What kind of phones do you rent?

We offer mostly TDMA phones as the TDMA network has better coverage here. The Mainstay of our company is the Motorolla v60 due to its solid construction and good signal reception, however we have a few other phones available.

What comes with my phone?

Your phone package includes the rental cell phone with a wall charger, carrying case, calling instructions, copy of the manual and international calling cards (if requested).

How good is the coverage in Costa Rica?

The local Costa Rica network has 75%-80% of country covered. The coverage is good in most populated and tourist areas. If you are traveling to a very remote location you might experience some coverage holes.

How do I pay?

The security deposit is due in cash upon receipt of your phone or in advance via Paypal. In addition, we may also require a credit card on file to cover any costs over and above your cash deposit. Your account will be due upon the expiration of your contract and the return of the phone. If you provided a cash security deposit, the amount owed will be deducted from the security deposit with the remainder being returned to the customer in cash at the time of phone return. If you provided a deposit via Paypal, the amount owed will be deducted from the security deposit with the remainder being transferred back to the customer’s account within 24 hours of when the phone was returned. If the security deposit does not cover the costs, the remaining amount will be do in cash upon termination of contract and return of phone.

Do I have to use any airtime? What if I want the phone only for emergencies and I don’t plan on making any calls?

No. The rental would only cost the $60 activation fee! We understand that you might just want the cell phone for emergencies and the security of being in a foreign country. If you don’t use the cell phone, you don’t pay for any airtime.

I see that you are actually IN Costa Rica. Why is that important?

First, we know what works and what does not work here. For instance we know that satellite phones work poorly, as do most US and Canadian cell phones. We also know what systems works best in any location.

Second, we are local if need help or advice, a question about the operation of your phone, etc. If you rent from another country, you are pretty much out of luck.

Thirdly, we donate a portion of our profits to conservation programs that will keep Costa Rica beautiful for you and others to enjoy in the future!

Finally, you don’t have to deal with the potential issues of having a phone shipped to you on time before you leave and then shipping it back when you return.

Will I know my cell phone number before I arrive in Costa Rica and receive my phone?

Yes! We will send you the number in your confirmation email.

Will you pick up the phone after the rental period?

Yes, at most of the same delivery locations we offer delivery to. At that time, you are presented with a final reconciliation and your security deposit is refunded in cash (US dollars or Costa Rican colones). We try to work with you to make pickup at the location most convenient for you i.e. hotel, car rental drop offs, or the airports.

Do I get Voicemail and Caller ID?

Yes. All phones include voicemail and caller ID.

Do cell phones work everywhere in Costa Rica?

No.

There are remote locations where a cell phone will not be able to access the cellular network. Nearly all major towns and villages will have full cellular access however as well as most popular beach locations.

Do you always have cell phones available for rent?

No. Depending on the time of year (especially high season) all phones may be rented so it is a good idea to reserve early.

What happens if my cellular phone stops working during the period I am renting it?

The phones we rent are very reliable, but if you should have a problem, replacement, if required, will depend on where you are when the problem occurs. The most common problem would most likely be the failure of a battery or a charger. Customers are authorized to have a cell phone store check for these problems and replace them if advised, just bring us back the invoice and we will deduct the cost from the final amount due. Please be sure to also bring back the malfunctioning parts.

If the phone itself fails it was probably due to liquid entering the phone. If inspection of the phone shows this to be the case, $100 will be deducted from your deposit for damaging of the phone. Regarding replacement, if you are outside the San Jose metro area, we probably will not be able to quickly arrange for a replacement. If that is the situation, all billing will stop as of the day of the failure. You MUST call us by land line if your cell has a malfunction. If you are in the San Jose we will make every effort to replace the phone promptly.

Is the display on the telephone in English or in Spanish?

We program the displays to be in English by default. However, several languages are available, and we will program your rental phone to the language you desire. Please inform us in the Comments section of the reservation form. Voicemail is always in English.

What if I get a wrong number?

Be advised you are responsible for ALL incoming and outgoing calls throughout the duration of your contract. If you receive a wrong number you should terminate the call as quickly as possible as you will be charged for that time used.