FAQs

Costa Rica Travel Tips – FAQs Answered for Incentive Groups

Getting Ready for Your Incentive Trip 

Medical Emergencies

Beach Safety

It is important that visitors follow basic safety precautions when enjoying the sun and sand at Costa Rica’s beaches.

PLEASE be aware of the risks that exist at beaches throughout the country:

• Many beaches will be marked with flags to let people know the conditions of the surf.
• Red flags indicate that water conditions are unsafe and no one should enter the water.
• Yellow flags indicate rough conditions and swimmers should enter with caution, but no restrictions apply.
• Green flags indicate normal conditions.
• Always swim within designated areas. Enter the water carefully. Be aware of rocks or steep drop-offs.
• Never swim alone.
• Respect the beach-inhabiting animals; some of them have painful methods of keeping humans away, for example, the spiny sea urchins.
• Keep in mind that lifeguards are uncommon on the beaches. Do not count on lifeguard assistance.
• Rip tides, strong currents and big waves are normal in Costa Rica. They can also appear unexpectedly and without warning. Respect warnings on the beaches. If you are unsure if your beach is safe, check with your hotel or call us so we can assist you with information about your area.

Hotel Services 

Wildlife in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is well known for its abundance of wildlife, and the chances are that you’ll get within close proximity of birds, mammals and reptiles. It’s important to remember that these are all wild animals. Our slogan is “Observation without Disruption”.

When you encounter wildlife, remember we are in their habitat. Sit or stand quietly and enjoy the wonder and brilliance of seeing animals in the wild. Please NEVER try to touch any wild animals and do not feed them. Human food causes serious health problems, especially for monkeys. Every year park rangers find many animals killed by the consumption of human food. Animals can be a danger to you as well.

Although they look cute and cuddly, most rainforest animals have sharp teeth and claws and they will not take kindly to being disturbed. Bring your binoculars and your cameras and enjoy the incredible variety of wildlife throughout the country. Help us protect our most valuable natural resource, by respecting each and every wild animal you encounter.

Tours 

Is there a weight limit or age limit for adventure tours?

Please note that some tours have weight, age & size restrictions. Be sure to check descriptions on your itinerary and advise us immediately if you have  concerns.

What should I wear for my adventure tours?

If you plan on doing any hiking, or partaking in adventure activities, you should plan on bringing comfortable, durable, closed-toed shoes. We recommend Keen or Teva’s, or Sneakers with a sturdy, treaded sole. Footwear is likely to get wet and muddy, so be prepared, and bring along an extra pair of shoes to wear after your activities. During activities such as rafting and waterfall rappelling, you will get wet. Bring a set of dry clothing to store with the outfitter, so that you can change after the tour. Flip flops are not appropriate for any outdoor adventure activity. 

Roads and Transportation Services 

Where are Costa Rica’s airports?

There are two international airports in Costa Rica – the San José International Airport (SJO), which is in Alajuela, and the Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), which is located in Liberia, Guanacaste. Passing through customs at either of the international airports is relatively stress-free. After collecting your luggage, you continue through a checkpoint where officials pass baggage through an X-ray machine. After this, you’ll be able to leave the terminal and travel to your final destination. 

Are there any fees or taxes for domestic airports?

Domestic airports: the airports listed below require passengers to pay an arrival and departure fee. To prepare yourself for the trip, remember to have the following amount ready in colones or dollars when arriving to and departing from these airports: 

Tambor $2.25; Quepos $5 for arrivals, $3 for departures; Arenal $7

What are the baggage restrictions on domestic flights?

If you are flying on a domestic airline, you should know that there is a luggage weight limit for each person. If you exceed the limit, the airlines will not allow the extra weight until the plane is full and the exact weight of ALL luggage and passengers is determined. If the flight has reached its maximum weight capacity, to remain within safe parameters for flight, your additional luggage will have to wait for the next available flight. This could be one or two days later so it’s important that you stay within the guidelines set forth by each airline. If the flight still has space for additional luggage and additional weight, you may pay a fee at the time of check-in to allow your extra luggage to travel with you. 

