T&T: Cell Service, Sat phone, and SSB

[Bob Austin]

Where are you going in Mexico?  This will make a huge difference.
Verizon coverage in Mexico is at:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobileoptions/internationalsvcs/cdmadialin
ginst.jsp
But that is just a list of areas and cities--the roaming is $.69 a minute.

You must realize that Mexico is not a competative economy such as the US.  Tel
Cel is the predominate cell phone carrier in Mexico and other phone plans are
using it for roaming.  You are perhaps best getting a prepaid plan in Mexico.
There are services which will allow use of your phone (GSM) in Mexico with a
specific SIM card.

We used pay phones in Mexico (when necessary)--and there are booths with
offices in almost every major city.  The predominate phone company is
Telemex--a pre paid card is not a bad idea.  Few operators speak english.
This is going to be true in rural areas with the cell  phone.

Mexico is like most areas, and the cell tower antennas are focused inland, so
they are less than ideal from use from the water.

A Sat phone is probably a good idea for real emergencies.

However, I prefer Ham radio HF for Mexico.  Ham and SSB combo is probably the
best way to do.  You can do E mail, thru Winlink or Sailmail. Same
technology--just one is free (no business use allowed).  Phone patches are
still available regularly thru ham radio (where allowed by convention).   Ham
radio license is easy to get.  There are multiple ham nets for Mexico, run by
operators who are in Mexico, or in the US and who have traveled to Mexico or
have a lot of experience.  The weather and contact with other boats is
excellent.  Problems and even rescues are best affected via Ham as well, or
better than other technologies.

http://www.downwindmarine.com/radio-schedules.shtml  The "emergencies only"
refers to Downwind marine's participation in the net.
The home page of Downwind has excellent information on Mexico:
http://www.downwindmarine.com/cruising-guide.shtml

Another excellent source is: http://www.vagabundos.com/clubinfo.htm
Vagabundos Del Mar, a 40year old club which concentrates on Mexico
recreational travel--origionally trailer boaters who went to Mexico in the
60's.

There is excellent information on Mexico--especially the West Coast in
Lattitude 38. http://www.infoasis.com/~latitude38/

Also some information on the forums of Seven Seas Cruising Association:
http://64.70.221.24/DiscBoard/

Good luck,  We have spent close to two years cruising Mexico and it is a
wonderful distination.  To get the very most out of it, learn spanish and live
the way the Mexicans live--try and become part of the local economy.  Far too
many cruisers stay isolated in the  "Marinas"--and never touch the sole of
Mexico.  Avoid the tourist spots and hotels.  Take the busses, and taxi's.
Rent a car. Drive the country side.  Go to the local shops and grocery stores.
Eat where the locals eat.  Enjoy Mexico!

Bob Austin
Pensacola, FL.