Just returned (3:00 a.m. Chicago time) this morning from my first of many (Lord willing!) trips to Bonaire. Two questions arose: I was able to use a friend's cellphone, purchase the prepaid cards and call home, my parents in KS... without problem. My dive buddy had no success in reaching the 563 area code where her family lives in NE Iowa. We worked out a system where I would call my family at my area code and they would relay the message to Sue's family but we were wondering if anyone else had experienced this problem. She also tried e-mailing and calling from the Bonaire Access place at Harbourside Mall without success. Additionally, her family was not able to call Bonaire either. She hadn't tried prior to the trip since I made the reservations... Her sister spoke to the local US phone company (Quest) who had no reason why this connection wouldn't work. Any ideas?

Question 2: what's the cheapest way to call Bonaire from the US. I want to stay in touch with local friends and while it's fairly inexpensive for them to call me, I'm afraid I'll run into high costs from here to there.

Thanks for all your help! Mega trip report coming soon! : )

Some area codes are relatively new and Telbo,our local company, has not programed them into their system. Also, it does not work for cellular one either. I have alerted both companies and hopeully, they will remedy the problem. As for calling Bonaire, there are lots of calling plans in the US as well as international calling cards you can buy. As for internet I have had no problems sending e mails...

The internet service at City Cafe was very inexpensive. Something like $5.00 for 2 hrs. I have heard horror stories of people using the international phones being charged a small fortune.