www.CostaRicaTicas.com

After enjoying almost two years without a cell phone, I have had to purchase one for work here. I thought the info would be helpful to some.

I called back in December and reserved one fo the new lines which was made available to me 1/17/08.

In order to get the phone without having residency, I needed to use my CR corporation. The corporation has a cedula id number. To get the phone chip (GSM) I needed to bring the following to the ICE office:

1) Passport and copy
2) Cedula certificate for SA corp and copy
3) Personae Juridica (This is a stamped paper from your attorney that has to be current every time you do anything here. My attorney charges $25 bucks each time.
4) Original and copy of an utility bill for your address (Note rarely will these be in your name if you rent but it does not matter(Muy Tico)
5) Cell phone and receipt for purchase of phone (If you are going to use an older phone from the US, then borrow someone's phone and receipt to go get the chip from ICE.

At the office we had a 30 minute wait but the lines were moving and the service was friendly and good. The initial fee is 12,500 colones and they take cc or cash. Note cash is another line so cc is easier.

All in all the process is easy if you have all the docs. The SA corp allows you to have a phone, bank account, own property etc. The SA costs about $500 for a reputable lawyer to set up.

If you have a SA I see no need to buy a phone from someone else. If you do they can always disconnect you or ask for more money later.

BKTUNA
I am never going home

As an FYI, last month I finally got rid of all my Nextel phones and switched all my business cell phones to AT&T. For myself, I bought the new Motorola Razor V3xxx. The rep told me that it would work in Costa Rica, but I was skeptical.

I had her activate the International Calling Plan ($3.99 p/month) with International Roaming for my phone. This past weekend, when I got to CR, I turned my phone on, and it worked fine. Calls to the U.S. are $2.19 per minute, and local CR calls are 27 cents per minute. I couldn't believe it actually worked, but it did. There's numerous other less expensive ways to call the U.S., but I like the convenience of being able to have my own phone when I travel.

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

I have AT&t/cinglar. I also like the convience; it is worth it.

Recently, I used my AT&T phone in the DR. I was shocked that it worked as well, although the calls to the U.S. were EXPENSIVE. Now, my AT&T, formerly Cingular, formerly AT&T did not work in CR last year; however, it probably does today.

Thanks for sharing.

Last week I walked into an "Orange" store (the equivelant of ICE in the Dominican Republic) and for $18 I walked out with a new phone and 100 prepaid minutes.
Why does CR make us jump thru hoops to give them money?

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Why Chicas Come to CostaRica:

"Predators gather where prey abounds"

"Some People" find it easier to get a local person to walk into ICE and walk out with a phone in 20 minutes . First you will need to buy a local phone and have receipt in hand when your friend goes to ICE . Pricesmart as well as many local phone sellers have models as low as 33.000 colones. I recommend going to the location in Sabana in the morning. I was in and out is 15 minutes last Tuesday.

That is what I would do. You could have your favorite mp tica hook it up for you for a small tip.

The problem is then it is in their name and they can cancel your account anytime. This has happened to several people I know. Any leverage a chica has on you is bad leverage.

BKTUNA
I am never going home

Unless it's her feet against the headboard

(oops sorry to change the subject, I have a 1 track mind) Good to see you back BK.

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

Also has happen to people I know. When the relationship goes south your phone service is sure to follow

Guys also get stung buying someones phone and line. Suddenly there service gets shut off and when they investigate they find there is a large past due on the account. Only way to get the phone back on is to eat the charges

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

I agree with BKTuna. I initially tried to get a line with one of my SA's and had no success. One exception after another. A Tica friend of my Novia offered to do it for me and she did in 15 minutes for a cost of 12,500 colones. This worked great for many months until she and my Novia had a falling out; over what I have no clue. She then went to ICE and told them her phone was stolen and my line was disconnected! It seems that she had not paid the bills on her other lines and mine was paid up and she needed a line and ICE only allows you to have 3 lines.

Since my Nica Novia now has her residency in CR she was able to get one of the new lines in 15 minutes and for 12,500 colones. In my opinion these ICE rules are just typical of the "StupidFuckinTico" (one word) rules that are so pervasive in CR. It's a prime example of why so many gringoes become frustrated when trying to do any commerce in CR other than with the ladies. The potential profit is rarely worth the risk and hassle.

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Slut Puppy in Training

Is low self esteem a prerequisite for being a good Ho or is it a result? ;-)

I figured that the people that live here would know locals besides putas. I would not put a phone in a puta's name or even a girl's name. I, as well as several friends have phones in tico's names for almost 2 years with none of the above mentioned problems . Although he did get a little nervous when he saw my bill is $300.00 monthly.

The point I was trying to make was that if you live here or do business here and have an S.A. corporation already, then the price is really not all that bad. I was actually pleasantly suprised by how efficient the ICE office in Escazu was. They had computerized queing and when i first walked in the receptionists checked ny name to make sure there was a line waiting for me before I sat for thirty minutes. The guy at the desk was friendly and handled everything very quickly once I was there.

Compared to the ridiculous three ring circus to get a bank account it was a breeze.

BKTUNA
I am never going home

yup, dont put it in a novia's name. ive lost lines that way before as well

Guys use a novias name because they are not legal residents or have a corporation. It is not something they would do if they could avoid it.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine