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Thread: Got a new phone for Jamaica

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  1. #1
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    no, plain jane - it has to be a "GSM" ('global system mobile' network), quad-band phone AND must be "unlocked". All phones sold in the US are 'locked' into the service provider you get them from (Sprint, Verizon, etc - they will only work with *that* service). In order to work in JA, the phone has to be 'unlocked'. it is possible to get an unlocked phone here, if you know what to look for, (also possible to get a code from the company to unlock one of *their* phones if you have an old one you want to use and it meets the correct specs) --

    but for ppl new to the phone thing, I typically advise to just buy a cheap one when you get to Jamaica - then you won't have to study all the specs to make sure you're getting one that will work there -- when you buy it there you KNOW it works on their network. Plus, even if you buy a phone here, you would still have to go into the Digicel or Claro store when you arrive, to buy a jamaica SIM card - so either way you're still gonna have to make a trip to a phone store in Jamaica. my personal preference is, I'd rather make one-stop to do it all, when I get there. Although the inexpensive phones you get in JA aren't fancy with bells and whistles, they're pretty cheap and they work great - I've had mine for about 5 years; it's a Coral and I really love it -
    Last edited by MissBlue; 07-01-2011 at 12:11 PM.

  2. #2
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    I have a used phone here, Motorola KRZR V1 that is GSM. Unfortunately here in Quebec, CDN the providers don't unlock phones they say it's illegal.

    Do you think that at my next trip Digicel will unlock my phone and fix to work with there network ?
    Last edited by Christine; 07-01-2011 at 02:37 PM. Reason: wrong spellling

  3. #3
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    MissBlue thanks for the clarification......that was helpful
    June 2011 -Xtabi Resort (5 days) - partied with friends from Kuyaba, Negril Condos, Samsara, Legends, Merrills

  4. #4
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    sure, no prob.... one other thing i forgot to mention is..... another reason I prefer the cheap ones they sell there is: if i got a fancy pretty phone with camera, wifi, etc etc, I'd be worried about it in the sun and heat and sand; and also the pretty new phones are *hot* items; no need to make myself a target for anyone who wants it. All i really need while in JA is basic phone and text. Nobody will bother to steal my cheapo Coral, and if anything happens to it, I can replace it easily and cheaply right there.

  5. #5
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    Nice conscise reply MissBlue. Just to add, only providers here that use GSM technology are AT&T and Tmobile.

  6. #6
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    no, Digicel will not deal with other company's phones, they won't unlock it -

    "there's a guy" somewhere downtown that *says* he can unlock any phone.... not sure where/how/if true, but that's what i've heard. in the US we can go online and find & buy unlocking codes for specific phones - not sure if that will work in Canada though.

  7. #7
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    I've had many unlocked thru eBay. Type in "unlock code and your make & model" in eBay search. Most cost about $2.00. Easy to follow instructions. I should mention that some models of T mobile can't be unlocked, so if possible check for unlock code availability before buying phone.
    Last edited by n8urist; 07-01-2011 at 03:04 PM. Reason: spacing

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