This is at the airline’s discretion based on weight and space on the aircraft. The Baggage Policies for the two Domestic Airlines are as follows: 

For Skyway: Up to 40 pounds checked luggage (depending on your ticket type) and one small piece of carry-on luggage not to exceed 10 pounds per person. For additional fees related to overweight or sized luggage, please visit Skyway’s official website. 

For SANSA Airlines: 40 pounds checked luggage and one small piece of carry-on luggage not to exceed 10 pounds per person. For each extra pound, there is a US $1 fee per pound (Space for extra weight cannot be guaranteed). For additional fees related to overweight or sized luggage please refer to: https://flysansa.com/travel-info/ 

As these are low weight limits, we suggest that you pack light. You can also inquire with your travel consultant about baggage storage. Finally, please remember that you need to be at the domestic airstrip at least 45 minutes before your domestic flight departure. 

Is it safe to use taxis? How do you know they are official?

Before you jump in a taxi, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, only use authorized cabs. One of the most important things to remember when taking a taxi in Costa Rica is to use only licensed, authorized cabs. Affectionately known as “rojos” due to their cherry-red color, these taxis are easily identifiable and can be flagged down as you would anywhere else in the world. 

In some parts of the country, illegal taxis, popularly known as ‘piratas’, can often be mistaken for authorized cabs, as their drivers make every attempt to appear legitimate. The easiest way to differentiate between a genuine and illegal taxi is to look for the yellow triangle on the vehicle’s doors. Even though they might be a little cheaper, don’t be tempted to take an illegal cab – stick to the authorized taxis. 

Keep the meter running. In Costa Rican taxis, the meter is known as the “Maria,” and this device is usually mounted on the vehicle’s dashboard. Before setting off on your journey, ensure that the Maria is turned on, as this can eliminate the possibility that you’ll be overcharged for your trip. Be sure to request that the driver turn on the meter (Maria) before you hit the road. Most drivers will not take offense to this request, and it helps keep everything straightforward in terms of what you can expect to pay. 

In terms of rates, most cabs charge around $1 for every two-thirds of a mile traveled or so, making taxis a remarkably cost-effective way of getting around. Tipping is not expected but the little extra money is always welcome. Avoid using big bills, as drivers don’t have a lot of change with them and are reluctant to take anything larger than a $20 US dollar bill. 

What are the driving times between destinations?

Travel times can vary significantly between destinations. The average speed limit in Costa Rica is 50 km/hour. Thus, if the distance between destinations is 200 km, you should plan on it taking about four hours. Our main highways that connect major cities and ports are mostly 2 lanes. There is often truck traffic on the roads which can affect the time it takes to get from one place to another. Getting there is part of the fun, though, so be sure to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and chat with your driver about the local towns you’ll be traveling through. Here is a list of some of the more popular routes with driving times:

• Alajuela (SJO Airport) to Manuel Antonio – 3.5 hrs.
• Alajuela (SJO Airport) to Arenal – 3 hrs.
• Alajuela (SJO Airport) to Monteverde – 4 hrs.
• Arenal to Tamarindo – 4 hrs.
• Liberia to Tamarindo – 1 hr.
• Liberia to Arenal – 3 hrs.

What are the roads like in Costa Rica?

The roads in Costa Rica vary significantly depending on the route you are on. Roads between most destinations are two-lane, paved roads that wind up and around the mountainous terrain throughout the country. If you find yourself driving in the country, it is best to be very alert and drive defensively. Try to avoid driving at night as most roads are not lit and do not have reflective lines. Weather conditions can change quickly and nighttime driving can be dangerous. Some areas and some hotels do not have paved entrances, so chances are at some point you will find yourself along a dirt road during your trip to Costa Rica. Many bridges narrow to a single lane and drivers must be ready to yield and give right of way to oncoming traffic. 

During your first visit to Costa Rica, we generally recommend taking private transportation to get a feel for the driving conditions. This way, the next time that you visit, you will already understand the driving conditions and can decide whether or not to rent a car. Our system of roads in Costa Rica continues to improve each year, but signage is limited and sometimes inaccurate. Vehicles equipped with GPS devices have significantly improved visitors’ ability to tour the country at their own pace. Should you decide to drive, we strongly suggest equipping the vehicle with a GPS unit. For experienced travelers, with a lot of patience; driving on your own can be a fun experience. In general, though, we prefer our guests to enjoy our private transfers. 

