BajaNomad

Question for Verizon users

Dianamo - 5-11-2006 at 04:57 PM

Verizon tells me my phone should work in Baja, but I have never been able to get a signal! Anywhere! Is there a code that I need to use to reprogram the phone when I cross the border, or is there something else that Verizon won't tell me?:?::?::?: :?::?:(I guess they will tell the NSA everything though!!!!!:fire::fire::fire::fire:)
(I will be driving down the penninsula, and in case of an emergency, cost would not be an issue.)

Thanks,
DianaMo

SCOTT1234 - 5-11-2006 at 06:39 PM

Dianamo
I just returned from Baja (sailed from loreto to La Paz) and immeditally contacted Verizon and demanded a refund. They sold me their north american plan telling me that i would have service in both places and i didn't get any signal. They told me they use a "partner" and can't gaurentee service all the time. (i'm getting my refund)

scott

Bob and Susan - 5-11-2006 at 06:44 PM

Dianamo
if cost is not an issue...rent a SAT PHONE...
http://www.allroadcommunications.com/rentals/?s=I

[Edited on 5-12-2006 by Bob and Susan]

Bruce R Leech - 5-11-2006 at 06:51 PM

If you buy a phone that works on telcel you will get the phone free with 400 pesos of time you cant beat that . you can toss it when you go north or give it to a kid.

I don't know why people spend so much time and money trying to get things from the U.S. to work here in Mexico.

Verizon Cell

Al G - 5-11-2006 at 06:54 PM

I was in Baja in April and had a strong signal in all Large Pueblos(CSL-Del San Jose- Todos Santos- La Paz- The signal in Los Barriles was weak on my new phone, but my friends old phone was strong.
a second friend with cingular was weak all over and would not connect. Maybe the phone?
I called USA and Baja Telcel # No charges have appeared yet.

[Edited on 5-12-2006 by Al G]

Al G - 5-11-2006 at 07:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
If you buy a phone that works on telcel you will get the phone free with 400 pesos of time you cant beat that . you can toss it when you go north or give it to a kid.

I don't know why people spend so much time and money trying to get things from the U.S. to work here in Mexico.


I made that mistake once and will never again. One short call to States will burn the $400 Pesos. I put 700 Pesos on a Telcel and my friend called his wife once (Maybe 20 min. not more) and he didn't finish. Good for local calls only.

[Edited on 5-12-2006 by Al G]

jerry - 5-11-2006 at 07:04 PM

i use cingular all around loreto for the last 5 yrs no problem except the $149 a minuite oh well

Al G - 5-11-2006 at 07:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jerry
i use cingular all around loreto for the last 5 yrs no problem except the $149 a minuite oh well

Jerry, Hope that was a typo at $149 a minute!!!

[Edited on 5-12-2006 by Al G]

dug - 5-11-2006 at 07:15 PM

I just got back Wednesday. I had service almost to El Rosario. I made and received calls. In the past I've used my Verizon service while fueling at BajaCactus in El Rosario. There are some stretches between Ensenada and San Quintin with no signal. I have had a good signal in Loreto.

Ask Verizon to activate international roaming. I don't pay extra for the service unless I use it. It only has to be activated once.

bajaguy - 5-11-2006 at 08:32 PM

Have used my Verizon from TJ to Ensenada with no problems. Billing rate was reasonable considering it was a cell.

jerry - 5-11-2006 at 09:01 PM

your point ........... is well made $1.49
i did get a plan to reduce it to $.99
and every time i talk to them at cingular its a new plan
gotto keep the costomers confused

dont die wondering

capt. mike - 5-12-2006 at 06:27 AM

unless you have a tri mode phone from verizon that can work from analog based systems like around Mulege you will not get signal around those areas. Verizon tricked me too:moon: , i bought an all digital phone because i wanted blue tooth too. oh well..........so, i am getting a cheapo Cingular analog account just for my baja trips, i like being able to call USA anytime to clear my messages etc from mulege and am tired of going to those Latadel card posts. one or 2 bucks a minute for convenience ain't nuthin' here.:cool:

turtleandtoad - 5-12-2006 at 09:08 AM

For Verizon, if you change from some other plan to the North American plan, you have to dial *222, extension 2, to download a new PRL (Preferred Roaming List) before the plan change will take place.

Once the upgrade is complete, your phone will show the message "Update Complete" or something along that line. You will also get a recording stating the same thing.

This HAS to be done while in contact with a U.S Verizon tower. It will NOT work after you cross the border.

That said, I have to admit that I had lousy coverage in Baja two years ago. Verizon coverage in mainland Mexico was better.