Welcome to the Aruba Forum

Anonymous · Guest

My parents are getting ready to use our week at La Cabana next week.
It just so happens, my wife is getting ready to give birth to our first (and their first grandchild).

They'd like to keep in touch somewhat while on the island (funny, when we're down there, we like to fall out of touch).

What is the best way for them to make calls from the island back to the United States?

And by best, I mean "cheapest".

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

carolrd · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 12:50 pm Post subject:

The cheapest way is to buy a calling card. You can purchase them almost anywhere. I have used the Ventaha card, they come in $5 and $10 values. I believe the $5 is just shy of 30 minutes and the $10 about 60 minutes. They will be able to use them in their room and at public telephones.

Congrats on your new addition!!

Carol Cool

Anonymous · Guest

Thank you!

Buy the calling card on the island? Is that what you mean?

Anonymous · Guest

I've been reading around this site...is it true that if they have a GSM phone (cingular/att wireless) that they can simply dial like they are in the US? They'll just be charged a higher rate?

carolrd · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject:

Yes, you buy it on the island. Most of the convenience stores at the resorts carry them.

I don't know much about ATT or GSM, but I do know it will be very expensive.

Carol Cool

CGO · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:35 pm Post subject:

Hello, just wanted to pipe in, I am not the most technically inclined but I can tell you this: We used my husband's iphone (not with ATT but he is with Tmobile on an unlocked iphone..if that means anything...as he wanted an iphone but not ATT) Anyway, we made phone calls with no problem from his phone as it is GSM equipped, I believe, I think we did have to dial the 011 or 001, I can never remember, but the calls were around $2 a minute my husband thinks. Our friends used their cell phone as well, GSM I think, and had no problems either. He had to call in for a 2 hour teleconference for work but they paid his cell bill so he was not worried, worked no problem. Also, we got a free Aruban cell phone from our car rental agency (royal) and we bought a cell card that you just prepay minutes for the cell phone and used that to do our regular check ins with the kids. I think we paid $30 for 100 minutes, not sure but that is what I recall. Funny, the phone already had leftover minutes on it and we barely used "our" minutes at all. Then we just turned the cell back in with the car, so the next person will have a bunch of free minutes too. We were there with another couple, we both have 2 small children and grandparents kept them at home, so it gave use each at least 10 minutes a day to check in and we could use the iphone/the other cell for any emergencies or if we left the Aruba cell at the room. It is so easy traveling to Aruba that it spoils you for other places. Let me know if you have any more ?? and I can ask my husband specifics on the phone.
Thanks, Carolina in ATL

Anonymous · Guest

I buy the Setar phone card. The store is across the street from the Occidental. You can buy several different denominations. You have to use Setar phones. There are phones in front of the store and I know they have a phone at the Hyatt, Playa Linda and the Mill. It was very reasonable and very easy to use.

Anonymous · Guest

If I am calling from Aruba (by calling card) to a person in the States with a Verizon cell phone (no land line), does anyone know how costly this can be for the recipient (my friend in the States)?

Thanks!

Anonymous · Guest

The first time I used my cell during a visit to Aruba, resulted in a $2,100.00 roaming charge (for just 2 weeks)! Since then, I have used Skype, and haven't had to pay more than $20.00 for a whole month of calls to U.S. landlines. Check it out, is all that I'm saying!

~Amy~® · Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:55 pm Post subject:

Anonymous · Guest

No, I didn't have a smart phone, just a regular Verizon LG phone. Thing is, I made sure that Verizon knew I was going to Aruba...they worked out a 26-cent/min rate for me...but, alas, there was some VERY FINE print on this accomodation. The special rate was only valid on Saturday after 8pm to Sunday before 6am. The rest of the week was at $1.77 minute after 8pm, and $2.05 minute during normal daylight hours. Skype is 17-cents/minute to any landline in the U.S., and FREE to any other Skype user, regardless if they're across the room, or on the moon!

~Amy~® · Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:18 pm Post subject:

You know what I just realized? These are posts from 2008 so I'm guessing the person is no longer looking for an answer to their question. Very Happy

Anonymous · Guest

OMG!! You're right! Sorry, I got caught up in the issue! Rolling Eyes

~Amy~® · Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:38 pm Post subject:

No problem. It's still good information for people to read. Very Happy

American Car Rental · New Member Joined: 10 Nov 2010 Posts: 1

You would need a cellphone or you can use you phone in the room to make a call to a local number using the Ventaja calling card. This card you can get in the grocery stores (also in the minimarkets across the high rise).

However I would advise for the people with a laptop, get the internet access in your hotel, buy in the states the Magic Jack for $30,- something dollars and call to the states (land line/cellphone) for free for 1 year. I've been using the magic Jack for the last year and now just two weeks ago I renewed my contract for $60 for 5 years unlimited calling.

To tell you the truth, that's the best way and cheapest way, better than calling cards, skype etc.... etc....

Congrats with the new upcomming family member.

Akash