1) How do I get there?

By plane and yes, and we can even help with your international air tickets. Costa Rica has two international airports, Juan Santamaria International in San Jose (SJO) and Daniel Oduber International in Liberia (LIR) on the North Pacific. Please note that, these airports are a 5 hour drive from each other.

2) Are major international credit cards accepted in Costa Rica?

Yes, and there are ATM’s spread throughout the country.

3) How about tipping?Top

Tips are welcome by everyone although not expected. They should be whatever you fell is right and whenever you feel it is right to tip. At restaurants, a 10% service charge is already included on the bill but if you feel the service was superb, you can tip up to another 10% as a general rule. You can tip 2 dollars per person to bell boys. Chambermaids, drivers and guides, as you see fit.

4) Do I have to carry my passport with me at all times?Top

We recommend you leave your valid passport at your room’s safety box and carry a copy with you at all times instead. It is important to carry along another id aside from the copy of your passport.

5) What about taking taxis in Costa Rica?Top

Use only the authorized taxis which are red with a yellow triangle on their doors, they charge based on a metter.

6) What about taking taxis in Costa Rica?Top

110/60 volts. Standard American plugs for hair dryers, razors, etc…

7) What are the entry requirements?Top

A valid passport and proof of onward travel are required and with them, the vast majority of foreigners are granted a visa that allows them to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days. You can go to www.migracion.go.cr/residencias/directrices.doc to see which countries need a visa to enter Costa Rica.

8) How about driving a vehicle in Costa Rica?Top

You need your valid home country license for three months. You must drive defensively for in general; only with day light, the lack of signalization and bad road conditions make it easy to get lost if you drive at night.

9) How about getting directions?Top

Most Costa Ricans do not know nor care for reading a map but again, they would normally leave what they are doing and personally take you there. Rather than street and avenue numbers, the directions will most likely be using points of references and land marks.

10) Is water safe to drink in Costa Rica?Top

For the vast majority of the country it is safe to drink and bottled water is available everywhere at an incredible low price.

11) What are the business hours?Top

Offices open 8 a.m. To 5 p.m. and stores 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Restaurants open 10 a.m. to 11 at night.

12) What language do they speak in Costa Rica?Top

Spanish officially, however there is an increasing bilingual population that speaks English of some sort or another language.

13) What is the Costa Rican food like?Top

The Costa Rican diet is very simple and healthy. Mostly rice and beans, fresh vegetables, fish, lots of chicken and beef in addition to the fresh wide variety of fruits. However, international cuisine with renowned restaurants is widely availably.

14) Who(m) do I call in case of emergency?Top

You can call us 24/7 at 8990-4710. A Terranova Executive will answer right away or within the nest 20 minutes.

15) What should I bring for my trip in Costa Rica?Top

• Binoculars.
• Extra prescription pair of glasses and medication (if needed)
• Sunglasses.
• Sun block and insect repellent.
• Short and long-sleeved Shirts: cotton preferably.
• Trousers: Hiking shorts and pants.
• Footwear: waterproof hiking boots, river sandals, tennis shoes/running shoes.
• Rain gear: light poncho, raincoat.
• Hat with visor for rain and sun protection.
• Camera and plenty of memory. Also, extra batteries/battery charger.
• Zip lock plastic bags for spillable toiletries, and plastic garbage bags for wet items.

16) What should I bring for the KIDS’ trip to Costa Rica?Top

• Books.
• Games for long van drives.
• A journal.
• That special pillow or so.
• Child's favorite snack.
• Rubber boots and a light rain jacket.
• Moist wipes.
• Small first aid kit
• Eye drops and ear drops.
• A camera.
• Two pairs of socks per day.
• Small daypack or fanny pack for hikes and collecting stuff.
• Sweater or jacket (very important).
• Underwear.
• Swimwear and inflatable water wings, if used.
• Comfy PJ's.
• Favorite hat or sun protection.
• Extra prescription glasses and medication (if applicable).
• Sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Plenty of cotton t-shirts.
• Trousers: cotton.
• Hiking shorts.
• Footwear: waterproof, light-weight hiking boots, river sandals (Teva-type sandals), tennis shoes.

17) Is it safe to walk the streets?Top

Cars have the right of way, therefore, walk defensively. Change money in your hotel or a Bank only. Never

change money in the street nor flash it. Carry your purse on the front. Carry your wallet in your front pockets. Carry backpacks on your front. Common sense should keep you out of trouble, avoid seedy areas of town—ask your hotel. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery. If you are going out at night, take an authorized taxi called by the hotel’s bell boys.

18) Is there a departure tax?Top

Yes, and it is $26 per person payable in colones, U.S. dollars or with credit card at the airport. We can include this item in your package upon request.

19) Is there a weigh limitation on luggage for the local flights in Costa Rica?Top

Yes, it is 25 pounds per person but at Terranova Costa Rica we will be happy to arrange for extra items to catch up with you later on the trips.

20) What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?Top

It is matter of taste and it can be enjoyed all year with the exception of Corcovado in the south western Osa Peninsula which closes September and October due to rain. Other than that, we only enjoy two seasons the rainy one is from May through November and the dry season is December through early May. Our rain is warm and it normally rains in the afternoon for two hours, the rest is sunshine. April and November tend to be green and still not as rainy nor as sunny and there are fewer visitors in the country during these two months.

21) How many days do I need to enjoy Costa Rica?Top

Form 7 days on. There is so much to enjoy seeing and doing.