Does anyone have experience with using a blackberry in Costa Rica? Is there service? Our carrier (Tmobile) claims to have cell phone coverage in CR, but I wanted to see if anyone could confirm from personal experience. I know this is somewhat antithetical to a relaxing vacation, but my husband wants me to check. Thanks for your input!

I've read on another board that Blackberries do NOT work in CR. A lot of cell phones will work, but not all. (I've been amazed at the cell phone coverage for Ticos who buy their phones in CR -- they can get coverage in some of the most out of the way places!)

Sandy

My cell and PDA did not work (Cingular) and I was told that I had few options other than renting a cell phone locally for use while there.

The Help Desk personnel at my employer checked this out for me before I left. I have cingular service. They said I would have no email or text ability because Cingular does not have a contract for such services in Costa Rica. They said I would have voice service. I could not get a phone signal near SJO or in the La Fortuna area, but was able to get a signal in Manuel Antonio.

I have Cingular as well. I was supposed to be able to use my phone in CR (as it is one of those world-band phones), and the ability to use the phone in Central America was activated long before I left. However, no matter where we were in CR, my phone read "No service" (which is different than what it reads in the states when there is no signal...so I don't know if it's a signal issue or what.)

The government here has a monopoly on telecommunications and Internet service and all such communication has to go through the state telecom entity. That's probably why you'd get a "No service" reading rather than just no signal.

My Blackberry did not work in CR. Did work in Mexico. However, lots of internet cafes and hotels, etc have connections for laptops.

You're going on vacation... leave the Blackberry at home!

My boyfriend's TMobile blackberry worked - but not for email, only the telephone service. My cingular cell phone did not work, although it works all over the world and his TMobile cell phone did not work. You should be able to check with your provider before you go.

Okay ... so I'll have to break the news to my boss that his blackberry will NOT work in CR (he'll be staying @ Four Seasons) . . . . so for communications, is he better off dragging down a laptop OR renting/buying a cell phone once he lands in Liberia?

And yes, I know, this shouldn't be an issue at all . . . but some folks feel the need to stay connected.

There's a recent thread here about laptops you can read. The easiest thing is to buy a phone card -- either here in the states or in the grocery stores in CR.

Sandy