South Florida Snowbirding

[TeasePlease]

Hey Terb, hoping for some advice here. I'm fixing to spend some time down south and I need to set up the infrastructure. I'll only be going for the odd wknd/week/maybe a month from time to time. So I don't want to get locked into permanent contracts where the assets will idle for most of the year.

Mobile Phone

What carrier should I go with? I'm guessing that a Pay-as-you-go plan would be better instead of a long-term contract. I would need voice/text/data.

What are ISP services like? Can I use a mobile phone for cost-effective home internet as well? (I'd prefer to avoid getting into another cable contract)

Car

What are some cost effective car rental companies for longer term rentals? The Avis/Hertz/Budget rates aren't so attractive; not much less than buying a cheap car and leaving it down there if I use it 8 weeks a year.

 

[rafterman]

Make sure you have a good travel health insurance plan. Don't ever get into a disagreement, verbal altercation with a local as they can shoot and kill you and claim self defence under the "stand your ground" doctrine.

 

[fmahovalich]

Check the 'roaming rates' with Canadian carriers.

Some have really good packages...that may eliminate the need for the bother of a second phone.

You can get texting/chat for days / weeks. Etc.

 

[TeasePlease]

Maybe it's just Telus that sucks but I racked up $300 in data charges in a a week-and-a-half even with their discounted roaming package.

Rafterman - Thanks for the heads up about insurance. I need to check if my work policy will cover extended personal travel.

As for fighting with locals...the area I'm in is very laid back and the locals are chill. Still, I plan on getting a couple firearms and an open carry permit...y'know, for the 'gators.

 

[tovisitor98]

If you're not kidding..............No open carry in FL and non-citizens can't get a concealed permit unless they have permanent resident status.

 

[TeasePlease]

I was half kidding. I was thinking that having some kind of firearm would be handy for fishing/boating in a river/swamp area close to my place.

I didn't know that FL doesn't allow open carry. I won't qualify for concealed carry.