Uk mobile phones in Florida

[Amanda]

My family is holidaying in Florida in a few months time. My husband and I
plan to use our UK triband mobile phones to keep in contact with each other
when we split up for different attractions whilst we are in the theme parks.
What advice can anyone give me about the use of UK mobile phones in the US, and what experiences have other people had in the use of mobile phones
whilst in the theme parks. Also, is it possible to buy pay-as-you-go in the
US?
Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[psharrock]

How often do you think you will be using the phones?

A UK phone needs to be tri band for it to work and be roaming enabled, the costs are very steep. About £1/min to make a call and 80p/min to receive a call.

There are many types of pay as you go phones in the US, the only major differences to UK phones is that you pay to receive calls in the US and the phone cards usually expire 30 days afterr 1st use.

I use a tracfone when I am in America, they are reasonable but do not allow international calls, although if you use a calling card this can be by passed.

Paul

 

[ely3857]

Hello,

If you are only going to use your phone to confirm whereabouts etc perhaps you should text, this will cost more then in the uk but only the person texting will pay as opose to a phone call where both parties are charged.



Ely3857

 

[KayleeUK]

Amanda - just wanted to Welcome you to the DIS

 

[Night-train]

Hi Amanda!! Welcome to the madhouse!! You'll love it here!!

 

[alisonbestford]

If you're texting it's great.
If you want to call I'd pick up a cheapy phone from Walmart or somewhere - trust me, they are sold in loads of places
We used our tri-bands last month to text and had no problems. My monthly contract bill was about £15 more than normal but, to us, invaluable as it's so easy to lose each other
Also it's great to be able to say 'right, we're off to A, I'll text you when we're ready to go to B'
Alison


We're on O2 and just rang to confirm that the roaming service was in place, and the phones unlocked, before we set off.

 

[DisneyBB]

I have just bought a really nice triband phone from Virgin, it cost £26.99 and came with sim card and £25 voucher for calls! So £1.99 for the phone. I am not sure if I am allowed to post the details, but if you want to know then PM me and I will tell you where I bought mine from.

 

[Astrid]

Hi!

Just one tip! Make sure you call your phone company before you go to make sure they are aware that you will be using your phone abroad. I came unstuck last year as my tri-band had not been activated plus, there is often a ceiling on the amount of money spent on your phone within one month (if you are contract) and if you go over this amount the phone will be blocked.

A quick call will mean you can up your limit for the time you are away.

HTH

Astrid

 

[alisonbestford]

I'd say that's a 'must do'.
We once travelled to Lanzarote, years ago, and couldn't get our phones to work because we hadn't called to 'unlock' them.