tHE tIPS bELOW WILL HELP BEFORE & WHILE YOU TRAVEL

Make a copy: Before you go take a picture or print two copies of your passport. Leave one copy home and other in your suitcase. In the event you lose it, you will have it. 

Travel Veterans: Friendly reminder to check your expiration date 

Travel Newbie:You will need your original birth certificate (with seal). Locate an office near you via link below.

 Passport Website:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Arrival: It's best to arrive to the airport 2-3 hours prior of departure for international flights. Also due to Covid-19.

Airport Code: SJO

Arrival Time: We have transportation scheduled for Friday and Saturday arrival. We ask that everyone depart on the morning flight.

With Covid-19 being a factor, we strongly suggest to book with the airline instead of a third party site. This will help with protection for delays, potential cancellations and rebooking.  Prior to booking with the airline check their delay, cancellation and rebooking policy. 

Airport security: TSA have restrictions on liquids and container sizes. Check site to become familiar 

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule

Food and Beverage consumption: Costa Rica food and beverage is regulated by local authority making it safe to consume. You can drink the water. It's okay for ice to be in your drink and you can brush your teeth with the water ( unlike other countries).  If you're a filtered water person,  you can find inexpensive bottled water. 

Food culture: Most locations have the traditional Costa Rican dishes and fruit. For the less daring ones, don't worry they have American cuisine as well. 

(Costa Rica French toast squares with fresh fruit are the bomb.com try them)

Alcohol: We've found that it's more convenient to pick up the alcohol once you land in the airport. There you will find international brands as well as brands that we're used to as well. For those that enjoy white Hennessey they have bottles less than $40 USD. 

With any travel, it's recommended to check with your doctor if under physician's care. Or have your annual physical. If you're not feeling well before travel please take the time to see a physician. 

Prescription Medicine: It's best to pack twice the amount of  prescription medicine for the trip

Medical card: Create a medical card with your information, medical conditions(s), insurance and doctors name 

Please take sometime to familiarize yourself with emergency tab should something occur. 

Prior to traveling to San Jose inquire with your cellphone provider on what's covered for international travel. Some plans cover Messaging and Data (not talk).

Free Talk Tips: Download What's App. This will allow you to talk and message other users that have the app. When connected to wifi you can use the app for free. Make sure when you do this data roaming is off (just in case you drop wifi).

WIFI: You can connect to the wifi just as you would home.  San Jose, Jaco and the hotel has wifi. 

Communication:

Google Translator: 

(on and offline app):

 This app is great for translating from English to Spanish. You will find that there is at least one English speaking person in an establishment you may visit 

( restaurant, mall, shops). 

English Menus: In restaurants ask for the English menu. 

Travel Notice: Before traveling  contact your local financial institution to add a travel notice to your account. 

Possible bank fees: Inquire to see if your financial institution charge foreign transaction fees.

Credit vs Debit Card: Often times it's best to use credit cards for travel  because of no foreign fees, points perks, also should you need to dispute a transaction the bank works harder to recover their funds vs your debit funds. Debit cards are okay to use as well.

Cash Needed: You will find that some smaller establishments may not take cards. Below you will find suggestions on how to obtain local currency.

Money centers: There are some currency exchange centers in the airport however they tend to give you less for your buck.  It's best to visit your local bank home to see if they have currency or once land a bank in the San Jose/Jaco area. 

ATM: Sometimes visiting a international atm is a quick alternative to receiving cash. Some atms will only speak Spanish and have the rates in their currency. See rates below to estimate how much to withdraw. 

Exchange Rate: The Colones to USD 602 Colons to $1 USD.