Will my iphone pick up 3G there?

Jarret · 02-06-2010, 06:45 PM

Hi all, I have some important business to take care of while I'm there with my investment. Will my iphone pick up 3g? I would rather not use the resort computers.
Cheers!

backs13 · 02-06-2010, 07:32 PM

they have wifi

kparnell · 02-06-2010, 08:16 PM

You should be ok with your Iphone. They work fine in the major cities, and the resorts are close enough to Cancun that it will be fine.

Jarret · 02-07-2010, 03:52 AM

Backs, I'm assuming they charge for the wifi right? I'm paying a huge monthly bill to bypass more charges at the hotels I stay at. I'm fine just using the 3G, I was just hoping someone could confirm using a 3G phone there. I told my phone company to hook me up with unlimited 3g for the next few months just before I went to Vegas last week. I may as well use it if I can.
Cheers

choffman2k · 02-07-2010, 08:28 AM

I'm not sure what company you use for the iPhone in Canada, but I had no coverage with ATT while I was there in October. Then again, I really didn't seek out coverage either.

I actually just used Skype to make any calls I needed to make while I was there over the wifi. Understand not wanting the extra charges, but that's my experience.

Jen&Kyle · 02-07-2010, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choffman2k

I'm not sure what company you use for the iPhone in Canada, but I had no coverage with ATT while I was there in October. Then again, I really didn't seek out coverage either.

I actually just used Skype to make any calls I needed to make while I was there over the wifi. Understand not wanting the extra charges, but that's my experience.

Oh no. An iPhone with AT&T extended coverage was our plan for communication with the outside world. Has anyone had success with AT&T coverage in cancun?

What is a good back up plan? Skype? How would that work down there? Skype is audio and video right? Can you purchase a temporary mobile phone? I want to be able to call home but have them be able to reach us also if need be. Thanks!

backs13 · 02-07-2010, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by single canadian guy

Backs, I'm assuming they charge for the wifi right? I'm paying a huge monthly bill to bypass more charges at the hotels I stay at. I'm fine just using the 3G, I was just hoping someone could confirm using a 3G phone there. I told my phone company to hook me up with unlimited 3g for the next few months just before I went to Vegas last week. I may as well use it if I can.
Cheers

Good point with the 3G if you are paying for the unlimited anyway. I know there was a small charge for the wifi, they were supposed to make it free for everyone, cuz it is free for us members , at least thats what they said last time i was there... I would think you should be fine with whatever service you choose to use, the hotel zone has many companies and businesses and towers, there should be a way to confirm coverage with your provider, but my guess is you should be fine...ive always had great cell reception, Ive just had to add the international package on my phone before leaving because otherwise it would not pick up the internet...again, im sure there is a way to confirm your 3G...if i hear anything ill send you a message

TexasCouple · 02-07-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen&Kyle

Oh no. An iPhone with AT&T extended coverage was our plan for communication with the outside world. Has anyone had success with AT&T coverage in cancun?

What is a good back up plan? Skype? How would that work down there? Skype is audio and video right? Can you purchase a temporary mobile phone? I want to be able to call home but have them be able to reach us also if need be. Thanks!

We used our AT&T cell phones in Cancun in July 2008 with no problem. Make sure and call them and tell them to turn on the international roaming capability.
Marsh

backs13 · 02-07-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen&Kyle

Oh no. An iPhone with AT&T extended coverage was our plan for communication with the outside world. Has anyone had success with AT&T coverage in cancun?

What is a good back up plan? Skype? How would that work down there? Skype is audio and video right? Can you purchase a temporary mobile phone? I want to be able to call home but have them be able to reach us also if need be. Thanks!

Like they said, AT&T should be fine if you call them and add your international plan , then just take it off when you get back. However you can rent a pay as you go phone down there also, I found that out last and almost did that... but just went with my phone and hoped not to make too many drunk calls to rub in the good times back home haha

choffman2k · 02-07-2010, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen&Kyle

Oh no. An iPhone with AT&T extended coverage was our plan for communication with the outside world. Has anyone had success with AT&T coverage in cancun?

What is a good back up plan? Skype? How would that work down there? Skype is audio and video right? Can you purchase a temporary mobile phone? I want to be able to call home but have them be able to reach us also if need be. Thanks!

Skype is just audio to you iPhone. May want to download the app and test it. You have to pay a minimal fee to Skype for certain features, but it worked like a charm. You just really can't receive calls...which was damn fine by me for the week. I got to talk to who I wanted to.

