Question about bringing phones

[sandman66]

My wife has an iphone that has been unlocked (whatever that means). Can she bring it to Jamaica and use it there (buy a sim card, whatever that is)? We are from Canada if that makes any difference.
And if the answer is yes, is there a certain card to buy to obtain minutes? Now if the answer is no, can I purchase a cheap one in Negril ready to use?
When it comes to cell phones, my ignorance knows no bounds.

We have never brought a phone on previous trips but this time want to be prepared as we have a list of drivers for getting around as I am not quite as comfortable walking around in the evening after a previous incident.

[frankk]

Is important that your iPhone is unlocked, otherwise you cannot use it with another cellular service other than for original service that you bought it with. You can get a local Jamaican cellular service (with a Jamaican phone number) at very reasonable price to call locally and to call home. Way they connect Jamaican cellular service to your cellphone is replace something called a "SIM" card which they sell and install for you. I recommend either going to a "Digicell" or "Lime" store to get their cellular services in Jamaica. I don't remember exact cost but I think $30 will get you more minutes than you can use. Hope you have a great vacation.

[frankk]

I found Negril to be very safe over the years, but I'm sure others will agree that you shouldn't do something there that you wouldn't do at home. Always be polite but firm, and never walk in deserted dark areas (like along the beach) alone.

[sandman66]

Thanks frank. We have been to Negril several times and are quite familiar with the "scene" Just never brought a phone before.
Thanks for the info, and yes her phone has been unlocked.

[frankk]

One other thing.. I believe you will need your passport in hand when you get the Jamaican cellular service at either the "Digicell" or "Lime" store.

[Marko]

first of all mi discourage bringing anything expensive to Jamaica......especially phones......
you always better off using a cheapy bought or brought here so you don't loose sumthin expensive in paradise......

Digicel sim is about $600J's and Lime is about $300J's......
neither Digicel or Lime will cut down a sim down to micro or nano size.....
but you can go upstairs from the Digicel Store is and a guy cuts dem for $600J's......
Lime has a 3 day data plan for $50J's.....and Digicel wants $60J's per day....
good enuff to do a likkle internet stuff like Facebook, emails and whatsapp etc......
they both have better and more expensive dat packages.....
you just enter codes/numbers into your phone to get the plan you want...

I will cut down a regular size sim down to micro size for free......mi hang at Pee Wees

Cool Runnings, Marko

[CosmicMoose]

One other thing.. I believe you will need your passport in hand when you get the Jamaican cellular service at either the "Digicell" or "Lime" store.

Just an ID will work. Digicel took my US driver's license. I think it was $530j for the SIM and I got a week's worth of data for like $10 US.

~Moose

[sandman66]

Dont care about internet, we are on vacation. Just want to be able to call a driver when we need a ride. Might be borrowing one from Linston, but want to have a plan "b".
I have an old flip phone lying around. If I can find the charger can I make that work? Its probably 10 years old, have no idea if would be "locked".
Like I said, phone technology isnt something I have ever concerned myself with.

[Mike_D]

I have an old flip phone lying around. If I can find the charger can I make that work? Its probably 10 years old, have no idea if would be "locked".
Like I said, phone technology isnt something I have ever concerned myself with.

The 10 year old flip phone may work, if it's on the GSM network. (old AT&T phones are, but I am not familiar with Canadian mobile service providers.) However, there is a good chance that the phone is locked. You can unlock it yourself, if you contact the customer service department of the cell phone provider and plug in a few codes and navigate a bunch of menus. Also, if the phone is 10 years old there is good chance that you need a new battery. If all this sounds technologically daunting (and it can be), it may be a lot easier to buy a basic phone at the Digicel store in Negril for ~$20.

[frankk]

I had no problem getting a micro-SIM for my old iPhone5 from "Lime" dealer in Negril last year. I'm pretty sure "Digitel" will do same.