FAQs
Question
Do I need to bring cash with me? What should I budget for spending money? And what is the currency exchange rate from U.S dollars to Costa Rican Colones?
Answer
Yes, bring cash and your debit card in case you need to pull out more while you’re there. You can go to the local bank and pay a small fee for a withdrawal. You want to budget for about $100 spending money per person everyday that you are there (depending on how much you want to drink or site see etc.). Most meals at local restaurants are between $7-15 a plate and beers or drinks typically range from $3-10 each. The exchange rate is for every 1000 Colones you are spending $1.76. The easiest way to do the math is a 1000 to 2 ratio. So for every 1000 Colones, plan for spending $2, so for every 500 Colones plan for $1 and so on. To make it as easy on you as possible, exchange some of your U.S. Dollars for Colones when you arrive.
Question
What are the environmental cues to be aware of visiting Costa Rica?
Answer
Costa Rica is known for their lush rainforest jungles and due to their neotropical environment, this beautiful place is home to over 500,000 species! Enjoy the beauty of this wonderful region but be aware of your surroundings and the animals in which you may encounter. Most are harmless, however there are venomous snakes, poisonous frogs etc., so you shouldn’t ever touch the wildlife. And as tempting as it might be, do not feed the monkeys...watch your stuff and put away your food on the beach etc. because they will steal from you! (Haha!) But get excited because you should also see animals such as sloths, iguanas, macaws, toucans, and many more!
Question
What is the time zone in Costa Rica?
Answer
Answers claim CST, but just know come May, we will be one hour behind Costa Rica (even though we will be on pacific time).
Question
Will I be able to use my phone and WiFi while we are there? What additional devices or services can or should I purchase to help with my service for calling/navigation etc?
Answer
We highly recommend getting an International plan for your trip on one phone in your party or rental cars. This will greatly help out for WiFi access to maps for navigation and calling/texting. If you cannot get something added to your phone plan temporarily for the trip, we recommend buying a WiFi hotspot or navigation tool for your rental car.
Question
What should I pack for my trip?
Answer
Sunscreen and bug spray. Lightweight clothing for warm weather - Dudes: surf/water shorts and t-shirts, one nicer outfit for the wedding (ex: short sleeve button up and khaki shorts), Dudettes: swim suit, sundresses (you’ll want to live in a sundress the whole time you’re there- it’s easy to throw on and won’t be too clingy with the humidity), & shorts and tanks if you’re not a dress person. Sandals and tennis shoes are both a necessity while you’re here. Never mind the high heels - stick with flats! Ladies, bring your sea salt spray or mousse for your hair and scrunch and go! Beach hair don’t care! — it will save you time and the humidity or rain will likely wave it naturally anyway so the best way around that is to embrace the waves girls! Bring a camelback if you have one. It will be nice to carry your stuff around while exploring or going to the beach etc. so that you can always have water with you and a water proof(ish) bag to protect your stuff in case it rains.
Question
What should I pack for my flight?
Answer
Bring a neck pillow (or you can use a sweater/hoodie) and/or a small blanket for the flight! It helps with comfort and relaxation on the long flight. (Usually we roll these up in our backpacks and carry them on the flight in our bags) Pack snacks in your carry on (avoiding liquids of course). It’s a long flight and these will also help keep you comfortable. :) Leave a little extra room in your bags for any keepsakes you’ll want to bring home.