Text Messaging in Mexico

[PaulaV]

I have Verizon and did not need to change anything or add any numbers in order for them to be received on the other end successfully.

Dialing out I did, but not for texting.

[michelle08]

Great thread! I was wondering this too because there has to be a way to communicate w/ everyone while we are down there and for people to call home or whatever.

 

So if w want to call then we should contact our provider prior to leaving and add a mexico plan and if we want to text and we have unlimited text already (cingular) then it's nothing more...great to know!!

[shannon]

Ooh- I just assumed it wouldn't work-- i have Verizon-- thanks guys!! This rocks!

[Maura]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lauren c. my assumption would be that you need to type the country code 00 so the number would look like: 001-555-555-5555

actually, when texting you shouldnt need to enter the country code if you are texting another american phone. i have tmobile and FI has at&t and we have never had to type the country code in order to text other american numbers. however, if we text a mexican number then we do have to do the country code.

we also have blackberrys and prefer to use the "ping" system between the two of us since it's free. but when the ping system isnt working (sometimes it's spotty in mexico), we have to rely on plain text messages.

but you should contact your service provider, because sometimes if you dont have your international plan turned on (which is usually free), then calling and texting is outrageous. the one thing the international plan does not help is data usage (like using the internet) from your blackberry in mexico.

i am usually able to pick up telcel service and one other provider on ocassion, movistar.

[lucy106]

For those who have Verizon are you saying it worked fine to text people while you are in Cancun to people back home? Was there an extra charge?

[Dijawana Diva]

As a former telecommunications person:

 

Depending on your carrier, Rates run anywhere from $0.99 to $1.49/min for each call you make. Note that all calls are billed at 1 minute increments, so even if you only spoke for 30 seconds, you are still responsible for the full minute.

 

SMS can cost from $0.25 to $0.50, while MMS (pictures) can cost twice as much.

 

It would be best to contact your carrier to set it up in advance, and it is also recommended to call AGAIN to confirm prior to your departure.

 

 

When you are connected to the TELCEL, or TELMEX, you shouldn't have any issues dialing or texting. There is also a carrier called MOVISTAR that I got connected to while I was in Playa del Carmen, and I could not complete a call to save my life.

 

As stated in previous posts, make sure you dial 00-1-52-984 (PDC) or 998 (CUN) xxx-xxxx. You can also use the "+" instead of the "00". In some instances, you will require to add a "1" after the country code (52) when dialing a local cell number.

 

If you have a blackberry, make sure you have the PIN # for the recepient (from the bbery, go OPTIONS, STATUS) and use either the bberry messenger or PIN option. This does not cost anything, but you can only do this BBERRY to BBERRY.

 

To make it easier for our group, we purchased walkie talkies and passed it on to everyone to use while in Playa del Carmen. We made everyone create their own "Code Names" which made for some great laughs...

 

Hope you find this information useful...

[MelissaH]

I'm with a Canadian provider, obviously, but I've never had a problem texting in Mexico, Dominican, Europe, anywhere!

 

I also don't need to dial a country code or anything, my provider does that all for me once I dial the number like normal.

[Helen_S81]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelissaH I'm with a Canadian provider, obviously, but I've never had a problem texting in Mexico, Dominican, Europe, anywhere! I also don't need to dial a country code or anything, my provider does that all for me once I dial the number like normal.

Which carrier are you with Melissa?

I'm with Bell Mobility and when I was at the Barcelo I had no digital service, therefore no text messaging.

[amyrak]

Thanks for all the info..this is interesting. So I wonder if it will cost me any extra to have the international plan?? Was just thinking about doing the walkie talkie thing too though.

[MelissaH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen_S81 Which carrier are you with Melissa? I'm with Bell Mobility and when I was at the Barcelo I had no digital service, therefore no text messaging.

I'm with Rogers. DH is with Bell and he had no service down there either!