BajaNomad

The phone question again

fishbuck - 2-8-2018 at 02:44 PM

Ok. My Sprint bill is like $300/month.
So somethings got to change.

Here is the caveat.
I am a smart phone junkie.
I don't own a pc or laptop.
I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 which I love. It's nearing the end of it's life and I am ready to replace it.
What is the best phone co/deal for phone service in baja and specifically San Quintin.
I run my life from this smart phone. An when I retire it will be even more important for managing my assets etc.

I'll probably get the Note 8. Which baja company best supports that phone?

tobias - 2-8-2018 at 03:01 PM

I have verizon and they changed their mexico deal since last year.
No more 2 dollars a day while in mexico and you get half a gig until you get throttled down to 3G.
Works brilliantly in La Paz but horribly in Todos Santos.
Even in places where the bandwidth is good the latency is brutal which is murder on certain apps.
As far as i know Verizon buys its roaming from Telcel

JZ - 2-8-2018 at 03:13 PM

The answer is AT&T. Crushes Verizon. Flat fee for voice, text, data in all of North America.

Note 8 or Galaxy 8+ are the best phones in the world right now. I had the N4 and this are light years better.

I have the unlimited data plan and even tether my laptop using the phone as a hotspot.




[Edited on 2-8-2018 by JZ]

bajaguy - 2-8-2018 at 03:18 PM

Get an unlocked GSM Samsung S-5 from Amazon, put a Telcel Amigo chip in it.

200 pesos a month for talk, text and data, calls to the US and Canada

JZ - 2-8-2018 at 03:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Get an unlocked GSM Samsung S-5 from Amazon, put a Telcel Amigo chip in it.

200 pesos a month for talk, text and data, calls to the US and Canada


Can't have a US number tho.


[Edited on 2-8-2018 by JZ]

Howard - 2-8-2018 at 03:31 PM

IMO, the first thing to do is get an average over the last 6-12 months or so of your data usage. Just call your provider and ask. The answer will help guide you to the best plan.

fishbuck - 2-8-2018 at 03:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Get an unlocked GSM Samsung S-5 from Amazon, put a Telcel Amigo chip in it.

200 pesos a month for talk, text and data, calls to the US and Canada


Wow! No brainer. That's my new phone.

fishbuck - 2-8-2018 at 03:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Get an unlocked GSM Samsung S-5 from Amazon, put a Telcel Amigo chip in it.

200 pesos a month for talk, text and data, calls to the US and Canada


Can't have a US number.


Even better! Thanks

bajaguy - 2-8-2018 at 03:50 PM

It's not a US number, it's from Telcel = a Mexican number
Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Get an unlocked GSM Samsung S-5 from Amazon, put a Telcel Amigo chip in it.

200 pesos a month for talk, text and data, calls to the US and Canada


Can't have a US number tho.


[Edited on 2-8-2018 by JZ]

JZ - 2-8-2018 at 04:03 PM

That was my point.

BajaBlanca - 2-8-2018 at 04:10 PM

Telcel :we load $150 for 28 days....add a little more and you are covered for the month.

Mom is here with us and of course has her US cell phone. We dial each other all day long - us using our Mexican cell phone number, she using her American cell phone.

Really sweet deals nowadays.

pacsur - 2-8-2018 at 04:13 PM

Download the magicjack app and pay a yearly fee, call or text USA and Canada for free, or any other magicjack number anywhere for free, chose your own area code, use wifi or data.
You can also download WhatsApp for free, no fees to call or text any other WhatsApp number anywhere, also works with iPhone and android, wifi or data is needed.

fishbuck - 2-8-2018 at 04:17 PM

I used magicjack at a friends in San Quintin. Worked great.

JZ - 2-8-2018 at 07:13 PM

I've used Whatsapp for a long time. That's what all the locals in Mexico use, and a lot of the world as well.

Great way to send video.

jaymtb - 2-8-2018 at 09:10 PM

I've used a Samsung S-5 Active a lot, with SD card. Many apps an be moved to SD card, making room for a ton of apps and data, pics etc. The camera isn't bad. It is waterproof, and dustproof. Get a wrap around case to protect the edges, and a tempered glass screen protector. Be sure to get a NEW unit- not refurbished. I tested mine on receipt by dunking it in water, before loading all my apps and data. Pop the back and look for moisture, and be careful to reseat it properly. They are old enough that prices are really good.
Pop in the Telecel sim card and you're in business.

fishbuck - 2-9-2018 at 03:33 PM

If a Galaxy S5 unlocked with a telcel chip works, will an unlocked Galaxy Note 4 work?.
I am assuming it will because Telcel has them available on their site. Telcel has all the of the top line stuff like Galaxy Note 8 and IPhone 8.
I love my Note 4. It's big and my hands are big enough so it's easy for me to hold.
I can do almost anything I need with this phone.
I'm a genius with my phone and clueless without it.

bajaguy - 2-9-2018 at 04:24 PM

I believe if the unlocked 4 is a GSM phone it will work
Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
If a Galaxy S5 unlocked with a telcel chip works, will an unlocked Galaxy Note 4 work?.
I am assuming it will because Telcel has them available on their site. Telcel has all the of the top line stuff like Galaxy Note 8 and IPhone 8.
I love my Note 4. It's big and my hands are big enough so it's easy for me to hold.
I can do almost anything I need with this phone.
I'm a genius with my phone and clueless without it.

