Using cellphones in Colombia

[Phunluv]

For the guy with the iPhone 4 question, I'd recommend just unlocking it here in the states through one of those unlocked web sites. Shouldn't cost more than $20 and it's usually no more than a day to do it. The cost might even be less for an old model like the iPhone 4.

When I first went to Colombia, I used to bring Nokias and Motorolas that cost around $70 - 80, but a smartphone with 3 G access is pretty much an absolute necessity nowadays.

If you want to stay ahead of the P4P game, you're going to need 24/7 everywhere access to your "killer apps" down there, which is Facebook and WhatsApp. That's more important today than the actual calling capability; some girls don't even take calls anymore, they do everything thru the texting apps.

Your other 2 must apps are Skype and Google Maps. Would be better though to run the mapping program on a tablet or laptop if you brought one with you. Don't take your phone out on the street to check a map, LOL. Use the Street View feature of Google Maps to study where you're going the day before. That's what I like to do, it gives me confidence and there's almost no surprises once I've prepped like that.

You can still get good phones for the $70-80 price range I spent in the past. On eBay you can bid on an older Android phone. I like the Galaxy S3 mini. It has a 4" screen while the full-sized S3 has a 4. 8 inch screen. Unless you absolutely need a big screen for photo taking (and then showing them to the chicas), it should be enough phone for use in the streets of MDE. The mini fits easily in your pocket, and if it's lost or stolen, it's not such a big deal.

[Puntz79]

I have an iphone 4,would you know how much is it to unlock an iphone in Colombia.

I have never tried. I'd imagine it's fairly cheap to do though, but you could always just one of the online unlocking sites that has a good reputation, and unlock through that. It will of course cost a bit more. Others can advise as I have not experienced unlocking phones in other countries.

[Puntz79]

Another phone idea. A few months back I got a BLU phone from my best buy for $100. It's quad band. Android. And unlocked. Took it to Colombia and loaded it up with minutes and a SIM card at a Claro stand in Cartagena for about $10 us. So check your best buy store, this is a great phone.

BLU is definitely affordable, and good for latin america. Only thing with BLU phones would be that it doesn't support LTE. But considering that LTE is not that easy to find in Latin America anyways, a BLU phone would work perfectly fine.

[Havana927]

This thread has not been updated in awhile, but for anyone that is looking for an affordable smartphone that is unlocked, and of excellent quality. Get the OnePlus One. It's only available online at oneplus.net. I have used plenty of smartphones, and for the cost ($249) this is easily the best value out there. When I travel, I don't like to use smaller phones. But in some countries, I know that pulling out a big iPhone might give you some attention from people you don't want attention from. Personally, I don't think it's a huge issue because iPhones are fairly common these days even in countries with lower incomes. But, if you're on contract in the USA then you know you're stuck with the carriers network and can't put in a 3rd party SIM card and pay significantly lower in data usage.

I've taken the OnePlus One with me the last few trips, it's no Samsung Galaxy S6 or Nexus 6 (I've tried both) but it's not far off. The size is perfect, and it does not look that fancy either. And for the cost of $249, you get a new, high-quality, unlocked quad-band GSM smartphone that gives you the ability to purchase local SIM cards and pay low data rates. Not many people are aware of the OnePlus One, it's been out since 2014 and quantities were very limited and required an invitation to purchase (I bought one very early). Now it's available online for purchase by anyone and everyone. The packaging is also really unique and you'll be impressed. I have had a couple chicas during my travels ask me about it but only because they had never seen it before. It was more of a "what brand is that? Never seen it before. " situation, rather than a "wow that's a fancy smartphone, let me see? Of course, I still wouldn't want anyone to steal it. But if I had an iPhone 6 Plus stolen, I'd be a hell of a lot more pissed than having a OnePlus One stolen.

I have an iphone 4,would you know how much is it to unlock an iphone in Colombia.

[BatInTheCity]

Another phone idea. A few months back I got a BLU phone from my best buy for $100. It's quad band. Android. And unlocked. Took it to Colombia and loaded it up with minutes and a SIM card at a Claro stand in Cartagena for about $10 us. So check your best buy store, this is a great phone.

[Puntz79]

This thread has not been updated in awhile, but for anyone that is looking for an affordable smartphone that is unlocked, and of excellent quality. Get the OnePlus One. It's only available online at oneplus.net. I have used plenty of smartphones, and for the cost ($249) this is easily the best value out there. When I travel, I don't like to use smaller phones. But in some countries, I know that pulling out a big iPhone might give you some attention from people you don't want attention from. Personally, I don't think it's a huge issue because iPhones are fairly common these days even in countries with lower incomes. But, if you're on contract in the USA then you know you're stuck with the carriers network and can't put in a 3rd party SIM card and pay significantly lower in data usage.

