We're arriving around July 26th and job one is finding an apartment, which will require phone calling. We do not currently, and have never owned cell phones, so we're looking for some advice.

I did search, but the most recent cell phone post is from last December.

Any recommendations on make, model, service and/or how long it takes to set one up and use it? Is Vodafone still the way to go? There could be some international calling, but probably minimal.

Thanks!

I bought a used Movistar call by call phone and it works great. Cost 50 euros plus credits. You can top Movistar up pretty much anywhere. Downtown Sol has an automated topup machine. Good when you don't speak any Spanish.

But if you can speak Spanish there are better deals to be had, but I was in a big hurry so took what I could get. Once we move I'll look for a better deal

Rob

hey Coco.

note that cells are my biz.

the info on that old mobile phones thread is still current.

there is no advantage to movistar over vodafone, it is just more expensive (especially if you have to call internationally )

used to be a big enough difference in network coverage to justify the higher prices but not anymore.

topping up is as easy for any of the 3 cell networks here, most places sell credit for all 3 (vodafone, movistar, amena). if anything, amena is harder to top-up and voda and movistar are the easiest.

if you come see me ( http://www.spainsim.com/contact/visit.htm ) i can advise you better.

i have limited phone models to offer right now as my business is market specific (cell rentals and SIM card sales) so buy a vodafone package phone + SIM dealy and then come see me and i will get you set up on the best calling plan and hook you up with a phone card you can use with the cell to call back to u.s.a. (or europe, autralia, etc...) for 40 cents for up to an hour. yes, sounds unreal but it is true, i got the system fine-tuned to perfection

i have saved a LOT of people a LOT of money over the years

don't go movistar unless you just like to toss cash out the window.

any other questions, just ask here.

saludos,
jer...

quote:

hook you up with a phone card you can use with the cell to call back to u.s.a. (or europe, autralia, etc...) for 40 cents for up to an hour. yes, sounds unreal but it is true, i got the system fine-tuned to perfection

Yes, get jer's phone card for calling the US. You won't find anything cheaper. You can really get screwed over buying cards on the street or in Tabacos. I was out of town and bought one for six euros that gave me eight minutes of calling to the US! The jercard gives hours and hours and hours. I usually can't even use it up.

I've had the movistar pre-pay phone for about four years... it sucks--soooo expensive--even if you only make a few calls a day, as I do. Keep saying that I'm going to get a contrato, but I never get around to it... It is easy to charge up, though. You can do it at most ATMs or online if you have a Spanish bank card.

jejejeje, "jercard", love it

note that the ultimate "marriage" for the 40 cents for up to an hour call back to u.s.a., canada, europe, australia, etc... is a vodafone pay-as-you-go sim card and a eurodirect calling card.

the system can work even more cheaply with contract lines as well if you get the right calling plan.

anyone needing more info, should come see me --> http://www.spainsim.com/contact/visit.htm

nb: will have the office closed from july 20th till sept. 11th this summer.

i know, life's tough

saludos,
jer...

Jer - your office is closed from July 20 through Sept. 11? I guess we'll need to be making arrangements then.

Being a cell phone novice - can you explain a little about SIM, cards, contracts, etc? We want very vanilla - no games, fancy ringtones, screen savers, cameras and the like. Just a phone to talk on, thanks.

you can read all you would ever need to know about SIM cards at www.spainSIM.com .

as for contracts, please be more specific with your questions or call/come see me as there is too much and it is too broad to just start writing about them out of the blue.

saludos,
jer...