Hi, Leaving in 4 days to CR and have some general questions. Hope someone can help...

Regarding a videocamera- any restrictions on bringing in- batteries, tapes, etc.. Other advice. I remember reading something about vc but can't find the thread.

What is customs area like? Do you press a button that randomly chooses you to be checked. I remember something like this when I went to Mexico.

Are places open on Sunday? We will be at Peace Lodge for a Sunday and trying to decide if we should plan to be off grounds on Sat or Sun depending on what may be available.

Lastly, not sure if there is anything else that we should know that we may not be asking, such as the exit tax fee. I know this is a really broad question, but I guess I am asking if you were surprised on your trips with something that you didn't expect.

Thanks

Wolfiesmom,
We have taken our video camera several times without incident--I carry 2 batteries (although it really isn't necessary), 3-4 cassettes (haven't upgraded to digital yet), etc. We've gotten excellent video.

At immigration you simply get in line and pass through to have your passport stamped. Have never been checked or seen others being checked. Perhaps they check CR citizens coming in on international flights--don't know--I've never paid much attention to what's going on in those lines. If the area seems crowded, move all the way over to the farthest line from the entrance. It is generally shorter because most people stop at one of the lines closer to the entrance. Last week there were about 8 people ahead of us--it was great! I don't expect you'll run into long lines in November.

Have never had problem doing anything on Sunday--seems to be business as usual, with the exception of a few stores.

We've never done this, but some have recommended paying for exit tax ahead of time following arrival. I'd be afraid of losing that little slip of paper! If you arrive a couple of hours early, you simply get in line to pay exit tax (to your right as you enter), then proceed to the ticket counters where you will need to fill out a form.

The exit tax is $26/person and as with shillmac, I've never paid it early. Just too antsy to get on the road I guess! (And of course, I'd been the one to lose the paperwork!) If you decide to do this, you'll need to walk up to the upper level where departures are located and then just inside the door to your right. Immigration and customs at SJO is a breeze. Customs is alerted to individuals bringing in food products (ie: USDA beef is forbidden and is poultry) so you still might be searched, but it's just a standard procedure. Cameras etc. for personal use on vacation is just fine. There are duty free shops that sell wine/spirits at the departure level as well as baggage claim. If there is a special something you'd like to pick up, it's very inexpensive at duty free. Have a great trip!

Lisa in M. Antonio

I have never had any luggage checked upon arrival. At most, they might check a claim ticket against the bag you pick up. They are mostly interested in the paperwork being filled out (you will be given this on the plane to fill out before you get there) and your passport in good order. Luggage is usually checked more when departing than arriving these days due to increased security.

When packing, I would recommend you put any shampoos and conditioners etc in clear plastic bags and place them on top of your clothes so they can see it right away when/if they do a search. I was told by someone at security once that the extra thickness of conditioners and other creamy things can set off alarms.

As far as batteries and that, We used to bring a whole lot of film (have updated to digital) and never had any problem.

Wolfiesmom, have a fantastic trip!! I look forward to reading your trip report about people, activities, impresssions, restaurants, Paradisus Playa Conchal, etc!!!!!
Another question, for any who answer this post: what about bringing medications into the country? Should you have the original prescription, packaging, etc?? I always wonder about this for international travel, since being asked crossing the border from Canda to USA, to prove that the little white pills I had were indeed Excedrin--even though it was imprinted on the tablet!!