1. Buy a Magic Jack

2. Register it with any number in the same area code as your cell phone.

3. Forward your cell phone to the Magic Jack number.

Of course, you will have to pay the usual monthly cell phone charges, but that should work for you.

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I just recently got information magicjack works there. I don't know from personal experience.

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I have the new MagicJack phone system (works with or without a computer) as well as the old MagicJack with the latest improved software (2 different phone numbers) both have excellent sound receiving or sending that can be used anywhere there is a connection to the internet. You can call any cell or landline for 19.99 a year.

You do need a "phone that connects to the phone jack on the MagicJack unit. I have found a wireless phone that is no bigger than a normal cell phone. It has a small transmitter that is put in the jack that a normal phone fits in and the wireless phone can be used from anywhere in a designated proximity to the jack connection.

You can port (transfer) any phone number you have to a MagicJack unit now as long as you do it before you "turn off" the phone service the number is currently attached to - (you need to still "own" the number to make the transfer). Then you can use the number anywhere there is an internet connection that the unit can plug into.

I am currently experimenting with trying to see if an ipad or some other wireless device that accesses the internet can be hooked to the new MagicJack so I don't have to have a laptop to use it as that is something that can invite an unwanted robbery when traveling in or out of the US.

Also the MagicJack voicemail has had the ability to have the message forwarded to you email so you can hear it on your computer for a number of years now so I never miss my voicemail when the MagicJack is not connected to the internet. Since I don't read my email on my cell phone I'm not sure how that works if reading your email on a droid type system. I do seem to remember that they were in the process of converting the voice message to a written message awhile back but I had no need to use it so I didn't follow up to see if the service was available now and how it works.

The main downside for me about MagicJack is that when the new unit is used without a computer or other device that has a memory, the call log does not activate so I cannot get the incoming or outgoing call logs as their system does not keep them.

Some people prefer to use Skype so they can see the person they are talking to but I prefer not to be seen (don't want to "dress up" to make a phone call) and am not sure if they can access cell and landlines yet as they couldn't when I looked at them a long time ago.

If you really need to be able to see some of the people you call you can always set up a phone on each system.

I think the reverse works too as far as setting up a MagicJack while in Ecuador with an Ecuador number and you can then call anyone in Ecuador for $19.95 a year whether you are in or out of the country with the MagicJack unit.

Sorry there is some holes in this information. I used to be on top of the latest in the data processing world which includes communications technology but I "retired" from the business fo installing systems and business software a few years ago and do not keep up to date on everything now.

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Very helpful. If you think of anything else, it's most appreciated.
Thanks, Bud

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We have used both types of Magic Jack systems. The old one thru the computer, and the newest that plugs into the rotor and a telephone. . We prefer the later. The sound quality is excellent, and we get messages on the phone when we're not here. In addition, we use goggle plus for face to face. I prefer it to Skype. You do not have to activate the video. We also brought unlocked phones into the country from the States and have had no problem using them here. Good luck to you!

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Forgot to ask - can you provide any information on the wireless phone you wrote about - brand, etc?
Thanks, Bud

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Also - there's a MagicJack app for the iPad that I just ran across. I wonder if that would work with the wireless phone?

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Thanks, Breather.

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Well oddly enough after reading this email the next one was from someone I get information from Domenick Buonamici who sent me the following:
" Magic Jack App. for iPhone: I wouldn’t suggest ever living abroad without a Magic Jack, a little apparatus you plug into your computer that not only gives you a US phone number people can reach you at (VoIP) wherever in the world you are free but also allows you to call for free to any number in the US and Canada. Cost is a one-time fee just under $100 found in most electronic stores. But if you have an iPhone you can download the free MAGIC JACK app and have a US number people can reach you at that you can answer from your phone, free. You can also make calls to US numbers via the app free as well, but you need to be connected to the internet. VERY useful when staying in touch with friends and family but also in business if you pla n on selling to Americans & Canadians from abroad"

You can get the free app here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/free-calls-with-magicjack/id463926997?mt=8

I can't believe how timely he was with the info and how much research time he saved me. Now just have to invest in the (expensive) iphone for my Ecuarodian cell phone.

Hope this helps you as much as it is helping me.



Mary

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Thank you, Mary!
My question now becomes: will using the "free" MagicJack app - let's say on an iPad - still allow me to "port" my existing cell number just as the paid-for MagicJack will on a computer?
Thanks, Bud

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The newest ads for the Magic Jack plus are saying that you can transfer your existing number to the MJ. That is make it your MJ number. Has anyone done this?

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I have. I transfered my cell phone to them (MJ) in 2008 and then back to another cell carrier in 2010 and a business phone to another MJ in 2009
Mary

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I don't think the dates are off but they might be off by a year. They have been able to transfer your number for awhile now so I don't remember the exact dates

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I am verifying this with MJ on my other computer but I'm pretty sure you have to have a MagicJack "account" - which means a MJ number (use the one you want to transfer) and after you have the account you download the "app" and it should ask you which MJ number it belongs to (you can have as many as you want to as long as you pay $19.99 a year for each number.

They will allow you to try the app for free for 30 or 60 days and will give you a temporary number to use for the test period.