Rental Cars 

What are the requirements to rent a car in Costa Rica?

Requirements: passport, valid driver’s license (a foreign driver’s license is valid in Costa Rica for 90 days, after the last arrival date to the country), and the minimum age to rent a car is 25 years old. Basic insurance for your rental is included in the price. This covers minor damages, scratches, small dents, tires, it is for ONE designated driver only, and is non-refundable. Please note that you will need to pay a refundable deposit directly to the car rental agency via major credit card (Debit cards and cash are not accepted for the deposit) at the time of pickup. This refundable deposit varies from $1,000-$2,500 US depending on the rental car agency, and it covers collision, major damage, and car theft. This deposit will then be returned to you by the car rental agency upon the return of the car. If you would like to add an extra driver or opt for full coverage insurance, please inform the rental company when you pick up your vehicle and you will then pay the price difference directly to them. 

When driving in Costa Rica, make sure you have allowed yourself plenty of travel time between destinations, as the mileage can be misleading. Not all routes have accurate road signs. We strongly advise against driving at night as roads may be unlit, and in some cases, have difficult curves, which can be dangerous. Currently, Costa Rica does not use street names and numbers for addresses in most areas. Costa Ricans use landmarks as reference, to give directions. Keep this in mind when traveling, and decide to stop to ask for directions. Most Costa Ricans will explain location using North, South, East, West and in meters or kilometers, not miles. Landmarks such as buildings, trees and waterways are also often used. Please be advised that there is a risk when leaving unattended luggage or valuables in your rental car. Always lock your vehicle, put personal items out of sight, and try to park in areas where you can see the vehicle. Always check into your hotel first, and unload your luggage before enjoying activities. 

What should I do in case I have a car accident?

Remember that if you are involved in an accident here in Costa Rica DO NOT MOVE YOUR VEHICLE. By moving your vehicle, even if it is blocking a travel lane, it is accepting responsibility for the accident, whether it was your fault or not. Your rental car agency will leave instructions for you to follow if you are involved in an accident. Make sure to keep those handy during your trip. If people have been injured, please call 911 and proceed to contact your car rental company. If additional assistance is needed, you may also contact TAM Travel Corporation.

What is covered if I rent a car with basic insurance?

If you plan your vacation with us, included in the price of your vacation is basic insurance for your rental. This covers minor damages, scratches, small dents, tires, and applies for ONE designated driver. The refundable deposit that you will pay directly to the car rental agency (via major credit card) at the time of pickup covers collision, major damage, and car theft. This deposit will then be returned to you by the car rental company upon return of the car. If you would like to add an extra driver or opt for a full coverage insurance, please inform the rental company when you pick up your vehicle, and you will then pay the price difference directly to them. 

Fishing License: Do I need one and where to get it?

Fishing licenses are required for 16 years and older, and only for those who actually plan to fish. That is, people who are just going for the ride on the boat do not need a license. Licenses can only be purchased through your travel consultant. We will email the license as a PDF and you must print it out and bring it with you on the boat. Cost PER PERSON for a fishing license is US$15 for 7 days, US$30 for 15 days and US$50 for 1 month. 

Recommendations for tipping

When heading out on a sport fishing trip, it’s customary to tip the crew. The customary tip is 15% to 20% of the charter cost. For an exact amount, please ask your travel consultant, and they can provide the cost of the charter.

Bringing fish back to the U.S.A.: Can I take my fish with me?

In general, our recommendation is to eat and enjoy the fish while you are in Costa Rica. If you do want to take your fish back with you, there are several aspects to consider: 1. There are no processors in Costa Rica. Each traveler would need to package their fish and freeze it themselves, then purchase a cooler to bring it back, as a checked bag. 2. Airlines constantly change the rules. Verifying with the airline if they allow you to transport frozen fish or not is the traveler’s responsibility. 3. U.S. customs may confiscate it. Since Costa Rica is a foreign country, there is no guarantee that customs would clear the fish, and the traveler would be at the mercy of the customs agent. 