I left my phone in airplane mode, and just used the wifi for email and skype.

That said, I didn't have the international calling enabled because I thought my wife's Tmobile Blackberry would pick up wifi to make calls with. I was wrong, because the wifi just isn't strong enough to support it I guess.

Bart/Annette · 02-07-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by single canadian guy

Hi all, I have some important business to take care of while I'm there with my investment. Will my iphone pick up 3g? I would rather not use the resort computers.
Cheers!

You will have full signal, but don't think it will be 3G. I don't have international roaming turned on, but did use the wifi with my I-phone. Somewhat inconsistent, but works OK. The WIFI takes a while to hook up for some reason, but works reasonably well once it gets the network signal. Works better in the room (where I am never at), and works OK by the Sexy Pool.

MikePC · 02-07-2010, 03:24 PM

We were just there this past week and my wife's iPhone worked fine, both for calling and 3G (didn't want to pay for the hotel's wifi). We got a 1-month international package through our provider for $30 so we wouldn't be hit with big international charges.

fbjr1 · 02-08-2010, 12:55 PM

OK, SORRY FOR THE CAPS BUT THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR ALL ATT IPHONES USERS LIKE MYSELF.

THE INTERNATIONAL PLAN THRU ATT DOES NOT, I REPEAT NOT COVER ANY DATA USE.

SO UNLESS YOU BUY A SEPERATE DATA PACKAGE SPECIFICALLY FOR MEXICO USE YOU GET CHARGED FOR ANY DATA USGAE INCLUDING EMAIL AND ANY INTERNET USE AT MEXICO RATES!!!

IF YOU HAVE YOU PHONE SET UP TO PUSH EMAILS AND/OR SET UP TO CHECK FOR EMAILS EVERY SO OFTEN EVEN IF THERE ARE NO EMAIL YOU GET CHARGED WITH THE TIME THAT THE IPHONE IS CHECKING. AND IF YOU DOWNLOAD OR SEND A LARGE FILE SUCH AS PICTURES ETC YOU CAN INCUR A VERY LARGE BILL WHEN U GET HOME. AND GOOD LUCK GETTING IT FIXED AS THEY ARE LISTED AS DATA ROAMING CHARGES AND ARE CHARGED DIRECTLY TO ATT FROM THERE CELL COMPANIES.
I HAD A VERY LARGE BILL TWO MONTHS AFTER I GOT BACK AS IT TAKES AWHILE FOR ATT TO GET THE BILL FROM THE MEXICO CELL COMPANIES AND CHARGE US.(OVER $300 FROM JUST CHECKING MY EMAILS ONCE A DAY FOR A WEEK AND EMAILING A COUPLE OF PICTURES).

WHEN I CALLED THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO TURN MY DATA ROAMING OFF. THAT TURNS OFF THE CELL CONNECTION TO INTERNET. PHONE WORKS JUST FINE IN THIS MODE AND SO DOES WIFI.
HOPE THIS SAVES YOU GUYS SOME $$
THAT BEING SAID THEY MIGHT HAVE CHANGED THIS IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS SO CHECK BEFORE YOU GO.
BTW BESIDES THAT PHONE WORKS GREAT ALL OVER CANCUN.

fbjr1 · 02-08-2010, 01:16 PM

Looks like it hasnt changed much except when you access network options on the iphone underneath the option to turn off data roaming it now says

"turn data roaming off when abroad to avoid substancial roaming charges when using email, web browsing, and other data services"

i guess they got tired of the irate customers and now can say" hey it says so on you phone"

tipellen · 02-08-2010, 01:31 PM

Beware !!!! this is what you get when you turn off airplane mode in MEXICO!!!!!

TexasCouple · 02-08-2010, 01:36 PM

Good to know. We all have I-phones now and never would have thought about data charges. Thanks.
Marsh

Jen&Kyle · 02-08-2010, 01:43 PM

wow, this is great info. $19.97 a MB? I have my phone constantly downloading my gmail and am sending pics. That would have been a disaster. Is there no plan you can purchase in advance to cover data? I guess I will call to find out.

fbjr1 · 02-08-2010, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen&Kyle

wow, this is great info. $19.97 a MB? I have my phone constantly downloading my gmail and am sending pics. That would have been a disaster. Is there no plan you can purchase in advance to cover data? I guess I will call to find out.

they do have prepaid data plans that work when roaming, dont know much about them but they are on ATT website. never did one cause i just dont know how much data i actually use. easier to just post a vacation autorespove on my email accoint that tells the i wont be checking my email but can be reached by text.
also change my VM that i will only be checking messages once in the am and once in the pm. and to text me if its a short message. cheaper that way than to call the 800 # to retrieve VMs. visual VM does not work there.

