Best of Costa Rica Packing List:

Valid passport for every member of your party (Must be valid for at least 90 days after date of entry) Jeans Shorts Trousers Shirts (cotton or light synthetic) Swim suits Rain gear—poncho or raincoat Sneakers or Hiking shoes or boots Rubber-soled sandals with heel sling/Teva-style Casual dress shoes Sweatshirt / sweater / light jacket Camera and film or memory devices Sunscreen Insect repellent for hiking and entering the rainforest Binoculars Toiletries

Insurance

If your credit card company does not offer trip cancellation coverage, travel insurance can give you the peace of mind of knowing that your investment will be refunded in case you need to cancel or cut short your vacation. In case of an emergency, Best of Costa Rica will honor each hotel and operator’s cancellation policies, and will try to negotiate the best possible outcome for you and your family.

http://insuremytrip.com/p/myquote?pid=5702

US State Department travel sheet for Costa Rica:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html

Safety Notes:

Costa Rica has a well-deserved reputation for safety and tranquility.  However, the growth in tourism has seen an unfortunate rise in robberies and other crimes against visitors.  Please be mindful of your belongings at ALL times and NEVER leave valuables unattended.  If you must leave items in a vehicle, make sure they are out of plain sight.  At your hotel, make good use of security boxes to lock passports, extra cash, jewelry, electronic equipment, etc.  Although the odds are in your favor, it is best to avoid any incidents that may sour your vacation.  Be safe and have fun!

Flights:

• You must arrive at the airport 45-60 minutes before local departure flights.
• There is a limit of 27-30 pounds per person for the Sansa, Nature Air, and charter flights. Pack light: duffels are preferable to hard suitcases. If you go over the weight limit, local airlines may charge a small fee, about 0.51 cents per pound, but this is entirely subject to available space. Surf boards are accepted on a case by case basis but they may not be over 7 feet long.

Money:

• Visa and Master Card are the most common credit cards in Costa Rica and are thus widely accepted (hotels, restaurants, souvenirs shops, gas stations, etc). Keep in mind that using a credit card will get you a better exchange rate. It is advisable to bring cash in small denomination bills for tips and other light expenses. You can exchange dollars for local currency (colones) at any hotel or at the bank at the airport (if it is open). Traveler’s checks are not commonly accepted.

Driving in Costa Rica:

We suggest driving during the daytime since it is easier to spot the road signs for your destination hotels. If you are unsure about directions, it is best to ask around, people are very friendly. Please do not leave any valuables in the car and always lock your car.

Car Rentals

Best of Costa Rica features only the most reputable car rental companies. The minimum age for renting a vehicle in Costa Rica is 21 and you must have a valid driving license. The LDW (loss damage waiver) is included in all rentals. The car rental company will charge $800-1500 on your credit card as a guarantee deposit. Once you drop off the car they will return your credit card slip, the credit takes 3-4 days to post. Please be sure to drop off the car directly at the rental car offices or to a representative of the company.

Transfers

Having a private driver (with or without a guide) takes away the stress of driving and the inconvenience of getting lost. Our private drivers are professional, experienced and friendly, and will provide interesting tidbits about our history, culture and traditions.  Once you reach your destination, you can use local taxi services or tour operators if you wish to tour the region or explore nearby towns.

Rafting in Costa Rica:

Because of safety reasons, river rafting may be cancelled at the operator’s discretion should the river’s water level be deemed unsafe. Although cancellations are not common, the rafting company will give a 100% refund. Recommended gear: rubber-soled shoes, swimsuits and shorts, sunscreen, croakies or other eyeware retainers for your glasses, light rain jacket or wind breaker for rainy days, disposable waterproof camera, a change of clothes, dry shoes, and towel. (Personal items can be left in the bus during your adventure)

Shopping at the airport:

Save a little of your best shopping for last... The souvenir shops at the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José offer an excellent selection of local merchandise. From striking exotic wood bowls to Costa Rican coffee, you will find the perfect gift for your loved ones... and yourself!

Should I bring my cell phone:

As hard as it may be to part with your cell phone… it is best not to bring it along. The Costa Rican wireless network is country-specific so you won’t be able to place or receive calls.