ABOUT THE LIVING LIFE IN COSTA RICA BLOG

I (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess") created this blog in 2007 to share DETAILED Finds•Lists•Info•Events•Experiences to help bring more EASE to people living in, visiting or thinking of moving to Costa Rica since DETAILS are NOT easy to find!
I’m NOT an expert (an "expert" 2 ME knows 101%-NOT me). I believe in sharin info•helping where I can! And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise. At least you have some basic info to get you started.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP:
Better yet - do you have extra time on your hands & looking for a volunteer project? Since this blog is a labor of love & RARELY does anyone share a donation (even though MANY have said how much it's helped them), I could REALLY use help updating info. Spanish speakers ESPECIALLY welcome since my VicLish can be somewhat limited at times!!

DONATE:
Has my blog helped in any way? Helped find something•brought more EASE? More exposure or business?
I welcome you to show YOUR appreciation for my efforts!
ANY size DONATION is APPRECIATED!
(see below other ways to show your appreciation)
The easiest way is with PAYPAL - Attn: LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
(you do NOT need to have a PayPal account to do this - just a credit or debit card)
ADD INFORMATION:
Do YOU have/know of a Business•Event•News•Place•Things 4 Sale•Rent to add? Email:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

OTHER WAYS TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR THIS BLOG

• APPLE LAPTOP - Do you have a Laptop you're not using? Mine recently broke so I'm using a lender. Must be new enough to run current Skypes & have an SDCard slot.
• Amazon.com or GoDaddy.com Credit•Gift Certificate (attn: SarongGoddess@gmail.com)
• Something else to share?? A gift certificate or invite for your business? I'm open!! (at times I'll add other things here that I'm seeking)

Monday, September 27, 2010

ROAD CONDITIONS, ROAD CLOSURES & ACCIDENTS - ALL Just a part of DRIVING in Costa Rica

INFORMATION ON ROAD CONDITIONS 
AROUND COSTA RICA


ESPECIALLY in Rainy Season in Costa Rica 
(ESPECIALLY ABOUT June-ish-late November), 
it's REALLY WISE to check the road conditions
BEFORE setting out!!

Or CALL
2-222-9245

 (they often have someone there that speaks English!)  
800-8726-7486
(recording)


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


GREAT SITE SHOWING ACCIDENTS!!


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS

Call in Incidents YOU see!
 



OTHER WAYS TO CHECK TRAFFIC
Navsat's Navigator gives REAL TIME traffic reports
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


For information on the NEW(er)
CALDERA HIGHWAY • PISTA DEL SOL  •  HIGHWAY 27
(this 76.7km•47.6 mile long • FASTER • newer highway/pista that goes from Escazu to the Pacific Coast, cutting about 45 minutes off your time [depending on where you’re going and traffic of course])
Go to:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/03/AutoPistaDelSolHighway27CR.html


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@



MISC INFO ON DRIVING IN COSTA RICA

Carretera” = Road
Pista” = Highway

Most roads in Costa Rica are TOLL ROADS - though they're no more than 590-c (the Pista del Sol ranges from 140-590-c) 

Be FORWARNED!!  #1 - We DO NOT HAVE ADDRESSES in Costa Rica and MANY of the roads in Costa Rica do NOT have signs at exits, OR, if they do, sometimes they have a sign RIGHT at the exit (like the highway from Pavas/Rohrmoser going to connect with the highway going to the Airport.  The sign is SOOOO SMALL and it's LITERALLY RIGHT AT the exit [not above - on the side] - so forget it if you're traveling at night!!).  

Be SMART - if you insist on driving in Costa Rica (something I will NOT NOT NOT do!!  I LOVE to drive but I LOVE to drive and EXPLORE and I drive like Mario Andretti the race car driver so as IF I did, the first week I'd have an ulcer or kill someone as there are SOOOO MANY BAD drivers here [and I am NOT talking only the locals!]) - PLEASE - for EVERYONE's sake - RENT A GPS*!!!!  

Trust me, the driver will NOT be able to enjoy the ride as he/she will NOT be able to look around at the scenery, or even 20' ahead, they'll be looking 1 foot in front for fear that someone 5 minutes ago stole the open manhole cover (in the middle of traffic - on a major street!!).  


