I was just going over a packing list I down loaded for CR trip.It said "leave your cell phone home" , what's the latest on cell phone use.I just thought I'd be able to have international calling on my iphone.
Also while I have your attention. Does anyone reco bringing a lap top?

I've always been able to use my mobile in CR (I have T-Mobile) -- but it's pretty darn expensive. I always regret having used it when the bill comes in.

Or you can just get a Skype account and pay 2.99 to have a month of unlimited calls to the US and Canada. Just need wifi access to make calls.

I'd ask if your lodging has a guest computer for use, all but one of mine did. Theft risk too big an issue for me.

Can anyone explain the data roaming charges that I hear about? Is that for calls you make back to the states, for local calls, or for data usage? I've heard of bills that are thousands of dollars.

momma, we usually just use the hotel computer as mlgb mentioned; most every place we've stayed has had one in the lobby for guest use.

If I make a call on my mobile while there, it's ends up being something like $2/minute. Not too horrible if you're making a super quick call, but they can add up quickly. And I think that's for "local" calls too, but I'm not sure.

Also, when we were in Mexico this past March I used the data on my phone (checking emails/internet). BAD idea! You get charged for that too. That I will never do again. I saw the little text message come up saying I might be charged, but I ignored it -- denial doesn't work well in the real world...

plumboy, with t-mobile, you can have them switch you to international roaming (or something like that) for the period of time you are traveling. This will allow you to receive emails, not not browse the web etc. I believe it's something like $19.99/month and you can get all of your emails. Text's are very inexpensive as well. It's the roaming for the actual calls that add up. Those are billed at whatever the local cell service will charge and those fees can usually be found on your carrier's website.

volcanogirl- the data roaming charges are when you have a smartphone, or blackberry that downloads anything from the internet. As soon as something is downloaded is those data charges that add up. So when I travel I never go on facebook, or any website. I only check email that goes directly to my phone (not through logging onto the internet) and after I've signed up for the international roaming package I mentioned above. So as long as I don't make too many calls, my bill shouldn't be much higher than normal.

As for the original question, I've used my cell in CR many times and gotten good reception in many areas. But watch for the per minute charges.

Thanks, guys!

Most cell phones work in CR, you should not have any problems using them there as long as you have your roaming activate through your local cell phone company. In Costa Rica they usually tell you that you should leave it at home, they want to rent you a phone. Its a way of making some additional money from the tourists.