Cell Phones

Some people can't chill out. Some people must, out of necessity, be reachable. Some people just get comfort holding onto their security blanket, er I mean cell phone. Most U.S. cell phones will not work in Aruba, but phones and Blackberrys on Cingular do work. Check with your cellular provider if they have a roaming agreement with Aruba's local cellular company and if your phone is a GSM phone set up with international roaming.

GSM is a type of digital mobile phone service. The more common type of digital mobile phone service in the US is CDMA, but just about every other country in the world uses primarily or only GSM. For you as the user of your phone, there is no difference at all between using a phone on a CDMA system or a phone on a GSM system. Unfortunately, the two different systems are not compatible with each other. If you have a T-Mobile, Cingular, or recent new M-mode type service with AT&T, then you probably have GSM service.

If your cell phone won't work, no need to fret. You can rent cell phones in Aruba for short term stays. Our dedicated caretaker Anneke (pronounced "Ahh-Knee-Cah") can set you up at a reasonable price.

Why rent a cellular phone?
  • You can make international phone calls at reasonable rates
  • You can make conference calls
  • You can receive incoming calls for free wherever you are on the island
  • You can enjoy the safety and security of having a mobile phone in Aruba
  • And, most importantly, you can look much cooler than the other tourists fumbling with pay phones!

Blackberrys in Aruba

Here again, some U.S. versions probably will not work for you unless it is a GSM (Cingular works here). Unfortunately I know of no service that supplies them for short term rental. Sorry! You can get emails at the many internet café's and most hotels. Our house, of course, has high speed access and a Wi-Fi network so you can use your waterproof portable notebook while you relax in our pool. Try not to spill the pina colada on the keyboard.

PDAs

You can use your PDA and connect to the Internet, if it has a built-in wireless device... since the ArubaHouse has Wi-Fi

Dialing International Calls

To make an international call:

  • USA & Canada, dial 00 + 1 + area code + number
  • Other countries, dial 00 + country code + number
You can dial U.S. 800-numbers in Aruba, however they are not toll-free. To dial an 800-number you dial 00 1 800 number. Before connecting , you will hear a recorded voice informing you that the call will be charged.

Useful Info From A Local...

This blog post is reposted from Angelo Limon's Vacations by Aruba

How can you connect your cell phone to Aruba's phone networks? Here is a cell phone instruction guide for you:

This post is the ultimate guide to getting cell phone service in Aruba. It turns out you can make your phone work in Aruba, without skyrocketing your bill. Here is how to go about it:

Cellphone service in Aruba

There are two phone providers in Aruba, Digicel and Setar. Both phone companies extend their service to all international visitors. You can receive and make calls in Aruba using their networks. It's also possible to use your data. But wait, here's what you don't want to forget... Remember to contact your phone provider before you fly to Aruba. Let them know you are going to be in Aruba and ask them if their service works on the island. If so, ask for an international plan and you're good to go!
But wait, here's the catch...
They will charge you around $2-$3 per minute for incoming and outgoing calls! A 20-minute conversation can cost you around $60. Due to hidden charges and push notifications data use won't be cheap either. You will be able to get cell phone service in Aruba with:

  • Verizon
  • Sprint
  • At&t
  • T-Mobile
  • KPN
  • Digitel
  • Vodafone
  • and many more.
But wait, how can you connect your cell phone to Aruba's phone networks? Here is a cell phone instruction guide for you:

Cell Phone Service in Aruba using your own Sim Card

If you plan to keep your own sim card while in Aruba - turn of your mobile data! Put your phone on airplane mode. This way you ensure that you won't incur any charges for data roaming. Turn on your WiFi. Aruba is dotted with WiFi hotspots, so you'll still be able to connect to the internet. If you want to make a call, you can do so via Skype or WhatsApp. Using WiFi of course...

How to get Cheap Cell Phone Service in Aruba

Using your sim card while in Aruba can cost you hundreds of dollars. However, buying a new sim card (local phone number) will save you money. You can buy a sim card with a data plan at Digicel or Setar. How much will a sim card cost you? About 21 dollars! Remember to let them fix your APN (Access Point Name) settings to ensure you have good data connection to their network.

How to call the United States from Aruba:

Buying a sim card and calling the United States is easy and cheap. Dial 001 followed by the area code plus the phone number. Making a call back home will cost you around $0.37 (instead of $2-$3) for one minute this way. Buying a local sim card is way cheaper than keeping your own sim card.

Cheat sheet to get cell phone service in Aruba

Did you already download the instruction sheet on how to get cell phone service in Aruba?
If not, you can do so now. The cheat sheet will teach you how to:

  • Minimize data charges when traveling to Aruba (iPhone/Android)
  • Connect to Digicel or Setar network (Blackberry, iPhone, and Android)
  • How to track your data usage.
The information in this guide gives you:
  • Assurance that your phone works in Aruba.
  • Peace of mind that you won't get a high phone bill.
  • Confidence that you can communicate with family back home.
Use this post as a guide for your next trip to Aruba and share it with your friends! This blog post is reposted from Vacations by Aruba

Tags

Cell phone coverage in Aruba, Practical Tips for Traveling to Aruba, Aruba Tips