FAQs about Costa Rica Tourism
Following is a list of commonly asked questions. Upon booking we send out a pre-departure booklet that has a lot of material that also helps. If you still have questions about your trip please feel free to call us at 1-800 345 7422 as we want to make sure we prepare you for your trip.
Costa Rica Tourism and Travel Information / Preparing for Your Trip Do I need a passport for a Costa Rica vacation or trip?
A valid passport is mandatory for everyone. Passport has to be valid for 6 months past your date of entry into the country. Additional information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica, a Costa Rica consulate or visiting web site at www.costarica-embassy.org. Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from your original. How do I proceed with the reservations?
We will make reservations for you once you have accepted a price quote and made an initial deposit. What if the hotels I requested are not available?
We will always do our best in confirming the hotels requested. However, if the hotels are not available, we may suggest a change in your Costa Rica tour itinerary in order to confirm them. We will also suggest similar properties if the ones desired are definitely not available. Can I request a specific room at a hotel?
Depending on the availability, the hotel and the travel season, we can submit the request for a specific room. However, most hotels reserve the right to accommodate their guests upon check-in only. Can I book the airfare with your company?
We can certainly assist you with your airfare. We will need your names as they appear on your passports, travel dates and airport location that is most convenient for you. For various reasons, many of our clients prefer to book their own air fare. Call us to discuss your circumstances.
What if I have to cancel my trip? What is your cancellation policy?
If you decide to cancel your Costa Rica trip prior to traveling to Costa Rica, the following policies apply: All refund requests must be in received in writing by Costa Rica connection with the following fees in addition to any airline or supplier charges for cancellation: Upon receipt of deposit, $350.00 per person.
60 - 46 days prior to departure, $350.00 per person
45-31 days prior to departure, 50% of land costs in addition to any airline charges made on Costa Rica Connection account.
30-0 days prior to departure, no refunds. Any charges or cancellations made after departure will be at the client's expense. Do I need insurance in case I need to cancel my Costa Rica trip?
Travel insurance, including trip cancellation insurance, is available and strongly recommended. We offer Travel Insured International, a Worldwide Trip Protector that can insure your whole trip. We'll be happy to provide you with their information or visit their web site at www.travelinsured.com
Do I need any shots?
Medical advice should be sought by consulting your doctor or an international health clinic before you travel. The following medical suggestions should not be substituted for consultation with a physician.
No innoculations or vaccinations are required as a condition for entry for a Costa Rica tour unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas. For your personal protection it is recommended that your Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio booster shots are current. Consult your doctor or clinic for further information. Long flights, time changes, weather and climate variation, change of diet and stress can all contribute to "traveler's diarrhea". This simple form of diarrhea rarely lasts more than a few days. If symptoms persist, you may need to consult a physician. What to pack?
Travel as lightly as possible but be sure to bring anything that is important to you. Costa Rica enjoys "shirt sleeves and shorts" weather, but in the highlands the night time temperatures may feel relatively cold. Casual and informal lose-fitting clothing is appropriate when traveling in the country. Bring clothes that wash and dry easily. We strongly recommend that you hand-carry your camera, important documents, medicine and other irreplaceable items on the plane. Once you arrive in the country, it is a good idea to separate your gear: Pack what you need for the next section of your trip in one bag, and the rest in another which be stored at your hotel or with our ground tour operator. Our pre-departure booklet will have a detailed list of the necessary items to bring. What to pack when traveling in small aircraft?
All domestic carriers in Costa Rica impose a maximum luggage allowance of 25 pounds per person including carry-on. Excess luggage will be charged at $0.55 per pound. The extra luggage is subject to space. Oversized items such as surfboards or bicycles are subject to fit in the baggage compartment and pay approximately $15 each way. It is recommended to have in your carry on / check in bag the following items: camera, extra batteries, important documents, binoculars, toilet kit, general clothes, etc. Arrangements can be made to leave excess baggage at your hotel or in the care of our land tour operator. Airplanes fly as high as 10,000 ft and are not pressurized. Spillable liquids should be packed in plastic bags. It is important to understand that, for reasons of safety and cost, the baggage limit must be enforced on all domestic or charter flights.
