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TRAVEL TIPSHere are a few travel tips to help make your vacation planning a little bit easier. We are available to answer your vacation questions so please feel free to send us an email at anytime. We would be happy to hear from you!
ATTIRE
Dress in Costa Rica is typically casual. Costa Rica is not known for it’s Laundromats! Most people pay for their clothes to be laundered and folded, by the kilo. Irons are not popular so do bring a travel iron if you want to use one!
CULTURE
Costa Rican people are affectionately known as “Ticos” and Spanish is the primary language however English is widely spoken, especially in the more popular tourist areas.
The main Costa Rican dish is rice and beans, which can be served at breakfast, lunch and dinner! Meat is also popular and Costa Ricans enjoy many dishes of beef, chicken and pork. Vegetables and fruits are delicious, readily available and inexpensive. Popular local restaurant dishes include: Olla de carne (soup of beef, plantain, yucca, nampi and chayote), Sopa Negra (black beans and poached egg), and Picadillo (meat and vegetable stew).
ELECTRICITY
Standard current is 110volts, 60 hertz, the same as the United States. Sometimes outlets have only 2 slots without the 3rd “ground” slot so a 2 prong adapter can be handy.
DEPARTURE TAX
You will need to obtain an exit visa, $26.00USD per person, to leave Costa Rica. You purchase it inside the airport prior to checking in with your airline. They accept only colones, U.S. dollars or a VISA card.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A valid passport is required. The expiration date should be at least six months from the day you depart Costa Rica. If not, please renew your passport prior to your trip. If you are not a United States citizen please check with your Costa Rican consulate to verify what documents are required of you. We recommend bringing several photocopies of your passport (not notarized) to carry with you where necessary.
HEALTH/MEDICAL
Vaccinations are not required however any health related questions should be addressed with your personal health care provider. Be sure to bring with you a medical history if you have any health condition that would require special attention or consideration in the event of illness or accident. Costa Rica does use a 911 emergency call system for fire, police and medical emergencies.
INSECTS
Bring insect repellent or buy some upon arrival. Use it. Mosquitos are common in rural and populous areas.
MONEY
Costa Rica’s unit of currency is the Colon, named for Christopher Columbus. One US dollar equals approximately 500 Costa Rican colones (subject to daily currency exchange rates). ATM’s are available in most cities and that is probably your best bet for obtaining funds. We recommend that you exchange your currency upon arrival in Costa Rica for a slightly better rate than in your home country. Cash may be exchanged at banks (closed on Saturday and Sunday) for a fee. Many hotels or establishments will exchange your currency, while some will accept United States paper currency and give you change in Costa Rican colones. Traveler’s checks are accepted at some establishments but are not preferred; it is best to check with the proprietor before making a purchase. Do use your credit card as you will always get the correct exchange rate. Prior to your trip Inform your bank and Credit Card Companies you are going to Costa Rica so they will not block your charges as out of your spending pattern. Call their toll free number, they will be happy to hear from you!
PETTY THEFT
Be careful of petty theft such as pickpockets and grab and run etc. Do not wear expensive, expensive looking or flashy jewelry and watches.
Don’t carry your passport, have a copy of your front picture page made and carry that with you.
SUNSCREEN
Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator. You can develop a significant sunburn in thirty minutes if you are not wearing sunscreen. The UV factor is at least double that of Florida and Arizona. Don’t spoil your trip by getting a sunburn! Wear sunscreen every day! Apply it multiple times, especially during high exposure activities like rafting and water sports.
TAX
There is a 13% sales tax on most goods and services. There is also a 3% tourist tax on hotel bills (this 3% tax is included in your Gay-CostaRica.com package).
TAXIS
Taxi drivers are not usually tipped, round up the fare if you choose to. It is best to check with your hotel doorman as to the approximate cost and set the estimated charge with the driver before you get in. If the driver forgets to turn on the meter please remind them! While in San Jose, taxis can either be hailed or ordered by telephone. They are typically red with white license plates.
TELEPHONES
Direct dial to most countries is available. You may also use telephone credit cards through the appropriate operators. Making international calls from pay phones is difficult because of the large number of coins you need to input; many pay phones
are not in working order so be sure you know a phone is working before investing
too many coins!
Check with your individual cell phone service provider to see if you will have service in Costa Rica and what the rate is.
TIPPING
Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge automatically to your bill so be sure to examine your bill and charges before leaving a tip.
Tour guides are tipped anywhere from $5.00US to $20.00US depending on the tour, it’s quality and duration. Hotel maids and
tour drivers also may be left a tip, at your discretion. Porters and bellhops are tipped about .75US cents per bag.
FUN & ADVENTURE
It’s readily available in Costa Rica so be sure to go for it!!!
Gay-Costa Rica.Com
1-877-987-8482 toll free in the USA 1-860-246-7777 direct line
30 Woodland Street , Suite 11K
Hartford, CT 06105-2322
1-877-987-8482 toll free in the USA 1-860-246-7777 direct line
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