Cell phones in BA

Don't know if a US Blackberry works here, even if you hack it. 

What most people suggest is that you buy a "gray market" phone from one of the Asian electronic shops.  They are usually hacked and made to be open to the three telephone companies.  Then, you should be able to use them with Moviestar or Claro, which I believe are better than Personal, which I have been using.  Before you do that though, you should go into the three carrier's offices and price their various plans, because depending upon what you'll be using it for, they have different strengths -- cheaper texting, or cheaper calls, etc. etc.

Also, remember, cell calls to land lines are insanely expensive.  You pretty much want to restrict it to texting and to calling other cell phones.

Good luck.

thanks! cell phones are surprisingly expensive here... I guess I'm just used to American prices ($20) or so will get you a cheap phone that you can "pay as you go". I ended up having to pay 150 pesos plus credit for the phone. I ended up going with Personal, because it turns out almost everyone has Personal at the office so calling them will be free.

Anyway, thanks so much for the tips!

Hey Fiorella,

I little outdated but you can unlock your blackberry online process is very simple it to me about 10 minutes. And apparently I can use the phone on any network that takes sim cards world wide.

But like you mention that's only half the battle need to get a good rate as well.

Florella,

I have been living in San Juan for a week and I have the same question regarding cell phones.  I am in the process of getting a DNI because I think without it complicates things.  My blackberry curve from the states is not a GSM phone (no chip) so it is not compatible.

Hopefully someone else will post more information or we will find out!

Regards,

Abelardo

Why you dont buy a cheap phone?

In short as a tourist you have few options. This is a blessing in disguise.
You have to use pay as you go (for me it is fine with movistar).
Best advice is to bring your phone from your native country unlocked, I brought two and so pleased I did.
Phones are totally ridiculously expensive compared to other countries.
I am at the stage where if I can make calls, text and play a game or two, I am happy.
Having an expensive phone in Argentina as a tourist for me is not a smart idea unless you really cannot live without it or you are a serious adopter !
If your phone is unlocked you will have no problems with Claro or Movister the bigger two of the service providers available.

Hope this is of help

regards,

C