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Arrival and Departure Information What happens on arrival in Costa Rica?
You will be asked to complete an immigration form for entry into Costa Rica. Upon arrival you will pass through immigration with your passport and completed immigration form. After going through immigration, proceed to collect your baggage. Once through customs proceed out of the building. If you have arranged for an arrival transfer please look for a sign with your party's name on it. The person holding the sign will take you to your hotel and deliver your "land portion" vouchers. Be sure to look these vouchers over carefully and contact your local tour operator Costa Rica Sun Tours if there are any discrepancies. When do I get my travel vouchers?
For clients with an arrival transfer, your tour operator representative will give you the individual vouchers for your land services in Costa Rica including hotels, transfers, tours and domestic air tickets and will transfer you to your hotel. For others your vouchers will be waiting at your hotel or car rental company. These vouchers indicate pick-up times for any tours and transfers.
How do we meet up with our tour operator?
Once you arrive in Costa Rica, a representative of your tour operator will meet you at the airport's exit. He will have a sign that reads "Costa Rica Sun Tours" with your names on it. There are always numerous drivers picking up passengers at the same place. Look up for this sign carefully.
What if someone is not at the airport to meet us?
If for some reason you are not met by a tour operator representative, call your tour operator for immediate assistance. Voice (506) 296-7757 - Emergency after hours (506) 382-8335. Do I need to reconfirm my departure flight?
If you have a departure transfer Costa Rica Sun Tours will reconfirm your departure flight. Sometimes they will ask for record locator numbers so it is best if you also attempt to reconfirm your international flights 72 hours prior to departure. If you or your airline has made any changes, please inform the ground operator. If you have arranged for a departure transfer, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport 3 hours prior to the flight time. Please be ready to leave the hotel lobby by this time. If you are renting a vehicle, we recommend that you drop the vehicle off the day prior. If this is not possible then allow extra time prior to departure to allow time to drop off your rental car and check in for your international flight. What is the Departure Tax from Costa Rica?
Tourists are required to pay a departure tax when leaving Costa Rica. As of November 2005 this tax is $26.00 USD or the equivalent in colones, payable in cash (colones or dollars) or Visa. Before checking in for your flight, you will need to complete a departure form, pay the tax at the cashier's window and receive a departure tax form.You may also purchase the departure tax at the domestic airport if you prefer to avoid an extra line on the day of departure. Back to Top
Money Matters
What's the currency in Costa Rica?
The national currency of Costa Rica is the colon. The exchange rate of the colon floats in relation to the US Dollar. Current rate of exchange is 495 colones to 1 US dollar (November 2005). Where do I exchange money?
You may exchange your US dollars at a money exchange house (casa de cambio), the bank or at your hotel. The easiest place to change money is your hotel. Never change money on the street.
It is advisable to take US cash or traveler's checks in small denominations. Cash to be accepted needs to be unworn and untorn. What types of Credit Cards are accepted?
Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most large hotels, tourist-class restaurants and stores. Small hotels and restaurants as well as local markets may not accept them or add a 5-10% surcharge. Please check with the business before attempting to pay with a credit card. Banks will give you a cash advance with an international credit card. Where do I find the ATMs?
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are common in San José and in all major towns but not in rural areas. ATMs will accept international credit and debit cards. Surcharges for each banking transaction can get expensive. It is best not to count on ATMs. What's the tipping policy?