*See my blurb on GPS Software at (coming soon)  

WARNING!!!!:  You might SERIOUSLY want to REconsider forking out the money for the GPS maps you see online as MY observation from MANY people's experiences, the generic ones - NOT purchased from a reputable company IN Costa Rica, tend to be not so great (from former guests experiences - I'd say they were accurate only about 60% of the time vs. the software purchased here - at least 90% of the time they were accurate.  People programming outside of CR don't get the concept of "50 meters from the oak tree" which was cut down 6 years ago. 

The MOST CONSISTENTLY POSITIVE feedback I've heard was with

By FAR SUPERIOR for GPS software!!

.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

GYMs (larger) in Costa Rica

LIST OF LARGER GYMS IN ESCAZU - CENTRAL VALLEY and SAN JOSE AREA:
(note:  schedules, hours, amenities are subject to change)


ARENA TREK

(2-228-7667 / 2-288-2582 / http://ArenaTrekGym.cominfo@ArenaTrekGym.com)
Equipment - LifeFitness, Boxing area, Bicycles, Power plate and Pilates Studio, Sauna. Classes - Gliding, Core board training, power jump and Trampolines, Body Pump, Body Combat Body Balance, Drums Alive, Turbo Kickboxing, Step Moves, Yoga, Pilates, Striptease Aerobics, Belly Dance, AfroCaribeno Primitivo Dance, Meditation and Movement, Fat Burning.  New Members of Arena Trek Gym receive a FREE Weight-Loss Plan!!!
CLASS SCHEDULE:  http://ArenaTrekGym.com/calendario
OWNERS of Arena Trek:  Philipe and Carlos
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 5:30am-9:30pm, Sat. 8am-3pm, Sun. 10am-1pm.
LOCATION: Escazu-San Rafael - the East end of Paco Mall (just doors down from my FAV place for desserts - Ka'Kau!! [they do have a healthy muffin if you don't want to indulge after you workout!!])




WORLD GYM

(2-288-4787 / 2-288-4786 / http://WorldGymCR.com / info@WorldGymCR.com)
HUGE!! POOL (not heated), Cardio - bikes with respaldo, bikes Elipticals, step mills, versa climbers, wave, indoor cycling. Aerobics - Cardio Kick Boxing, Body Pump, Yoga, Military Training, Pure Pilates, Pilate Fusion, 4x4,Tone, All in one, Tae Bo,Power Step, Ken Box, Latino, Karate 4 Kids, Turbo Jam, Strong Dance, Fat Burn, Ken Box, Aerocombo, Tone, Fat burn, Xtreme Cardio, Intervals, Upper Body, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Belly Dance, Regueton Dancing, Striptease Dance, Caribbean Full Dance, Hot Dance, kick Dance, Latin Dance. Muscle madness, Jump box, Box tone, Pump it up, Turbo kickboxing, Sculpting pilates, Low impact, Step ‘n tone, Kinesis (Mon. and Fri. 6am, 8am, noon, 6pm, Sat. 9am), Indoor Cycling (40 bikes).
CLASS SCHEDULE:  http://WorldGymCR.com/horarios_eng.htm 
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 5am-10pm, Sat. 7am-6pm, Sun. 9am-4pm
LOCATION: Calle Vieja, 400 mts West of Paco Plaza (WAS on the way to MultiPlaza)


MULTI SPA
LOCATIONS: 
Escazu-Trejos Montealegre  (2-289-5051 / InfoEscazu@MultiSpa.net) - HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 5am-10pm, Sat. 8am-3pm, Sun. 9am-2pm.  LOCATION: 550 mts. West of Rosti Pollo in Trejos

San Jose (2-258-2220 / 2-258-1548 / InfoSanJose@MultiSpa.net) - HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 5am-10pm, Sat. 8am-4pm, Sun. 9am-3pm.  LOCATION: The SouthEast side of Parque Central, above Bar Montecarlo

San Jose-Sabana Norte/Corobici  (2-231-5548 / 2-231-5542 / InfoCorobici@MultiSpa.net) - HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 5am-10pm, Sat. 8am-4pm, Sun. 9am-3pm.  LOCATION: Behind the Crowne Plaza Hotel 

