BajaNomad - Verizon now working in Baja

Verizon now working in Baja

BooJumMan - 12-4-2016 at 08:00 PM

Just thought I'd share...

I've had Verizon since the late 90's and have always been a little annoyed that my phone would work in Baja. As many know, Verizon uses different modulation than Telcel (GSM vs CDMA).

Even with a global Verizon phone, I wouldn't be able to connect to the Telcel or Movistar towers for the last couple years.

However, this past trip, after talking to Verizon, they assured me that I wouldn't have any issues. I updated my plan to include free Mexico and Canada calling (to and from). I was able to use my smart phone just as if I was in the states. All data and minutes charged as if I was in the states. No extra charges. Had 4g and 3g service were I assumed it would be.

You just need to make sure you have a global phone (ie Samsung Galaxy S5, S6, S7 and iPhone 6 & 7 I know are...and there are a few others).

I drove to Los Cabos and back, and had service in all towns and of course it was a little spotty through the desert and obvious dead zones you'd expect (and hope).

[Edited on 12-5-2016 by BooJumMan]

ehall - 12-5-2016 at 04:43 AM

On my recent trip down I noticed the same thing. I was wondering what changed. I was using a Samsung s4.

BooJumMan - 12-5-2016 at 07:22 AM

They must have finally made a deal with Telcel or something?

You either have an older plan in which you pay $2.00/day for MX, or you can update it to their latest plans and get it included for free. I did the latter. Monthly payments went down for me, but now when I need a new phone, you do not get a discounted price.

weebray - 12-5-2016 at 07:45 AM

Hmmm. Let me get this straight. You are happy that you now can spend $60/mo. to use your phone in Baja? Never mind that you could switch to Telcel and get a month of service in Mexico, the US or Canada for 150 pesos. How important is it to be able to tweet 24/7?

Martyman - 12-5-2016 at 10:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by weebray

Hmmm. Let me get this straight. You are happy that you now can spend $60/mo. to use your phone in Baja? Never mind that you could switch to Telcel and get a month of service in Mexico, the US or Canada for 150 pesos. How important is it to be able to tweet 24/7?

I'm tweeting like Trump!

micah202 - 12-5-2016 at 10:44 AM

Quote: Originally posted by weebray

...you're saying one can get telcel service and keep it going back home in canada, US for nextanothin!?

willardguy - 12-5-2016 at 11:15 AM

Hmmm. let me get this straight. you put the lime in the coconut......

carlosg - 12-5-2016 at 11:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

Hmmm. ... you put the lime in the coconut......

https://youtu.be/5LxC3M-Yngs?list=RD5LxC3M-Yngs

..nice.

BooJumMan - 12-5-2016 at 07:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by weebray

This thread was to just update those who have Verizon that it is indeed working in Baja. Thanks.

Yes I've had TelCel and ATT for Baja use and its much easier for me to just travel and not deal with a 2nd phone or chip that I need to add minutes too.

And no, I do not need service to tweet or whatever.

[Edited on 12-6-2016 by BooJumMan]

Hook - 12-6-2016 at 03:14 PM

Just to be clear, the 150 peso thing would be for a SECOND, pay as you go, Telcel capable phone.

BTW, anyone with a Telcel phone/sim card can do it. Just deposit 150 pesos at the local OXXO (or wherever), text to 5050 and include the text "ST150" in the body of the message. Unlimited calling from that phone in Mex, US and Canada for 30 days.

msteve1014 - 12-6-2016 at 05:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

Just to be clear, the 150 peso thing would be for a SECOND, pay as you go, Telcel capable phone.

BTW, anyone with a Telcel phone/sim card can do it. Just deposit 150 pesos at the local OXXO (or wherever), text to 5050 and include the text "ST150" in the body of the message. Unlimited calling from that phone in Mex, US and Canada for 30 days.

Thanks Hook. That is good clear info.
Hard to come by sometimes...

JZ - 12-6-2016 at 06:09 PM

Why would you ever keep Verizon if you travel to MX? Back in the day and now?

Today att has a North America plan with free roaming for calls, texts, AND data to Canada and Mexico.

JZ - 12-6-2016 at 06:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by weebray

Really dumb post. For people that don't live in MX when you travel ppl have to get a hold of you on your regular number and you want to have data.

BooJumMan - 12-10-2016 at 06:49 AM

JZ -- I know, I should have switched a while back. But, I was always in a contract back in the day, and I always had good service while in the states. Then about 10 years ago my company started giving us ~30-40% discount on our bills, so I kept it.

My Mexican co-worker uses Boost mobile now as he crosses the border daily and said is the "best" for both sides and is the cheapest.

BajaMama - 12-10-2016 at 07:07 AM

Since all my adult kids and my father in law are on my ATT plan we do a family data plan which includes Mexico and data usage in Mexico. I agree, I don't want a bunch of phones! That's why my father in law in on my plan now - he used to have a land line, cell phone, track smart phone and a Mexican phone. Crazy! Now he has one ATT phone that works every where he needs it to.

Sweetwater - 12-10-2016 at 10:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BooJumMan

JZ -- I know, I should have switched a while back. But, I was always in a contract back in the day, and I always had good service while in the states. Then about 10 years ago my company started giving us ~30-40% discount on our bills, so I kept it.

My Mexican co-worker uses Boost mobile now as he crosses the border daily and said is the "best" for both sides and is the cheapest.

After traveling the western USA and watching the various companies actual service and transmission coverage, I concluded that my telecom needs are best met by Verizon. I don't want to change the world or tweet like a drump but I expect to connect and Verizon delivers that the best. Just like BajaMama, I have my family on the plan and rather than chasing multiple phones, companies, bills or saving a few dollars that cost us time and energy, I'll continue to enjoy the benefits of Clint Eastwood, A few dollars more. Sometimes you need to know which corners to cut. Thanks for the info, I'll call Verizon today.