Cingular in Mexico or from a cruise ship

[Chris2597]

I am going on a cruise in Feb and at present trying to find a convenient and economical way to communicate with the family at home. I read something about text messaging being available and cell service but at a high cost....Anyone have any experience with this?? Also, I was told that regular calling cards wont work in the Caribbean or Mexico....I can use the ship internet cafe but it is pricey and I would like to have a better way to communicate....Any advise is appreciated.

 

[Beth76]

We were just in Playa del Carmen and our cingular phone worked just fine. We paid I think $.79/minute for LD charges though. I've read on www.tripadvisor.com that Cingular is the only carrier that works regularly down there.

 

[kpm76]

I thought unless you had an international cell phone it would not work outside of the US or it's territories. We sailed in the Bristish Virgin Islands and got cell service when we were sailing past St. John. Our service was great in fact. Not sure if this helpd you at all but just wanted to share our experience

 

[Beth76]

You may need to check with your provider and have them set up temporary international usage. I used my mom's phone in Mexico and she called cingular, but I don't think anything needed to be done. When I cruised to the bahamas, my friend called her provider and they turned it on temporarily.