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I suppose that I should have mentioned my own personal items that I would prefer buying locally in Costa Rica, rather than bringing them from Canada. I might have thrown some folks off with all this talk about cheese spread. I’m a tree hugger at heart and most of my clothing is made from hemp or bamboo. I realize that hemp production, as in the US, is taboo(really silly as you can’t get high on the strain used for clothes), but wondered if locally grown bamboo is manufactured into sheets or clothing in Costa Rica.
If you’ve ever worn bamboo shirts or slept in bamboo sheets, you will understand why I ask.
It wicks very well and remains as soft as the day it was bought. So far, I’ve only come up with bamboo furniture made in CR on the internet, so would really appreciate it if anyone can tell me if there are companies producing bamboo linen in CR.Regarding cell phone activation at the airport for non-residents. The following is from a travel forum.I added a link on the bottom.
ICE does, indeed, offer a prepaid cell phone service, that is available to Costa Ricans and foreigners alike. I think it is probably brand new…but I am here now, and am using it.
You can purchase a prepaid SIM at 2 locations in the airport: the ICE desk outside gate 8 (I believe), and the one downstairs at baggage claim (before exiting customs). I was told that the SIM cards can only be purchased at the airport. The SIM cards come preloaded with various amounts from 2500 colones ($5) up to 10000 colones ($20). 2500 colones expires in 30 days, and 10000 expires in 60 days. I was told recharging is easy. You will need an unlocked GSM phone in which to insert the chip (I’m not sure what bands ICE uses, but I’m sure google can tell you). There is no additional charge for the SIM itself.
Costs:
texts to local cell phones are super cheap
calls to local number and cell phones, I was told, cost about 80 colones per minute
Calls to the states, I was told cost about 250 colones per minute
I can’t get mine to send texts to the US or other countries (rather, the people on the other end report they don’t receive them).I was also told it is easy to recharge the phone and extend the expiration by purchasing phone cards at local banks and grocery stores, but have not yet needed to do this.
Hope this helps…
I couldn’t agree more regarding the Cheez Whiz and never touch the stuff…well, besides having become a major importer.
Lagawho?:?
Sorry, can’t help you out, but I know too well what Crown Royal is, and am presently 30 minutes away from the distillery. Will that keep me from being banned from this forum?…at least for now?I had no idea what Marmite was so googled. To my surprise I found a pic of a Brit expat(a relation of yours Scott?) with the same facial expression as my Cheez Whiz junky when opening my suitcase…enjoy!
http://littlebang.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/marmite_colour.jpeg
VRBO.com is a good option for renting homes and with the present economy you can negotiate a much better price.
Shop around…I used to rent a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom with pool for $500 a week. There are lots of great deals out there.
This is a house in my area. http://www.vrbo.com/162538#rates
Lot’s of others that are similar in price.I think that car rental agencies should be encouraged to provide a letter of notice similar to this http://www.cupotico.com/info/Travel/Traffic_Cops_&_Speed_Traps_in_Costa_Rica.html
when leasing vehicles.
If tourists knew beforehand how to handle such situations, it would help curb roadside corruption.
The link above is an excellent summary. See point #4- you can pay the ticket at ANY branch of national banks (although nobody bothers because you can just pay them at the end of the year with your vehicle tax- tickets are recorded against plate numbers not names), but if its a hire car just hand the ticket in with the keys. How simple is thatNot sure if you’re responding to my post Maravilla..if so, I couldn’t agree with you more and i should have elaborated.
I already have a house in CR and it’s not in a gated or all-inclusive setting. That sort of thing is definately not for me.
However I do like the concept of a community that grows their own organic food, and I plan to visit to learn about gardening in the tropics. The Osa village offers courses that seem quite interesting. I’ll post my opinion here after I visit.I thought you said that the officer spoke english.
In any case you can pay for minor infractions at any bank.
I’ve been pulled over countless times in the past 27 years and have yet to pay a fine or bribe…maybe I’m just lucky but if I’m guilty of something, I would rather pay the fine.I really wish people wouldn’t “make donations” when being pulled over by police. Would you ever consider doing it at home?
It encourages corruption and the likelyhood of gringos being shaken down more often on the side of the road.
A smile and a “No thank you, I would prefer to pay the ticket” usually results in them letting you go without an infraction.
