Question about bringing phones

[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.

[Crusher]

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.

Hey Sandman....I work for the local phone company here in Saskatchewan. The old flip phone is more than likely locked and a CDMA phone so it likely won't work with the cellular offered in Jamaica. The iPhone is your best bet and the guy above the digicel store does a good job of trimming the sim card to fit into the slot on your iPhone. Make sure you have a straight pin or the 'iPhone' Sim tool to pop open the compartment on the side of the phone to access where the sim card is. I have done this in the past and had no issues. We have also bought just a cheap Digicel phone and it cost like 30 bucks....we just top up the minutes online every few months to keep it active and send a couple of messages with it. Like its been said though keep the phone low key because things like that are very popular down there. Borrowing from Linston is likely the easiest thing to do.....

[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.

[sandman66]

Thanks all for the info. I agree, not a fan of my wife bringing her iphone, but you know women, they are set in their ways lol
Got the email Cap, thanks.
Jeeps packed, heading out the door shortly. Partying in downtown Winterpeg tonight!!

[Mike_D]

Thanks all for the info. I agree, not a fan of my wife bringing her iphone, but you know women, they are set in their ways lol

I can relate. My wife likes to bring her iPhone, too. I just have her put it in airplane mode, then connect it to the hotel wifi. That way she can use it around the hotel to message folks back home and use her apps, but we don't bring it off the property.

Have a great trip!

[Marblehead]

Original iPhone 5 on Verizon came unlocked with CDMA and GSM capability. A true world phone when combined with a local SIM card. Digicel now sells trimmed SIM's for them.

[frankk]

I save my older generation iPhones for travel.I unlock them and they work great for travel. Never a problem getting right size SIM card in Jamaica or Europe.

[fargoman]

Good news if you have a US Sprint phone..the basic international plan is now free and allows free unlimited texts from Jamaica to the states and also to receive..also data is free but is only 1g so it is very slow..and calling is only 20 cents a minutes calling out to states and receiving...I no longer use my Jamaican phone as it is over 20$ to load up international and local minutes..ect..I was going to drop Sprint and try Verizon but now will keep it for certain as this saves me alot of money and convenience when on the rock..

[Marko]

mi unlock HTC, PANTECH, LG, ZTE and some MOTOROLAS...phone has to use a Sim Card....no iPhones, Samsung or Nokia

Cool Runnings, Marko