Job Discussion Forums

[kruegs4]

Howdy,
I am moving to Heredia in early August and I would like to have a cell phone over a landline. Does anyone have suggestions of companies/ rates? Oh yeah, if anyone loves there school please let me know. I am still looking for a job as well. Thanks, Ben Krueger

[jonnyo]

Regarding telephones in CR. ... The government holds a monopoly on all telecommunication services (including internet). ICE is the company that handles telephones, RACSA handles basic internet and ICE handles "high speed". As a consequence, telecom rates are generally high, especially for international calls. Getting a land line is relatively easy, though if you want a phone in your name you will have provide a utility bill for your address in your name. Rentals often come with phone lines (in the name of your landlord) already hooked up ... you simply have the pay the bill each month. If you rent accommodation, be sure to have your landlord sort out the phone on your behalf.

Bizarre as it may sound, to get a cell phone in CR you must be a legal resident. Residents are each entitled to two cell number. The only way around this for a foreigner is to to have a Costa Rican friend activate a line on your behalf. The line will be in his/her name and you will have to pay the bills.

Another curious thing about the telecom in CR is that to pay your bills at the bank, at certain supermarket checkouts or most commonly at the pharmacy. Depending o where you live, you may not actually receive a monthly paper bill. Instead it is your responsibility to know when the bill s due each month and pay it at one of the aforementioned locations. If you fail to pay the service is simply disconnected without warning.

If you have any other general questions about living in CR, feel free to ask. I have been here for years so I am quite familiar with the many quirks. Common sense and logic do not operate here and to ask "why" is a complete waste of time. Things that may straightforward and simple in your own country are often complicated and confusing here for no logical reason. None of this should put you off though, on the whole CR is a pretty wonderful place ... it just takes a bit of getting used to.


JK[/i]