Phone Services 

Calling Costa Rica

Costa Rica has an international country code of 506 (the US country code is 1), and anyone calling Costa Rica from outside the country needs to apply this code. If you’re calling from the United States or Canada, you need to dial 011 first, which indicates that an international call is about to be made. Failure to do this will place your call to New Brunswick, Canada (area code 506)! Once you dial 011, and then 506, you just dial the number. In order to call the TAM Travel Corporation office from the USA or Canada, you would dial 011-506-4001-6399. That’s the international code of 011, then the country code of 506, and then the telephone number of 4001 6399. This is just an example – you should never need to call us from the States on this line, as we have a US Toll-Free number that you can call instead. Calling from outside the US or Canada is slightly different, in that the rest of the world has a different international code. This code is either 00 or the + sign (whichever you prefer or available on your phone). If you were calling TAM Travel Corporation from Europe, say, you would dial like this: 00506-4001-6399 or +506-4001 6399.

Calling from Costa Rica

Calling other countries from Costa Rica is exactly the same: 00 and then the country code (1 for the USA/Canada) and then the number itself, area code first. To call to Europe (or elsewhere) you dial: 00 + country code + city code + number.

How does the Phone System, Cell Phone Service work in Costa Rica? 

You can make International calls from most hotels. Most calls will have a fee, so do check with the hotel for costs prior to making your call. You may access Skype or WhatsApp on your laptop, smartphone, or Ipad anywhere that there is Wifi. If you are carrying your personal cell phone, it’s best that you check with your service provider in your home country to find out about connectivity and costs. Some phone companies have very expensive fees for utilizing their service inside Costa Rica.

Is it possible to buy prepaid cell phones at the airport?

Yes, you can buy a Costa Rican “pay as you go” SIM card that will give you a Costa Rican number for the duration of your stay. Progress! Prepaid cell phones are now available at Juan Santamaria International Airport through Kolbi (ICE). If you are arriving at Liberia Airport and would like this service, please coordinate with our Destination Expert Team, and they can make the arrangements with your driver to make a stop at the nearest store that offers this service. In order for this service to work, you must have a phone that is “unlocked” and has a replaceable SIM/GSM card. Check with your cell provider first, but in general T-mobile and AT&T use the SIM/GSM technology; Verizon phones do not have SIM cards and thus will not work. An ICE prepaid SIM chip is $20. The approximate value for a call to the US is US$0.30 per minute. 

Embassies in Costa Rica 

In the event of an emergency, consular officials can provide support, guidance and other assistance to help you. Here are some of the main embassies in Costa Rica:

• United States Embassy: The United States Embassy in Costa Rica is located in the capital, San Jose. The building’s address is Calle 120 Avenida 0, in Pavas, and the contact telephone number is (506) 2519-2000. To find out more about consular services offered by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, you can visit the official website. This site has a range of useful information, from safety and security announcements to data on regional travel programs, like the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
• Canadian Embassy: The official embassy of Canada can be found in La Sabana Executive Business Center, behind the Contraloria General de la Republica, in San Jose. Consular officials can be reached by phone at (506) 2242 4400. The official website has detailed information on a number of topics, and should be the first stop for Canadian visitors in need of assistance.
• British Embassy: British citizens who find themselves in need of consular assistance should contact the British Embassy in San Jose. The U.K. has maintained strong diplomatic ties with Costa Rica for many years. The British Embassy is located at Apartado 815-1007, in Edificio Centro Colon, and the phone number is (506) 2258-2025. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. See the official website of the British Embassy for more information.
• Spanish Embassy: The Spanish Embassy is located in San Jose, at Calle 32, Paseo Colón y Avenida Segunda. Spanish citizens should call (506) 2222-5745 for general inquiries, or email [email protected] for more information.
• French Embassy: The Embassy of France in Costa Rica is located at 200 m Sur y 25 m Oeste de la Mitsubishi in Curridabat, San Jose. French tourists can reach the embassy by calling (506) 2234 -4167, or checking their official website for travel notifications and other useful information.
• Mexican Embassy: The Embassy of Mexico is located at Avenida 7. No. 1371, in San Jose. The main switchboard can be reached at (506) 2257-0633, and the hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The official website has more information on available consular services.
• German Embassy: Germany’s embassy can be found in Sabana Norte, 300 mts oeste del ICE, in Torre La Sabana, 8th floor. Check the German Embassy’s website for opening hours and a list of consular services available.
• Italian Embassy: Italian citizens spending time in Costa Rica should contact the Italian Embassy in the event of an emergency. This consulate can be found at 5a entrada Barrio Los Yoses, and the phone number is (506) 2224-6574. The official website has more information.
• Chinese Embassy: Chinese nationals who require consular assistance should contact the Chinese Embassy at (506) 2291-4811. The embassy is located at 100 mts sur y 50 mts oeste de la casa de Oscar Arias, in Pavas, San Jose. Visit the official website for more information.
• Russian Embassy: The Russian Embassy is located in Barrio Escalante, San Jose, 100 mts norte y 150 este de la Iglesia Santa Teresita. The main switchboard number is (506) 2256-9181. The official website has more information.

