Getting a Cell Phone

The cryptic mysteries of adminstrative processes in Costa Rica are fascinating and, with the help of intrepid local guides, become navigable. Getting a cell phone demonstrates that "we are not in Kansas anymore".

Day 1

With the help of Alexis and driven by Luis, we all four went to a small local cell phone store that sells GSM cell phones with lines. In we went at 10:30. We looked at all the models and picked a simple one. The phone was $60 (payable by credit card, US$ or colonés) and the refundable deposit for the line was $24 (payable only in colonés cash). Monthly base charge is $8, with low charge per minutes used. Alexis was our "sponsor" with the phone officially in his name (like I said: guardian angel). He had to leave photocopies of his national identity card (cedula), a utility bill (to confirm address) and payup all his current cell phone charges to be eligible for a new line in his name.

Alexis walked to a commercial office about two blocks away to clear up his account, obtained receipt and walked back to us, waiting at the cell phone shop. Checking by computer, the clerk indicated that there was still €6,150 (about $12) outstanding on his account. Thinking this was another line he had got for a friend, he and I went back to the commercial office to pay off that account; only to be told that line was all paid up. On way back, it hit Alexis that in fact this charge was for his brother's cell phone - also in Alexis' name. A quick call to his brother so he could pay by internet.

Back at the cell shop, we filled out the paperwork, and the finish line was in sight. But the line to the national communication system was down. Thinking that it was a problem at the shop's end, we all drove over to the Red Cross office. Yes, the Red Cross administers blood, safety training, ambulances,... and cell phones and utility bills. More paperwork and discussion, only to find that their line was down too. This was now 12:30 - time for a nice lunch at the stylish Kaldi Cafe Gourmet and come back to try at 1:30.

At 1:30, Luis picked us up at Kaldi, then a call from Alexis that server line still down. It was not to be today. So we pocketed our new, but yet to be activated cell phone, and walked back to our hotel La Posada and laid down for a nap, mentally used up with the high drama, Spanish and decision-making. So many new "inputs" is draining!

Day 2

After refreshing sleep and hearty breakfast, called Alexis. He said the Red Cross had called him yesterday at 4 pm to say lines were up (a nice personal touch). We meet today to finish the process at Red Cross.

Total time: 3 hrs
People involved: 7
Number of offices: 3