Tips For First Time Travelers To Costa Rica
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Costa Rica projects an image of breathtaking nature tours, majestic waterfalls, and the free-spirited Pura Vida state of being. Costa Rica offers all that and more, however foreign travelers to Costa Rica are shocked to learn that they suffer from a unique set of problems. This post should help inform you of these problems and allow for a fantastic time in Costa Rica.
There are numerous of good points about Costa Rica that makes visiting less of a chore. Lots of Costa Ricans speak English and US dollars are an acceptable currency to use. For small purchases, keep a couple bucks worth of the local currency (Colones) in your wallet; the exchange rate is roughly 600 Colones/ $1 USD. Also, the entire country is wired in 110V so American appliances will work without cumbersome adapters.
More than, you will be flying into San Jose Airport (SJO) which has a welcoming and friendly modern customs and immigration terminal. This is where some of the shine of the country may wear off if you are not prepared.
First off, there are signs posted informing visitors that it is illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with minors. Then, there are strict reminders that trafficking and possessing hard drugs is also extremely illegal. Those who are looking for a place to get away with felonies should find somewhere else to visit. The police in Costa Rica do not have a sense of humor regarding felonious behavior.
The taxi stable at SJO which is sadly the one place in Costa Rica where visitors are wise to be on the lookout for con men and shady, unlicensed cab drivers. Their scam is to offer an exclusive tour of the surrounding countryside that you can’t get anywhere else; these can lead to nightmare stories of third-world burglary. The most recommended counter to this issue is to book transportation ahead of time with a trusted transportation service.
In the last decade the condition of the roads in Costa Rica have been improved tremendously, however there are still sections where the pavement is non-existent and you will be driving on dirt, rocks, and other debris. During the monsoon season trees fall and block the whole road. Vehicle breakdowns, accidents, and mudslides can delay traffic for hours, and you must be prepared to stop for a while.
Once out in the countryside, the Pura Vida mentality should take hold of you. Most Costa Ricans are kind, generous, and authentically concerned with the safety of their country. Serious crime is not a concern outside of the bigger cities and the sportfishing, ecotourism, and other natural attractions truly live up to the hype.
A final note: Customs collects a $36 deportation tax when you leave Costa Rica no matter destination. It is due at the airport in cash or else you can not leave the country. This is non-negotiable and can be a real issue for backpackers who are down to a few pennies when it’s time to leave. Make sure you set aside this money.
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