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admiralslater · 30-10-2014, 11:45

I will be spending some time in the windwards this winter and since I have aquaintences on several Islands I wanted to get a chip for my phone . I have used Lime but I wish to avoid roaming fees . Any ideas?
David

MarkJ · 30-10-2014, 13:12

A new chip for each island.
They are very cheap, about $15

**a64pilot** · 30-10-2014, 14:59

Stupid question, what kind of phone, and do you need a tri-band phone? Iphone?
Does it matter what US carrier the phone has been used with, or do you have to buy a phone in country?

dohenyboy · 30-10-2014, 19:53

you need a quad band
900 1800 850 and 1900
and you need one that is unlocked
Verizon GSM phones usually are just dual band or tri band
sometimes you can get them unlocked abroad, or by your carrier if you have had the phone a set period of time
I buy on eBay

MarkJ · 30-10-2014, 20:09

Or just get an aditional phone here $50

sailorboy1 · 31-10-2014, 04:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Or just get an aditional phone here $50

And here I was reading the thread expecting some super secret answer

admiralslater · 31-10-2014, 09:19

Maybe I was no clear, I was looking for information regarding the carriers. I dont want to change chips in every country not due to cost but oit means always having a different #. The main companies are Lime DigiCell and I was just wondering if people have an opinion

svserendiity · 31-10-2014, 09:39

We live aboard in the Windwards and Leewards six months of the year and have for many years. After trying many of the above suggestions, I now use an unlocked phone and buy a Digicel sim card with pay as you go service. You can do online mobile top-ups from anywhere, as needed, in just about any amount (or buy a top up card at most grocery stores). You can also buy a data plan as needed if you want. Incoming calls and text messages from the U.S. are free. Best of all, Digicel has a presence in ALL of the Windward and Leeward islands (including the French islands), and they hand you off seamlessly from one island to the next. There are no roaming fees within their network.

belizesailor · 31-10-2014, 15:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by admiralslater

Maybe I was no clear, I was looking for information regarding the carriers. I dont want to change chips in every country not due to cost but oit means always having a different #. The main companies are Lime DigiCell and I was just wondering if people have an opinion

My solution to this is to have a USA Skype #. As I change local numbers, by buying a new SIM, I just change the call forwarding set-up on my Skype number and it routes calls to my new local phone number. For anyone other than local callers, I give them my Sype #. If I am out of range of local service then Skype also has voice mail with email notification.

dohenyboy · 31-10-2014, 15:30

Rent a forwarding number for $1 per month from localphone.com
In each country when you get a local number, you then go online and re route your calls. You pay .10 or .20 a minute for incoming from the USA etc. then people calling you always have your number.

Sent from an undisclosed location on the high seas or from the lounge chair by the pool, you decide.

admiralslater · 01-11-2014, 08:42

Thanks that was helpfull

Tom and Maje · 01-11-2014, 09:06

T-Mobile has stopped charging roaming fees for most countries, including the Caribbean.

Maje

sailsunfurled · 01-11-2014, 09:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom and Maje

T-Mobile has stopped charging roaming fees for most countries, including the Caribbean.

Maje

That is a big thing. I wonder if there are any hidden charges from the host country.

DanDanDan · 01-11-2014, 10:14

There are limitations. It's a good deal for the occasional traveler, but likely won't solve your problem in this case.

I believe Google voice will let you keep one phone number with different carriers.

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