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ArubaHouse:
Cell Phones, Blackberrys, PDAs |
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 Villa on Sandy Beach 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.
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