We are going to be in Costa Rica for 3 weeks and are wondering if anyone from Canada has taken a cell phone to use there? How were the fees and does BBM work?
Our carrier is Rogers but they are of little help.
1
boomer1
Cell phone coverage is still currently a monopoly in Costa Rica and whilst the national company (ICE) does have a few roaming agreements only your network provider could confirm this for you (I'm pretty sure Rogers is not one of them).
Your cell phone will not work otherwise but you can purchase an ICE sim card at the airport or cell phone stores which give you a Costa Rican # and usage....
2
wiremu
small correction - you can purchase an ice sim card at the airport or at one of the ice offices throughout the country. not available at cell phone stores.
3
boomer1
small correction- sim cards are available in a large number of cellular stores, why I bought one for a friend at the cellphone store on the ground floor of the Multiplaza only last week, and a friend bought one in the Plaza San Rafael about a month ago.
Pu-lease eleanorcr!
4
wiremu
boomer1 - so sorry to step on your post. i was told at ice that only their offices could sell sim cards but that the sim card could be refilled at many places. i am prostrate and beg your forgiveness, oh one of fabulous knowledge.
5
boomer1
De nada...you may stand.
(With your experience you should certainly know not to believe anything ICE tell you!)
6
solohobo
I have a T-Mobile USA BB and it works fine there, I work for a international company so I have roaming included in my plan. I dont get Lotus Emails though, only SMS/MMS. I use it mainly for the Google Maps when driving around.
Internet cafes are plentiful, and Skype as well, if you need to have long conversations, but overall, I turn it off and keep hidden in Backpack, all the more enjoyable to not have a damn cell phone ringing, or electronic gizmo to worry about, or interrupting my vacation or serenity from back home :)))))
7
dmitri294
BB Rogers will work in CR, but it'll cost you arm and leg - Robbers charges $3/min just for the roaming (I stepped on it, heh). Data works OK too. If you wish to use your SIM - make sure to not enable data on roaming, do it ONLY when you specifically need it. Be prepared that cell coverage is very spotty, especially in the countryside and the mountains.
8
scoot
Hey Dimitri
Have you checked out the north entrance to the beach I was telling you about when you were over at my place? Was there a few days ago and the river has changed it's course. Make sure you go at low tide and go into the last cave.
Bring your camera!! Your wife said that you didn't like that beach, but you've been going there by the wrong road amigo. It's better than Ballena in my opinion but you'll need a 4x4 and be very careful when getting back on the highway. Some folks have put rocks on the bottom of the flooded area so don't worry about getting stuck.
9
dmitri294
Hey Scoot,
We tried to find it but must've missed the turn, got to the same river mouth, maybe next time you can guide me to the place. Sorry that we missed the beach party on Monday - I was sick like a dog, a couple of slices of salami from BM nearly send me to the hospital. Now we're back in TO, were met by -15C, ouch. Back to pura frozen vida for me now
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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