www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I recently was in CR and am pleased to say that if you have Cingular as your carrier your cell phone will work in CR on the ICE network. It does have to be a quad band phone. Of course you will have to put up with the charges. Local calls do not require the +506 either. Regular calls to the states do require the +1 .. however. It is a lot easier than trying to get a number in CR with out knowing some one there

Depending on which bank you go to your ATM card is 50/50. Banco de Costa Rica gave me 100% success. Banco Nationale was a failure each time. The others were 50/50. My bank is a member of the "PLUS" and "NYCE" networks which I know are worldwide. My bank and Credit Card companies have "on file" the notice that I travel internationally regularly but I do have to call them each time to let them know, just to be safe.

Hope this information is helpful.

Don't know about the cell phones but my credit card is Chase and when I spoke to the lady last time to tell her that I was coming to CR, she said to tell anyone I know to MAKE SURE and call your credit card company and notify them of the dates you are overseas to avoid more hassle. Evidently the bad guys are at it full steam and cc fraud is at an all time high. She said to notify about 2-3 days before you leave.
3P

_________________
CR LOS or PI Come horny, Leave Happy
Being 'over the hill' is damn sure better than being under it!
I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one.