Hello Derek,

It works for some while a few have said their's didn't work. And then for those it did work for there is mixed reports of roaming charges. Verizon is not a cellular provider here so while its fine to bring your phone on vacation and try it out; for moving here you should get a local provider. They are Sprint PCS, Cingular Wireless, Centennial and Innovative.

--Islander

We have a Nextel cell phone which does not get coverage in the VI. Is there any such thing as a disposable cell phone or a rental cell phone that someone could get for emergencies while there? Never heard of such a thing but I thought I would ask.

we used out T MOBILE and A T AND T and BOTH worked great ...also had NO extra charges ...we were on the phone to the states every day and it was all included in national plan! we even got service on st john.....

Unfortunately we can't really change cell phone companies right now so I was hoping for a temporary solution.

Hello Dale,

Disposable cell phones do exist. I read about them a few years back and recall they were set with a certain amount of minutes like a phone card; some could be recharged by adding more minutes and others not. No voice mail or other things - just basic phone call ability. I have never seen one and haven't heard much buzz about them. Try doing a yahoo search and see what you find. I asked someone in the cell phone business on St. Thomas and they said they didn't know of anywhere on island that carried them and hadn't heard of anyone getting them and bringing them to the island to use.

Genesis Communications on St. Thomas used to rent cell phones, I have heard mixed info. on whether they still do - give them a call and check (340)776-3811 and I heard that Amalie Car Rental does (340)774-0688 so you might give them a try too.

--Islander

Hello,

Islander, couldn't you just use a phone card with a cell phone? A phone card purchased in the islands. Just a thought......

Grace

The problem is that my Nextel phone gets no signal there. Phone card wouldn't do any good.

Hi Derek,
I've spent alot of time in St Croix with my Verizon phone and it worked terrifically. Better than on the mainland in fact. But be prepared to be charged not only for roaming, but also long distance. This I learnt the hard way. Unfortunately, verizon never gives a straight answer regarding service in the VI (they'll say anything to get you to buy the plan) except when they expect you to pay a huge bill.

Em

Just in case any one else wanted to know Genesis Communications does rent cell phones. $5/day or $25/week. 10 cents/minute for incomming and 35 cents/minute for outgoing calls. Trying to find out how good of coverage STJ has before we decide. Might be handy if we need to call for roadside assistance, etc.

Roadside assistance?

I just came fom St. Croix and St. Thomas last week and my Sprint phone works fine and also there are no roming or long distance charges.