Bringing and using iphone in Costa rica?

I understand the costs of calling and texting when your outside US territory, and I plan on turning off the data roaming, so I will probably avoid calling and texting. My main question is can I use my apps without charges such as twitter and facebook?

Find Wi-Fi.Wi-Fi could be free or you could be charged for it, and as it is rarely free, you may have to ask the hotel you are staying at if they charge.

If you use a free WI-Fi signal at your hotel or wherever, then you don't have to pay. But if you want to connect to the CR cell phone network, you will be charged the per minute roaming rate. But first, you will need to find out whether or not your cell phone will even work in CR. Only GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile) cell phones will work in CR and your international roaming must be turned on. The phone must have a SIM card in it and be compatible with the 1800Mhz band. CDMA carriers like Verizon and Sprint, for example, will not work in CR at all.

If your phone qualifies and picks up a signal in CR, and you call your carrier before the trip to activate international roaming, the rate will be $2.49/min, plus all the taxes, so figure $3/minute for calls. I don't know how they price data, but I'm sure it's equally high. That bill will add up quickly. If you don't turn off auto data push, expect a $2000 bill after a week. Also note that with any US carrier, you get charged for incoming calls/texts as well, not just outgoing. Total ripoff.

Also note… If you plan to use the Iphone in CR, make sure you use it in your room only. Do not let anybody see it, or it will probably be stolen. If you flash it in the streets, you may be a victim of an armed robbery. Iphones are one of the highest ticket items in CR. They kill for them. Be careful; keep it in your hotel safe and only take it out when needed. The safest thing would be to just leave it at home. Just about all hotels have a computer for guests and you can log in there.

If you don't connect to the phone system to make calls or access the internet there are no charges. With data and calling switched off you will only be able to use your apps at Wi-Fi hotspots (most hotels and restaurants have free hotspots and internet cafes charge by the hour - about $2-3).

i-phones are very desirable targets for theft. Be careful.