Will My Cell Phone Work in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico, being a U.S. territory, offers excellent cellular coverage for visitors and residents alike. If your phone is unlocked and compatible with either the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks, it should function well within the island just as it does on the mainland U.S. However, it's always best to confirm with your mobile carrier to ensure your plan includes coverage in Puerto Rico and to be aware of any potential international roaming charges.
Understanding GSM and CDMA in Puerto Rico
The major mobile carriers in Puerto Rico primarily use GSM technology, just like in the United States. US SIM card users will find that the same providers, such as ATT and T-Mobile, are available in Puerto Rico. ATT-Mobile operate their own networks, while Verizon customers will roam on Claro. Previously, Sprint customers would roam on T-Mobile, but with the Sprint-T-Mobile merger, this may change, so it's important to check the latest information.
Compatibility and Network Settings
The answer to whether your phone works in Puerto Rico depends on your country of origin. For US visitors, your phone should work seamlessly with carriers like ATT and T-Mobile, or on the local carrier Claro.
Verizon customers, known for using CDMA networks, faced challenges due to the lack of a local CDMA network in Puerto Rico. However, after the T-Mobile-Sprint merger, an unlocked Verizon phone can now operate on either the T-Mobile or Claro network. Additionally, during the emergency period following Hurricane Maria in 2017, all three carriers allowed customers from the other two carriers to use their networks for free for phone calls and texting.
For visitors from other countries, as long as your phone is compatible with the GSM frequencies used in North America, you should have no problem using it in Puerto Rico. I have personally used a T-Mobile 4G LTE phone, purchased in the USA, to make international calls and send texts in various European countries, so I am confident that modern phones will work fine in Puerto Rico, roaming via ATT, T-Mobile, or Claro.
Preparing for Your Trip
Regardless of the technical aspects, you should still contact your carrier before traveling to Puerto Rico. Confirm if there are any roaming charges, whether you need to add anything to your existing plan, or if your current plan is sufficient. The above information primarily addresses the technical aspects of your phone's functionality, but there might still be charges depending on where you are coming from, your carrier, and your specific plan.
In summary, your cell phone should work in Puerto Rico without many issues. Always check with your carrier for detailed information and to avoid unwanted charges.