I was in the VI's in August and my verizon phone actually worked better in SJ. It worked well on ST, but only for outgoing calls, in didn't ring when I had an incoming call. However, in SJ it was working perfectly. The only thing is that the message indicator didn't appear, so you need to call you voicemail to check if you have any meassages.
Have a great time,
Jenn

I was on STT and STJ in August and experienced similar difficulties with my Verizon service -- except in reverse. I had better service on St. Thomas, and problems with reception on St. John, particularly in Mongoose Junction. My message indicator didn't work either. Beware of the roaming charges.Service to Verizon wireless users was provided by another carrier (I think AT&T). I was in the VI for 2 weeks, my bill was $415!!!!

Starfish has it right on the money!

My employee (who is in DC while I am on St. Croix) uses Verizon and we were both shocked to discover that her calls from there down to me were considered out of network even though she was definitely calling from within her service area.

It would be worth a call to Verizon to see if calls made from or received down here are really covered by your plan's flat fee or if they'll be billed like roaming calls. Those $415 cell phone bill suprises can really ruin your day!

If your cell service won't cover you here, the most cost-effective alternative is to buy a prepaid calling card. Many folks on the boards here use them and recommend them highly.

HC

We purchased a pre-paid service from NobelCom.com when we were last in the islands. (Feb. 04) It was great! 400 minutes for $20.00. Not cellular, though - you have to have a land line. All calls back to the states were covered. It is kind of like the old "10-10" service. You have an 800 number and a pin number, but what the heck-- it was cheap!! Hope this helps.

Vicki