www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Opinions on taking this phone to CR and getting local service.

Samsung Galaxy S3 16GB White 3G Unlocked Android GSM Smart Phone with S Voice / Smart Stay / Direct Call (i9300)

any unlocked phone on GSM network should be fine

Thanks.

Is it quad band? In order to accept an ICE card it needs to operate on their frequency band. If the phone is listed as Quad Band, you are assured it will operate there.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

I've had several S3's, one of which was stolen in Colombia.

They are quad band and, if unlocked, I have never had a problem in south America, or Asia.

I am taking an S4 to CR this week. I have also used the Samsung S, and SII.

If you see this fat, old, phart sitting at the bar with his S4, trying to use the translation, stop by and say hello.

Health & happiness:

Steve

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It's not the size of the wand that put the rabbit in the hat, it's the magic in it!!!

Not to thread hijack, but since people who seem to know phones are reading this thread...

Has anyone used the AT&T Costa Rica package? The website seems to imply that for about $30 I can buy a bundle of data and minutes for use in Costa Rica during a 30 day period. I've got an iPhone 5C if it matters.

That package is way overpriced. If your phone is unlocked, get a local SIM. Better yet, use TMobile which has free international data and free calls to the US.

I have the T-Mobile international data plan. I will use it starting tomorrow and let all know my feelings.

The charge is an extra $ 10 per month, and unless you travel very frequently it would cost less to buy a Sim and minutes in CR.

See y'all tomorrow.

Health & happiness to all.............

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It's not the size of the wand that put the rabbit in the hat, it's the magic in it!!!

It is included in every plan $50 and above I believe.

Now that i have learned about my telephone. Where do i buy service at in CR. Should i get a prepaid Simm card at the airport? Will that be for voice only?

You can get it at the airport. You add money to it and you can buy minutes, text, data plan etc with your balance.

Thanks

As another 'gotcha' ... look up your phone's frequency bands and compare them to the published bands from the carriers. My current phone is 'quad-band' (and works reliably for voice and messaging), but for some reason will not work 'Data Services' with Claro. Since I am not currently there to try a Kolbi card, I can only investigate online. Seems Claro uses a data frequency that isn't one of the 'quad bands' on my phone.

This may just be a Dwarf-issue, but ... caveat emptor!

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

I'm using the AT&T global passport package this trip. Will report back on results.

I am not very bright so please forgive the dumb question. I have a Samsung galaxy s3 that is currently locked, I am cancelling my service and they are telling I have to buy an unlock code for $30. Are there cheaper options? they are telling me that I simply land in costa rica and when I put the new sim in the phone it will prompt me for the unlock code and ill be all set. Is it that easy? any tips to pass on?

thanks!