As soon as I confirm this with their online staff I will let you know if there is anything I did not have right.

Mary

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Based on what Mary has written, the cheapest way to go would surely be to transfer your existing cell phone number to a new Magic Jack account.

I re-read what budajiho wrote in his first post and I see that he didn't say he wanted to keep his existing cell phone account, just the number. Mary's solution is better than mine if that is the case, but if he needs to actually keep that account open (maybe he returns to the U.S. frequently, like I do) my solution would work as well.

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I went into my account and looked up your question. Here is what it says:

"FREE Calls to U.S. and Canadian phone numbers – or to any magicJack number, anywhere in the world.

magicJack APP will NEVER use your mobile minutes and does not require a voice plan. WiFi or 4G recommended.

Then here is the conversation I just finished with MagicJack CSD:

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

You are now chatting with 'Dwight'

Your Issue ID for this chat is LTK554090912028X

Dwight: Hello, how may I help you?

Mary : I am going to be traveling and am buying a droid cell phone. I understand that there is an app I can use on the droid to run MagicJack. How does it work? Can I use my current transfered magicJack number when I set it up and make calls which is what I would like to do?

Dwight: We have a magicJack App wherein you can download it through your magicJack same account and get the same phone number.

Dwight: magicJack APP is 100% FREE and does not require any purchase.



Dwight: FREE Calls to U.S. and Canadian phone numbers or to any magicJack number.

Mary : Except the purchase of the original MagicJack account right?

Dwight: You can simply download the magicJack App in your same account.

Dwight: You do not nee to purchase anything.

Mary : OK does it work the same way with the iPad app?

Dwight: Yes, Mary.

Mary : OK so if I have the app on my cell phone and one on my iPad and then my regular MagicJack Plus with or without my computer I can make and receive calls for the same number on all three - right?

Dwight: Yes, Mary.

Mary : Great!!! Do you have service my friend in Ecuador can buy to make calls in her country?

Mary : She is coming to visit and wants to be able to call back home to Ecuador.

Dwight: magicJack App is portable as long as there is an Internet connection, you can then use the App.

Mary : So she can call Ecuador while she is here on the cell phone or the iPad app?

Dwight: magicJack only offer free local and long distance calling to the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Dwight: However, if both ends have a magicJack device, both of you can make free calls to each other.

Mary : So magicJack does not have a product for other countries that they can buy?

Dwight: You can purchase magicJack through www.magicJack.com (magicJack Plus) or www.themagicJack.com (standard magicJack). You can also get it from retailer stores: CVS, Walgreens, QVC, Walmart, Bestbuy, Radioshack, Office Depot, and 7 Eleven.

Mary : What I mean is does MagicJack provide this kind of service in other countries for the people to call each other in their country other than buying a MagicJack to use to call other MagicJack US and Canadian numbers that may be both physically located in their country like Ecuador?

Dwight: Unfortunately, there is no other service for other countries. However, they need to purchase new magicJack device to make free calls to US or Canadian phone numbers.

Mary : OK that answers all my questions

So 1.) get a MagicJack Plus (most versatility)
2.) Port or transfer your number to the device and then turn off the AT & T service
3.) Download the iPad and or Droid/iPhone apps to the appropriate devices
4.) When it asks if you have an existing MagicJack phone number use the one you transferred
5.) Make your free calls to any US or Canadian phone number from any internet connection.

Enjoy - I'm going to.

Mary

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Sorry Bud,
I'm still looking for the info on the phone but you are suppose to be able to also use a wireless headset in the iPad and computer scenarios. When I find this info I will post both on here too.

Mary

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Wow! Great job, Mary!
Just to clarify: if I purchase and set up a MagicJack account on my computer - as was outlined in your post - and then downloaded the MagicJack app for iPad - which I'm thinking of getting - I can transfer the phone number to the iPad app and actually make calls from the iPad without a separate phone?
Bud

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Unless someone modified my IPad when I was not looking, you cannot make phone calls, but you can from an IPhone With the Magic Jack app, it works fine

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Although I have not tried it yet based on the conversation I had with their Customer Service Department - YES. In the MJ help files there is a Q & A that tells you how to turn on the iPad speaker and I'm hoping I can use a headset as I do not want everyone else listening in to my conversations. Let you know what I find.

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I have been using my old Florida phone number and I also use on my Magic Jack app for my IPhone. No problems

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Much thanks to you all!
Bud

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All IPads do not have the phone capability. Mine doesn't, but I knew that when I bought it.

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For those who do not wish to use expensive Apple products, there appears to be a free MagicJack app for android.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.magicjack&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd

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So I'm a little confused with the magic jack app for the iPhone. Do I have the phone on airplane mode and Internet setting to access the magic jack?

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You do not need it on Airplane mode and the wifi setting can be off because you are not using your wifi

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I have MagicJack and Skype. What I like about the SKYPE - for $6.99 per month, it gives me a US number and it also rings on my Ecuadorian phone (Claro). Both services usually gives me good phone quality.

If you go with MagicJack - bring an extra MagicJack device with you. I broke my original one and I could not find a replacement in Salinas or Guayaquil. I had to wait until I went back to the US to get a replacement.

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