Tips for Travelers to Costa Rica.
At Posada Andrea Cristina we've jotted down a few “tips” that will make your stay in Costa Rica
even more pleasurable and trouble-free. Please don't hesitate to
contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
- Changing Money: Don't change your all currency into Costa Rican Colones at the airport, nor at your bank at home.
They will charge you more for the Colones.
It's better to wait and go to a bank here in Costa Rica, where you can obtain a better official exchange rate.
In addition, most businesses in Costa Rica accept US Dollars at a reasonable exchange rate.
Here at Posada Andrea Cristina, our rates are all in dollars.
- Bus Transportation: Traveling by bus is interesting and inexpensive.
Coach service is available in just about in any part of Costa Rica.
Just remember to keep a close watch on your luggage, especially when people are getting off the bus. For longer trips, you may want to buy your tickets
at the bus station ahead of time, sometimes even a day in advance, in order to be sure of getting a seat.
If you are traveling to Posada Andrea Cristina, there are bus directions on our contact page.
- Taxi Protocol: If you require taxi service for a longer trip, discuss and agree on the price of the service up front.
Do not wait until you get to your destination to receive “the surprise”.
Better yet, ask us about our own new tour offering!
(Tipping for taxi drivers is generally 10 to 15 percent, and is not included in the rates.)
- Car Rental: When renting a car, make sure the rental agency marks all dents and scratches clearly into the contract record.
Read the contract carefully, and make sure you understand it. Full insurance coverage is strongly advised.
Some car rental agencies may try to make extra money by charging for small marks or dents in the cars that they never get around to repairing.
- Car Breakdowns: If you get a flat tire on your rental car, do not accept any “help” or let a stranger near your vehicle.
Someone may take advantage of your distraction to take some of your belongings.
If you can, drive to the nearest safe place before attending to the car.
If possible, carry a cell phone and have the numbers you need to call for assistance
- Drinking Water: Most places in Costa Rica have potable drinking water. If you are not sure, use lots of lemon juice in the water or on your salads, just in case.
If yours is a short visit, you may want to stick to bottled water, soft drinks, or beer. Fruit is normally safe to eat.
If you want to be extra cautious, stick to fruit you peel yourself.
- Eating Inexpensively: The most typical and inexpensive places to eat are called “Sodas” and normally are run by families.
The food is generally very tasty and represents traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Most popular is the tasty “Casado” (literally “married”),
which comes with either fish, meat, chicken or even vegetarian, and is usually served with rice, plantains and vegetables or salad.
If you are concerned about the drinking water issue on salad greens, ask for lemon slices and squeeze them liberally over your food.
As an added bonus, it tastes extra good that way. No need for any of that with our delicious and healthy breakfasts,
included at no extra charge with all accommodations.
- Paying the Bill: If you are charged Sales Tax on food service, ask for a receipt and be sure to get a proper numbered receipt
with the name of the establishment on it.
That way you can be sure that the tax you pay goes where intended. If you are not being charged tax, there is no need to ask for a receipt.
(Without a receipt, restaurants are only allowed to charge you a 10 per cent service charge and no Sales Tax. The smaller "Sodas" do not
generally include any tip in their bill.)
- Accepting Help: Normally people are very friendly here. Mostly of the time they just want to help the visitor to our country.
Still, whenever and wherever you travel, in any country, it's important to keep your eyes open.
- Driving & Directions: Finally, driving in Costa Rica can be a challenge for sure, particularly since there are few road signs to rely on.
Don't hesitate to ask for directions. People are almost always kind and willing to help out. Some guests have made it easily to our place
with the help of a G.P.S. Click here for our coordinates.
Return to our home
Note: Puerto Viejo ("Old Port") is a common name in Costa Rica. Don't get confused.
We're in
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
(on the river, about 100 km. inland); don't confuse us with
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
which is down on the Caribbean coast, a few hours from here.
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