These are just some of the embassies located in Costa Rica. Other countries maintain embassies and consulates here, including Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Israel and Poland, to name a few. To find other helpful information about consular services in Costa Rica, and a range of other topics, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Packing List 

The following list of things to pack for Costa Rica will keep you prepared, and traveling light for any type of Costa Rica itinerary. It also includes a few precautionary guidelines to ensure your personal safety and satisfaction. Follow these tips on what to bring to Costa Rica, and you’ll surely be prepared for a trip of a lifetime!

Official Papers

• Valid passport + copy of the photo page
• Airline tickets
• Driver’s license + copy
• Insurance card and contact information
• Money belt and passport pendant for important documents
• CRV “Airport meeting instructions”

Luggage

• Day-pack or fanny-pack
• Soft sided luggage to avoid going over domestic flight weight limits
• Waterproof bag for wet/dirty clothing
• Zip lock baggies to keep cameras and iPods dry in your backpack

Health

• Eye drops
• Insect repellent
• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and/or just a simple aspirin)
• Waterproof sunscreen
• Contact lenses and cleaning solution
• Personal medicine prescriptions in the original prescription bottles
• Any over the counter medicines that you prefer. Most U.S. brands are not available in Costa Rica.
• Your personal toiletries

Clothing

• Hiking or walking shoes
• Beach sandals or flip-flops (dressy sandals optional)
• T-shirts
• Long sleeved T-shirts (recommended for sunburn protection, hiking and fishing)
• Swimsuits and a casual beach cover-up (for ladies)
• Hiking shorts (quick dry) and cotton shorts
• Lightweight pants and shorts
• Sleepwear
• Socks
• Underwear
• Sun hats or baseball caps

City Clothing

Although Costa Rica is very casual, we recommend that if you are going to spend time in San José, that you bring along a pair of longer pants, good walking shoes, and a bit more formal clothing than you would wear in the laid back beach towns. This helps you to stand out less as a tourist.

Outwear

• Lightweight jacket or raincoat (poncho style); something warmer for higher elevations or on the open ocean
• Umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Camera (batteries and charger)

Other items

• Swiss Army knife
• Keychain flashlight
• Nalgene or other water bottle
• Wet wipes/antibacterial hand gel
• Kleenex
• Pens
• Lighter/matches
• Cork screw

Important tips

• Leave photocopies of your passport, driver’s license, credit cards, airline tickets, and any reservation that you have prepaid, with your home emergency contact person.
• If you are visiting from the US or Canada, there is no need to bring electric converters as they are the same in Costa Rica.
• There is no point in carrying all of your keys.
• Make sure you have plenty of storage on your memory card(s).
• Leave expensive and irreplaceable jewelry at home.
• If you plan on using your credit card frequently, it is very important that prior to leaving on your trip, to inform your bank that you will be in Costa Rica.

Tours 

Is there a weight limit or age limit for adventure tours?

Please note that some tours have weight, age & size restrictions. Be sure to check descriptions on your itinerary and advise us immediately if you have  concerns.

What should I wear for my adventure tours?

If you plan on doing any hiking, or partaking in adventure activities, you should plan on bringing comfortable, durable, closed-toed shoes. We recommend Keen or Teva’s, or Sneakers with a sturdy, treaded sole. Footwear is likely to get wet and muddy, so be prepared, and bring along an extra pair of shoes to wear after your activities. During activities such as rafting and waterfall rappelling, you will get wet. Bring a set of dry clothing to store with the outfitter, so that you can change after the tour. Flip flops are not appropriate for any outdoor adventure activity.