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I’m booked for my first trip to CR. I’ll be heading into Liberia, then to Sugar Beach hotel. I’m meeting with Becky (one of the preferred agents) during my trip to view some properties, but I need all your traveling wisdom!
I have been told to dress casually and not look too upscale and touristy, use my credit card and not much cash-so it can deal with the currency exchange. But, I still don’t know how much cash to bring etc.
So any points and pearls are welcomed! I don’t really feel comfortable renting a car yet either, so any excursions will have to be by bus or taxi, thanks Tracy
Tracy, don’t bring more than $100US. If your ATM/debit card has a Plus or Cirrus logo on the back, it’ll work just fine in the Costa Rican ATMs which are everywhere and which all have English language interfaces. Cash will spend much more easily than your credit card which not every establishment, bus and taxi will accept. And in stores ask for the price “effectivo” (in cash) and you’ll get a better price. Credit card charges to merchants are high here.
If you’re flying into Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, there’s an ATM in the airport, so skip the money exchange you’ll see as you exit. Just cross the street to the parking garage, take the escalator up to the top level, and the ATM’s right there.
Spend colones, not dollars. That way, you let your home bank handle the exchange rate problem via the ATM transaction. Just be sure to let your bank and credit card company know when you’ll be in Costa Rica so their security system doesn’t trip you up.
Don’t bring Travelers’ Cheques. If you must, bring American Express, not VISA, and be prepared to wait awhile in the bank cashing them. Really, the ATMs are the way to go.
Since the ATMs are all over the place, you don’t need to withdraw a lot of cash all at once. Get c100,000 (about $200US) and see how far it goes. Then get some more.
Do dress casually. You won’t need a sequined dress. Unless your complexion is olive and your hair black, you’re not going to fool anyone into believing that you’re a Costa Rica, but don’t stand out either. Jeans or khaki slacks or shorts, sandals, t-shirts or blouses will serve you well. Bring a zippable purse with a secure shoulder strap and keep your hand on it. And if you’re here between May and Novemeber, bring a compact umbrella.
If you’re traveling between large towns, don’t hesitate to rent a car from one of the MAINSTREAM rental agencies. The roads are all passable and you’ll be able to find a decent map. The intercity bus service is great and cheap, but maybe not convenient. Costa Rica drivers are no worse than those in Detroit, Boston or any other large city. Always give way . . .
Tracy, Dave is right. You do not need to bring a lot of cash with you if you have access to your bank account through the ATM machines. My husband and I spent a month in CR using the ATM machine getting colones until we were ready to head home then got dollars. Worked really well. When we got our bank statement the exchange rate was very favorable with only a small transaction fee for each withdrawal. Most ATM machines were enclosed in a locked area where you had to use your card to get inside. Use the same caution that you would use in the states and do not leave your brain at the airport. This goes not only for the ATM machines but for getting around CR. CR drivers are no worse or better than New York City or Boston drivers. The roads in the countryside are narrow with drop off on the sides. Between cities it is much like our own freeways, except people are allowed to walk across, bicycles are allowed and once in a while you will see a person on horse. You just stay aware. It is a great country with kind people and beautiful landscapes that can lull you into thinking you are in paradise. Just do not be foolish and you will have a wonderful time. Check with the hotel for tours in the area where you are staying. I highly recommend the Caravan tour group that is all inclusive for 10 days traveling highlighting many sites, but you can do much of the same on your own. Zip line and tram through the rain forest are high on my list of things to do. Enjoy your stay. The Caravan tour should be arranged before you leave the states as can other sightseeing groups.
Great info guys! I know looking like a dumb tourist can invite trouble! I read on this site to carry around a copy of my passport, not my actual passport. I will be staying at a Flamingo beach hotel and I will be checking out some of the developments around that area. I plan to book the trips to and from the airport with the “ecotran”, thru the hotel. I may have missed it somewhere on the site but what’s the tipping policy?
What a wonderful choise! I have lived part time in Costa Rica for the last ten years. I chose mountainous country for my residence (temperature, horticulture) but always bring my Grandchildren to Flamingo Beach Resort for a couple of days. It has the best facilities for young and old.
Marie’s restaurant has yummy fish and sometimes entertainment. The Mariner’s Inn is always entertaining, ie local colour, good drinks warm ambience.
While searching for a place to buy, I used the real estate offices in Flamingo and found the advice, and service fantastic.If you move down, you’ll need Spanish and the Spanish School in Flamingo Beach is also excellent!!
Good Luck!!
AnneLiseTracy, in restaurants, your bill will always include the 13% sales tax and a 10% tip. Unless the service is downright bad, we always tip about another 10%, but it isn’t required. You should tip taxi drivers modestly, too.
We always tip the guy who (supposedly) is guarding our car. I figure c300 is little enough to tip a guy who’s prepared to take a bullet for me.
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