ChiroMan&RadioGirl · 02-08-2010, 02:33 PM

you have to disable 3G and network roaming or you'll be chared per Kb of data transferred thru any social networking site/email/etc. and keep your phone in airplane mode if you dont want to be charged for incoming voice mails. incoming text and pic msgs are free but outgoing txts are .50, pic txts 1.30. you can buy the mexico abroad plan for 4.99, one time fee, for .59 per min. otherwise calls are .99 per min. International calling rates and packages - Wireless from AT&T or www.att.com/worldpackagesv

fbjr1 · 02-09-2010, 09:40 AM

another way to keep down the bill (sign up for INT. plan but keep it for at least 30 days as sometimes the bills from mexico do not hit ATT for a few weeks afterward) is to change your message on your VM to say,

"" hey im in mexico please do not leave a message. if important please text me.""

Frank

02-06-2010, 06:45 PM	#1
Jarret Cancuncare Enthusiast Join Date: 13th Jan 2010 Location: Victoria BC Posts: 49	Will my iphone pick up 3G there? Hi all, I have some important business to take care of while I'm there with my investment. Will my iphone pick up 3g? I would rather not use the resort computers. Cheers! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ March 13-20 2010!

02-06-2010, 07:32 PM	#2
backs13 I can choose my own title Join Date: 24th Sep 2007 Location: Rhinebeck, New York Posts: 2,915	they have wifi Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

02-06-2010, 08:16 PM	#3
kparnell Cancuncare Enthusiast Join Date: 2nd Feb 2010 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 24	You should be ok with your Iphone. They work fine in the major cities, and the resorts are close enough to Cancun that it will be fine. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

02-07-2010, 03:52 AM	#4
Jarret Cancuncare Enthusiast Join Date: 13th Jan 2010 Location: Victoria BC Posts: 49	Backs, I'm assuming they charge for the wifi right? I'm paying a huge monthly bill to bypass more charges at the hotels I stay at. I'm fine just using the 3G, I was just hoping someone could confirm using a 3G phone there. I told my phone company to hook me up with unlimited 3g for the next few months just before I went to Vegas last week. I may as well use it if I can. Cheers Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ March 13-20 2010!

02-07-2010, 08:28 AM	#5
choffman2k Cancuncare Enthusiast Join Date: 18th May 2009 Posts: 62	I'm not sure what company you use for the iPhone in Canada, but I had no coverage with ATT while I was there in October. Then again, I really didn't seek out coverage either. I actually just used Skype to make any calls I needed to make while I was there over the wifi. Understand not wanting the extra charges, but that's my experience. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Chad n' Sarah... Not sure when we'll make it back...

02-07-2010, 03:24 PM	#12
MikePC Cancuncare Addict Join Date: 4th Jan 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 253	We were just there this past week and my wife's iPhone worked fine, both for calling and 3G (didn't want to pay for the hotel's wifi). We got a 1-month international package through our provider for $30 so we wouldn't be hit with big international charges. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ My wife, Julie, and I were at Temptations February 2010 celebrating our 10th Anniversary. Sophomore trip was May, 2011. Third trip was May 16-23, 2012. We'll be back!