JZ - 2-9-2018 at 04:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
If a Galaxy S5 unlocked with a telcel chip works, will an unlocked Galaxy Note 4 work?.
I am assuming it will because Telcel has them available on their site. Telcel has all the of the top line stuff like Galaxy Note 8 and IPhone 8.
I love my Note 4. It's big and my hands are big enough so it's easy for me to hold.
I can do almost anything I need with this phone.
I'm a genius with my phone and clueless without it.


Yes. But get a N8 or S8+. They are way better than the N4 and I use to love my N4.

You can order them unlocked off ebay, probably Amazon too.

fishbuck - 2-9-2018 at 05:29 PM

Nice!

chippy - 2-9-2018 at 05:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
I've used Whatsapp for a long time. That's what all the locals in Mexico use, and a lot of the world as well.

Great way to send video.




Good info this! You can also do whatsupp phone calls.

Alm - 2-12-2018 at 01:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  

I run my life from this smart phone. An when I retire it will be even more important for managing my assets etc.

I'll probably get the Note 8. Which baja company best supports that phone?

Laptop or tablet screen is so much more convenient than smartphone, and managing assets is rarely that urgent. Unless it's a day-trading - and even then, laptop is still more comfortable :)

As to this particular phone - I think it's more about chip than the phone itself. You go to Telcel center or Oxxo and ask for Telcel chip.

Then initiate Telcel Amigo plan. 200 pesos will buy you 1GB of data for 33 days under Amigo Sin Limite plan.

Voice calls - if I understand senor Slim's convoluted scheme correct - you either get unlimited Mex calls with NOB roaming under Sin Limite plan, or calls for $ MXN 1.5-1.0 per minute without roaming under Sin Frontera plan. Don't expect Slim to work same flawless as NOB providers though.

Udo - 2-13-2018 at 05:06 PM

The best thing about the Galaxy is that it has twin sim slots. One for your US phone, and one for your Mexican phone. I did that for about a year (twin sims). Then I started to ponder...how many friends from the US call me on my US cell? So the US cell was a waste of good money.:o

For the few US friends and family, it was just as easy to call my Mex. cell.:bounce:

Yes, the Mexican cell (sim card) from TELCEL works fine in the US as well. I am able to make direct US phone calls when I'm in the US, and the phone acts as if it were in Mexico when I call Mexican numbers when in the US. There are many instances that I drop off my wife at one store while I make a run to Home Depot. We call each other when we are done with our shopping.

US phone calls are made from Mexico by dialing 001 plus the area code and phone number. Nothing complicated.

Your best Mexican cell source is TELCEL. My unlimited plan is about $40.00 USD per month. You can spend a lot more if you are a data hound, but they will only charge you for the data you use while in the US. Social media accounts are also unlimited when in Mexico. In the US they count as data used. Nothing complicated.
Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
Ok. My Sprint bill is like $300/month.
So somethings got to change.

Here is the caveat.
I am a smart phone junkie.
I don't own a pc or laptop.
I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 which I love. It's nearing the end of it's life and I am ready to replace it.
What is the best phone co/deal for phone service in baja and specifically San Quintin.
I run my life from this smart phone. An when I retire it will be even more important for managing my assets etc.

I'll probably get the Note 8. Which baja company best supports that phone?

surabi - 2-14-2018 at 11:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Udo  
The best thing about the Galaxy is that it has twin sim slots. One for your US phone, and one for your Mexican phone. I did that for about a year (twin sims). Then I started to ponder...how many friends from the US call me on my US cell? So the US cell was a waste of good money.:o

For the few US friends and family, it was just as easy to call my Mex. cell.:bounce:

Yes, the Mexican cell (sim card) from TELCEL works fine in the US as well. I am able to make direct US phone calls when I'm in the US, and the phone acts as if it were in Mexico when I call Mexican numbers when in the US. There are many instances that I drop off my wife at one store while I make a run to Home Depot. We call each other when we are done with our shopping.

US phone calls are made from Mexico by dialing 001 plus the area code and phone number. Nothing complicated.

Your best Mexican cell source is TELCEL. My unlimited plan is about $40.00 USD per month. You can spend a lot more if you are a data hound, but they will only charge you for the data you use while in the US. Social media accounts are also unlimited when in Mexico. In the US they count as data used. Nothing complicated.


Your unlimited Telcel plan is $40USD/month? I pay 100 pesos for Sin Limites for 21 days.

Alm - 2-14-2018 at 11:26 PM

Senor Slim doesn't set any limits on how much you could pay with this plan, that's why it's called Sin Limite :)...

Can be $US 40 and more. Depends on how fast you burn through the data, and (I suspect) on roaming charges on outgoing calls initiated NOB.

