Cell Phone use in the Bahamas ?
 

Off to Bimini tomorrow. Does anyone know if BaTelCo has service for AT&T Wireless on the island of Bimini. I know they have it for Bell South and Cellular One...but this does not help me. Thanks alot !!

I have heard that AT&T works from some parts of the Bahamas and since Bimini is so close it might. Batelco is still sort of a mess and wireless is expensive. You might be able to rent a cel once you are there. Where are you staying? I would check with the hotel at the dock and ask, if cels are available if yours does not work. <BR> <BR>Have a great time Bimini is a beautiful little island. One word don't go in the water where the boats dock. I saw a large shark there a couple of years ago swimming very close to the boats. The beach side of the island is very nice and you will see the "road to Atlantis" down the coast and head on out into the ocean. It is also fun to snorkle right over the road. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your time in the Bahamas. <BR> <BR>tweedy

Bell South and Cellular One work in the Bahamas. I called to Batelco before I left. Saw a few sharks myself this time. In fact about 6 footer was pulled in by some kid fishing on the dock believe it or not. I stayed at the Big Game Club where I normally stay when I go to Bimini which has been now for 6 years running. But since I do not have a Bell South or Cellular One cell phone, I guess I will continue to use the Batelco phones on the Island.

Cell phones from other countries don't work much of the time in the Biminis and other Bahamian out-islands. If you sign up for a pre-pay Bahamas Cell phone package, your worries will be taken care of. It's a pay as you go arrangement, and the price varies, depending on where you're staying. You can rent the pkg. for $10/day. You can call to and receive phone calls from anywhere by purchasing for $20 a phone card with a pin-code you enter. Do it before you go, and they will give you the cell phone number so you can leave it with your loved ones or business associates in the states before you go. Also, there are a couple telephone booths throughout Bimini you could use, too. Lastly, depending on where you're staying, places on Bimini and the out-islands will usually allow sinding or receiving faxes and e-mails from their offices...if you ask nicely. There may be a minimal charge if it isn't over-used. The Bahamas Telephone Station on Bimini has internet access as well. Hope this helps; I'm heading down there for more reef surveys this December/January. Robert.

Robert, how do you sign up for a pre-pay cell phone pacakge?

On some out islands you can use a pay phone with a calling card form AT&amp;T, MCI or Sprint. I would call the place where you plan to stay and try obtaining a pre-paid BATELCO phone card from them. If they don't offer the service, I'm sure they will steer you in the right direction and give you the number of a nearby establishment that offers them. Still, I would check out where all the pay phone booths are, in case you need to make a collect call for an emergency, etc. I don't think you can call toll-free numbers in the states either, from the Bahamas. Lastly, call the Bahamian Telephone Company (BATELCO)to find out how to purchase a pre-paid package. Try 242-331-2388 (This number is written down in my reef survey notes from a year ago); it may be a local office of BATELCO on an outer island, but they will be able to give you the details for purchasing a pre-pay cell phone. I've given several options, beyond your original question because oftentimes I've found cell phones just don't work in some out islands. I hope this helps. Good luck. Robert

When we were in Abaco (Great Guana Cay)the last week of October, my husband's Cingular cell phone worked like a champ! We haven't gotten the bill yet but it worked...

I just got my Verizon bill - $114. for a couple of calls to the states. Cheaper to get the Prepaid fromm Batelco, or use the local calling cards.

Just a thought for lucky. How about giving your Bahamian phone number to all your associates in the U.S. Then, you could try really inexpensive option like the pre-paid AT&amp;T Sams Club card. Everyone can call you for about 16 cents/minute from the U.S. If you have a phone in your hotel room, have a specific time for them to call. Robert

Robert, Most Pre Paid US cards use an 800 number, which, if you CAN call, automatically deducts the phone charge for the 800# (#800 are not free from the bahamas). This fees is a couple of bucks per call, so this gets to be a pretty pricey call each time.

Most #800 don't work at all from the bahamas.

Tamara; my 11/17 posting noted toll free numbers to the states from Bahamas can't be done. I suggested Lucky could purchase the AT&amp;T Sams card so people in the U.S. could call him/her from the states. Then, Lucky could reimburse them later. Robert

You can buy Bahamas calling cards and prepaid cell phone cards for you Bahamian cell phone at www.ezminutes.com