Cell Phones

Rocky Point Cell Phones

Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from different parts of the world. When traveling to Rocky Point, one question that many people ask is whether their American cellphones will work in the area or not. In this article, we’ll explore some facts about cellphones in Rocky Point to help you prepare for your trip.

Firstly, it’s important to note that to call a cellphone in Rocky Point, you must dial 044+1+638+number. However, most U.S. cellular phones do not work in Rocky Point. The best option for visitors is to use AT&T/Cingular (International Plan), which works 99% of the time. If you plan to spend a fair amount of time in Rocky Point, you may want to consider getting a TelCel phone as it is cheaper than the U.S. International plan. TelCel provides contracts and prepaid cards, which can be purchased almost anywhere.

If you need to call a landline or cellphone in Rocky Point, remember that any telephone number that doesn’t start with 383, 388, 382, or 102 is a cellular phone. The Rocky Point city code is 638. To call a Rocky Point cellphone from a landline, dial 044+1+638+7 digit number.

If you need to call from different cities or countries, here are some useful tips:

• Call Mexico from the U.S. and Canada: Dial 011+52+638+7 digit local number.
• Call the U.S. and Canada from Mexico: Dial 001+area code+7 digit number.
• Collect from Mexico to the U.S.: Dial 090 for a bilingual operator.
• Call overseas from Mexico: Dial 00+country code+city code+number.
• Call within Mexico: Dial 01+city code+number.
• AT&T Operator: Dial 001-800-462-4240.

It’s important to note that long-distance calls can be expensive if you use the “Call USA” blue phones, so it’s best to avoid them. Your best bet is to purchase a prepaid phone card (LADATEL) from pharmacies or businesses and use one of the many payphones along the streets. Follow the instructions on the phone. If you use your calling card and dial an 800 number that is not toll-free within Mexico, you will be charged twice for this call – once for calling the 800 number and then again on your phone card. You may also use one of the long-distance services to call the U.S. and Canada.

Thanks to the internet, many local businesses now have U.S. phone numbers (VOIP lines) that ring in their offices in Mexico. However, it’s important to note that 800 numbers are not free of charge unless it’s a Mexico toll-free number. The charge for calling an 800 number is approximately $1 USD per minute. If you need to call an 800 number, follow the guidelines below:

• Call 800#: Dial 001+880+last 7 digits of the number.
• Call 888#: Dial 001+881+last 7 digits of the number.
• Call 877#: Dial 001+882+last 7 digits of the number.
• Call 866#: Dial 001+883+last 7 digits of the number.

If you’re visiting Rocky Point in Mexico and need to buy a SIM card for your phone, they are readily available for around $10. However, whether or not your phone will work in Sonora depends on several factors. Some major providers, such as Qwest Wireless, Alltel, and non-GSM models of Nextel, do not work in Sonora due to different technologies and frequencies or activation requirements to use the Mexican cellular network. Older phones that are not triband may not work at all.

Cingular and T-Mobile phones can work in Penasco, but you need to call your provider and activate international service ahead of time. Verizon does not work in Penasco, as their roaming partner switched technologies in the summer of 2007, and no Verizon phones work in Puerto Penasco. If you’re calling US numbers from Penasco, dial 001 + (area code) + (number), and if you’re calling Penasco numbers, dial 638 + number. To call 1-800 numbers in the US from Mexico, dial “001-880” and the last 7 digits of the number you want to reach.

If your phone is not compatible with the Mexican cellular network, it may “roam,” but incoming calls and text messages may not be received, making it useless in an emergency. Your cellular plan may also charge excessive roaming fees, and text messaging and data services may not function. Roaming in analog mode is not recommended as it is expensive, drains the battery, and is not secure.

If you have a GSM phone or a newer quad-band PDA like a BlackBerry, it will likely work fine in Sonora. However, depending on your GSM provider, you may need to activate your phone for out-of-country roaming, and there may be associated fees. Consult the compatibility matrix below for more information.