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Cell Phone Sim Card Question
https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49816
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Author:  BondTrader [ Sat Jan 28, 2017 8:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Cell Phone Sim Card Question

I'll be traveling to OSA Peninsula next week staying at a remote location eco-lodge. I asked the owner about phone service and he indicated that you can get cell phone service there but might need to pick up a SIM card at airport in San Jose. I don't really understand that much about SIM cards. My service is with ATT and it has always worked for me in CR without putting in a SIM card. I always sign up for one of their international travel plans when going abroad. If service works in San Jose without a SIM card is there a reason it would not work where I'm going? I don't get it. Advice please.

Author:  MM3 [ Sat Jan 28, 2017 9:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cell Phone Sim Card Question

There is a very good chance AT&T WILL NOT WORK where there is only Kolbi (I.C.E.) coverage. PERIOD. No matter what AT&T's sales drones say.

AT&T does not roam on Kolbi. AT&T roams on Claro (San Jose area only) and Movistar (coverage map - but Movistar is "optimistic").

Kolbi is the only cell carrier that covers all of Costa Rica. At the Lodge we only have Kolbi and I have upset guests that have AT&T (and T-Mobile and Sprint).

Option 1. Get your AT&T phone unlocked and when you get to CR buy a Kolbi SIM in the SJO baggage claim area.

If you have an Android phone and are signed in with a Gmail account (Google account), Google Hangouts will show your US texts / voicemail.

Option 2. Buy an inexpensive unlocked GSM phone (I like BLU) off Amazon, then get a Kolbi SIM in the baggage claim area in SJO. Again, Google sign in and install Hangouts. Forward your AT&T phone to the Kolbi number while you are in the San Jose area.

Option 3. Do nothing and bitch.

I suggest option 2.

Author:  Orange [ Sat Jan 28, 2017 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cell Phone Sim Card Question

MM3 wrote:
Option 1. Get your AT&T phone unlocked and when you get to CR buy a Kolbi SIM in the SJO baggage claim area.

I think they got rid of the ICE Kolbi desk in the baggage claim because last Sunday, I could not find it.

Author:  MM3 [ Sat Jan 28, 2017 11:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cell Phone Sim Card Question

Orange wrote:
MM3 wrote:
Option 1. Get your AT&T phone unlocked and when you get to CR buy a Kolbi SIM in the SJO baggage claim area.

I think they got rid of the ICE Kolbi desk in the baggage claim because last Sunday, I could not find it.


It was there on Jan 6. The Kolbi website says it is still there.

Under Alajuela.

Store Kölbi Juan Santa Maria International Airport
Block C, adjacent to the boarding gate 6.
Exit area.
Monday to Sunday 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm.

On the page it is clear there is one at Gate 6 and the exit area. It was between lost baggage and the customs end duty free.

Author:  hotdogg [ Sun Jan 29, 2017 5:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Cell Phone Sim Card Question

MM3 wrote:
There is a very good chance AT&T WILL NOT WORK where there is only Kolbi (I.C.E.) coverage. PERIOD. No matter what AT&T's sales drones say.

AT&T does not roam on Kolbi. AT&T roams on Claro (San Jose area only) and Movistar (coverage map - but Movistar is "optimistic").

Kolbi is the only cell carrier that covers all of Costa Rica. At the Lodge we only have Kolbi and I have upset guests that have AT&T (and T-Mobile and Sprint).

Option 1. Get your AT&T phone unlocked and when you get to CR buy a Kolbi SIM in the SJO baggage claim area.

If you have an Android phone and are signed in with a Gmail account (Google account), Google Hangouts will show your US texts / voicemail.

Option 2. Buy an inexpensive unlocked GSM phone (I like BLU) off Amazon, then get a Kolbi SIM in the baggage claim area in SJO. Again, Google sign in and install Hangouts. Forward your AT&T phone to the Kolbi number while you are in the San Jose area.

Option 3. Do nothing and bitch.

I suggest option 2.

Option 2! For the roaming charges of one trip you can buy a basic unlocked phone that will work anywhere in the world with a locally purchased sim. Money well spent. I have an old unlocked GS3, it's my gamer. Counting on a US carrier to, ahem, service you a broad... well square peg meets round whore, er I mean hole.

If you have a need for your US number to ring you or ring out there are ways.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Author:  Ilv4play [ Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cell Phone Sim Card Question

Yes in baggage claim next to the second liquor store location. I went down to Panama and Golfito the 27th and 28th of December and my AT&T phone with the long distance did not have a signal with the exception of at the Panama border. My Kolbi phone had no issues.

Author:  Ilv4play [ Sun Jan 29, 2017 5:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cell Phone Sim Card Question

MM3 wrote:
At the Lodge we only have Kolbi


MM3 send me a link to your lodge. I will be headed back down in April and need to go to Golfito again, depending on if we take the K*ds, and if you have an opening we might want to stay there or at least check it out.

Author:  MM3 [ Sun Jan 29, 2017 6:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cell Phone Sim Card Question

Ilv4play wrote:
MM3 wrote:
At the Lodge we only have Kolbi


MM3 send me a link to your lodge. I will be headed back down in April and need to go to Golfito again, depending on if we take the K*ds, and if you have an opening we might want to stay there or at least check it out.


Other corner of the country - farthest northeastern Caribbean coast.

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