Cell phone

Submitted by Mike on 9 October, 2008 - 10:00.

Well I guess I better have one when I'm down there much as I hate the things. I don't need anything fancy or stylish, old and used is just fine, all I care about is something functional and sturdy.

Anything I need to know about whether one type of cell is better than another in Nica? Seeing as it will be used, should I buy here or wait till I'm there?

Also, any advice about the best plan for local calling in Nica?

Whatever advice you can give me would be much appreciated.

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FYL is right

Submitted by ATZ on 9 October, 2008 - 12:06.

plus if you recharge at a Claro store you get a lot of bonus minutes...a $20 charge gets you that much in bonus. The more you buy, the longer the expiration time. My cheap phone...i splurged and paid 21 bucks for a nice Samsung works great and is small and reception is great as is the coverage.ZZT

Pre-paid Claro

Submitted by fyl on 9 October, 2008 - 10:10.

If you want something that works in most places, Claro is the way to go. They have much better coverage than Movistar.

Your only "plan" option is pre-paid without actually living here, having a cédula, ... So, go to any place selling Enitel/Claro phones and pick what you want. The low end is usually between $10 and $20 (models vary from time to time).

You then "recharge" the phone either with pre-paid cards or with electronic recharge. Zillions of places sell the cards and/or do electronic recharge.

The service has both a dollar value and a time limit. For example, a $20 recharge (the most expensive) gives you 45 days of service. Other options (all the way down to $1) are available but, proportionally, you get less days per dollar.

Even after your call-out service expires, you can receive incoming calls for 90 days.

put that down as another advantage of nicaragua

Submitted by peterchristopher on 9 October, 2008 - 10:55.

unlike costa rica, you have a choice of several quality cell phone providers. unlike costa rica, it's simple to get a cheap cell phone, and it usually works.

but always keep backups of your contacts, because a cell phone lost in nicaragua is a cell phone you will never see again.

peter

Great advice

Submitted by Mike on 9 October, 2008 - 19:24.

Once again. This site rocks.