U.S. Cellular

[Rum-polephoreskin]

We checked with our cell phone carrier (US Cellular) and they told us we'd be lucky if we could get a text out while in JA.

How does one go about making phone calls (I'm only interested in hailing a taxi or the Love Bus) in Negril?

[brasi]

If you book with Clive's/Rocky's etc for transfers, they rent cells on the cheap ($20ish, plus your minutes), or better, some even let you have one for your stay for free if you book both ways.

Some resorts rent them, or let you borrow them, too.

Easiest way to go: negotiate in your transfer or room price. (:

Otherwise you may get a surprise when you get home--or not have any service at all while on the Rock.

If you aren't calling a ton, just have the numbers for your front desk clerk and politely ask them to call for you, and slip them a few hundred J.

[Rum-polephoreskin]

Cool Brasi.
Alfred's mention that in their ad but don't get into the particulars.

Gonna need that cell to connect with the Love Bus on 1/11/12.
See you then!

[brasi]

Rum, not sure if you have reservations, but if not, I'd make them now...especially if you have more than a couple people that want to go. I've heard that it can fill up...it will be awesome to meet you!

The phone number is in several threads, here is the email I rec'd my confirmation from:
bananaznegril@hotmail.com
(Lenbert takes the reservations)

[rastagirl777]

Don't even turn your US Cell phone on here. The surprise you'll come home to will be a bill in excess of $500.

[Rum-polephoreskin]

Brasi,
We already signed up, but it will be at least 2:30 before we get to Negril.
Lembert (?) said just call him and they'll get us.
We're staying @Xtabi.
I'll be looking for you.

"'N' Gillian'll meet me like a brother would
I think I remember but it's twice as good" Bobby Bloom's Montego Bay

Rasta G,
Good tip - we'll pack 'em and forgety about 'em until we're back in the land of the ice and snow.

[jasperpso]

I have us cellular, and it will NOT work in jamaica. Just affirming youll need another option.

[booger]

If you plan on being a Jamaica regular you can also buy one. I picked up a new phone for I believe $2300J. Walked out for around $4000J with 1000 international minutes and I think 125 local minutes. Loved having my phone which came in handy on numerous occassions.

[Marko]

don't ever turn on that North American cellie in Jamaica.........
not worth the risk or the cost that could be incurred........

a lot of airport transfer drivers offer Digicel cellies for free or on the cheap if you use dem.........
all SeaStar rooms come with a Digicel Cellie..........
a lot of resorts offer them too for free or nominal charge.........

there have been some companies that use to rent Digicel cellies to travelers in Negril.........
including Negril.com but haven't heard anyone of late that offers the service..........
mi guessing so many travelers just buy dem or get dem from their drivers and resorts.......
that they have put the rental guys out of business......
dunno for sur.........sur there still gotta be some guys that rent dem der........
like any electronic store in Negril......one at Kings Plaza(beside HiLo) and there is place behind da roundabout.........

if you ask any local when you down der where to get a cellie.......
they or their friend will probably point you in the right direction.........

worse case scenrio........buy one at one of the two Digicel Stores..........
they pay for themselves anyways........

but don't ever turn on the North American cellie......what a suprise can be waiting for you back home.......lol
mi always take mi battery out of my home cellie......just to play it safe

Cool Runnings, Marko

[shellyk]

US Cellular does not provide International Service. The staff at Xtabi can get you a phone to rent the bartenders and waiters are awesome resources for any needs. You can also buy one at Digicell just right down at the roundabout for around $25 US.