Fitness One in Pozos de Santa Ana (2-282-5542 / 2-282-0224 / 2-282-0223 / 2-282-0225 / InfoFitness@MultiSpa.net) - 400 mts North of AutoMercado in Centro Comercial Via Lindora


FITSIMONS
(http://Fitsimons.com / 2-296-0264)
2 different weight lifting areas, divided by the different areas you want to train. We have world known brands such as: Life Fitness, Precor and Paramount, 2nd floor, in a width and spacious area with fresh air, we located our specialized cardio equipment of famous brands such as: Life Fitness, Precor and Paramount, their aerobic area has a professional Robbins sport surface. This floor is specialized in shock absorption, and offers stability, which helps you prevent knee and joint injuries, yoga, power racing, boot camp, mat pilates, karate, boxing aerobics, Zumba, Fit Body Training, Roping and Boxing++, Nutrionist, Sports Store, Cafe, Personal Training, Kid’s Club, Sauna
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 5am-10pm, Sat. 7am-6pm, Sun. 9:30am-5pm, Holidays 8am-4pm
LOCATION:  San Jose-Sabana Sur/South 



FOR GALS ONLY


CURVES

(http://Curves.co.cr / 800-685-3737 / Curveses@racsa.co.cr) - 30-minute workout
Escazu (San Rafael) (2-288-2480 / Escazu@curves.co.cr) - HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 6am-1pm & 4-8pm, Sat. 8am-12:30pm. LOCATION: ON Calle Vieja AT Plaza Country Club - 2nd Floor.  CONTACT: Natalia Salazar Zamora / Manager - Mariela Mora Hidalgo. 
Pozos de Santa Ana (2-203-7464 / SantaAna@Curves.co.cr) - LOCATION: Plaza Lindora (across from AutoMercado - on the road going to the airport)
Other Locations (Alajuela, Cartago, Coronado, Curridabat, Heredia, Heredia-San Francisco, Perez Zeledon, Rohrmoser, San Jose-Parque de la Paz, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Tibas) -    http://curves.co.cr/curvescr.html



KIDS



Kidz Power Gimnasio Infantil

Specialized hydraulic equipment for children as well as other classes/programs. Kids 3-12 months - programs/exercises/games to strengthen their joints and muscles. 1-4 years - exercises for the development of the coordination and balance. 4-12 years - Olympic Gymnastics (4 - 12 years): choreographic, tennis, karate, pre-ballet, football, acrobatic exercises and work in gymnastic apparatuses.  Karate for kids 3-21. Ballet for 7-12 y.o.

.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

MACROBIOTICAS • HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACIES • HERBALISTS where you can find Natural • Homeopathic Remedies in Costa Rica

MACROBIOTICAS -
where you can find
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES


A MACROBIOTICA is where you can find MANY natural vitamins, tinctures and some herbs!

NOTE: Have anyone coming from the States/Canada to visit you? You may want to ask them to bring you a few months supply (though not too much as you don’t want Customs thinking you’re buying them for a business).

Shipping ANY form of natural medicine/herbs/etc. into Costa Rica
You might SERIOUSLY want to rethink that as those items, if properly labeled, WILL most likely get stopped by the Eduana (customs) and you get to jump through LOTS of hoops, time and expenses to get them out of the Eduana including YOU usually will HAVE to get special Health Permits - IF you can even get them (which is happening more and more sadly).


For now, many Holistic treatments are ok (operative word - “ok”) in Costa Rica but we're hearing of the powers that be shutting down more and more of these people that have special "gifts" to share that help MANY (bottom line people - even God can't heal you if there's not a part of you somewhere that TRULY is willing to let whatever ails you go!  For over 20 years there has been much talk about getting it all licensed (who in the U.S. government are they hanging out with or might it be the LARGE drug manufacturing company presence that is here?).


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


UNIVERSAL Farmacia
(2-222-7470  •  HomeopatiaUniversal@gmail.com)
They do homeopatía, alopatía, macrobiótica and are the oldest Macrobiotica in Costa Rica (30+ years) and MANY have shared with me that they feel they're one of THE BEST!!!
LANGUAGE:  ENGLISH:  Laura (she's GREAT, REALLY HELPFUL and GETS the concept of Customer Service!!).
HOURS:  Monday-Friday - 8:30am-6:30pm.  Saturday - 8:30am-3pm.
LOCATION:  San Jose-Downtown - Calle 4 between Avenidas 3 and 5.  50 mts North of Banco Nacional  - in front of Optica Visión.
 

