smart phones in Playa

sunshinejk · 03-18-2012

Does anyone ever bring their smart phone to Mexico? I thought we would be able to do this, and when we stopped into Verizon last night he said not to do it or we could end up with a ton of charges that would be non refundable. He said he had one guy that just turned on his smartphone while there and got charged $40. He also had others come back with hundreds of dollars worth of charges.

I thought it would just be as easy as shutting off my e-mail as I rarely get text messages from anyone other than my hubby. So, I am just curious what other people do.

Ther verizon guy recommended that if I feel I need a cell there, to get a disposable one once we land in Mexico. He did say there is a chance I will be fine with my own, but it is a huge gamble and because of the differences in US law and Mexican law, whatever gets charged sticks and you can't really dispute it....

CondoPerico · 03-18-2012

There are plenty of locals and visitors roaming the streets, staring at their phones night and day. So yes, people bring smart phones all the time.
Charges are a different story. It depends on your plan. Since you already talked to Verizon and asked them, why not just follow their advice? Turn off data if you can or change plans to include Mexico.

Gargi · 03-18-2012

I haven't been to Playa for two years (headed back soon). For the last two trips I added Mexico calls to my ATT Plan. I believe it was $5 for the month, then cancelled on my return. You're right about watching data plans though. I believe phones are "smart" on behalf of the service and app providers. Every time you check your phone there's something running that turned itself on. I guess "know your phone" would be the rule. Keep in mind too, that there's wi-fi available all over. If you stay on top of using that as much as possible, then data charges won't be a concern.

sunshinejk · 03-18-2012

The more I think about it, the more I am just going to leave my phone home. The Verizon rep did say that ATT does have great Global service and they don't have issues. But until Verizon gets a global plan, than not to do it. He did say we could come out fine, so that is the main reason I was asking....just to see what type of experience others may have had, specifically with Verizon.

My plan has unlimited texting, unlimited data, unlimited mobile to mobile, but the "rules" change when you cross the boarder, I guess...

**Shammy** · 03-18-2012

I have Verizon, it's absolutely fine to bring your phone. I have a smartphone and always take it with me. All you have to do is turn off data (before you get to Mexico). Once you turn off data, your phone won't incur any data roaming charges - that's what is expensive. You can get internet (if you want to) but turning on wifi. Calls are $.99/minute, texts are $.50 to send an $.05 to receive. And yes, everything changes once you are out of the USA because you're roaming - hence why you have to turn data off!

Edit: To add, Verizon doesn't charge anything to add international service, you don't have to add it then take it off once you get home. As long as you make sure your account has international dialing on it (most do, some need to call to find out), you'll be able to call and text at the charges above. I think everyone should have a cell phone when on vacation. It's the most convienent way to make a call and emergencies do happen so you should be able to contact people, and people should be able to contact you.

sunshinejk · 03-18-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

I have Verizon, it's absolutely fine to bring your phone. I have a smartphone and always take it with me. All you have to do is turn off data (before you get to Mexico). Once you turn off data, your phone won't incur any data roaming charges - that's what is expensive. You can get internet (if you want to) but turning on wifi. Calls are $.99/minute, texts are $.50 to send an $.05 to receive. And yes, everything changes once you are out of the USA because you're roaming - hence why you have to turn data off!

Edit: To add, Verizon doesn't charge anything to add international service, you don't have to add it then take it off once you get home. As long as you make sure your account has international dialing on it (most do, some need to call to find out), you'll be able to call and text at the charges above. I think everyone should have a cell phone when on vacation. It's the most convienent way to make a call and emergencies do happen so you should be able to contact people, and people should be able to contact you.

Darn Verizon reps! Why wouldn't they just say that rather than freak me out? Grrrrr. I even mentioned that I thought all I would have to do is turn off the data and he's like noooooooo, just buy a disposable in the Mexico airport. Those charges you have above is what I saw on the website, too, and thought it was odd the Verizon rep himself would rebute them. Maybe he was smoking something....

mexisv · 03-18-2012

Stupid, stupid me! Last year Nextel (Sprint) gave me free roaming. This year, for 6 weeks I didn't turn my data off, have incurred $370 roaming fees! Darn, really makes me mad. I am calling them Monday, I am sure I will get nothing taken off my bill but feel I must try. Ticks me off at myself as well as Nextel. Next year I will get a Telcel phone while there, leave my cell off.

**Shammy** · 03-18-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunshinejk

Darn Verizon reps! Why wouldn't they just say that rather than freak me out? Grrrrr. I even mentioned that I thought all I would have to do is turn off the data and he's like noooooooo, just buy a disposable in the Mexico airport. Those charges you have above is what I saw on the website, too, and thought it was odd the Verizon rep himself would rebute them. Maybe he was smoking something....

