Costa Rica

We’re planning a trip to Costa Rica this July and from what I understand my verizon phone won’t be of any use to me there. I’ve done some research and found that people rent cell phones while on vacation. I’ll have to have some form of communication because I have a 2 yr. old daughter that will be staying with the grandparents…anyone have any experience with this??

My cell phone (GSM) form Rogers (Canada), would connect to the CR network and allow me to retrieve messages without any problems. However, Verizon does not have an agreement with CR, so your phone will not work there.

With regards to renting phone in Costa Rica, while I do not have direct experience, I have heard is easily done but is rather expensive. Also, keep in mind that the cell phone coverage is somewhat spotty.

You can do it directly from:
http://www.cellphonescr.com/
http://www.costaricacellularconnection.com/
http://cellulartelephonerentals.com/

This other website also provides good information and some price info:
http://www.vacationcity.com/costa-rica/cell-phone/

Here, in CR, road maps are not very used, because they just show you important roads or some of the roads with name as Paseo Colón or Avenida Segunda. Try to print maps from www.mapealo.com there appear MOST of the roads in San Jose. If you need some help driving, just ask locals, they may tell you.

1. Should I book in advance or just get there and find the cheapest deal.

2. Can you negotiate the cost (Hotel/Day Tours) there or use student discount ?

3. Any website to get deals on tours / hotels for students ?

Thanks !

Hiya, Harsh,
In what season will you be vising Costa Rica? From my experience, the majority of mainstream hotels do not offer student pricing, but they do offer ´green season´ prices which are lower due to possibilities of inclement weather and tourism drop-off. In this particular travel climate, many hotels are willing to negotiate something lower than their usual prices to draw business in off season–I have not found that to be the case in high season.

Definitely do bring your student ID as many of the Tour operators offer student pricing and discounts for excusrions, whcih could save you a significant amount. All of the national parks have student entrance pricing as well–the main draw here in CR, since most of us come here to see the wildlife…

You can look under the terms backpackers, mochilleros, hostels etc. to try and find low cost housing, but you´ll also find the majority of cabinas in Costa Rica are simple, clean and reasonably inexpensive.

What type of budget are you travelling on? While I personally own and manage a luxury boutique hotel in Monteverde, I spent my first year backpacking throughout the country. Perhaps I could make some specific suggestions if you give me an idea of season, budget and destinations–or would you like suggestions?

Costa Rica has AWSOME fishing. Marlin, sail fish tuna you name it theyve got it. Its also a beautiful country and inexpensive. You can take a day trip to the rainforrest or volcano or spend all your time out with a fishing charter. Some of the Best places to go (for fishing) are Quepos, Mal Pais, Tamarindo for the big game fish or Puerto Viejo for more tropical and lobster. Keep in mind that summer is the rainy season to try to go btwn sept and april.

Also, the road conditions…like if the roads are bad because of any torrential downpours…would one be completely stuck in the hotel?

for A b s o l u t HUNNY: girl, malaria in CR is eradicated since several years ago..

the weather in costa rica in august -octuber could be describe with just one word "rainly"

Anyone have any advice/tips? Is it wise to exchange my money to colones? a little of both? credit cards? Any places i HAVE to see, or to stay away from? THANX!!

No, there is no place in the whole country that you even need colones. You can take them out of an ATM, but you’re ok with dollars, especially in Guanacaste.

I’m going to Costa Rica for a week in March. I’m spending 2 nights in Manuel Antonio, 2 nights in Monteverde, and 3 nights in Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) – in that order. Everything’s already booked. Is this too much ground to cover in about a week? If I had to cut one, which one would it be? I don’t want to change plans, but now I’m a bit concerned about transportation eating up too much time. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

i would say NO, it is not enough time. costa rica is a very diverse country and transportation alone takes a longtime. if you’re only going to those 3 places, maybe it’s ok – it would be tight, but it’s not unacceptable or anything. i would give AT LEAST 3 nights for each place, and not to mention, there are plenty of other wonderful places in costa rica to explore as well.

I am traveling with my Spanish class from the US to Costa Rica this summer for three weeks during the months of May and June. I am having problems figuring out what to pack and what to expect when I go there. Please let me know what you suggest. Thanks.
I am going to San Jose

First I would find out where in Costa Rica you will be. Out by the coasts it tends to be hot with rain showers in the afternoon. The Central Valley (San Jose area) Tends to be around 65-78 degrees during the days and of course cooler in the nights. It also tends to be more cloudy and rainy in the central valley area so bring an umbrella. The coasts are like I stated earlier hot. I would bring cool comfortable clothes with a couple pairs of warm clothing (ie- jeans with a sweater) The bug spray is a good idea. I would keep Jewelry and electronic items to a minimum as these are items easily stolen and lost so they should be kept with you at all times. Costa Ricans as a whole are friendly, caring, helpful people. As you will be with a group I’m sure your teachers and friends can help you out as well. As far as using the ATM it is no problem just try to avoid them at night. Also call you bank and find out if there are any fees associated with using an out of coutry ATM machine. I’ve known people who bank with Bank Of America and they get charged $9-10 dollars EVERY TIME they make a withdrawl. Also be aware that when you do use the ATM there is also an exchange fee if you withdrawl Colone (the national currency of Costa Rica is the Colone) it is minimal but it all adds up. Some ATMs here in Costa Rica will only allow you to withdrwal Colone. However most will allow you to choose which currency you would prefer. Also if you plan on taking any tours and are going to pay in CASH most places will give you a 10% discount if you ask for it. This also includes the trinket shops where you can buy shirts and stuff. Just remember if you are paying CASH ask for a discount. I would definitly reccemend sunscreen as we are very close to the Equator here and the sun is many times stronger than in the United States. Keep in mind that we do have Supermarkets here and you can purchase almost anything here so if you do forget something you will most likely be able to find it here. You can also e-mail me with any other questions you may have. I hope you enjoy your trip.

Me and my friends are trying to plan a trip to Costa Rica or DR for this summer… (something all inclusive of course)… are there any travel agencies (Walk-ins or Online.. doesn’t really matter) that have really good all-inclusive deals for really cheap?? If so can you post them? =) Thanks

I’ve been to both places and I would HIGHLY recommend Costa Rica over DR !!! Costa Rica is ALOT more tourist friendly and SAFE !!! DR is a terribly impoverished country and once you leave the resort grounds, you won’t feel safe AT ALL . . . and I’m from DETROIT !!! I’ve now been back to Costa Rica twice and would never return to DR.

There’s alot of beautiful places in the world, but what makes a country truly beautiful are it’s people . . . and the people of Costa Rica add to the natural beauty of the country. The people of DR detract from it.

I’d like to know about the hotels they select and if they have a " sucide Shower " and did they find any scorpions in their hotel?
I know all about the sucide showers and I wanted to know if the hotels they used had them,

A suicide shower is a name that was coined for showers that have a heating element attached to the head of the shower, which you turn on with a throw-switch (usually with bare wires) that is attached to the wall next to the shower.