Udo - 2-15-2018 at 10:00 AM

There was a 10 day stretch last year that we were in the US. My roaming and data bill was less than 130 Pesos. That included the off-network FB. I don't upload photos and went on a public wi-fi when I could.
Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
Senor Slim doesn't set any limits on how much you could pay with this plan, that's why it's called Sin Limite :)...

Can be $US 40 and more. Depends on how fast you burn through the data, and (I suspect) on roaming charges on outgoing calls initiated NOB.

BajaMama - 2-15-2018 at 10:03 AM

I have an iPhone 7 plus which I paid cash for. I have had AT&T since 1997, and while I have five lines on my account, for my phone (the main line) I pay $101.23 per month. This includes 20GB data. Because I have the large data plan, I can use my phone in Mexico and Canada as I use it in the USA with absolutely no extra charges. The other four lines are about $20 per month and we share the data. It is rollover data so in the time we have had it we have never gone over 20GB.

Alm - 2-15-2018 at 03:05 PM

It can be 100 pesos for month, or lower yet.

100MXN expires after 21 days. As long as you don't want to call anybody, you don't need to reload the balance. People can still call and text you for the next 4 months. Then Telcel cut you off, but you keep your number for the next 8 months.

pacsur - 2-15-2018 at 04:15 PM

I have 3 phones, I use telcel prepago and add $200-$500 pesos every couple of months as needed. I use wifi wherever possible and only turn on data when necessary for email or phone calls thru an app.
I don't get up to the USA much anymore, but I have a pre paid account with t-mobile, $3.00 a month to keep active and allows 30 texts or 30 calls per month, $.10 a text or minute extra, when I do go up I usually pay an extra $10.00 and add a 1 week data pass(2gb I think), and I use my magicjack or WhatsApp number using the data package.
I can usually receive calls on my telcel phones in the USA, but have always had problems calling out anywhere using them.

stiladam - 2-15-2018 at 05:30 PM

My research thus far has shown that the only service available that has seamless US number service on both sides of the border without the location data usage limitation is Telcel USA. They don't consider Mexico roaming because it's their network. https://us.telcel.com/

Of course, having a Mexican Telcel plan and using Magic Jack is surely cheaper overall and does the trick just fine.

Just putting this out there for people that may want a single service solution, and no this isn't Carlos :tumble:

Alm - 2-15-2018 at 06:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pacsur  
I can usually receive calls on my telcel phones in the USA, but have always had problems calling out anywhere using them.

If you are under "Slim Limite"and load pesos only every couple of months, your balance expires before you reload.
See the right column
Then you receive calls and texts for 4 months, but can't initiate a call until you reload again.

But, if it doesn't connect right after reload, then it's Carlos Slim with hand in your pocket. Arguing with them is useless. Prey and predator economy. Wait a year or two, you'll see what will become of Carlos' US tentacle.

pacsur - 2-15-2018 at 06:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
Quote: Originally posted by pacsur  
I can usually receive calls on my telcel phones in the USA, but have always had problems calling out anywhere using them.

If you are under "Slim Limite"and load pesos only every couple of months, your balance expires before you reload.
See the right column
Then you receive calls and texts for 4 months, but can't initiate a call until you reload again.

But, if it doesn't connect right after reload, then it's Carlos Slim with hand in your pocket. Arguing with them is useless. Prey and predator economy. Wait a year or two, you'll see what will become of Carlos' US tentacle.


Actually on my telcel prepago the amount of time you have before renewal depends on how much you pay, I think $200p is good for 30 or 60 days, $500p is good for 90 days I believe. If the time period expires I can still receive calls, and when I pay again whatever my past balance was just continues to rollover, I also get data credit every time I add money and that also accumulates.

Alm - 2-15-2018 at 10:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pacsur  

on my telcel prepago the amount of time you have before renewal depends on how much you pay, I think $200p is good for 30 or 60 days, $500p is good for 90 days I believe.

Doesn't sound like Sin Limite plan that they offer now.

If it still fails to connect outgoing calls NOB, with balance active and current... ah, well, nothing new with this enterprise...





[Edited on 2-16-2018 by Alm]

Udo - 2-16-2018 at 08:44 AM

The minimum you can pay on the PRE-PAGADO plans is $150 Pesos, and that is for 30 days. Inexpensive if all you need are to receive and make phone calls.
Quote: Originally posted by pacsur  
Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
Quote: Originally posted by pacsur  
I can usually receive calls on my telcel phones in the USA, but have always had problems calling out anywhere using them.

If you are under "Slim Limite"and load pesos only every couple of months, your balance expires before you reload.
See the right column
Then you receive calls and texts for 4 months, but can't initiate a call until you reload again.

But, if it doesn't connect right after reload, then it's Carlos Slim with hand in your pocket. Arguing with them is useless. Prey and predator economy. Wait a year or two, you'll see what will become of Carlos' US tentacle.


Actually on my telcel prepago the amount of time you have before renewal depends on how much you pay, I think $200p is good for 30 or 60 days, $500p is good for 90 days I believe. If the time period expires I can still receive calls, and when I pay again whatever my past balance was just continues to rollover, I also get data credit every time I add money and that also accumulates.