I don't know why they would say that, other than perhaps because they are not very well informed about international calling/charges, they just stated the obvious - that you'll get hit with a big bill if you take your smart phone to Mexico. And that is true, IF you don't turn off data. But if you do, it works just like a non smart phone, you can make and receive calls and texts.

CGrover · 03-18-2012

I have been to Playa a few times, and everytime I go I call Verizon and each time I get a different story. This past October I got the international plan for while I was there. I forgot to call and cancel it, and the next bill had huge bill for that plan for a month. I called, they cancelled all the charges except for the week we were there. There were no data charges. I used the free wifi. I was on my phone a lot, taking pictures, posting them on FaceBook. I also turned on the airplane mode, so no texts or calls came in.

Good luck!

jrudq · 03-18-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by CGrover

I have been to Playa a few times, and everytime I go I call Verizon and each time I get a different story. This past October I got the international plan for while I was there. I forgot to call and cancel it, and the next bill had huge bill for that plan for a month. I called, they cancelled all the charges except for the week we were there. There were no data charges. I used the free wifi. I was on my phone a lot, taking pictures, posting them on FaceBook. I also turned on the airplane mode, so no texts or calls came in.

Good luck!

I was wondering exactly that. Don't I just have to turn on airplane mode and use the local wifi signal to be okay???

Neil G · 03-18-2012

My iphone lets me turn off data roaming as well as turn off cell data overall. So I just leave roaming off all the time as it will always cost me extra on my plan, even if its just another province in Canada.

Omaha Bruce · 03-19-2012

I took laptop for conx to web - also convenient for clearing camera sd card. When we were leaving usa i put the cell on airplane mode and left it that way till we landed back home. No extra charges.
Note: Playa provides a great opportunity to kick the 3D habit: Device Dependancy Disorder.

..how long can YOU go without checking your email?

**james** · 03-19-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunshinejk

...when we stopped into Verizon last night he said not to do it or we could end up with a ton of charges that would be non refundable. He said he had one guy that just turned on his smartphone while there and got charged $40. He also had others come back with hundreds of dollars worth of charges.

I don't believe the guy at Verizon. You won't get charged 40 dollars for just turning on your phone. There had to be a bunch of data transferred for that to happen (unwittingly, perhaps).

Lots of info here: The Roaming Zone - Mexico Cellular Roaming

policegirl · 03-19-2012

Took my smart phone last year to mexico and thought I had turned off the data roaming, lol... didn't and then a month after I got home I got a $700 phone bill

Talk about having a heart attack and freaking out big time!! lol.. I originally thought when I saw it it was from calls placed to me by my son in afghanistan but when I called and talked to the rep was told this was from Mexico. I advised the rep that I thought I had done what I was told and they were absolutely awsome! It still took several days to get the money refunded to my bank but they worked with me and got my phone bill down to normal levels!! I know AT&T is not perfect but I was definately pleased with their service on this issue! Just make sure you have data turned off! lol.

cmsitaly · 03-19-2012

I usually get a different answer when I call Verizon as well. Shammy is right on with what actually happens when you take your smart phone with a Verizon plan to Mexico. AT&T plan is much better for international.
Also, before you leave you have to dial *228 to update the roaming capabilities so you can call from your phone.
This year Verizon told me I could text while having the data turned off...not true...only if you're in a wireless area.

03-18-2012	#1 (permalink)
sunshinejk beachaholic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 353	smart phones in Playa Does anyone ever bring their smart phone to Mexico? I thought we would be able to do this, and when we stopped into Verizon last night he said not to do it or we could end up with a ton of charges that would be non refundable. He said he had one guy that just turned on his smartphone while there and got charged $40. He also had others come back with hundreds of dollars worth of charges. I thought it would just be as easy as shutting off my e-mail as I rarely get text messages from anyone other than my hubby. So, I am just curious what other people do. Ther verizon guy recommended that if I feel I need a cell there, to get a disposable one once we land in Mexico. He did say there is a chance I will be fine with my own, but it is a huge gamble and because of the differences in US law and Mexican law, whatever gets charged sticks and you can't really dispute it....

03-18-2012	#3 (permalink)
Gargi way into it Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Racine, Wisconsin USA Posts: 108	Smart? Phones... I haven't been to Playa for two years (headed back soon). For the last two trips I added Mexico calls to my ATT Plan. I believe it was $5 for the month, then cancelled on my return. You're right about watching data plans though. I believe phones are "smart" on behalf of the service and app providers. Every time you check your phone there's something running that turned itself on. I guess "know your phone" would be the rule. Keep in mind too, that there's wi-fi available all over. If you stay on top of using that as much as possible, then data charges won't be a concern.

