Communication While in Costa Rica
 

Hello,

Wanted some feedback about use of cell phones and ease of internet access while traveling around Arenal and MA.

Will be calling verizon to see my temporary phone options since my android is only 3g but any shared experienced welcome. If not very expensive it might be the way to access email or IM check at back in NY.

I wanted to minimize the electronics I bring since my son will no doubt want to bring his handheld device for game playing and realize the more I have the more I have to safe guard. Would prefer not to bring my laptop. Most hotels seem to have wifi access for free but do many offer computers for email checks?

Any suggestion on safeguarding electronics while out on day trips? We are not using a rental car so would assume we should keep eletronics and other valuables like passports in a safe at hotel? Are safes large enough for electronics?

thanks

I think if you ask before booking you will be able to check email without lugging around a theft target. I stayed at one complex of villas that did not offer a guest computer, but had wireless. The Arenal Observatory Lodge charges for using their computer in the lobby. All others were free. Arenas del Mar even had a few netbooks they would loan, as well as guest computer in the office.

Electronics are theft magnets and room safes are not

safe there is a general combo that can override yours.

WiFi widely available free or at low charge

quotewright.com Patriot insurance from $1 pppd

always best for me...

Sype works cell calling cards mobal.com if you need

to be in constant touch... U will need a SIM and

expensive charges for android phone would not use u can rent

cellphonescr.com do not use hotel phones astoundingly

expensive... Calling centers are cheap and everywhere also.

Happy Travels!

thanks for information. If I do not have my computer not sure how I would access wireless even if hotel has it. I think I will not bother with a loaner phone but use call centers or calling card. I am unsure about my laptop. It is small netbook but agree do not need another electronic device to worry about. Thought it might be helpful to have but not essential.

At AOL for first two days and wonder how easy it would be to place a call or email to give the ok to family at home when we will not be using a car.

Any recommendations in general on how to secure any personal effects we might have along when we are out on excursions? Seems qwovadis believes all room safes are not safe.

AOL has the computer in the lobby for email, and a phone booth as well.

I just used the room safes. A few places I had to leave my stuff in the front desk safe, seems less than ideal to me. I did not keep a lot of extra cash on hand, it was mostly my passport and extra credit cards that I was storing. I prefer not to carry them with me.

I think everywhere we've stayed has had a computer in the lobby that we could use for free to check e-mail. We've used room safes and have never had a problem, but petty theft isn't uncommon. Friends of ours just got back from CR and had their iPhones, laptop, new camera, and all other fancy electronics stolen. They were staying at a VRBO rental home not a hotel though. I'd minimize what you bring. Also leave nice jewelry at home.

AOL charges for using their computer. Although if you purchase the minimum ( I want to say it was $3 for half an hour) they don't seem to monitor the time very carefully, so you can let others behind you use it.

I've been able to use my cell phone with no problems in CR. The per minute charge is high, so limit your calling. But if you have an international phone that gets email, contact your cell provider and get international data before you go. Don't go ONLINE while you're there. That's where the really high charges add up. So no web browsing or facebook etc. But have your email download to your phone. That should be part of your plan. For me, it's 19.99/month - prorated for the time I'm away. (I have T-Mobile). And texts are around 35 cents each. I've been able to get signals in most places or connect to their wifi.

Thanks for all the feedback.

My cell is not 4G so my provider told me I need a loaner phone but just not going to bother. For the minimal calls to home I will either get a card or use skype. I think I will take my very small netbook for that and for email. But yes ShellD, the prorated global plan is a good way to go - when I had my blackberry.

And BTW, I enjoyed your trip report on Arenal area. I am about to leave in a few days. Any feedback on Manuel Antonio from your previous visits?

We were only able to get two nights at La Posada Jungle. Now have a few options for two other nights - discounted type 3 room at Villa Nicolas (but recent posts talk about lack of cleanliness & more then usual bugs); or just a bit less for a Junior Suite at Inn at the Park. Looking into CV but not top choice.

cheers