(QCOSTARICA) The restriction on the use of a cellular phone inside a bank is a measure that has lost force in most financial institutions in Costa Rica, both public and private, according to a survey by La Nacion of 11 banks.
The newspaper says that only 2 of the 11 banks responding to the survey reported they still maintain some kind of limitation on cellular use within their branches.
The prohibition on the use of cellular telephones in banks in Costa Rica went into force in 2005, when the Constitutional Court upheld a ban by the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) after a client filed a complaint with the court.
La Nacion report says that it surveyed the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR), Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), Banco Popular (BP), BAC Credomatic, Scotiabank, Davivienda, Cathay, Lafise, BCT, Prival and Banco General.
Of the above banks, only the Davidienda maintains an absolute restriction; while Prival allows cellular use only in designated areas. The Banco General did not respond to the survey.
Bank customers have noted that the ban on cellular use has been dropping since 2013, many banks becoming more tolerant of cellular phone use. At some banks, cell phone use is allowed while waiting in line, but not at the counter. For example, our experience at the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) in Santa Ana, the use or not of a cellular phone depends on the security guard on duty.
Another security restriction, introduced in 2008, that still applies at state banks (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica and Banco Popular) today is the restricted hours of ATMs still closing from 10:00pm to 5:00am daily. In some cases, such as some BCR ATMs, they close at midnight. State bank ATMs are predominantly located at branches.
Private banks don’t follow the same restrictions. Scotiabank, BAC Credomatic, Davivienda and Cathay keep their ATM’s open around the clock; the limit there being for ATMs located within a supermarket or shopping centre, for instance, where the use is limited to store or mall hours. Meanwhile, Lafise and BCT follow the state bank policy. Prival does not have ATMs.
PS. Dark shades (sunglasses), hats and helmets are still a no-no ar most banks, both public and private. A good policy is to remove sunglasses and hat or helmet prior to entering, to avoid the nasty look or being told to do so by security guards.
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