03-19-2012	#14 (permalink)
policegirl life=playa Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 547	At&t Took my smart phone last year to mexico and thought I had turned off the data roaming, lol... didn't and then a month after I got home I got a $700 phone bill Talk about having a heart attack and freaking out big time!! lol.. I originally thought when I saw it it was from calls placed to me by my son in afghanistan but when I called and talked to the rep was told this was from Mexico. I advised the rep that I thought I had done what I was told and they were absolutely awsome! It still took several days to get the money refunded to my bank but they worked with me and got my phone bill down to normal levels!! I know AT&T is not perfect but I was definately pleased with their service on this issue! Just make sure you have data turned off! lol.

03-18-2012	#2 (permalink)
CondoPerico beachaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 357	There are plenty of locals and visitors roaming the streets, staring at their phones night and day. So yes, people bring smart phones all the time. Charges are a different story. It depends on your plan. Since you already talked to Verizon and asked them, why not just follow their advice? Turn off data if you can or change plans to include Mexico.

03-18-2012	#4 (permalink)
sunshinejk beachaholic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 353	The more I think about it, the more I am just going to leave my phone home. The Verizon rep did say that ATT does have great Global service and they don't have issues. But until Verizon gets a global plan, than not to do it. He did say we could come out fine, so that is the main reason I was asking....just to see what type of experience others may have had, specifically with Verizon. My plan has unlimited texting, unlimited data, unlimited mobile to mobile, but the "rules" change when you cross the boarder, I guess...

03-18-2012	#5 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 17,466	I have Verizon, it's absolutely fine to bring your phone. I have a smartphone and always take it with me. All you have to do is turn off data (before you get to Mexico). Once you turn off data, your phone won't incur any data roaming charges - that's what is expensive. You can get internet (if you want to) but turning on wifi. Calls are $.99/minute, texts are $.50 to send an $.05 to receive. And yes, everything changes once you are out of the USA because you're roaming - hence why you have to turn data off! Edit: To add, Verizon doesn't charge anything to add international service, you don't have to add it then take it off once you get home. As long as you make sure your account has international dialing on it (most do, some need to call to find out), you'll be able to call and text at the charges above. I think everyone should have a cell phone when on vacation. It's the most convienent way to make a call and emergencies do happen so you should be able to contact people, and people should be able to contact you.

03-18-2012	#7 (permalink)
mexisv añejo Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,903	Stupid, stupid me! Last year Nextel (Sprint) gave me free roaming. This year, for 6 weeks I didn't turn my data off, have incurred $370 roaming fees! Darn, really makes me mad. I am calling them Monday, I am sure I will get nothing taken off my bill but feel I must try. Ticks me off at myself as well as Nextel. Next year I will get a Telcel phone while there, leave my cell off.

03-18-2012	#9 (permalink)
CGrover life=playa Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Cottage Grove, MN Posts: 501	I have been to Playa a few times, and everytime I go I call Verizon and each time I get a different story. This past October I got the international plan for while I was there. I forgot to call and cancel it, and the next bill had huge bill for that plan for a month. I called, they cancelled all the charges except for the week we were there. There were no data charges. I used the free wifi. I was on my phone a lot, taking pictures, posting them on FaceBook. I also turned on the airplane mode, so no texts or calls came in. Good luck!

03-18-2012	#11 (permalink)
Neil G life=playa Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Saskatoon, SK Posts: 809	My iphone lets me turn off data roaming as well as turn off cell data overall. So I just leave roaming off all the time as it will always cost me extra on my plan, even if its just another province in Canada.

03-19-2012	#12 (permalink)
Omaha Bruce very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 27	I took laptop for conx to web - also convenient for clearing camera sd card. When we were leaving usa i put the cell on airplane mode and left it that way till we landed back home. No extra charges. Note: Playa provides a great opportunity to kick the 3D habit: Device Dependancy Disorder. ..how long can YOU go without checking your email?

03-19-2012	#15 (permalink)
cmsitaly añejo Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 4,729	I usually get a different answer when I call Verizon as well. Shammy is right on with what actually happens when you take your smart phone with a Verizon plan to Mexico. AT&T plan is much better for international. Also, before you leave you have to dial *228 to update the roaming capabilities so you can call from your phone. This year Verizon told me I could text while having the data turned off...not true...only if you're in a wireless area.

register to remove these adverts