www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Does anyone know if verizon network works in CR, specifically SanJose? I have unlocked blackberry storm and told by verizon i can just use roaming for the 2+/min fee. However, some posts indicated verizon does not work but they are year old posts. Anyone have any recent updates? If not verizon, what options do i have for phone for few days in CR?

If your storm is unlocked buy a sim chip at the airport in front of baggage claim it cost 10 or 20 dollars depending on how many minutes you want to buy, pop in the sim to the storm and you are off like a prom dress

Yes, that allows you to use the phone over the ICE CDMA network, but not Verizon. I don't think you will get a Verizon signal in CR.

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NO, Verizon does not work in CR. CR mostly uses GSM technology while Verizon is on CDMA. They are not compatible.

Buy an UNLOCKED GSM cell phone (under $50 on Ebay) that is compatible with 1800Mhz network (most tri-band and all quad-band phones are) and buy a prepaid SIM at the airport for $5, $10, or $20, and you're all set.

CR doesn't have a CDMA network.

So verizon lies then when they say there network is supported? Yes my SIMS card is unlocked. So the recommendation is to buy a CR SIMS card for $5-20USD correct? Does anyone know how many minutes that gets me to the states? and /or local in CR.

I also realize verizon is cdma, however, the blackberry storm is a GSM phone, so not sure if that makes a difference. I beleiving roaming might pick up the ICE network??

I should have been clearer in my first answer.

If you have a regular CDMA Verizon phone then it will not work in CR. The only one that does work is the Verizon Global Phone. But it's $2.89/min, probably $4 after all their taxes are added on. You gotta be nuts to pay that. And the coverage is spotty (Coverage Map)

Bring an unlocked GSM phone and buy a prepaid chip.

The prepaid SIM rates can be found here: http://portal.grupoice.com/wps/wcm/conn ... z/Prepago/

Basically, if you buy the ¢2500 SIM, the local call rate is ¢40/min, that's about 7 cents (US). The rates are a little lower off-peak hours. So you have about an hour talk-time. The rate to call the US is about 4 times that. So you'd have about 15-20 minutes on a ¢2500 SIM. Text messages are ¢1.7 (a third of a penny).

The higher value the SIM, the lower the per minute rate. SIMS come in ¢2500, ¢5000, and ¢10,000 denominations, that's roughly $5, $10, and $20.

If your blackberry is a world phone (supports both GSM and CDMA) then yes, it will work here if you have an International roaming plan. However, make sure you turn off your data network because data roaming can be expensive.

If you wish to use a local SIM, you will have to make sure your phone is unlocked. You can call Verizon and request an unlock code, and they will evaluate your payment history etc to determine if it's a risk or not.

If you absolutely have to call home while you are in CR banging chicas then I would recommend that you buy an ICE 999 International Calling card. That is about the cheapest way to make international calls via telephone. That way you won't burn through your prepaid SIM airtime.

If your BB is an XX20 model (eg, 8320, 8820...) then it is WiFi capable and you may be able to make VoIP calls if you have an app for that. Or bring a laptop and make VoIP calls from your hotel room. If you don't have an account (Skype, Yahoo IM, Windows Live Messenger, etc.) already make certain that you set one up before you leave the US. You could have difficulty setting it up from CR. Most hotels have broadband WiFi.

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Ok so that's in the SJO airport? I'm going to get a phone and do that then. AT&T raped me for over $200 in international roaming charges plus the talk time for my last visit, so I'm going to find another option. Plus they told me that it was their policy not to give unlock codes for their phones. Bastards.

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In the baggage claim area. After you clear Immigration you go downstairs and enter thru a doorway into the baggage claim area. Take an immediate right turn and the ICE desk straight ahead near the restrooms.


If AT&T won't put out then you can buy the unlock code for you BB on line for $15 to $30. Google Blackberry unlock code. Cheaper than buying another phone unless you want a $50-$80 phone to lose or have stolen rather than your BB.

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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

Get the Prepago SIM at either airport Kiosk regardless of the line. Trying to get one at an ICE office around town can prove very frustrating.

Bill

Buy a cheap UNLOCKED phone (on Ebay) for $40-60. A BB is a little too "flashy" for CR. If you take it out in public, you may get robbed.

Why CDMA Technology uses the SIM Card in Mobile Phones?What is the Funda of it? In the GSM Technology,it uses SIM Card in the mobile phones but Why in the CDMA also? I think.....if i am not wrong then They uses the CDMA Technology but now a days they also uses the SIM Cards?
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Jasuka, the problem is ICE doesn't use CDMA.

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