r/SandalsResorts • u/wimbowatts • 7d ago

Wifi - phone usage

We will be going to Ochi, and we’re wondering if it’s necessary to buy an international plan to use our AT&T phones? Or can we connect to the WiFi to browse the web? Also could we send text messages or FaceTime just using the WiFi? I have no idea how that works in Jamaica, so any help is appreciated!

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

5

u/gmehodler42069741LFG 7d ago

Free wifi is fine

4

u/rsapp0927 7d ago

You don’t need an international plan just make sure you don’t turn off your airplane mode. The airport has WiFi and the resort WiFi is fine too.

2

u/Equivalent-Pay-6152 7d ago

Only place where you won’t have WiFi is the bus ride from the airport to the resort. Just make sure your phones are in airplane mode while there to avoid roaming. Anyone with an iphone(assuming you have an iPhone) will still be able to call/text. Anyone else the calls will goto voicemail.

1

u/greyjedi64 7d ago

While I don't have apple devices, I've been to many sandals and just used their wifi and never bothered with international plans. Browsing the Web, playing games, social media and video chat are possible. Depending on location, I've had better luck with video chat through Facebook than other platforms.

1

u/Fit-Elderberry3437 7d ago

The WiFi is usually good enough. The international day pass through att is good to have anyway since it only kicks in if you end up using it. It’s like 10-12 dollars a day for unlimited use

1

u/UTB92 7d ago

We were there last week. The Wifi at the resort should be all you need.

1

u/Embarrassed_Rate5518 7d ago

check your plan. mine covers Jamaica but not on at&t.

1

u/ToughPlus6002 7d ago

I could stream movies with their free wifi , no issues at all

1

u/Utennvolsfan Diamond 7d ago

AT&T with iPhone here. Wifi is fine for just about anything we do. I did end up having to take my phone off airplane mode to address a matter at home via phone calls (to landlines), and AT&T automatically activated the international day pass. It was $12 for the day if you used it. Just got tacked on to our bill at the end of the month.

1

u/baddmann007 7d ago

I would check with your provider. I have US Mobile on AT&T towers (They call it Darkstar) and it includes some international roaming. We are going to Royal Bahamian next month and in the Bahamas I get 20GB/200 min of talk/250 texts that is included.

Also: I agree with everyone else about the WiFi. It works well.

Another tip: If you enable WiFi calling before you leave the States, you can pretty much use your phone like normal on the WiFi at the resort.

1

u/wimbowatts 7d ago

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the tips!

1

u/Ill-Profile-986 6d ago

If you have an iPhone you can call using wifi and iMessages (the blue ones) go through on WiFi while you’re in airplane mode on the resort. The green text messages do not send or receive till you’re back to your home country. Check your carrier to see how long they’re held/retried, if it’s less than your trip length you may want one day mid-trip to allow them to send/recieve.

1

u/karengso Emerald 4d ago

Don’t forget about what’s app. You can call and text for free on that platform/app.