I would like to know about Cell Phone Service. Since I cant seem to get an intelligent answer from our Cell provider, Cingular ( geee, big surprise there) have any of you been able to get service? and if so, what do we need to do to dial out? Normaly, I would not be concerned and not bring it, but we are leaving a child and my very ill Father and need some sort of line to them should something happen.

I have Cingular and was suprised to hear my phone ring when we were there in September - so apparantly there is service. (There was not the year before.) Can't get your voice mail and my secretary said she was unable to leave a voice mail. I called home once - can't remember if I had to dial a country code but i don't think so. Also never got around to checking the bill for these calls specifically so don't know how pricey it was - have heard others on this board say it's expensive.

$4 a minute to call from San Pedro to California...if you've signed up for international roaming....around $8 a minute if you don't...I learned the hard way!.....to call back to the States you have to use the country code 001 then area code and number..Since Cingular uses the same chip as Belize be very careful with your phone....I've had 2 disappear over the last few visits to AC. One was in my stowed baggage when I left Belize City back to the states....me thinks the customs inspector might have worked a deal. Keep your phone with you if you want to keep it!

...or perhaps a baggage handler in the US? :rolleyes:

Bring a tri or quadband phone down with. You can get a Belize DigiCell chip and unlock your phone (remains unlocked - use worldwide) for $US55, comes with a $US5 phone card. Receiving calls are free to you when in Belize and calls to the US are much more affordable.

C's Cell Phones and CD's - codemasterbz@hotmail.com

SIN

Just one question..I go to a store(here in the US) and ask for a tri or quadband phone to buy? Then, in Belize I can buy the DigiCell chip and get it unlocked (at BTL at the airport?) I want to have a cell this trip since I'll be picking up a car at the airport doing some solo driving around on the mainland.
I know, Cell Phones 101 for dummies here... :rolleyes:
Thanks for the info

Another option is to rent a cell phone while here. Budget Car Rentals rent cell phones as does C's Phones here on the Caye. Around $10 per day plus phone card

I actually found that going to the Coconut Internet place and have THEM place the call for you is the cheapest way to go....and dependable as long as internet service isn't interrupted on the island! (and that does happen) Good ole BTL

$1US per minute at the cafe is affordable but not the cheapest. USA Connect is .30 per minute using a prepaid or pay phone.

BTL at the airport will not unlock your phone.

Tenchtronics in Belize City or C's in San Pedro can unlock it for you.

I would advise having a cell phone with you during your journeys.

SIN

My 2 cents would be to call your cellular provider before leaving for your vacation. They can probably set you up much more cheaply than what it will cost you in Belize.