each other when vacationing in the states.

 

[CdnCarrie]

i will also look into this.. but I thought even if i get an international texting plan... since i was using my phone in the states.... i would get high cost of roaming costs..... not sure how it works... i will have to call my cell provider..

thanks for tips .... but it just seems so expensive for canadians to keep in touch with each other when vacationing in the states.

We were with telus and put a texting package one. It wasn't expensive at all. Just make sure you turn off your internet unless you are near wireless.

 

[Mickey1Fan]

We are each getting unlimited US text messaging for $40 each with Bell Cellular. I like that I'll be able to keep in touch with people at home too.

This does not include voice.

 

[myzel]

I just use my Verizon phone, but my company pays for that. Anyhow, if you have smart phones just use the wifi at the parks and send E-mail.

 

[MommyRobin]

I'm also wondering about the roaming charges... It's all well and good to have texts covered, but the real costs are in the roaming charges, AFAIK.

 

[Sprockie]

Telus I know is 60 cents a text including roaming charges in the U.S.- that is if you don't get a U.S. texting plan. If you add one on for the month, the texts are much cheaper.
If you're in the parks where there is free wireless, what about an app like Zello or heytell - like a push to talk app? That's what we plan to use.

 

[MedicGoofy]

i will also look into this.. but I thought even if i get an international texting plan... since i was using my phone in the states.... i would get high cost of roaming costs..... not sure how it works... i will have to call my cell provider..

thanks for tips .... but it just seems so expensive for canadians to keep in touch with each other when vacationing in the states.

You don't get charged additional roaming or usage fees when you purchase a plan. That is the point of it, to be able to use your phone, without the charges. If you didn't have a plan, that is when you get the charges. I always add on a voice, data and text package when travelling. It saves me a ton of money in the end

 

[MedicGoofy]

I'm also wondering about the roaming charges... It's all well and good to have texts covered, but the real costs are in the roaming charges, AFAIK.

The roaming charges are included in your package. As long as you actually add a package that is for either international or US texting, data or talking, you are fine. It's when you text or talk or use your data without a package, that you get charged roaming.

I buy packages every time I travel. As well, if you hit your 'limit' on a package, you get charged more, but is still a discounted rate because you have had a package.

 

[Sorcerak]

I got a 60 minutes voice package from Rogers on my last trip to Pennsylvania (I think it also had some text as well) for about 25$ if I remember.

Good deal - you won't need more than that.