While you're ziplining over the canopies and exploring the Arenal Volcano of Costa Rica, you want to make sure that you can use your cell phone in an emergency. Using a cell phone in Costa Rica is easy if you follow these steps.
Ensure that your cell phone charger has the correct plug for Costa Rica. Costa Rica uses the same plugs as the United States, so unless your charger was purchased in another country, you should not need a plug adaptor. If your charger has a different plug type, purchase plug adaptors "A" and "B" from an electronics store before you leave home so that you can charge your cell phone while in Costa Rica.
Use a transformer that can handle 120 volts, which is the voltage used in Costa Rica, when charging your cell phone. Your cell phone will likely fry if you do not use the correct transformer.
Call your cell phone provider to make sure that they offer phone coverage in Costa Rica. Ask to be upgraded to international roaming.
Consider renting a cell phone or SIM card to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in Costa Rica.
Learn how to dial locally within Costa Rica. Costa Rica only has one area code, so just dial the number without any prefixes.
Learn how to call the United States from Costa Rica. First dial "00" (this is the international prefix to dial outside of Costa Rica). Then dial "1" (this is the international code used to dial to the U.S.). Follow that with the area code and phone number.
