Can I use my phone in Costa Rica?

Yes, but only if you cell phone company has a roaming agreement with Costa Rica. But bear in mind that minutes will be expensive. For example, AT&T charges $2.29 per minute for each call received or given in Costa Rica.

It is possible to check messages on your cell phone or home phone by dialing your number from a landline (with the 199 calling card – tarjeta telefónica) and putting in the password that you use with your answering machine or service. You should inquire your cell phone or phone company regarding this service.

The easiest way in Costa Rica

The easiest solution to get working cell phone service in Costa Rica is to go to the cell phone store, and buy a low-end bar phones with a prepaid line. There will be no internet service on such phones, but if you only need a phone for directions or ring your hotel, and you are not a tech savvy, this is probably your best way to go.

Buying prepaid SIM cards

Prepaid SIM cards are the best option for unlocked phones that are 850 MHz compatible in Costa Rica. Just buy one, pop it in, and follow the instructions to activate it. Typically, you dial a service number and punch in a few codes given to you in the instructions. Don't throw away the plastic card your SIM came in. It has the unlock codes you need to type in when you turn on the phone. There you have it, a working cell phone line that can receive and make phone calls, as well as offers internet service.

These prepaid SIMs might cost around $2 if you buy them from a street seller, 5000 colones ($9) if you buy them at carrier stores. Once the minutes are used up, you can recharge the SIMS at service points, or just get a new one if you don't mind losing your number.

Most SIM card balances expire after 3 months or so in Costa Rica. Once they expire, you cannot use the sim any more.

A prepaid line is the best option for those who are going to stay in Costa Rica for a while. A contract would be more accommodating if you are making a lot of calls and messages on a daily basis, or if you can't find the time to or keep forgetting to load more minutes into your SIM card.

Once you are done with your SIM, there are two things you can do: leave it at the front desk or pass it to another traveler. Don't forget to provide the plastic card with the unlock codes. If you decide to bring it home with you, most prepaid SIMs will lock up within one month or equivalent as they are not being recharged, and after 3 months or so, they will automatically be unusable, and the number will be reassigned to a new user. With that said, the SIMs will not be at your service and you will have to start over again, if you wish to come back in a few years.

Loading prepaid SIM cards

You can refill the SIM card by paying by credit card on the phone (you can make a call to make the transfer so even if you are out of minutes on your phone, the call should work), on the internet or purchasing a scratch card with a code for more minutes at most convenience stores.

Getting Internet service on my phone

This requires you to activate the data option on your phone. What follows depends on your service provider:

• Movistar: by default, you have internet, billed on a kilobyte basis. Turn on the data button and the internet is at your service. If your phone is transferring data, the KB get billed. There are also hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly plans. This is a more cost-efficient plan than paying by KB. Per KB costs 0.0086 colones. For more information: http://movistar.cr/
• Kolbi: You also have internet by default and are billed by kilobyte with Kolbi. Like Movistar, hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly plans are also available to purchase. Kolbi plans have a transfer cap. If you use more data than the cap, the company automatically bills you by KB for the excess.
• Claro: you will have internet by default and are billed by the kilobyte. Like Movistar and Kolbi, there are also plans you can buy. Per KB is 0.0086 colones.
• Tuyo: With this company, you have to buy a data plan, like any other carriers. There is no internet by the kilobyte. Its longest plan available is 1 day.

Phone contracts

Investing in a contract is a reasonable plan if you are going to stay in Costa Rica for more than a year, and you anticipate making a lot of phone calls and texting. Contracts in Costa Rica are pretty much similar to anywhere else and work just like your former phone line back home. The bill is based on the carrier's conditions and comes at the end of the month. You can get billed automatically to your credit card and there is no need to worry about recharging your SIM card.

Visit a carrier store to obtain a contract line. You should be informed of all details related to conditions and costs. Make sure to go around and find the most ideal service package among different carriers.

Another option is a phone-included package. This is when a phone of your choice is included and paid off on a monthly basis until it is done. To buy this package, you need to prove your resident status and provide a down payment at the beginning. These packages usually last for 1-2 years. Keep in mind that interest is included in these packages, meaning at the end you are going to pay market price on the cell phone you choose, plus interest. You might end up more for this than for an unlocked version of the same phone.

Don't forget to terminate your contract, if you ever leave Costa Rica permanently. If you don't, you will continue to get billed. Most companies will keep billing you service for 2 or 3 months, then cancel your line due to the lack of payment. The extreme cases see phone companies bringing their customers to court, depending on the plan they have and how much they owe. In the end, this does not benefit your credit history. Thus, it is best to terminate your contract when you no longer need the line.

If your cell phone got stolen

If Kolbi is your carrier, dial 1193 from any phone to report the incident. Kolbi will block the number from their network. The blocking notice will be sent worldwide, and your phone will no longer be able to work in any of the 219 countries that subscribe to the GSMA agreement.

If you get your phone back, visit a Kolbi office and request a removal of the blocking notice.