FARMACIA NACIONAL DE HOMEOPATIA
(2-223-5372  •  FNHCR@hotmail.com)
The BEST place in the country with MUCH HIGHER potencies than elsewhere (even in the states).  They even also make their own homeopathic remedies and they have a 

Susan said they were some of the BEST remedies she’s EVER used in Costa Rica or the U.S. (she’s worked in Alternative Medicine most of her life and KNOWS from which she speaks).  HOMEOPATH ON-DUTY (EXCEPT noon-2pm)
DELIVERY / EXPRESS (central San Jose).
LANGUAGE:  ENGLISH:  Katia and Roy (car041@hotmail.com)
HOURS:  Mon.-Fri. 9am-5:30pm and Sat. 9am-12:30pm
LOCATION:  San Jose-Barrio Los Angeles - on Calle 12 between Avenida 8 and 10.  250 mts South of the Church of Merced

Macrobiotica La BUENA HIERBA
(2-233-0363 • 2-233-0065 • 8-381-9883 HendrikStins1940@hotmail.com

Dr Hendrik Stins Ham is a Naturopath, Reflexologist, Iridologist, Herbal Medicine, Nutritionist, EFT, Color Therapy, Homeopath, Holistic Medicine.  His associate Amirah does Reiki and Physical Therapist
LANGUAGE:  Dr. Hendrik and Amirah speak DUTCH-1st language, ENGLISH, SPANISH, GERMAN and some FRENCH and ARABIC. 
HOURS:  Monday-Friday - 9am-5pm.  Saturday - 9am-12pm/noon
LOCATION:  San Jose - Paseo de Los Estudiantes, in front of AyA - Calle 9 and Avenida 10 - around the corner from Tin Jo.
(THANX Monic and Naomi.  Tell Dr. Hendrik Vicki with the blog connected you!)

Hahnemann
(2-223-4747 / 2-222-1680 / lab_han@racsa.co.cr)

HOURS:  Monday-Thursday - 8:20am-noon and 1-6pm.  Friday - 8am-5pm.
LANGUAGE:  Spanish ONLY
LOCATION:  San Jose-Downtown - Paseo Colon on Calle 24 (?)- past ARCR on way Downtown.  Walking toward Downtown SJ, you come to the intersection where Scotia Bank is.  Turn Right at the gas station.  Walk 2 or 3 blocks and it's on the right
(THANX Dolores)


Jill Ruttenberg at Ama Tierra 

(http://AmaTierra.com / 2-419-0110  •  JillRuttenberg@AmaTierra.com) 
in San Pablo de Turrubares is a HIGH LEVEL HERBALIST who has a WONDERFUL BandB that has many great retreats/workshops!!!!   
LANGUAGE:  ENGLISH and Spanish


Macrobiotica Tibas
(2-240-3248 • FlorMacro@gmail.com)
One of the older ones.LANGUAGE:  Spanish ONLY
HOURS:  Monday-Friday - 7:30am-5pm.   
LOCATION:  Tibas (Centro) - In front of Burger King


Farmacia Homeopatia Hering
(2-257-1304 / 2-222-3018)
HOURS:  Monday-Friday - 9am-12/noon and 2-7pm.  Saturday - 9am-1pm
LOCATION:  Tibas - 5 corners past Clinica Clorito Picado 400m West


Natu Vit
(2-289-8965)
HOURS: 9:30am-7pm.
OWNERS: Jose and Zeneida 

LANGUAGE:  Spanish and ENGLISH (Zeneida)
LOCATION:  Escazu (San Rafael) in the little strip mall behind Mas x Menos off Calle Vieja
(THANX Margie).



