www.CostaRicaTicas.com

This is from the "CRT for Dummies" guide. I would like to know if this info is still in play:

"Update! Pre-paid SIM cards are now available for purchase at the ICE booth on the customs level near baggage carousel #1. They are available in denominations of ¢2,500, ¢5,000, and ¢10,000. The ¢2,500 sim will give you about 60 minutes of talk and text time. They can be re-charged."

Can anyone confirm this info?

Also:

"You will need a unlocked GSM cell phone that works on the 1800Mhz band. Many dual and tri-band phones will work, and all quad-band phones will work in CR."

Has anyone tried to use their iPhone in SJO? Any info will be most helpful. Thanks in advance!

my buddy who was in san jose about 10 days ago ...said its all good !!! no problems with the cards

1) Yes, as of Dec 14th.

2) Is it jailbroken? I've heard of a couple of mongers (and chicas) who've used iPhones in SJO, but your data features will not work with the prepaid cards -- just voice and SMS.

Personally, I wouldn't walk around with an iPhone -- too tempting of a target. I leave my BB Bold 9700 in the room safe and walk around with a cheapie Motorola flip phone.

mh

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mh

Thanks for the quicks responses! I think I will take your advice and leave the iPhone in the room. I have a Motorola Razr (unlocked) that I mostly use for mongering anyway.

How do you have a phone unlocked?

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It is easier to ask Forgiveness than to ask Permission.

I bought it that way. You can get them from amazon.com. For instance, type in "unlocked motorola razr" and you will see the selection. It may also say "international version" which is also an unlocked phone.

You can also get your current carrier to unlock it. Or if you are technically inclined and adventurous, you can search for unlock codes on Google and do it yourself.

mh

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mh

Thanks

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It is easier to ask Forgiveness than to ask Permission.

They seem to be available. I was told at the airport that the kiosk was the only place available. Then a friend was able to get one at the Pavas ICE. Another traveler was told he could get one at the ICE booth for incoming, but that it didn't work in American phones.

I purchased one in a locked Motorola (which turned out not to be on the ICE list), switched it to a Nokia 6010 which I had unlocked. IT accepted the SIM, but still did not work (no signal).

I bought a Sony Erickson here. I can use voice and IM"s with the prepaid.

No problem getting Sim @ airport on the 24th. They were selling them when I got a card to renew mine.

Iphone will need to be jailbroken and unlocked. There is another thread with information on that.

Mine is and I have hand no trouble using it in SJO. Have not had any issues with anyone trying to steal it or even look interested in it.

Bill

Your Nokia 6010 is a dual-band (850/1900) phone. It may be unlocked but it will never work in CR. The CR GSM network operates on 1800Mhz.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

Is it possible to purchase a sim with a credit card in baggage claim? I usually don't have colones at that point.

They take CC as well american cash. I think the prices are $5, $10, and $20 They all have different amounts of talk time, and expiration periods. The expiration times are 30, 45 & 60 days. Sim cards be refilled by buying a refill card and entering the code via a call. When they expire you have a few day grace period after that you loose the number and need to get a new one.

Besides your phone they will also want your passport and will record your ID information.

More info:
http://portal.grupoice.com/wps/wcm/conn ... z/Prepago/

Bill

Bill,

Excellent info - exactly what I need to know !

Cheers - Woozo

If someone is in San Francisco, I may be willing to give up my SIM card. I still have 4,200 of credit. In addition, I have a new unscratched $5,000 colone refill card.

I don't think I will be in Costa Rica again until summer so I would hate to see these go to waste.