Traveling internationally w cell (Verizon, buy, work, plan)

[Oildog]

I'm going to be in Costa Rica and Panama for a week and have an 'old' RAZR phone. Will it work there? Do I need to buy a local SIM card or something to make local calls without being charged an arm and a leg?

[Peregrine]

Who is your carrier?
If it is VZW you cannot buy a sim. Anyone else you can.

[Lancet71]

If you have Verizon they still do the phone rental procedure where you can call in and get an appropriate phone. You have to check first what network Costa Rica is on (CDMA, GSM,etc...) You can usually do this on most carriers sites. Then call the carrier and tell them how long you will be there and if there is an appropriate plan for that time. You can also buy a throw away phone when you get to each island which can be cheaper. If it's a cruise DO NOT make calls on the ship-very expensive!