Bahamas Cell Phone Usage

[msfeldt]

Going to the Bahamas for 6 months next fall, anchored out the majority of the time. Anyone have any experience with cell phone usage there? I was planning on bringing my unlocked IPhone, purchasing a prepaid SIM card in the bahamas replacing the ATT SIM card, and using that while there. The BTC coverage map looks fairly good throughout the Bahamas within a reasonable distance from land. The other option is buying a phone/plan locally in the Bahamas. Not really the type to spend much time online but it would be nice to have email and internet without having to go to a marina for wifi. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Steve Kamp]

Batelco, the Bahamas govmint run telephone system, is generally unreliable.
US cell service will not work, as there are no working agreements between US providers and Batelco. When we were in the Abacos in 07/08, we were able to subscribe to Out Island Internet and pick up their wifi signal when within 1/2 mile or so of their towers, located in Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Treasure Cay, Great Guana Cay, Green Turtle, Cay and Man o' War Cay. Many cruiser's used Skype when they were able to get a wifi signal. Most residents use VHF, not only ship to ship and ship to shore, but also house to house and house to vehicle.





and house to house, house to vehicle

 

[Jim Seamans]

Ditto, on what Steve said. We just returned from the Bahamas and used Bahama WiMax as our internet provider (wifi). Be ready to pay $105/mo but well worth it. Found Skype the best way to communicate back to home and friends. Channel 68 is the crusiser's party line for taking to other boats and the morning cruiser net at 8:15 is on 68, learn about a bunch of goings on.
its a wonderful trip and wish I was there right now....

 

[joker460]

We have been visiting the bahamas for the last 16 years ( not always by boat) .We buy the sim card for $15 and then buy one the phone cards for various minute amounts. I believe the smallest is $10. Never had a problem yet but I may have been lucky.

Enjoy

 

[djplatt]

I have done this in other countries and it works well as long as your phone is not locked to your original service provider. If it, you may need to get in unlocked.

 

[msfeldt]

Thanks

Thanks everyone for all your input. I'll bring my unlocked phone, buy a SIM in the Bahamas, if it doesn't work I'll try the other options.

I have done this in other countries and it works well as long as your phone is not locked to your original service provider. If it, you may need to get in unlocked.