Best way to call US from Mexico?

[farjar]

Our cell phone plan does not cover calls from Mexico to the US. What are some suggestions how to keep in touch with family at home? Are there places near the pier in Cabo, PV, or Mazatlán from where you can call? Can we buy a calling card in the US and use it in Mexico? What does it cost to call from the ship? Are there internet cafes in port? Are they safe to use? Is using the ship's internet café a better option. We are seniors with no Wi-Fi or anything high tech. We do have email accounts but would prefer phoning. Any information would be sincerely appreciate.

[sixesandeights]

Our cell phone plan does not cover calls from Mexico to the US. What are some suggestions how to keep in touch with family at home? Are there places near the pier in Cabo, PV, or Mazatlán from where you can call? Can we buy a calling card in the US and use it in Mexico? What does it cost to call from the ship? Are there internet cafes in port? Are they safe to use? Is using the ship's internet café a better option. We are seniors with no Wi-Fi or anything high tech. We do have email accounts but would prefer phoning. Any information would be sincerely appreciate.

 

What Cell phone service do you have? Do you have regular old style flip phones, or newer "smart" phone?

 

6&8

[SuiteTraveler]

Use the internet on the ship. That is the BEST and cheapest way. When cruising I would only do a phone call in a true emergency situation.

[Deedee85]

If you have a smartphone I suggest you download Viber and have your family at home do the same. You can call and text over WiFi instead of phone towers. If you don't care to pay for WiFi on the ship you should be able to find free WiFi at most ports.

Also, I paid $40 for a cruise ship plan with Verizon. I know that it includes data and texting, I'm not sure about calling. Contact you carrier to see what they have available.

[farjar]

We don't have a smart phone or texting capabilities. We only have a prepaid cell that we buy minutes for from airvoice wireless. It is basically for emergencies.

[mking8288]

If OP is sailing on the (Star ??) soon on the Mexico Rivera run for the season, the first stop is Cabo (tendering port) - they can probably buy a prepaid telephone card, find a pay phone near the pier and use it to call home to stay in touch with family ... that's been the way for years, way before smartphone days) Odds are that they might be using a "dumb" (non-smart) flip or candybar phone - no messing around with WiFi or settings, plug-n-play devices.

 

Instructions for how to use the local/toll-free access # in Mexico and for calling the US are usually included with the prepaid card with PINS, and the seller's kiosk usually can provide quick tip/advice. Or, try finding an off-duty crew member on shore leave as they are usually helpful & know where & what to do. The disadvantage is that you can't use it onboard the ship to call home & speak to family or friends.

 

Even prepaid AT&T prepaid and T-Mobile prepaid plans have options to call home from Mexico, either free or at reasonable costs, as add-on. Unless, one is on those AARP or Simple Choice, Straight Talk, Tracfone or similar MNVO (reseller) prepaid plans, great for use within US but useless once crossing the border.

 

Is OP on the sailing's roll call already ? Perhaps someone on the same ship have resources and/or willing to work out a deal & arrange for OP to make a few quick calls.

 

Airvoice: ok, it uses a Sim cardlk, offers zero coverage once outside the US, and no optional add-on plan at all.

Can you describe your phone/model ? Is it a Motorola, LG or Nokia, etc. Call customer care or 611 on your phone to ask/check to see if your phone is "Unlocked" and can use a "foreign sim" outside the U.S. to make/receive calls - as you can then buy a local Mexico prepaid Sim card, get it activated and use it to call USA for relatively inexpensive rates.

 

WiFi calling is likely, IMO, far beyond the skills for the OP to use and a bit complicated & can be confusing.

Edited November 12, 2015 by mking8288