Well, today seemed to be focused on getting connected locally. After making a few calls with the landline phone to make appointments (local calls are free), I worked on trying to get cellphone connectivity. I *could* make phone calls without changing anything, but texting is much more popular around here and much cheaper (1 PhP per message sent and the current exchange rate is 41 PhP/USD).
After breakfast, I went downstairs to extend my hotel stay until Friday and asked where I could get a Smart SIM card. Smart and Global are the two major cellphone service providers in the Philippines. The clerk said I just had to cross the street and go to "eMart".
Like most small stores, eMart turned out to be a variety store and cafeteria in one. I got a Smart Buddy 3 SIM card for 90 PhP and a 300 PhP voice and text card. But when I tried to use it on my phone, I got the error "Wrong card".
So, I put back my T-Mobile SIM and tried to send out a few messages using "063" followed by the cellphone number. It looked like the messages go through, but no responses. So I figured I might need to buy a new unit. I found a "Power Plant Mall" in the map on the guest book and it looked like it was close enough to walk.
I ran into Benny (the most helpful clerk who helped me reserve a ride from the airport and who helped me with my bags when I arrived) as I was walking out the door and told him about my cellphone dilemma. I asked if the Power Plant Mall was within walking distance, but Benny tried to dissuade me from walking. He said it's too hot outside (it was around noon), that it would take about 25 minutes to walk, and that there probably won't be much selection there anyway. He suggested going to SM Mall or Glorietta Mall instead which were much bigger. He said the taxi fare would only be about 70PhP. He also suggested a mall in Greenhills if I wanted second-hand cellphones which would be even cheaper. Then he got another hotel employee to help me test sending messages with my T-Mobile SIM. Well, it didn't work. But I, at least, found out that I'm supposed to hold down the "0" key to get the "+". :D *blush* So, Benny hailed a cab for me, told the driver to flag the meter down, and off I went to Glorietta Mall. Cost: 65 PhP, plus 15 PhP tip.
(NOTE: The guest book has a page in the back titled "For Your Safety" and it warns about "seemingly friendly strangers whose real motive is to extort cash." And among the tips: "When using a taxicab, always check that the meter is flagged down before leaving, otherwise, alight from the vehicle.")
Well, Glorietta Mall is like any mall in the US, except it's more crowded and noisier. I was directed to an area called "Vago" which mostly had stalls for electronics and cellphones. The prices are not posted, but the phones are all about the same price anyway. I've been quoted 1,500 PhP (US$37) for a dual-band unit that I can only use locally. The tri-band or quad-band units cost around 4,000 PhP (US$98). And they're much bigger than my old phone. I figured I'd probably get a discount if I upgraded my phone through T-Mobile anyway, so I passed. I ended back at the first stall that I stopped at (first stall up the stairs as soon as I entered Vago). The young lady was very helpful, showing me the models and talking about the tri-band and quad-bands and she mentioned (without being prompted) the fact that these phones are already unlocked, so it would be easy to take them back and use them at home. Ding-ding-ding! That's when I remembered.
Two years ago, I switched from Verizon to T-Mobile so I could easily switch from one SIM to another while travelling. It's cheaper if you buy the SIM locally. And, while still in the US, I remembered to check T-Mobile's site and made sure I was set up for global roaming. There's no monthly fee but you still pay the rates, of course. Anyway, I had totally forgotten about one little thing -- to have T-Mobile unlock my phone.
So I left the mall and hailed a cab. And a young man informed me that there were others ahead of me. That's when I realized that the people standing on one side were supposed to be in line for a cab. So I got in line.
It was a pleasant realization that the culture is changing somewhat. People are learning to get in line! Even if it's only for a cab. People still cut ahead of me in store counters and even the hotel front desk.
The line moved fast so I was in a cab in no time. This one was air-conditioned and the driver was quick. Cost: 45 PhP, plus 5PhP tip. The Law of Diminishing Returning Cab Fare? ;D
Well, T-Mobile's website wasn't much help. Their "Contact Us" page only showed a 1-800 number and a 611 cellphone number that I could call from my cellphone, *if* I were in the US. But an FAQ contained a 1-505 number that I could call if I were outside the US. The representative filed a request for me to unlock the phone. She said it would take about 24 hours. So, I guess I'll sit tight until then.
Maybe I was meant to have another quiet day. But today, I'm having dinner. Yesterday, I forgot to have lunch and fell asleep before dinnertime. Maybe I should head off to dinner now before I fall asleep.
Maybe I'll go sightseeing tomorrow.
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