Best way to "PHONE HOME"

[BEM]

Going to Mexican Riviera on Golden Princess January 5th sailing, any suggestions on best way to Phone Home? Least expensive, cell phones?????????? Help.........Thanks BEM

[f-mattox]

Check with you cell phone service provider and see if they offer service in the three ports where you will be; or if you can upgrade your service for your trip. Avoid the ship's phones and cell phone service if at all possible. You could also use international calling cards in the ports.

[Berick1234]

We've had the best luck using the calling cards...less hassle and cheaper....but then I don't call home unless I have to:-)...Happy Cruising....

Bob E

[Jim C.]

F-Mattox already gave you the best advice. But I'll add another option, if you don't have to "phone home" but could use email to check in, You could buy a block of internet time and email back and forth.

But check with your cell provider and they can give you rates for each port. Or use a calling card. Those are nice also, because if you buy a larger prepaid calling card than you think you will need, you can give the "unused" portion as a tip to your steward. They use them to call home when in port.

[BEM]

Thank you all for your welcomed advice. Will definately check with cell phone provider AND check into calling cards............Again thanks, BEM

[RichC]

Although I personally wouldn't use my Verizon cell phone in Mexico because of the outrageous charges the government imposes I
read somewhere that you first have to call Verizon & get the phone authorized. I'm assuming the other carriers are the same? We did have an analog connection in Ensenada but I didn't try to make a call. It's still nice to know you have a connection in an emergency.

[Sonny V]

You can get calling cards that you can make a phone call from a pay phone in Mexico to the U.S. for about 20 cents per minute. Here is a link to a site that will give you some prices...
http://www.callingcards.com/
If you do a google search, you'll find other sites with more pricing. Hope this helps...

Sonny

[BEM]

thanks again for input...........Is it better to buy calling card from home area or wait until you get to different ports? again thanks for enlightening info..........BEM

[caseyg55]

BEM,

I suggest getting the phone card at home. Check the large discount stores they have very cheap cards. Make sure your card covers out of the country calls and read the cost for call out of the country. Enjoy the cruise