I've taken the OnePlus One with me the last few trips, it's no Samsung Galaxy S6 or Nexus 6 (I've tried both) but it's not far off. The size is perfect, and it does not look that fancy either. And for the cost of $249, you get a new, high-quality, unlocked quad-band GSM smartphone that gives you the ability to purchase local SIM cards and pay low data rates. Not many people are aware of the OnePlus One, it's been out since 2014 and quantities were very limited and required an invitation to purchase (I bought one very early). Now it's available online for purchase by anyone and everyone. The packaging is also really unique and you'll be impressed. I have had a couple chicas during my travels ask me about it but only because they had never seen it before. It was more of a "what brand is that? Never seen it before. " situation, rather than a "wow that's a fancy smartphone, let me see? Of course, I still wouldn't want anyone to steal it. But if I had an iPhone 6 Plus stolen, I'd be a hell of a lot more pissed than having a OnePlus One stolen.

[Hioctane]

Ok I asked these questions previously but I think its warranted to ask if buying a Iphone 6 I should buy one for like tmoble because they are sim free / unlocked correct? No sprint and other than that should be good to go correct?

Verizon will work overseas (even though they are CDMA. New phones are dual CDMA / GSM and and LTE phone is already unlocked).

AT&T you need to unlock.

Sprint I thought wouldn't work overseas. But apparently they are like Verizon now with World phones (GSM / CDMA combos).

T Mo you don't need to do anything. Keep your number. Free data, free SMS, free calls back home. Just awesome. A must if you travel with any regularity.

[Aunsa]

Virgin are giving away free sim cards this weekend, plus they have the best deal for calls.

[Vitrea]

Sorry if I didn't specify or if you didn't see the previous posts. My concerns are with Iphone 6. I know the previous models and all the pros and cons. Sprint is a different format (no sim) so you couldn't make calls if only in USA. Hmmm. Odd.

Any intel on the Tmobile Iphone 6? Will all the features work? What all about that unlocked stuff vs time locked stuff?

Slam, The key word is "T mobile contract free iPhone 6". That phone works flawlessly. It is basically an unlocked iPhone. All functions work on it when you replace the T mobile SIM card with a third party card from another GSM carrier.

[Member #4287]

Who was your carrier / provider? So with my tmobile US sim I should be able to get free date in Colombia?

Carrier is T-mobile. It is only 3 G that is free. But works great for messaging on whatsapp and facebook.

http://www.t-mobile.com/optional-services/roaming.html

[You Can]

I was just letting guys know how my iPhone 5 worked on sprint service. Just for info!! Also 5 years ago (not sure about 5 years may have been 6 or7) when I first went to Cartagena my phone didn't work at all. I am happy it now works with no problem. It was a pain in the ass in medellin but I used Skype when needed.

Sorry if I didn't specify or if you didn't see the previous posts. My concerns are with Iphone 6. I know the previous models and all the pros and cons. Sprint is a different format (no sim) so you couldn't make calls if only in USA. Hmmm. Odd.

Any intel on the Tmobile Iphone 6? Will all the features work? What all about that unlocked stuff vs time locked stuff?

[SlamCity7777]

My iphone on sprint service works in cartagena. No problems but costly. Was in medellin a few weeks ago and didn't work at all for calls but in wifi area could text and email. But couldn't text verizon users. My buddys iphone on verizon would not work at alll.

Sorry if I didn't specify or if you didn't see the previous posts. My concerns are with Iphone 6. I know the previous models and all the pros and cons. Sprint is a different format (no sim) so you couldn't make calls if only in USA. Hmmm. Odd.

Any intel on the Tmobile Iphone 6? Will all the features work? What all about that unlocked stuff vs time locked stuff?

[You Can]

My iphone on sprint service works in cartagena. No problems but costly. Was in medellin a few weeks ago and didn't work at all for calls but in wifi area could text and email. But couldn't text verizon users. My buddys iphone on verizon would not work at alll.

Not the Dork at the Tmobile store said that their phones are not "unlocked" they are GSM but there is no guarantee that you will have full function. The examples I as given were, no texting capability, only G3 network connection, update issues and so on.

The Chica at the apple store said the same thing pretty much. Like there is a time period of usage on their net work or some junk, Is this just BS to get you to use the device on their system to collect their monthly?

[SlamCity7777]

Who was your carrier / provider? So with my tmobile US sim I should be able to get free date in Colombia?

Not the Dork at the Tmobile store said that their phones are not "unlocked" they are GSM but there is no guarantee that you will have full function. The examples I as given were, no texting capability, only G3 network connection, update issues and so on.

The Chica at the apple store said the same thing pretty much. Like there is a time period of usage on their net work or some junk, Is this just BS to get you to use the device on their system to collect their monthly?

[SlamCity7777]

You are correct to buy a t-mobile phone but they use a sim just like all Colombian cell phones.

When I bought mine it took a month to get it unlocked. They wouldn't do it immediately for some reason. Don't know how they handle things now but I would buy one at least a month before my trip just to make sure.

I actually carry two phones now because t-mobile has free international data (3 G) and I use my blackberry to make local cell calls.

Who was your carrier / provider? So with my tmobile US sim I should be able to get free date in Colombia?