Traveling to Costa Rica| Getting to Costa Rica| Tantra in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Tantra Retreats : "Discovering Your Ecstatic Self in Paradise "
:: Getting to Costa Rica ::
There are some important considerations to make before traveling to Costa Rica. Visa requirements, what to bring, and medical requirements are but a few of the considerations that will help you plan a successful trip to Costa Rica. If you have any questions or need verification, please contact the Costa Rican Embassy in your area. As always we welcome any comments or suggestions you would like to contribute to this list.
:: Airports in Costa Rica ::
There are two major international airports in Costa Rica today. The first one is Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria. When making reservations to Costa Rica it is known as the San Jose airport. This is the closest airport to our retreat center. Airlines that travel to this airport are:
Air Canada
American Airlines
ATA Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Sunwing Airlines
US Airways
:: Visas and Passport ::
(US, Canadian and UK Citizens)
You need to have a valid passport to enter into Costa Rica. You have permission to remain for 90 days. There are no Visa extensions given by the Costa Rican government. However, if you leave for 72 hours and enter the country again, you will be given another 90-day visa. Immigration is cracking down on the “perpetual tourist”, so repeated entries are not advisable.
When you are in the country you should always have identification, and at least a copy of your passport, including the page with the entry stamp.
:: Exiting the Country ::
There is an exit tax for leaving Costa Rica. It is advisable that you pay this tax when you first arrive to Costa Rica, before you leave the airport. This will save you the time and hassle when you return for your departure flight.
:: Health Requirements ::
- Inoculations: There are no required inoculations to enter Costa Rica.
- Water: In San Jose and the Central Valley of Costa Rica, water is treated. Water is, with some exceptions, potable through out the country. With that said it still recommended that you drink bottled water to avoid any risks that would put a damper on your vacation. If you do experience ongoing intestinal problems, take a stool sample to the following clinics for a minimal cost (US$8-10)
Clinica Americana: Tel: 222-1010. Same day results provided
Clinica Biblica: Tel: 221-3933
- Illness: Thanks to Costa Rica’s healthcare standards you do not have to be concerned with illnesses. The area where the retreat is being held is very safe and there are no reported problems in the area. |
In Costa Rica, unlike many other Central American countries, malaria is not generally a problem, except in the remote regions of Talamanca, Costa Rica. Cholera is not usually a problem either in Costa Rica. There have been reported incidents of dengue fever in Costa Rica. This is not a common event. Dengue Symptoms can include the sudden onset of fever, sever muscle and joint pains, headaches, followed by a rash that spreads from the torso out to the arms and face of the afflicted. The fever usually resides in a couple of days and recovery begins. Dengue is spread by a specific mosquito called Aedes aegypti. This mosquito usually bites at dusk. There is not prophylactic treatment for Dengue. Wearing bug spray can reduce the amount of bites you get and therefore risk of exposure.
:: Costa Rica Currency ::
The unit for Costa Rica Currency is the colon. The Costa Rica Currency rate of exchange can be found by calling (506) 243-4143. This is the number to the Central Bank of Costa Rica. You will be answered by a machine and will have the option to listen to the information in either English or Spanish.
- Banking Information: The main Costa Rica State Banks are Banco Nacional (tel: 506-222-2000) and Banco de Costa Rica (tel:506-287-9000). Both of these banks have offices through out Costa Rica. The main private banksin Costa Rica are Banco Banex (tel: 506-257-0522) and BAC San Jose (tel: 506-295-5757/506-256-9911).
- Changing Money: You can exchange your money upon arrival in the Costa Rica airport until 5pm. Costa Rica state banking hours are weekdays from 9am to 4:30 pm. Private Banks in Costa Rica can provide more extensive opening hours, and can be a better option for exchanging money. This is because it is not uncommon to have to wait an hour in line in a Costa Rica state bank. Your hotel may also exchange money for you. Please keep in mind that it is also advisable to exchange your colones back to dollars before departing Costa Rica. The airport bank may only cash US $50 for departing travelers from Costa Rica
- Cash and Travelers checks: US Dollars in small denominations are accepted in many of Costa Rica’s tourist areas. Cash machines are also available in the bigger shopping centers of Costa Rica. Only the cash machiones marked ATH, such as the Coopealianza and Scotia Bank will accept foreign cards. You can find these banks in through out the Central Valley of Costa Rica. If you travel to the beach or the mountains of Costa Rica, you will probably need to carry with you enough cash or travelers checks for expenses. It is also advisable to have some cash or travelers checks in small denominations for random expenses. For example, it is sometimes difficult to break a 5,000 colones note when in a taxi.
- Credit Cards: A surcharge of 7% t0 10% is sometime added when using a credit card in Costa Rica. American Express, Visa, and Master Card are widely accepted. There are many small establishments that do not have credit card processing capabilities. When booking hotels or services, ask about surcharge to see if it is better to pay in cash or with Credit Card.
:: What to Make Sure to Bring ::
When traveling to Costa Rica it is important to take into consideration the different types of personal items you will need.
- Clothing: When planning your clothing options, plan to dress in layers. Jackets and sweater are important for activities in the mountains and in cool evenings of Costa Rica. Shorts are used for athletic activities or when on the beaches of Costa Rica. Keep in mind that Costa Ricans do not usually were shorts the cities. Weatherproof gear and boots are essential if you plan to do some hiking in Costa Rica. A comfortable pair of shoes, already worn in, are key when waliking or hiking in Costa Rica. Sidewalks are non-existent most of the time and uneven at best. Proper shoes will be a life saver. Also bring dressy clothes for up-market San Jose restaurants and nightlife. Take into consideration that all women in Costa Rica are always well-groomed. Even the poor majority can be seen coming out of their one bedroom shacks perfectly made up. When you go out to nice places you will want dressy clothes to wear.
- Other personal Items: When traveling to Costa Rica , a small folding umbrella will always do you good. Also bring what ever medication and specialty film you need to Costa Rica when you come to visit. It is also a good idea to bring with you to Costa Rica insect repellent, sunscreen, tampons, and contraceptives with you. The reason for this is that they are often expensive, and selection is limited in Costa Rica.
|
