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[quote]Ooohhh! So does this mean availiblitiy & coverage for unlocked iPhones?[/quote]
Actually I know many people who’ve been using them for a year or two, but now it is official.On the ICE site (in the Kolbi 3G section) the FAQ has one question about whether the iPhone will work. The answer is “yes” with the caveat that they don’t guarantee “the quality of service” will match that of “certified” phones.
What really benefits you is that a new 3G line doesn’t require the purchase (and receipt for) an approved phone. You need a cedula (or personeria juridica for a corporation purchase) and the 12,500 colones.
So you can sign up with your iPhone and enjoy.
CDAbsolutely no offense intended to Dave, who is a great, long-time contributor and very fair in his comments.
–snip–
…not worth upsetting people…
–/snip–[quote=”costaricafinca”]…
1)Intending to move
2)Living here part-time
3)Living here full time
4)Have not yet visited Costa Rica
5)[b]Live here but want to leave[/b]
6)[b]Lived here but have now left[/b][/quote]
Added two more for completeness… People voting as #5 & #6 would also be great contributors to the “[i]odds of staying longer than 2-3 years[/i]” list.
CDThere are a lot of good, supportive thoughts expressed here by those who do live here and those hoping this will be “[i]the place[/i].” It is a shame that the “other half” isn’t represented on the forum. Those who came, tried it, and fled. We can only report the reasons they told us they were leaving, as a way to advise candidates on what to consider.
One recurring theme not yet mentioned is that [u]both[/u] members (assuming a couple) must have those traits. Time and again we’ve spoken to couples where one is enamored and the other appalled by Costa Rica. One sees the beauty, climate, food, language, people, and opportunities to learn, explore, and meet people. The other sees the bugs, traffic, rain, wind, roads, [i]Spanish[/i], limited shopping, and questionable plumbing. Be sure your partner shares your enthusiasm.
We know many current (and former) couples at odds or even split by Costa Rica. So part of the heartfelt suggestion we give, to [i]stay here some number of months before moving[/i], is for [u]both[/u] to determine if [i]this is the place[/i].
¡Buena suerte!
CDMaravilla, that is a great post! Lots of personal experience and insights. We all know folk who’ve come and left (often having been reduced their meager savings in the process.) Your examples are excellent.
We definitely should not mask the fact that there is a substantial failure rate. Whether that’s 40%, 50%, or 60% that’s an exposure for anyone considering C.R.
CD
Sorry, I must disagree that [u]no[/u] data points exist. In planning the shipment of personal items I personally spoke with movers (e.g. Ship to C.R, ABC Mundanza, etc.) and asked that question.
Of the people whose belongings they shipped to C.R., how many did they move back (or advise to sell their stuff and only move the really important stuff)? “Over half” was the answer, and those were reportedly within the first few months to a year.
Scott is right that there is no firm (or even squishy) data on the “three suitcase” folk moving here, perpetual tourist or not. Those folk have the latitude to arrive and leave on a whim. We meet them, but after awhile learn they’ve “moved” or “left” but that is all hearsay.
Those committed enough to spend money moving their “stuff” are a data point though. It costs to bring it, and costs to take it back with you. And even if the movers were being very general, that’s between 40% and 60%, or 35% and 65%. That’s still a rule-of-thumb average of 50%. That’s not an insignificant number and much better than hearsay.
We know several couples who are trying [u]desperately[/u] to sell their houses so they can move back, and have been for months. In one case they haven’t even unpacked most of their boxes. In another they remain isolated, sitting in the house they built, waiting/hoping for a buyer. Missing the “joys” part of C.R. that brought most of us here.
We also know many couples in various states of joy and adaptation, some who’ve lived here for years. It is different here, and it isn’t for everyone. On the other hand, those differences are as often good as they are distressing. It depends upon what you’re willing to accept.
It all reinforces the [b][u]strong[/u][/b] suggestion that you spend months (i.e. at least 3-6), not weeks, here and experience the “real” challenges (and joys) first hand. Reducing the likelihood of being on the wrong side of the 50% estimate is a great idea. Particularly [u][b]before[/b][/u] you buy [u]anything[/u] or move your stuff.
Sorry Scott, but saying there is no data lets people dream that all is rosy when we all know folk who came, stayed awhile, and high-tailed it out of here. Often losing great sums on their goods or real estate purchases.
Good luck!
CDOn Tuesday AMCostaRica noted that ICE has published the frequency for the new 3G network… They’ll use 850MHz which is generally available on the multi-band phones. They also mention that the phone’s camera may or may not work (not sure why) with the ICE network.
The obvious recommendation is to use an ICE-approved phone… when they finally list them on the ICE website…
CDNo Dave. What ICE told me is “if you want the 3G service, and have a GSM phone, you must apply for a new number”. If you have TDMA there is a chance you can keep the same number.
They gave no indication that the current, lousy GSM service will change, only that they’re adding 3G and possibly on a different frequency. (a guess on my part since ICE authorized agents haven’t been told what frequency and consequently won’t guarantee a 3G-capable phone will work with ICE’s 3G when it appears.)
CDDave, when I spoke with ICE regarding the new 3G there were several interesting points:
[list]
[*]TDMA lines [u]may[/u] be able to keep their number. GSM need a new number.
[*]The frequency (eg. 1800) for the new 3G support has not been published, so any new phone isn’t guaranteed to be supported until that is known.
[*]ICE always requires a phone, not currently associated with an ICE line, for activation… an a purchase receipt for it.
[*]Implementation of 3G will be basic services (phone, text) and none of the 3G benefits for the foreseeable future.
[/list]Basically, all the advice I hear is “wait six months” before jumping into the 3G (non-)service.Of course I already have a solicitude in for 3G service.
Instead of major investing, how about a simple CD? I checked with a local bank (cooperativa “credit union” style bank) whose (dollar) rate for a 12 month CD was 4.5%. The colone rate was higher but I was only interested in the dollar account rates.
For holding a little living expense money that seems a decent return, since our U.S. bank is offering .7% on a 12 month CD.
CDIn the Grecia, Atenas, San Ramon area we have continuous humidity in the 70-80% range, which is a bit high (but not excessive) for cigars but I can’t speak for guitars… (ok, the humor is probably lost on many.) My Takameni and a friend’s Martin seem to do fine, but I’m not a professional musician.
CD[quote=”ticopaz”]… Pan Y Vino.Enjoy![/quote]
Actually that’s “Pane y Vino”, which is a chain, but they do have great pizza. We like a little local place in Grecia, behind the soccer field beside the hospital (San Francisco). They aren’t the cosmopolitan pizza but it is exceptional, and waaaaaay cheaper than Pane y Vino.
CDDave, I may have overlooked it but really think I’d have noticed. Don’t know if you’ve checked BNCR but I’ve never seen an English language interface on the BNCR ATMs. Of course I haven’t looked for it and could be mistaken. I’ll look for it the next time in an ATM.
CDThe first question is “which do you want?” If you want colones the ATM will kindly supply them. Some ATMs can give either dollars or colones, your choice, others are colones-only. For example you might pick “Retiro en ….” (dolares or colones)
If you have an account at that bank you can do the same, (but I assume you want to use a non-C.R. card). Check the back of your card to see which networks it supports (e.g. Cirrus, STAR, etc.) then use an ATM that also supports that.
Note: your non-CR bank may pass along the ATM fee, currency exchange fee, and possibly others. A few U.S. banks do not pass on those fees (e.g. Capital One).
Edited on Oct 20, 2009 06:49