Natural Center Macrobiótica
(facebook.com/pages/Natural-Center-Macrobi%C3%B3tica/187571438082688 • 2-248 4609 •
NaturalCenter.rh@yahoo.com)Natural products, quality, prices, good treatment Description We have a wide assortment availability of natural products for the good state of health, as well as personal care products; with all major brands of quality found in the market. - Vitamins & Minerals - Antioxidants - Herbs & Remedies - Sports Nutrition - Seeds & Fiber - Natural Makeup - Oils - Natural Dyes - Homeopathy - Himalaya products.Productos Naturales, calidad, precios, buen trato Description Tenemos a la disponibilidad un amplio surtido de productos naturales, para el buen estado de las salud, asi como tambien productos de cuidado personal; con las principales marcas de calidad que se encuentran en el mercado.  - Vitaminas & Minerales - Antioxidantes - Hierbas & Remedios - Nutrición para deportistas - Semillas & Fibras - Maquillaje Natural - Aceites - Tintes Naturales - Homeopatía
HOURS:  Daily - 9:15am-8pm.   
LOCATION:  San Jose-Sabana Este•East -1000 La Sabana near Mas x Menos

Bio Salud
They have many natural products and LOTS of imported things including Birkenstakes
Escazu - They no longer have their MultiPlaza "store" but you can order from them and have it delivered to friends store in MultiPlaza (2-201-6138)
Curridabat - Plaza del Sol (2-234-2475 / 2-280-7861?)



NaturaStyle
(http://NaturaStyle.com / 2-235-7654 / 8-386-0092)
They DELIVER to you!! My only complaint (other than it is pricier but it IS more of a one-stop shopping place [well - by CR standards] and ya pay for convenience) is in rainy season - like everywhere - it does not always look very good. They have everything from veges/fruits to herb pots, skincare, vitamins++++!


GNC - Check before you go if they've re-opened as they're having some b.s. dispute with the Costa Rican government on the importation of healthy•natural goods (GRRRRRR!!!)
(2-221-8986 [this is the only number they give out in their website])
(note: I have found their prices can be nearly/at least double that from the States. I was able to find Tea Tree here SOMETIMES)
LOCATIONS:  For a list of their stores go to 

GNC.com/corp/index.jsp?page=storeLocator&countryName=Costa+Rica&country=CR
Escazu (San Rafael) - in Plaza Laureles
Escazu-MultiPlaza-Escazu/West - 2nd floor towards the middle of the mall by the eisle leading to the Food Court (this one is NOT clearly marked on their website)


OmniLife
(OmniLife.com/english/home.php)
LOCATIONS: http://OmniLife.com/centros_distribucion/centros.php
San Jose (La Uruca - Juan Paulo Secondo Bridge)
Cartago
San Ramon
San Pedro
Guaplies
Liberia
Perez Zeledon


Here are some more:



@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Has this DETAILED information been helpful to you - brought more ease into your life, saved you time and/or $$$/¢¢¢¢?

Please consider showing your appreciation for and helping keep this detailed blog going by making a
DONATION

You can do it via PAYPAL (you do NOT need to have a PayPal account) - or send me an Amazon.com Gift Card!!!

ANY amount is appreciated since this is my ONLY source of "income" and VERY FEW people give back/donate!!!

Go to the top LEFT column of the blog for details.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@



Friday, September 24, 2010

BUSINESSES I SUPPORT

http://livinglifeincostarica.blogspot.com/2010/09/people-businesses-that-have-been-really.html

Democrats Abroad Costa Rica•DACR - September - Register to Vote/Absentee Ballots & Movie









DEMOCRATS ABROAD-COSTA RICA (DACR) MEETING 

ABSENTEE BALLOTS / REGISTER TO VOTE and MOVIE

WHEN:  THIS Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2010 - 9:30am-noon

DACR will have a Drop-in Voting Center 

We will have Federal Write-in Absentee Ballots for those who have not yet received their state ballots.  We can also help you to register to vote.

We will also have a social gathering in an adjacent room where we will show interesting movies, probably "Woodstock", for fun, or a serious movie such as “Boogieman:  The Lee Atwater Story” or one about the situation in Burma, depending on the mood of those in attendance.  

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


WHERE:
San Jose - Downtown
 Holiday Inn Aurola - 3rd floor
Calle 5 at Avenida 5 - in front of Parque Morazan
2-523-1000 (hotel's number if you get lost)


PARKING:  
FREE parking
is located ONLY in the Herdonza Parking Lot  
which is on the East side of the hotel.  At the meeting they'll announce instructions and you'll get a voucher in the lobby from the Bell Boys to present (get there early to get a space as it fills up fast on meeting days!!).