The following guidelines will assist if you feel compelled to show your gratitude financially: Restaurants are required by law to add 13% tax and 10% tip to the bill. You may want to tip an extra 5% for exceptionally good service. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped unless extra service is provided. It is wise to negotiate a price before starting off to your destination. Bellboys are generally tipped a minimum of US$1.00 per bag at check-in and check-out. Chamber maids are often not tipped, but US $0.50 - $1.00 per night is recommended. Guides & Drivers: Tipping is not included. Use your country's tipping standards as a guideline. Drivers and guides do not work for tips. If you are happy with the services you have received, a good way to say thanks will be giving a tip. It will be accepted and appreciated. Guides are often tipped anywhere from $5.00 - $15.00 per day per person depending on group size. Drivers, transfer guides, river guides $3.00 - $5.00 per person. How much extra money shall I bring along?
This will depend on how many activities and meals you prepay in advance and the length of your trip. On average besides your credit cards and debit cards take anywhere between $250 and $500 in small denominations in US Cash or traveler's checks.
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Common Questions about a Costa Rica Tour
What if someone back home needs to reach us?
It is always best to give a copy of your itinerary with the hotels' phone numbers to a relative, friend or neighbor. That way they can reach you by calling you directly at the hotel in case of an emergency. If they are unable to reach you at the hotel, they can always contact our offices in California or San Jose, Costa Rica, and we'll be happy to get in touch with you. How long have you been in business?
Since 1993, Costa Rica Connection has specialized in designing custom itineraries that offer an authentic experience of Costa Rica. Can I use my cellular phone in Costa Rica?
The only way to do so is if you have an International coverage plan with your phone company in the United States. You may also rent a cellular phone in Costa Rica upon arrival-rental charges vary. We'll be happy to assist you with the arrangements. Is there Internet Access?
To send or receive e-mail in San José go to Radiográfica Costarricense (RACSA), Av. 5, Ca. 1., which is the main Costa Rican Internet Service Provider. Internet cafés are everywhere. Most hotels also offer Internet access and the national postal service sometimes offers Internet Service in its offices nationwide. What's the food like?
Unlike other Latin American countries, Costa Rican food is not spicy or hot. There is a large variety of hot sauces available to add to your meal which allows for individual preferences. Costa Rican food is very similar to North American "home cooked" meals with a wonderful array of exceptionally high quality beef, chicken and seafood being a staple part of the Tico diet. San Jose is a cosmopolitan city with various international foods available. What if my trip is modified or cancelled due to unexpected occurrences?
There are always possibilities that due to rough weather in the area that you are traveling you may be forced to alter your travel plans. During our rainy season rain can cause mudslides and road closures. Unannounced strikes may also cause partial or complete cessation of services. If these events occur, we will do our best to accommodate you, so you can continue with your trip. In case of an emergency what are medical facilities like?
Costa Rica's medical system is considered among the best in the world. The country has a very complete and modern public hospital system with health services and clinics in all major cities as well as in most smaller towns. There are also private medical facilities available in most areas What type of insurance coverage do car rentals provide?
All of the car rental companies in Costa Rica have a mandatory insurance fee ranging from $12.00 to $25.00 daily depending on the vehicle and company. The mandatory insurance has coverage on collision, damage, waiver and 80% of the charges to third parties with a deductible of US $750.00 to $1500.00. A few credit card companies give you the option of waiving collision insurance; however these rarely cover rentals in Costa Rica or 4wd vehicles. Make sure you double check with your credit card company and vehicle rental agency if you are going to be able to waive the collision portion of the insurance. The liability portion cannot be waived. Some companies offer "extra "or "full" insurance coverage which costs an additional $10 to $25 per day. This covers the deductible and partial charges, plus full coverage for robbery of the vehicle. However like most insurance policies it is best to go over the fine print for exclusions and actual coverage.
Where do I find news and articles of interest about Costa Rica?
It's always best to search the web for information. Some useful web sites are: www.infoweb.co.cr for general information about the country, www.inec.go.cr for demographic statistics, www.redcultura.com for cultural events, www.minae.go.cr for information on national parks, www.tramites.go.cr for legal and investments. Back to Top
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