www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'm going to be living in CR, and am looking for information on what phone to bring. Someone told me any unlocked phone that works with the AT&T network will work in CR. Is that accurate?

Being completely ignorant about cell phones (I've never had one) I don't know what that means even if it is accurate. What kind of phones meet these criteria? How do I go about finding a carrier once in CR? How much should I expect to pay?

Any and all info on this topic would be appreciated.

Probably, but technically no. In CR, the telephone network (ICE) operates on the 1800Mhz band. AT&T operates on the 850/1900 bands. So they operate on different frequencies. However, since most phones in the US are either tri or quad-band, they will work on the 1800Mhz band, and therefore will work in CR. A dual band phone (850/1900) will not. There still phones like this.

As a tourist (are you getting residency?), you will not be able to get a cell phone with a permanent number. Your options are: (1) to buy a cell line (SIM card) from somebody who is a resident (or Tico) and has an extra permanent line; (2) get a prepaid SIM and just keep recharging it every 2 months.

You can get a prepaid SIM at the airport (baggage claim area, there's a small ICE counter next to carousel #1). Buy one for ¢10,000. It will be good for 60 days, or until your balance runs out, whichever comes first. Once you are down to 500 colones, you'll get a text telling you to recharge. You can recharge online or buy a recharge card.

As far as phones, I would bring an UNLOCKED, quad-band phone with you. Some examples are:

Motorola V180
Motorola V551
Motorola L7

Make sure it's unlocked and that it will operate on the 1800Mhz band.

If you want a smart phone, iPhones work very nicely in SJO. When you arrive put it in the safe with you jewelry and pick up when you leave.

All joking aside, I have had at&t every trip to CR. Razor, then iPhone. Both work perfect. IF you are with att, make SURE you get the international plan. I had cell bills, before i got it, that would make a RFM sound like sound like a TLN "on the house".

Did you read the original post?

It sounds like he's going to be moving to CR, or at least living there for an extended period. I would not advise anybody going abroad for more than 3 days to use AT&T cell service @ $3/min.

In this case, I don't think he meant "smart" phone in the same way you are thinking. If he has never had a cell phone, I'd suggest an simple Moto or Nokia before he moves into 3G.

IMO, an unlocked quad band with qwerty keyboard is best. With a qwerty keyboard it is much easier to text message, which with my fat fingers it is a plus, especially when drinking.

A used quad band phone, with qwerty, can be purchased on e-bay for $30-$40, for example a Samsung i607. I have purchased three, and all work excellent. It is a good idea to have one with you when you arrive, so if things do not go as planned, which has happened twice to me (MDE & PI), you buy a Sim and can get back on course easily.

My daughter just went to Cabo. I unlocked her AT&T Samsung Solstice before she left. The unlock code was $2.50 on e-bay, and she bought a $20.00 Sim and minutes in Cabo. After five days of texting, and calls, she came home with minutes. I have now unlocked two cell phones, and I am a mental midget when it comes to such things.

Orange bought one of the Motorola's, new I believe, and he is apparently happy with his choice.

Health & happiness to all.........

_________________
It's not the size of the wand that put the rabbit in the hat, it's the magic in it!!!

Moving to CR or not, why ask about a certain carrier att if you have never owned a cell. I try to think of my grandfather, and yet, he has a cell. BUT with his limited tech knowledge, he wouldn't post asking about a SMART phone ie iPhone/Droid/Blackberry. Maybe he didn't mean "smart phone", but he said SMART PHONE. I was only trying to pass on my experience with a non-smart phone and a "smart" phone with AT&T, which he asked for.

I know what your saying orange, and you are right, I didn't read enough to see that he was planning on living in CR. That being said, WTF The guy is planning on a move to SJO and he has never had a cell, yet askes about a "smart" phone. Certain carrier? Maybe I jumped too hard but come on...That train's never late.

As long as the cell phone uses 1800 band and its not locked, it can be used it CR. Like someone said above if it is locked, go to eBay and get a unlocked for $3-$10. Prepaid Sims card are easy to get, they are almost everywhere now. My nexus one works great down here.

When the original poster said:... I think he meant to explain someone told him a phone that works HERE IN THE STATES on the AT&T network would ALSO work in Costa Rica.

As Orange explained, not just any unlocked AT&T phone would work - it should be a GSM phone supporting the 1800 Mhz band.

HTH,

mh

P.S. Folks, don't borrow trouble and walk around the Gulch with fancy smartphones. Get a cheapie one from Ebay and use that as your carry phone. Leave the nice one in your safe.

_________________
mh

Yes...that is exactly what I meant.

Thank you Orange...and everyone for all the good information. I'll sort through it and ask a follow up if need be.