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One of the reasons I got the code and unlocked my phone prior to leaving the US was we had heard from friends who picked up a ICE brochure on their last visit to CR that indicated tourists could indeed get temporary sim cards at various denominations and corresponding minutes available but the catch was your phone from the US had to be unlocked. The brochure indicated these cards would be available at the airport in SJ. When we arrived we did not see anything resembling an ICE booth. So we asked at the Tileran ICE office a few days later but they indicated they were not available there. I figured getting by with a remporary card would be great as I waited for a regular line. Didn’t happen and it was a looooong 2 months before I was able to get a phone again.
Thanks for the update on this…I’ve been waiting for someone to post something on this! One question…You mention getting the phone in Tilaran but I wasn’t clear on whether that was where you were using the dats service. I own a home near Tilaran (in Tronadora) and am trying to figure out if I will have service there. Thanks in advance for any more information you can provide!
Question…I have relatives who live in an area that has no landlines, thus internet for their laptop is not available to them. Does ICE’s new 3G internet service offer a broadband card that can be used with a laptop for internet access? Or, can a 3G equiped telephone be used (tethered) by a laptop for internet access? I’m trying to find a way for them to get online other than go to internet cafe! They do have SKY satellite TV service, but, I dont think they offer internet capabilities.
Any info would be appreciated. Thanks…
Yes, I recently heard from the computer person I use in Tileran that ICE has for the past two weeks been offering a USB zip drive with software that allows the user to connect to the internet. The cost is approx 40,0000 colones for the zip drive, in addition to a monthly internet charge of approx 15,000 colones. If you currently have the 3G phone service you can add the intenet capability, the monthly cost for the internet is the same mentioned in addition to your monthly cell bill.
As far as I know Sky does not offer internet service.
If You visit ICE in Tilerna get there as early as possible in the morning to avoid the crowds that tend to increase in numbers around 9. They open at 7:30 I beleieve.
I went the phone access route because at the time the zip drive wasn’t available and I was going to be getting 3G cell service and a phone from ICE capable of connecting the internet. Also, I can answer incoming or make outbound calls with my cell phone connected to the laptop. But I thonk this new product withh be very good for those who have the old phone system service or someone perhaps on the waiting list for a phone to be able to access the internet.
Hope this helps!!
John,
I stand corrected. Next time I will run the information by you first to make sure the proper terminolgy is used!!.
Thanks much, fincatenorio! If this USB MODEM and service is truly available, that’s great news! Helps me immensely!
David,
Thanks for your insights into ICE/cellphones. I was wondering about the cellphone issues myself. I’m glad we have a Ltda., which will make activation easier.You are very welcome, of course, soldier. When you go to ICE to get a line, just don’t forget your current (issued within the past thirty days) [i]personnaria juridica. [/i]
We also have a Ltda. How long does it take (with the proper paperwork from our attorney) to actually obtain cellphone service under the name of the Ltda.? Also, do you have to have a utility bill to do so? The reason I ask is I wonder if I should try to get this done next month on our final short trip before our move in July?
Hmmmm…..
Inside Costa Rica, the online newspaper, reported in the last day or two that you do not need a utility bill any longer. http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2010/january/06/costarica-10010605.htm
If you have a [i]personnal juridica[/i], you should be able to march into the ICE office, take a number, get processed and be on your way in less than six hours. Bring a lunch.
Take a copy of your passport (picture page and the most recent Immigration entry stamp page) and be prepared to have ICE’s staff send you out to make a security deposit.
David: Thanks! May I also ask WHERE the security deposit would be made, can that be done in cash and if I have cleverly already purchased the Nokia 5800 NAV previously….am I then only purchasing an actual SIM card from ICE?? Would I also have to pay my monthly bills in person (assuming I haven’t arrived and may not have been able to navigate getting a Costa Rican bank account by this time)?
If I use an Ltda., can I do without a utility bill to open my bank account? I am guessing this is where everything gets sticky!
ICE will also accept a credit card for the deposit. In our situation it amounted to 12500 colones for each phone, however this may be based on the plan and phone selected. Or the ICE staff indicated we could pay at BCS or another bank and get a receipt for them.
ICE told us we can either pay our bill in person, on-line via our BCR acct or at any bank accepting ICE payments.
When we applied we presented the same letter David mentions. Because ICE did not have the 3G service available when were given a reciept with a pecking order number for lack of a better wording. When our day came to get our service and phones we had to provide besides everything David mentioned a copy of the corporation cedula. And becase the letter we submitted originally was more than 30 days old we had to request a new one from our attorney, something to keep in mind if you have to wait like us for more than 30 days for service.
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