www.cellularabroad.com +1 310 862-7100

Please be sure to read these instructions prior to departing for Mexico. If you're consulting your phone's user guide, please defer to the instructions below with regard to the use of your Mexico SIM card. (Phone manuals are written in general terms.)

If you experience any technical difficulties with your phone or SIM card and you do not contact Cellular Abroad for technical support by phone or by email during your trip, we cannot offer any refund or compensation.

Dialing Information
A GSM cellular phone with no service-provider lock. The phone must be capable of functioning in the 1900 GSM band. (More bands are ok.)

Your Mexico Cell to US: 001 – area code – phone number
US to Your Mexico Cell: 011 – 52 – 10-digit number
Your Mexico Cell Number to Mexico: area code - phone number
Mexico to Your Mexico Cell Number: area code - phone number

Important: Toll free 800 numbers based in the US can not always be called from overseas cell phones..

Please Note: There is no support for service when roaming outside of Mexico.

It is recommended by Cellular Abroad to choose the Simple Plan when activating your SIM card in order to get the most out of your call credit. The per minute charge will be $0.99 regardless of the plan you choose.”?

Rental Setup

• Make sure your cell phone is charged and the language settings on the phone are in English.
• In Mexico you must check your credit by dialing * 333 <Send> in order to activate your account (Make sure you dial this beginning with the "star" key or you won't activate!)

For SIM Card Purchases Only
Snap out the SIM chip from the SIM card and insert the chip into your GSM Phone with the metal portion facing down as to make contact with the contact prongs.

• Enter "1 1 1 1" <Send> if prompted for PIN (If not, don't worry about this.)
• You must check your credit by dialing * 333 <Send> in order to activate your account (Make sure you dial this beginning with the "star" key or you won't activate!)

IMPORTANT: You must contact Cellular Abroad FIRST after you’ve activated your phone in order for us to apply your additional recharge credit.

Note: If after checking your balance you do not appear to have credit, you will need to purchase a recharge voucher card to revive your balance. Due to the way Telcel activates the SIM card, dormant credit may need a nominal recharge to be made active again. Purchase a low-denomination recharge card and apply it to your prepaid account. You may purchase talk time credit from Cellular Abroad. You should see all your credit reappear in your account.

PIN and PUK codes
The PIN (Personal Identification Number) code prevents unauthorized access to the SIM card in your phone. If you enter the PIN code incorrectly 3 times in a row, the SIM card will be blocked. To un-block the SIM card, you will need to enter the PUK (Personal Unlock Key) code. Please consult your manual for how to disable the PIN-check feature.

Changing the language
You may change the default voice prompt language from Spanish into English by dialing *333. Push the "#" sign to change the language into English.

Voice Mail
Listening to your voice mail costs 1 Peso regardless of the length of your call. Your voice mail can be activated for free while in Mexico

• Dial *264.
• Then "0" for the operator. The operator will activate your voice mail upon request.
• Dial *86 in order to retrieve your messages.

Checking your credit
You can check your credit at any time by simply dialing *333 on your handset. An automated voice message (available in English) will tell you your current credit. Your account will be debited 1 peso for checking your account balance.

Purchasing More Talk Time
The easiest way to purchase additional talk time is over the phone from Cellular Abroad (24/7 English speaking reps) before your trip as well as during your trip. We sell a 110 peso recharge for $19 (8 mins. outgoing to the U.S.), 220 pesos (15 mins.) for $29, 330 pesos (23 mins.) for $39 and 550 pesos (38 minutes) for $59.

• Telcel recharge cards (known as "Amigo" cards) are available at many convenience stores and magazine kiosks throughout Mexico. You may also purchase the recharge codes through ATMs. They may be purchased in denominations of 100, 200, 300 and 500 Pesos

Adding Talk Time.
You must add credit in order to make or receive calls by dialing 611 (from cell), 1-800-901-9878 (from any other phone line), or visit www.paygonline.com. If you add $25 within the first 7 days of activation, you will receive a $10 bonus within 5 days. A text will be sent to your phone to confirm the bonus credit was added successfully.

1. Rub off the protective coating on the back
2. You will see the 13-digit secret code number
3. From your handset, dial *333 and select option 2
4. Follow the instructions (option 2 is the recharge or "deposit" option)

Troubleshooting
If you are unable to make or receive calls switch networks on your phone.  Consult your phone’s manual.  The steps will be like these:

• Menu > Settings/Setup > Network > Available Network/Change Network > Search
• Select a different network carrier than the one currently shown.

If you are receiving no reception bars, emergency calls only, SOS, or no service
check your phones band setting:  Consult your phone’s manual. The steps will be like these:

• Menu > Settings/Setup > Network > Network Setup >Band
• Make sure you select 1900

Customer Service
For problems with the cellular network or service call:

• Dial *264 from your mobile phone for Telcel customer service.
• Dial 011-52-55-2581-3344. Wait till after the first message (about 30 sec).  When the 2nd automated message begins, press 4. Then, to speak to an operator, press 0.
• Dial 011-52-55-2581-3700 from the US, when you hear the greeting you will need to enter 4550 to reach the correct extension. (Hours are limited on this number.)

For hardware issues:

• Please contact Cellular Abroad at +310-862-7100 (24/7 English speaking reps) or via email at support@cellularabroad.com

Rates
All rates are expressed in Mexican Pesos (MXN) and are per minute.

Text Message Rates
Outgoing messages are $0.84 MXN (about $0.08 USD) for 160 characters. Incoming SMS messages are free.
Service Life
The Mexico SIM card is active for one month upon activation. Your first as well as all subsequent recharges will extend the validity for 60 days. After 60 days your account and corresponding credit will be on hold for up to 150 days. Adding talk time will again allow you to access your cell phone service. If you do not add talk time within the 150 day period, you will lose your phone number and all credit.
To inquire about the possibility of extending your SIM card’s service life while outside the SIM card’s country of origin, contact the telecom provider's customer service, Cellular Abroad does not provide support for this feature.

You will find a copy of these instructions on our website at http://www.cellularabroad.com/mexicoSIMop.php.

Cellular Abroad is not responsible for typos, misinformation, change of service or menu prompts, lack of coverage or other possibilities that result in a lack of service or otherwise resulting in not being able to make or receive calls. We try to supply the most accurate information possible.  Carrier rates, service plans and related information can change without notice. If you find any discrepancies between these instructions and your actual experience with the phone service or if you have useful additional information, we would appreciate any clarifications, suggestions or corrections. Please send your comments to comments@cellularabroad.com.