It came to my attention  - that there is so much information that one gathers, through a multitude of resources, while living out of the country....that after awhile, you forget how lost you once were!

For example, yesterday I went with a friend downtown (Centro) to get a cell phone.  I found myself "dripping" information.  In other words, the process is SO different here - that until someone shares the "ropes" with you...you may be a little lost.

You may have a language barrier, it is always great to have some one come along that speaks the language...  Below are some "tips" or at least my thoughts.....

• Most phones are sold and you purchase minutes as you go, in increments. i.e. 30, 60, 120, 200, 300, 500 pesos (I have also noticed that you can buy different values at different locations)
• You can purchase minutes for your cell phone at the distributor, pharmacies, grocery stores ++  You get the idea, many different places, including the little tienda down the street!
• When you purchase minutes, you will need to be prepared to give them your number. I have programmed my number into my phone and show the number (you could also give it to them on a piece of paper). I choose to do this, as when I am in line trying to give them my number...some people get and display impatience...it is easier for me this way.———-Once you purchase the minutes you will get a text message on your phone that shows that the minutes have been credited to your number....You will notice that the person who does this for you may use their cell phone, a computer or a cash register .....To me it was very odd at first.
• You can have your cell phone "switched" to English...this is very helpful...especially the voice mail system....Here in Mazatlan I have had to go to the Golden Zone to get it done.
• Your minutes may expire after a certain amount of time...be sure to ask " cuando expirarán mis minutos"
  
• The caller is the one that pays for the call, so you may have a cell phone with no minutes on it and people can still call you. WOW, what a refreshing idea...only one person pays for the call!!
• The next bit of info is for the Mazatlan area, the information is more than likely the same for other areas, I just do not know the area codes for all the other states.  
• To call from a land line to a cell phone you would dial "044-669" then the number.
• To call cell phone to cell phone you would call "669" then the number.
• To call from USA to a Mexican cell phone you would dial "011-52-1" then the area code and phone number. 

Well....I hope this is helpful....have a great day or night

Just trying to keep things simple ~~