Hobby Phones in Canada

I know this may have been addressed in the past, but now I need to ask... I recently had the experience in Canada where my Tracphone could receive a text but not send one in Canada. What is the least expensive way to get a hobby phone in Canada without a great expense? Your expertise is greatly appreciated. Or the other question, is there a way to use an Iphone that would keep my personal info and number private?

Not sure how or if it can be done but some in Canada mentioned they got a Google Voice phone number which is free and use that on their cell phones. Have played around with Google Voice down here in the States and it works great and can make calls to Canada but not sure how it will work when you are in Canada.

Google Voice is free when you open a G-mail account.
https://www.google.com/search?client...hannel=suggest

I also have a Tracfone, and it's useless in Canada. Make your inbound calls to Canada before you get to the bridges. You'll notice that there's still many outdoor phone booths,(areas) there, and they're fairly reasonable. If you book a room at the Kingsway in Niagara Falls, they'll let you make local calls...FREE.

I asked the same question a few week ago and the following was recommended:

T-Mobile Prepaid: http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/pay-as-you-go-plans

It's inexpensive, usable for calling/texting to and in Canada, and available in Target and other retail chains.

My solution for the moment is using a payphone and an AT&T calling card from SAM'S club in Canada until I can replace my Tracfone.

I recommended T-Mobile Prepaid: http://eccie.net/showthread.php?t=399122

I use it sparingly and exclusively for the hobby. I bought 1000 minutes for $100 for the first year. After that, I can carry over any unused minutes for another year for only $10 a year.

Just make sure it's a quad band phone http://www.t-mobile.com/Internationa...ationalDevices .See connectivity under the specs tab. " Band/frequency: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz" like this one. http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/p...kia-X2-Prepaid

I recommended T-Mobile Prepaid: http://eccie.net/showthread.php?t=399122

I use it sparingly and exclusively for the hobby. I bought 1000 minutes for $100 for the first year. After that, I can carry over any unused minutes for another year for only $10 a year. Originally Posted by jackfengshui

Jack - Sorry I didn't give you credit, but I didn't know how to link back to your original post.

Thanks everyone, some very helpful ideas.

Get a FIDO pay as you go phone. Kodoo is good too. Both pre-paid of course.

I recommended T-Mobile Prepaid: http://eccie.net/showthread.php?t=399122

I use it sparingly and exclusively for the hobby. I bought 1000 minutes for $100 for the first year. After that, I can carry over any unused minutes for another year for only $10 a year. Originally Posted by jackfengshui

Great advice. I'll check it out. I'm ready to throw my tracphone over the falls.