MEETING COST:
 5,000-colones 
Contribution for bocas and coffee break and meeting room space

***RSVP***
Reservations are REQUIRED at
DemocratsAbroadCostaRica@gmail.com
OR
call Nelleke at 8-721-6497
*Please be sure to make your reservation if you plan to come to any DACR meeting as their cushion between what the hotel charges them and what they charge for attendance is getting very thin.  They used to order bocas for 3-5 extra people for meetings, but if they did that now they would lose money, so they order only for those who made their reservation, and then order extra on the day of the meeting.  However, the hotel can charge them 20% extra if they order bocas on the day of the meeting, so they need to avoid that.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR MOTHER EARTH 
Are you available to Drive?  Are you needing a ride (and willing to contribute towards gas/wear-n-tear)?  Want to Share a taxi?


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@




Guest are welcome at 1 meeting and then asked to *"join"•register -
it's FREE!!
*SIGNING UP OFFICIALLY FOR DEMOCRATS ABROAD
it's FREE to join!
To join - just attend a meeting  OR 
 go to the official International Democrats Abroad site:


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

NEW LAW!!!
ALL USA CITIZENS LIVING ABROAD MUST RE-REGISTER TO VOTE IN EACH ELECTION YEAR IN ORDER TO VOTE.

  REGISTER TO VOTE AND REQUEST YOUR BALLOT ASAP.


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Costa Rica Democrats Abroad - Costa Rica


@@@@@@@@@@@@

MY DESCRIPTION ON DEMOCRATS ABROAD COSTA RICA (DACR)

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/07/democrats-abroad-cr.html

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


Official INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRATS ABROAD website:
DemocratsAbroad.org  •  Facebook.com/DemsAbroad


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Please SHARE this link with EVERYONE you know that will find this information helpful/interesting (especially on Facebook!)
(and tell them VICKI CONNECTED you!!):

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Where to UNLOCK or JAILBREAK YOUR iPhone or CELL PHONE in Costa Rica

NOTE:  UNlocking Cell Phones is now ILLEGAL in the U.S. (as of January 26, 2013) so it's going to be harder to get unlocked•jailbroken cell phones on eBay.com  
Read about it at:  QCostaRica.com/edition/2013/01/25/unlocking-your-cellphone-continues-legal-in-costa-rica


Do you need to find someone to UNLOCK or JAILBREAK YOUR iPhone or CELL PHONE you brought with you from the states (it's WAYYYYYYY cheaper buying it outside of CR [though of course you’re not locked into a 2 year plan like in the states])?  Below is a list of who can do it.


REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR POWER CORD with you (just in case)!!!!




HUGE NOTE (learned the hard way)!!  
Once your phone has been Jailbroken/unlocked - ESPECIALLY an iPhone - do NOT NOT NOT Upgrade the latest software!!!!!!!!!!!!  "WHY?" you ask?  Well - I learned the hard way - either way you WILL screw it up.  It could be minimal that you just need to have it taken back to it's original connection (often ATandT and they say you should have your original password [which I did NOT have it as I bought mine on http://CostaRica.en.CraigsList.org the day I was moving so I couldn't even find the contact info on the people I bought it from - my bad!!]) and you just need to have it Jailbroken again.  OR - you could do what I did which looks like - possibly fried the software making my 2 month old (for me) iPhone obsolete!!  


FYI -  You can buy cell phones WAYYYYY CHEAPER in the States so if you can find someone coming to visit Costa RIca - you might want to buy one that way!!  There are Craig's Lists in MANY places in the U.S.  If it were me, if there wasn't one near me, I'd look in major cities where technology is quite trendy - like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco - where people might just get bored with the old, wanting to get the latest & maybe their cell isn't that old.


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


On that note, though I was told by a few people - including when I called into Apple - that my iPhone was basically dead/useless - as a last resort, I went to DOCTOR CELULAR in Escazu (Centro) who WAS able to FIX IT FOR ME!!!!  (MY HERO!!!) for 20,000-c (MUCH cheaper than a new cell eh?!! WELL worth the investment!!) - THOUGH - I did loose EVERYTHING that was in it so don't be attached!!!

