Review Mizzou technology abroad for information about multifactor authentication, VPN and eduroam internet access. If you will not have access to your U.S. phone number for multifactor authentication, you should set up an alternate form of authentication before you go abroad.
Phone service
You are required to have a working cell phone for the duration of your program that can make and receive calls/texts and is not dependent on Wi-Fi. Given the short duration of your program, it is not recommended that you purchase a cell phone with a contract while abroad. There are several alternatives to consider:
- Contact your current provider to see what options are available.
- Unlock your U.S. phone and buy a pre-paid physical or electronic SIM for Costa Rica.
- If you are using an eSIM, purchase and install it before departing the U.S. if possible. Save a back-up copy of your eSIM QR code as a PDF or screenshot.
- Purchase a pay-as-you-go phone in Costa Rica.
WhatsApp is a very popular app for communication while abroad — ask your friends and family to download this free app before you leave so you can easily stay in contact with them while abroad.
Internet access
Your homestay host will probably not have internet access. However, there are a number of internet cafes around the city and there is free access at CRLA. The school also has Wi-Fi, so you can use a laptop, tablet or mobile device. If you choose to bring a laptop or tablet, remember:
- Before you travel, take all sensitive information off your computer and store it on an external hard drive. If your laptop or tablet were to get stolen, you don’t want any banking or other personal data stored on it.
- Theft is a common crime in Costa Rica. Always know where your laptop or tablet is and avoid carrying it around after dark. Consider carrying it in a backpack so it is less conspicuous or leaving it locked up at CRLA so you don’t have to haul it back and forth everyday.