Its' all too hard! Phone plans and networks are complex, and choice is affected by what you want to do. For my trips I wanted to be able to phone around NZ a lot, and phone and text home as well, and have internet. In the US, with the T-mobile unlimited $50 prepaid thing it was fantastic (although I didn't have internet with my Android). But in NZ my experience using 2degrees was not good. Well, the coverage was good but it was too damn expensive. Cost me about $90 after 2 x $20 topups which was absolutely crazy for about 12 days and not a lot of use.

Alex and I looked at Telecom and it didn't seem a lot better. I'm really not sure. Unless someone can find a good deal I'd be planning to use Skype, Viber etc for as much of your calling and texting. The data is cheap compared to calls.

US visitors may have a problem with their Android phones not having the same bands as the US and may get calls but not data. That's how it is going to the US, but I'm not sure if it's the same the other way.

EDIT: Oh, John I just reread your message and if it's only data you're worried about, and if you can use your phone, you'll have no problems. I got good data most places but the calls were expensive. If you want to get data on a laptop I'd be planning to use local networks where possible, but pairing with your phone as a mobile hotspot works well too. I did it for the first time on Tekapo. ALTHOUGH ... it was actually Andrew P's phone. For some reason the 2degrees network doesn't support the hotspot function so there's another issue ... Telecom may be better.

Big tip ... check that your phone is unlocked BEFORE you go! And if you have an Iphone, don't expect it to connect to a new country's network quickly. You may have to wait quite a few minutes and finally it will ask you to "sync with Itunes" and you say yes, and it works. My problem was we gave up and decided that the phone must still be locked ... man that was a debacle, hey Alex.

Alex who has the best coverage? Or are they all much the same?

I think it's Vodafone and Telecom. 2degrees switches between Vodafone and others and I think it's a bit of a pain. My Iphone had approx 1/3 the battery life over there compared to here at home and I think it was due to constantly reconnecting to different towers.

Yep what he said ^

It was a great challenge for your first few hours here haha

Originally Posted by AUSELECTRIC

Alex who has the best coverage? Or are they all much the same?

I have a company phone so have no looked in to this much, but this web site may be of help


http://www.kiwimoneysaver.com/Pages/mobiles.aspx

Good link that one, Jono

So how is everyone shaping up? Haven't heard much from Joe Manor...

What time does your flight get into ChCh on the 4th, Asto?

Originally Posted by ALEX HEWSON

So how is everyone shaping up? Haven't heard much from Joe Manor...

What time does your flight get into ChCh on the 4th, Asto?

Hi Alex,

My arrival time was changed by airline to 11:30pm. which has stuff me up, I've contacted the house owners and the car hire to see if it possible for me to get everything at that time.
I'm waiting for their replies.

Also have made my box and weighed it with planes and I won't be able to take my reaper or my light Mini sound waves only the heavy one. The weight added up quick. Bugger.
Asto

Weight is a real issue my box was only just over 9kg before adding the lid. I will be packing this week and hope to take a drive to Avalon to have the box looked at and weighed by Jetstar staff.

Most of my planes are light @ around 1kg with the heaviest 2.5kg

Maybe post them over, Asto? I will pick you up from the aiport and get you to the car hire, if not, I'll take you to the car hire in the morning

I think I'll have enough planes mate. I'll just need a foamy to borrow to get my thumbs working again.
I'm still waiting on a reply from the house crew weather I can get a key to the house that late.
I'll try calling them today some time.

Cheers Asto

I can pick up a key for you earlier in the day which will work better.

I have a foamy you can borrow. Just bring an Rx

I just spoke with Toni the house owner and she said they will bring the key around after I call her. They only live around the corner. Apparently it happens a lot. The car I will have to pick up the next day.
Thank for that mate.
I had my first fly in months the other day with my light windburner and smashed it. A mix of rusty thumbs and torn elevons, Spongy elevator.
I should get heaps of practice over at NZ I figure.

I live about 2min from the rental, so I can help in any way you need.

Bummer about the Burner! I have a spare hybrid one here if you need it

Alex I am booked in at Amber park holiday park, how will I find out what everyone is up to? Is there a landline to ring where Asto is staying?