Q: If we use our cell phones out here are we charged international rates?

A: No. Ocracoke is part of North Carolina. Not all cell phones companies include Ocracoke in their coverage area, however. Verizon, U.S. Cellular, and AT&T seem to have the most reliable service on Ocracoke. If you have T-Mobile, you'll get a very quiet vacation and a good excuse to miss pesky calls from work back home. Pay phone, anyone?