Need to phone USA from my vacation in Costa Rica. What is cheapest way? Am I better off with a cell phone? If so, which services?

Don't know about cell phones, but have been able to easily call long distance from several areas including Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, ect. The only area I was not able to call from was Povones and Cabo Matapalo on the Osa Penisula. The place we stayed kept in touch with Puerto Jimenez with two way radio. If an emergency were to come up, they would 'radio' town to make a call.

I never used it, but did have my cell phone with me while I was in CR last week. I turned it on and it appeared to be connected to the network (using a Nokia phone w/AT&T Wireless service). There were areas in which 'no service' message showed. You should check with your provider --- roaming charges plus the regular long distance charge could make a call pretty pricey. You may be better off purchasing a phone card to make your calls.<BR>

Easiest solution is to buy a phone card in Costa Rica. Buy the one that says Viajera 199 on it, They're available everywhere (except major hotels.) Card costs 3,000 colones (around $8) <BR><BR>To use it. Go to ANY phone and dial 199. If you're at a hotel get an outside line (usually by dialing &quot;9&quot then dial 199. After you get connected press &quot;2&quot; for directions in English. Then dial 001 (the USA country code) and the phone number (Area Code-xxx-xxxx) for calls to the USA.<BR><BR>By the way, I noticed you can buy them in the SJO airport when you arrive. Go to the Information booth near Gate 3. They sell them there.

Opps. Forgot to mention. There is a scratch off area on back of the card. You need to scratch it off to get your PIN. After you connect to 199 and press &quot;2&quot; you need to enter the PIN. A voice will come on to tell you how much money remains on your card. Then dial the number - local or international (first dialing the country code for international calls) - you want. After you dial a voice will come on telling you how many minutes you can talk given the amount of money remaining on your card.