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Officially ICE says that they “accept” the following phones to work with their systems (BUT, MOST people I've spoken with have said they haven't had any problem with other phones not on that list):

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


DOCTOR CELULAR and COMPUTADORAS
(2-228-8828 / Dr.CompuCel@hotmail.com )
Owner Enrique "Kike" (who speaks GOOD ENGLISH as does some of their staff) does everything from selling new cells, to repairing computers plus they have LOTS of accessories (this is where I got my little Universal Battery Charger gizmo that I use for my digital camera - for like 6,000-c that Radio Shack was wanting $40 for!!!).  He's who I turned to out of desperation when I killed my iPhone by attempting to upload the latest version of the software (do NOT NOT NOT upload the latest software for cell phones that are unlocked or jailbroken!!!!!!!!).  Prices/more details coming!!  A VIC's FAV!!!
LOCATIONS:  Escazu Centro & Santa Ana Centro

DETAILS at:   LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/05/doctor-celular-cell-repair-purchase.html


DAVID ZELEDON
(8-853-2451 / Skype: Davidz_65 / David@TerraMundis.net)
David's who takes care of ALL my Apple needs (non-repair on iPhone but yes on unlocking/jailbreaking), GOOD person! 
COST:  ?
LANGUAGE:  GREAT English
LOCATION:  Escazu-Bello Horizonte (just up a few blocks from Sorrettos) - but sometimes he will come to you (sometime there will be a fee).


MATT MARTIN
(8-854-4399 / MattMartin2@gmail.com / Skype: Matt.martin.1)
Super nice.  He sometimes has phones for sale.  
COST:  iPhones-10,000-c (need to leave the phone with him overnight) and most others (with sending instructions)-5,000-c.    
LOCATION:  San Antonio de Belen.


MICHAEL
(8-362-1153 / info@FleaMarketCR.com)
Michael can unlock most cell phones and you don’t even have to go to him (except for iPhones).  
WHAT'S NEEDED:  The IMEI # (the 16-17 digit # that's usually under the battery), the name of the original carrier and the model #.  He can usually just email you the instructions on how YOU can do it (of course you pay him upfront)
iPhone’s - you must go to him as it’s LOTS more complicated (he needs to hook it up to the computer) and in a couple hours you have it!
COST:  $20-$40+ (+ is if there are more complications) 
LOCATION:  Rohmosser
(make sure to tell him Vicki shared the information)


TUTTO'S CELULAR 
(8-391-0604 / 2-289-4036) 
They can do it all - UNLOCK CELL PHONES (including iPhones), SELL new and used cell phones plus rent cells for a cheap base/deposit (but the prices to call are high [this is great for someone mainly needing to stay connected just in case]). 
COST:  Regular cells - 12,000+.  iPhones - 22,000/$44+.  
HOURS:  Mon.-9am-6pm.  Sat. 9:30am-3pm
OWNER:  Dad Jorge speaks some English and his son Jorge Jr. who speaks more English (it’s more challenging on the phone)
LOCATION:  Escazu (San Rafael) - 150 meters West of ICE Office - on the North side of the street side facing Calle Vieja - JUST East of the corner where Vet Dr. Bitter, Banco Premier and La Primavera Mini Super (they’re by my home so if you’re in the area and want to stop in - come on by!!  Call me at 8-378-6679)


GERALD
Tico iPhone  http://TicoiPhone.com
(8-860-1670-c / 2-
I believe their also do REPAIRS as well.
LANGUAGE:  I believe Spanish only
COST:  Unlock iPhones - $75
HOURS:  Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5:30pm and Sat. 9:30am-3pm
LOCATION:  San Jose-Paseo Colon - East of Sabana Park - "INA of Paseo Colon???" - 200 meters North and 50 meters West (opposite/adjacent to Floristeria ValVerde Racing) - Calle 30 and Avenida 3.  Also Puntarenas (you have to go to him)


Gustavo 
NOTE:  Takes 2 days
LANGUAGE:  Spanish ONLY
COST:  Unlock iPhones - $50  
LOCATION:  Desampardos (you have to go to him)


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


Do YOU know a person that can UNLOCK CELL PHONES?  
E- me their DETAILS (including their location/city, price, what's entailed, phone #, email, what kinds of cells they unlock and any other info on them) at Info@CostaRicaResourceGuide.com

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@




Please make sure to tell them that Vicki (aka the Sarong Goddess) Connected you and let me know how YOUR Experience was!!!




.