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Cellular Phones In Mexico
Your cellular phone will work here, but make sure you know how much your roaming fees, or you might find yourself with a cellular bill that outweighs your bar bill!
For Canadians, Bell, Fido, Rogers & Telus work in Mexico.
Those from the US - AT&T, Nextel & Verizon work in Mexico. Press and hold zero until you get a + symbol then dial the 10 digit number to call back home.
If you plan on an extended stay, consider using a GSM chip from any of the local phone companies such as TelCel, Moviestar or IUSACEL. A GSM chip from TelCel is around $150 pesos and you can use it in any unlocked mobile phone that accepts a SIM card.
You can also buy phones for as little as $300 pesos with a SIM chip included. You simply refill your phone with phone cards that are sold everywhere.
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NEW: Top-up your Telcel minutes through the Internet on Telscel website. (if you get an error about the postal code, simply enter zeros) All you have to do is enter the phone number that you want to top up, then add your credit card information.
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Most locals use the Telcel Amigo plan which is pay as you go. You can buy credit in the following amounts including the bonus offered (bonus offer is not always valid and can change from time to time):
$100 (no bonus)
$200 (gives up to $260)
$300 (gives up to $450)
$500 (gives up to $900)
TIP: To find out how much money you have in your Amigo account, dial *133#
Rates by default are $4 (pesos) per minute to call local numbers, and receiving a call is free. There are other plans, such as one that allows you to call the US and Canada for $11.50 per 15 minute period.
When you buy a refill, it lasts for 60 days. At the end of the 60 days, regardless of your balance, you will not be able to make calls, but you will be able to receive calls. When you purchase more credit, all unused credit will be re-activated. As long as you keep refilling your phone, you get to keep your credit. If you stop, at a certain point you lose your number and any credit you had.
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Telcel:
- To check remaining balance dial *333, option 1
- To check remaining balance by text dial *133# (costs $1 peso)
- Feeling Generous? Transfer minutes to another phone: SMS text the number 7373, in the message - type in the phone # you want to transfer minutes to, then space, then peso value (100 max per text). Press send.
- Left over minutes you do not need? We would be happy to use them! You can transfer to our cell here in Bucerias (322-168-5664) Thanks!
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You should register your phone by calling *264. Not only will you no longer be bugged by the message: "Estamado usario...", but if you lose your phone, you can transfer your number and remaining credit to a new chip and you are good to go!
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TIP: When entering an Amigo code, you dial *333. There is an option to switch languages, but it's in Spanish. Press # to switch to English.
TIP: If you have had your TelCel Amigo number for 1 year or more, you can get a discounted rate on your calls simply by asking for it. You can find the number to call on any refill card you buy. You will see $1.17 and somewhere in there a number to call.
Data Plan - If you wish to use your phone for data, simply text the following to 5050:
bat1 - $49 pesos (100 MB or 1 day)
bat2 - $79 pesos (200 MB or 2 days)
bat7 - $199 pesos (700 MB or 7 days)
bat15 - $299 pesos (1.5 GB or 15 days)
bat30 - $499 pesos (3 GB or 30 days)
You will get a confirmation text message that the service is activated and a confirmation message when either you run of of MB or days.
TIP: Telmex offers iPad service with the microsim. You need to go to the main TelCel (Liverpool Mall in Puerto Vallarta). Bring your Passport for identification. The chip is free and you will get 30 days of FREE service (2011 - at the time of this update)
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Residential Phones
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Getting a residential phone is fairly easy. You simply need identification (such as your passport) and lots of patience. You can get your service from TelMex right here in Bucerias. They have bundles with High Speed Internet included. Make sure you leave TelMex with an order number. You will need this to follow up in case you encounter any difficulties. Don't be surprised if they arbitrarily cancel your order for no apparent reason, sometimes errors happen in the system, just go the office and explain what has happend - again, be patient! |
Current Residential Plans are:
$389 pesos for phone service & 1 MB Internet (IVA Incl.)
$599 pesos for phone service & 2 MB Internet (IVA incl.) - includes long distance package (see office for current promotions).
$999 pesos for phone service & 4 MB Internet (IVA incl.) - includes long distance package + National Long Distance (see office for current promotions).
TIP: TELMEX Customer Service in English: 01 800 123 0004 (simply ask for the "Departamento de Inglés" and someone in English will pick up!)
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Pay-Phones
Pay phones are easily found and operate using coins or phone cards. To dial a long distance number without a phone card (coins), dial the number and the operator will assist you and let you know the costs. You will need to deposit that amount to complete the call.
Remember - Operators are Spanish.
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Computer Users
If you have a computer (Windows or Mac) and a high speed Internet connection, you can use Skype to make free calls to other users or Skype out to numbers around the world for a very reasonable price. A USB headset is highly suggested and can be purchased any computer store.
If you find Skype too complicated, you might want to try a product called MagicJack. Simply plug this unit in a USB port (Windows or Mac) and plug in any analog phone. You use your phone like you normally do, but the call goes through the Internet. It's $40 for the unit plus shipping and handling and you get 1 year of free long distance to the US/CANADA. Following years are $20.
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Mexican Peso Exchange Rate
