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
If you plan to take or obtain a cell phone while abroad, please provide your program leader with your cell phone number in case of emergency.
Since your program is just a few weeks in length, it is not recommended that you purchase a cell phone with a contract while abroad. While the most students go without a cell phone in Costa Rica, there are several options for cell phones:
- Contact your current provider to see what options are available.
- Unlock your American phone and buy a pre-paid SIM card in Costa Rica.
- Purchase a pay-as-you-go phone in Costa Rica.
Note, most smartphones have the ability to turn of the mobile data connection and use Wi-Fi only. You won’t be able to call or text from your phone, but you will be able to send email, surf the web and use certain apps. One of the most popular apps for communication in Costa Rica is WhatsApp.
Phone calls to and from Costa Rica
- To call Costa Rica from the U.S.: dial 011 (international code) + 506 (country code) + phone number
- To call the U.S. from Costa Rica: dial 00 (international) + 1 (country code) + phone number (including area code)
- To make calls within Costa Rica: dial city code + phone number
Internet access
Your homestay host may 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.