Cellphone, Prepaid SIM card

[LillyB]

I've seen prepaid Telcel SIM cards for 100 to 150 pesos (US $10.00 to $15.00) at several places. Sorry I don't remember the locations well enough to describe them. I'm not sure if the SIM card will come with minutes, if so it will probably be 100 minutes.

You might consider buying a cheap prepaid Telcel phone instead of swapping SIM cards. I've seen Telcel phones for around US $30.00. (The grocery store on Constitution around 7th sells them.) They come with 100 pesos credit, making it a better deal.

There's a place in Matamoros, which is well off the beaten track, that I use as they'll register the phone. Explain the seller you don't have a CURP and see if they'll register it for you. It doesn't matter if you buy a SIM or a phone, it needs to be registered. However, some phone companies, such as Movistar, have refused to register phones. Chances are fair or better you won't have trouble even if you don't register the SIM/phone.

In the US on San Ysidro Blvd. is a place called Las Pulgas. They do (or did) sell prepaid Mexican phones. If you don't speak Spanish you might try going to someplace like this where the staff is bilingual. You'll also find bilingual help in TJ at the large Telcel store in Plaza Rio and on Paseo de los Hereos.

You can buy minutes at most grocery stores. I often go to Oxxo or Waldos to purchase air time. Most chicas don't have minutes, so I often put 20 pesos (US $2.00) on their phone if I want them to call me.

With Telcel you get bonus minutes when buying 200 pesos or more of air time. 100 pesos gets you 100 minutes whereas 200 pesos gets you 260 minutes with Telcel. (500 pesos gets 900+ minutes.) I suspect other companies have similar offerings.

I have a Telcel phone because it's the company with the most users. The rate is higher when calling from company to company, plus it's more difficult.

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In the Zona (such as on Baja California) are places selling used (stolen or pawned) Cell phones. You may have to buy a charger or SIM card, but can get "high end" models for less. I avoid these places do to the obvious problems, but they are another option.

 

[tammy]

I'm looking into getting a Prepaid SIM card for my international phone while in TJ. I've googled "prepay mexico" and the returned results hint that I can purchase one for as little as $14.

Can anyone shed any experiences with prepaid sim cards in TJ? I imagine I can purchase them in Pharmacies? if not, where? How much do they cost at the store? How many minutes should I expect to get with the cheapest one? Any other nuances?

Thanks