AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Travel Cell Phones

OMG, Marty. That's awful. I would have to reeaaally want to talk to someone for $15/min. So glad it isn't that expensive from BZE.
I'm hoping digicel can make this happen for me. If not, I'll just surrender and buy a phone there.

Another option: You can unock many GSM phones by paying for the code and unlocking the phone your self. Do it online:

http://www.unlockmyphonenow.com/

There are many offers for unlocking and some are cheaper than the one I listed above.

Then buy a SIM card for Belize, online or in Belize, that has free incoming calls. I guess Digicell is the the only cell service and incoming calls are free on Pre-paid SIMS. Everyone is just reselling Digicell.

http://www.telestial.com/view_product.php?PRODUCT_ID=LSIM-BZ01&

Then sign up for a Call Back service at around .30 minute to call the US from Belize. To use a call back service. You call the service number, hang up, it calls you back and then you input your number for your call to USA or wherever. You incur no airtime charges since your incoming calls are free.

One Call Back service:
http://www.globaltel.com/Rates.html

Disclaimer: I have not used this system myself but it is commonly used by others.

Ah, tplowe56, wish I'd had this info. BEFORE my last trip.

Thanks.

The best Call-Back service rates I've found are .30 for Belize to US on a land line or .34 for cell.

http://www.alliancecall.com/index.htm

BTL (Digicell) does not offer unlocking service.

C's Cell Phones and CDs on Pescador Drive (Middle Street) will unlock it for $US25.

A Digicel SIM is $US20.

T-Mobile and Cingular GSM phones will work with a Digicell SIM. Once unlocked your phone can be used in all countries that use 1900 band inlcuding back home.

SIN

Or rent a new phone from C's for $US10/day.

Hi Sun&sand,
I was just in your position and might be able to pass on what I learned. I picked up an unlocked Nokia 3390 for next to nothing on eBay. The phone had been used on the T-Mobile network, so it's 1900MHz and setup for SIM cards. I got a Digicell SIM card on-line and installed it, so when I stepped off the plane in Belize I had a phone. I bought a Cingular SIM card for use in the USA and it works fine, too. While I was in Belize I bought a spare Digicell SIM card, and if you need a phone and SIM card, I'll send them to you at cost.

Another option would be to give your hotel's phone number to the folks back home. If there's a problem you can always be reached through the hotel. That's easy and cheap.

Dan

Just remember that the digicell number (sim) is only good for three months after your last use. If it is not used for 3 months BTL shuts the number down, we learned it the hard way.