|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229 |
OK, I'm one of those weird guys who likes things planned and orderly. I land in Johannesburg August 12th and will be met by Africa Sky for transport, but let's assume I need to call them for whatever reason, with my US cell phone, standing in the Johannesburg airport.
The phone # to Africa Sky is 082 749 0674 How would I dial that phone number?
Now let's assume I have flight issues the next day from J'burg to Windhoek and need to call my outfitter:
Kowas Safaris phone number is +264 62 581558 How would I dial that number?
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 379
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 379 |
Go to your local phone company and signup for "WhatsApp" Works for me.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 8,737
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 8,737 |
I use WhatsApp every day between USA and RSA, it's perfect, instant and free.
www.huntingadventures.netAre you living your life, or just paying bills until you die? When you hit the pearly gates I want to be there just to see the massive pile of dead 5hit at your feet. ( John Peyton)
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347 |
>>>The phone # to Africa Sky is 082 749 0674 >>>How would I dial that phone number?
+27 82 749 0674
>>>Kowas Safaris phone number is +264 62 581558 >>>How would I dial that number?
+264 62 581558
Hold down the 0 key until the + shows up, then the numbers.
Last edited by wesheltonj; 04/06/16.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,984
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,984 |
Thanks for the info men. I am headed over in Oct
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229 |
Thanks guys. I appreciate the help.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,800
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,800 |
That is a good question. I once arrived in Harare with nobody to pick me up even though I was hunting with an extremely good and reputable company. After attempting several calls and unable to get through the appy finally showed up. I was the last client he picked up at the airport, not sure what he is doing now.
Like a Boy Scout, Be Prepared.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 11,749
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 11,749 |
You probably know, but to get +, hold down the 0 button on your phone.
NRA Patron
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 286
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 286 |
Also most international plans are expensive. Texting is normally cheaper. Usually .50 with ATT.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 11,749
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 11,749 |
Last couple times I went to S, in 13 and 14, my Verizon plan was not that bad. It seems like it was 50 cents a minute. I called home every other day for a few minutes and texted on other days. I was amazed at clarity, the calls were as clear as in the USA.
NRA Patron
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229 |
Last couple times I went to S, in 13 and 14, my Verizon plan was not that bad. It seems like it was 50 cents a minute. I called home every other day for a few minutes and texted on other days. I was amazed at clarity, the calls were as clear as in the USA. I did that too with AT&T. They had an international calling plan for like $50 for 40 minutes or something like that. I called home every evening and clarity was as you say, even from Namibia. I'm not concerned about calling home, I know how to do that. I was wanting to know how to call US/SA, US/Namibia, SA/Namibia just in case. I'm guessing my phone, even if I'm standing in the J'burg airport, is still considered a US phone?
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347 |
T-Mobile, no charge text and data (no 4G or LTE data) from South Africa and Zambia and .20 per minute. And Zero per minute if you are on Wi-Fi and have an Wi-Fi calling capable phone.
Botswana .50 text and $6 per minute calls Namibia .50 text and $3 a minute calls Zimbabwe .50 text and $6 per minute
That's without a calling plan
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 573
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 573 |
On a similar subject...
I have read quite a few online reports that say its simple and low cost to rent a cell phone and buy minutes from kiosks right in the airport.
Has anyone tried this, or care to offer an opinion on it?
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347 |
Well its cheaper if you get a local SIM card, but its easier to use your own, your contacts have your USA number.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560 |
You can use WhatsApp to call or text without a calling plan. It uses wifi or your data plan.
DSC Life Member NRA Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229 |
I didn't realize you could make a phone call with WhatsApp. Thanks for the tip.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
New Member
|
New Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 19 |
If I'm using WhatsApp does the person on the other end also need the WhatsApp or can I call a landline with WharsApp?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414 |
This is the first I've heard of WhatsApp and it looks like it may be the way forward.
Does it just do text or also voice?
It requires an internet connection, so how do you get one in an airport or on the road?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560 |
If I'm using WhatsApp does the person on the other end also need the WhatsApp or can I call a landline with WharsApp? They do not need be using the app.
DSC Life Member NRA Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560 |
This is the first I've heard of WhatsApp and it looks like it may be the way forward.
Does it just do text or also voice?
It requires an internet connection, so how do you get one in an airport or on the road? It will do voice as well as text. It does require a data plan or a wifi connection. If you have a phone plan that would probably be cheaper. For international travel I don't normally have a voice plan but do have a data plan. I use it for texting (which would normally go over a voice plan). Actually I will respond to texts but I don't want the office calling me to ask stupid questions just because someone doesn't want to take my assistant's word for it.
