Telephones & Electricity - The state-owned monopoly ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) is in charge of electricity and telecommunications. About 97% of the country's population has electricity. Today, the telecommunications infrastructure is improving and telephone lines (fixed and mobile) are more readily available, particularly in business districts, large office buildings and urban areas. It is still a good idea when renting a home or small office to make sure a telephone is provided, since delays are still common in many areas.

International calls may be made from many Internet cafes and with calling cards. Some phones are equipped with scanners for the prepaid calling cards. Make sure that the scratch off security paste is intact when buying the prepaid cards.

Useful links:

New cell phone - documents needed
http://www.grupoice.com/esp/serv/per/cel/tra/tramite_servicio_nuevo.htm

New phone line:- documents needed
http://www.grupoice.com/esp/serv/hogar/tele/telef/fija/lin_tel.htm

Internet - Broadband Internet service is available in many areas through cable modem. DSL and ISDN lines are also commonly available. For broadband, the owner of the cable service or telephone line must authorize or request the service. Dial-up connections are available anywhere and can be requested by anyone, since it is billed separately. Also, you can purchase prepaid Internet cards for use from any telephone line.

For any service you will need to present your original ID and a photocopy and must pay a deposit in colones, this deposit in some cases can be higher for a foreigner without a residency card.

Internet Cafes - Very common and inexpensive, normally less than $1 per hour. Some restaurants and coffee shops are now providing wireless hot spots.

Useful links:

Types of Internet access in Costa Rica
http://www.grupoice.com/esp/serv/hogar/tele/internet/index_internet.html

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Information courtesy of American-European Real Estate Costa Rica. Visit their website to find prices and photos for 400+ properties in the most popular areas of Costa Rica.

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