Communication
Cell Phone Service-
Many students use the local Chippie cell phones for communication on the island. These phones will only make calls on the island, but, you can receive calls from the states on them. It usually costs around $75 to buy a phone and a chippie card to initially set it up. Some people are able to unlock their iPhones and Blackberries by speaking with their current provider in the states. If you are able to unlock the phone, you can then use the chippie cards here to add minutes.
Using VOIP Providers-
The majority of students use Skype to video and call home to the States. Skype is free to download and chat with other Skype accounts. You can also purchase a Skype phone to use as a regular phone, but there is a per minute charge. There is also a per minute charge to call regular landline or cell phones.
MagicJack is another option. This can be used to call any phone (landline or cell) in the States and Canada for a flat rate of $20/year (plus the initial $20 for the device). This is helpful since the person back home does not need to be on the computer to receive the call nor do you have a per minute charge. You can also choose your area code so it can be free for your friends and family to call you.
Internet Service-
Internet service is available in the AUC area of the island through Caribserv or Telem, or you can use the Internet access for free at the University. Prices and information for Internet connection can be found at Caribserv.net and Telem.
Mail Services-
You can receive mail on the island via the university address, or by utilizing ‘The Mailbox’, in Simpson Bay. If you use the university address, it takes a long time to receive the mail and is best only for letters or very small packages. If you use The Mailbox, you will be given a Florida PO Box address to have mail sent to, and they will pick it up and bring it to the school every Monday and Thursday. The cost for this is about $130 per year. You can receive 2 lbs. of mail per month, after which extra charges apply. Some people use a shipping company for their packages (see below).
Simpson Bay
30 Palapa Center & Marina (across RBTT Bank)
Phone: 599 545-3890
Fax: 599 545-393
Packages can be received through Safe Cargo. You have them shipped to Four Star in Miami www.4-star.com, a freight forwarder, and then packages are sent either by air or sea from there. Charges depend on air or sea, and weight or cubic size. There is an airway bill for each shipment (I think $20) so it is smart to have your items consolidated in the US before sending them on to the Miami Four Star address.
This is the same freight forwarder that the Mailbox uses, they just tack on additional charges. This is not for small mail, only packages. If you have an account with the Mailbox already, it is wise to register for one at Four Star, otherwise your packages may be sent along to the Mailbox as your name is recognized. An account with Four Star will also ensure you receive email notifications about your shipments.
