Our cheapie cellphone
In the US, the typical way that we get a cellphone is to go to a service provider that we already know will screw us at every turn and we marry them. We know that if there’s a problem they will do nothing but blame us and belittle us. We know that given the chance they will run our credit cars bills through the roof and ruin our credit. We know that a divorce will cost so much that it isn’t worth it, and we know that the pretty little unit that we’re so hot to get our hands on will age faster than a frog in the sun. It’s like marrying a crackhead.
In Mexico, “plans” aren’t common. It is so much simpler. You go to a store, there are thousands of them in Ensenada, and buy a phone. You add any amount of credit to the phone. If it runs out, you go to any 7-11, OXXO, grocery store, cell phone dealer, cell phone company office, or on the internet and add more credit.
You will never end up with a $3000.00 bill because you accidentally butt-dialed Tibet.
Our phone is a Samsung something-or-other. It cost $230.00 pesos, about $17.00. It came with a 100 peso credit, about $7.50, so the phone ended up costing us ten bucks. We’ve added 200 pesos twice now in three months. It’s a great phone.
Another thing about life outside of the United States that I worried about that in the end is so much better.
Twitter Updates
I can’t stand plans! And I can’t stand the whole “subsidized” phone thing either. Maybe I don’t WANT to get a new phone every few months just to get my money’s worth, you big JERK. I’m slightly jealous of the setup down there… Have you found any drawbacks to it yet? Seems too good to be true!
It always works. No problems at all. Just go to the closest store with a big sign and give them a little money when it runs out. It’s just that simple.
I love your phone & especially love that you can “fill ‘er up” at any convenience store. Way cool. Me, I’m a Tracfone advocate. Phone cost me $15 at Kame-Apart–came with 30 minutes, so phone really cost me $12. It costs 10¢/min to use in US & makes calls to about 60 other countries (same price & it’s pre-paid, no plan). It even has the world’s worst camera–took a picture of my dog; neighbor thought it was me; dog is offended. // Speaking of phones, I managed to get on California Life-Line (euphemism for “poor people’s phone”). Now my land line only costs $8/mo. I can receive all calls but only make local or 800 calls. THUS: Skype! Which as we all know sounds like the user is talking through 5 (wet) bath towels…BUT it’s cheap! $30/year for unlimited usage in US & Canada. I don’t know anybody in Canada. So if you guys know anybody in Canada please send their phone number so I can get my money’s worth. I’d give you a call right now but Mexico is NOT one of the 60 countries & all my bath towels are hanging on the clothes-line…