02-08-2010, 12:55 PM	#13
fbjr1 I can choose my own title Join Date: 29th Dec 2003 Location: Phx AZ Posts: 1,265	OK, SORRY FOR THE CAPS BUT THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR ALL ATT IPHONES USERS LIKE MYSELF. THE INTERNATIONAL PLAN THRU ATT DOES NOT, I REPEAT NOT COVER ANY DATA USE. SO UNLESS YOU BUY A SEPERATE DATA PACKAGE SPECIFICALLY FOR MEXICO USE YOU GET CHARGED FOR ANY DATA USGAE INCLUDING EMAIL AND ANY INTERNET USE AT MEXICO RATES!!! IF YOU HAVE YOU PHONE SET UP TO PUSH EMAILS AND/OR SET UP TO CHECK FOR EMAILS EVERY SO OFTEN EVEN IF THERE ARE NO EMAIL YOU GET CHARGED WITH THE TIME THAT THE IPHONE IS CHECKING. AND IF YOU DOWNLOAD OR SEND A LARGE FILE SUCH AS PICTURES ETC YOU CAN INCUR A VERY LARGE BILL WHEN U GET HOME. AND GOOD LUCK GETTING IT FIXED AS THEY ARE LISTED AS DATA ROAMING CHARGES AND ARE CHARGED DIRECTLY TO ATT FROM THERE CELL COMPANIES. I HAD A VERY LARGE BILL TWO MONTHS AFTER I GOT BACK AS IT TAKES AWHILE FOR ATT TO GET THE BILL FROM THE MEXICO CELL COMPANIES AND CHARGE US.(OVER $300 FROM JUST CHECKING MY EMAILS ONCE A DAY FOR A WEEK AND EMAILING A COUPLE OF PICTURES). WHEN I CALLED THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO TURN MY DATA ROAMING OFF. THAT TURNS OFF THE CELL CONNECTION TO INTERNET. PHONE WORKS JUST FINE IN THIS MODE AND SO DOES WIFI. HOPE THIS SAVES YOU GUYS SOME $$ THAT BEING SAID THEY MIGHT HAVE CHANGED THIS IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS SO CHECK BEFORE YOU GO. BTW BESIDES THAT PHONE WORKS GREAT ALL OVER CANCUN. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ frank Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional...... You cant drink all day, unless you start in the morning.. Oct 8-15th 2012 trip #17, may 11th-19th 2013 trip#18 .Oct 13-21st 2013 #19

02-08-2010, 01:16 PM	#14
fbjr1 I can choose my own title Join Date: 29th Dec 2003 Location: Phx AZ Posts: 1,265	Looks like it hasnt changed much except when you access network options on the iphone underneath the option to turn off data roaming it now says "turn data roaming off when abroad to avoid substancial roaming charges when using email, web browsing, and other data services" i guess they got tired of the irate customers and now can say" hey it says so on you phone" Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ frank Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional...... You cant drink all day, unless you start in the morning.. Oct 8-15th 2012 trip #17, may 11th-19th 2013 trip#18 .Oct 13-21st 2013 #19

02-08-2010, 01:31 PM	#15
tipellen Cancuncare Enthusiast Join Date: 6th Jan 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 85	Beware !!!! this is what you get when you turn off airplane mode in MEXICO!!!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

02-08-2010, 01:36 PM	#16
TexasCouple Cancuncare Guru Join Date: 26th May 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 511	Good to know. We all have I-phones now and never would have thought about data charges. Thanks. Marsh Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

02-08-2010, 01:43 PM	#17
Jen&Kyle Cancuncare Guru Join Date: 12th Jan 2010 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 825	wow, this is great info. $19.97 a MB? I have my phone constantly downloading my gmail and am sending pics. That would have been a disaster. Is there no plan you can purchase in advance to cover data? I guess I will call to find out. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ 1st visit...2/24 to 3/2/10 2nd visit...2/12 to 2/15/11 3rd visit...4/26-5/3/13 Coming back 5 nights at some point between 10/3 and 10/12!!!

02-08-2010, 02:33 PM	#19
ChiroMan&RadioGirl Cancuncare Enthusiast Join Date: 21st Jan 2010 Location: Midwest Posts: 54	you have to disable 3G and network roaming or you'll be chared per Kb of data transferred thru any social networking site/email/etc. and keep your phone in airplane mode if you dont want to be charged for incoming voice mails. incoming text and pic msgs are free but outgoing txts are .50, pic txts 1.30. you can buy the mexico abroad plan for 4.99, one time fee, for .59 per min. otherwise calls are .99 per min. International calling rates and packages - Wireless from AT&T or www.att.com/worldpackagesv Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

02-09-2010, 09:40 AM	#20
fbjr1 I can choose my own title Join Date: 29th Dec 2003 Location: Phx AZ Posts: 1,265	another way to keep down the bill (sign up for INT. plan but keep it for at least 30 days as sometimes the bills from mexico do not hit ATT for a few weeks afterward) is to change your message on your VM to say, "" hey im in mexico please do not leave a message. if important please text me."" Frank Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ frank Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional...... You cant drink all day, unless you start in the morning.. Oct 8-15th 2012 trip #17, may 11th-19th 2013 trip#18 .Oct 13-21st 2013 #19

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