First timer to CR, please help with basics on travel
 

My husband and I are traveling to CR next week, for our first flight out of the country. We have no idea what we are doing! We fly from Flint, MI to Atlanta, then on to SJO. Do we go through customs when we get on our plane in Atlanta? What does that involve? How many lines or checkpoints do we go through? Can someone walk me through what we can expect at each step from getting on the plane to what we do after landing in Costa Rica? It probably seems silly to some of you seasoned travelers, but our only customs experience is the few questions we get when crossing into Canada. Thanks.

I can't help you for customs etc. in the states ...... But , once you land in Costa Rica you will have a few lines to go through . The first is immigration , there will be a few rows , one for actual Costa Ricans , one for former Costa Ricans , one for tourists .... ( you )Also , keep the slip of paper you filled out , saves time when you depart the country ,the immigration guy passes it back . You will be able to tell . After that , follow the herd , get your bag and you line-up again for customs ) I think ) lol ... Then you exit the airport ! hopefully someone else helps as well . Also , that paper you need is for when you pay the "departure" tax ($26.00) , when you come off the glass walkway , take a sharp right and get in the lineup for the departure tax . ( obviously this is the day you fly home )

The first time we flew any where out of the US, it was to Mexico. The flight attendant on the plane pretty much walked us through every line of the custom form that needs to be filled out. That was the one and only time anyone has done anything but pass them out. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you find this form confusing. Also, have a pen handy, the airline might not have one. You'll also need to have your passport handy, the number needs to be written on the form. Each person needs an immigration form, one custom declaration per family.

Going through immigrations and customs involves some standing in line, but don't worry about anything, there really isn't other way to go. The authorities want to make sure everyone goes the right way, so traffic is basically one way. Your chances of making a wrong turn and getting lost are virtually non-existant.

Have a great trip.

Most of the major airlines have a sample form in their flight magazine to guide you with immigration and custom forms.

Thanks for all of your help.

Agree with the other posts. You basically just follwo the crowd, get into line and then a immgration offical in a glass booth for your line, takes your passport, stamps it and hands it back. Then you follow the crowd to baggage pick up, once you have your luggage head for the exit, you will have to go past a customs offical there adn hand in your declarations form. It's really easy don't worry about it. Once outside look for your driver or find a cab.