DSC Life Member NRA Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414 |
What is a data plan in this context? I thought WhatsApp used only the internet.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 573
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 573 |
A data plan is what allows you to access the internet when you are not connected to it via wifi. Call it 4G LTE and you would recognize it immediately.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414 |
So you purchase a data plan from your provider? What if your provider has no presence in RSA? Your phone can only communicate with your provider, right?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560 |
So you purchase a data plan from your provider? What if your provider has no presence in RSA? Your phone can only communicate with your provider, right? You may be able to purchase a short term plan from your provider. Part of what is available depends upon your phone. Unless you have a phone that does not support the GSM bands, your carrier probably has a company in RSA that they partner with. I think Sprint and Verizon still use CDMA. If you are somewhere that has wifi (many airports do) then you don't need a data plan since you connect to the internet via wifi. On some slower or limited wifi networks I can text with WhatsApp, but I can't make phone calls.
DSC Life Member NRA Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414 |
I just contacted my provider and I can get voice and data for a month for $140. How does WhatsApp compare in price? (I will only need the service for 10 days and probably won't make more than one or two phone calls.)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 560 |
WhatsApp is a communication application. It isn't a voice or data plan.
DSC Life Member NRA Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 794
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 794 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 794
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 794 |
That is a South-African mobile number. The 0 gets replaced by +27 or 0027.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414 |
WhatsApp is a communication application. It isn't a voice or data plan. But practically, what does that mean? Is it free? Do you get charged on a per use basis? I get that is isn't a "plan", but it still allows the movement of voice and data, right?
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347 |
WhatsApp is a communication application. It isn't a voice or data plan. But practically, what does that mean? Is it free? Do you get charged on a per use basis? I get that is isn't a "plan", but it still allows the movement of voice and data, right? "WhatsApp" is an "App" that you purchase in the iTunes or Google Play store for $25. It allows you to send SMS (Text Messages) and make calls using your phone's Wi-Fi or Internet service plan.
Last edited by wesheltonj; 04/11/16.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414 |
So for $25 you are set? That sounds like the way to go.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347 |
So for $25 you are set? That sounds like the way to go. Well, your phone must have Wi-Fi and/or a data plan. Also, you need to be in an area that you can get a 4G and/or LTE connection if you are using data, and that's not in the Bush. Plus, you will be burning thru your data allotment with your plan. Of course, if you are on Wi-Fi only, then yes it's $25 and your set. Something to keep in mind, for example T-Mobile for $50 an month, will give you unlimited calls (USA, Canada and Mexico) and unlimited texts per month, 2G of 4G/LTE data, unlimited 2G/3G data, and music and video streaming don't count against your data. And your calls from South Africa would be .20 per minute and free texts. If your phone supports Wi-Fi calling than calls using Wi-Fi those are "free" too. However, you must have your own GSM phone.
Last edited by wesheltonj; 04/11/16.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414 |
When I'm at home, my phone attaches to my wifi network. Is that what you are talking about when you say the phone must have wifi?
Do most game ranches have wifi networks that they will allow you to access?
As for the points in your second paragraph, switching carriers isn't easy and not something I'd consider for 10 days in Africa. My carrier doesn't have GSM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347 |
When I'm at home, my phone attaches to my wifi network. Is that what you are talking about when you say the phone must have wifi?
Do most game ranches have wifi networks that they will allow you to access? Yes, I don't know, you will have to ask your outfitter if they have Wi-Fi available in camp.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 379
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 379 |
Google search: WHATSAP, you'll be directed to a website. After reading the description, you can make the determination if this will work for you.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 760
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 760 |
I installed the Whatsapp on my iPhone. I can't figure out how to call someone who does not have Whatsapp. Can anybody help?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,414 |
I think they have to have whatsapp too. I installed it on my wife's phone as well as my own. One interesting feature is that it went through my contacts and somehow determined which of them had whatsapp installed.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 760
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 760 |
I have come to believe you're correct. I also noticed that any of my contacts that have Whatsapp are added to my favorites list.
|
|
|
|
701 members (1beaver_shooter, 160user, 1936M71, 007FJ, 01Foreman400, 163dm, 73 invisible),
3,184
guests, and
1,256
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,190,584
Posts18,454,243
Members73,908
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|