Leaving in 2 weeks...
 

was wondering if there is anything I should know before our trip in 2 weeks, (with the war and everything). We are flying into San Jose and hopefully finding the bus to take us to the Arenal Paraiso hotel. Also, where is the best place to cash in travelers checks? Thanks!

the war in Iraq?

There is a money-change kiosk at the airport. Take $100 cash and change it into Colones to use on your way to Arenal. Your hotel will prob cash your TCs, if not the banks will for a small fee. You can use ATMs at many locations. I dont think you're going to have any problems travelling in this hemisphere. Good luck and have fun!

great, thanks for the input.

Wow 0 have a great time & relax! The view of Arenal Volcano was crystal clear for the last few days (I just got back). You'll be in awe. I agree - take care of the Travellers checks at the airport. Arenal and the nearby Fortuna are small towns. Best to not waste a day doing that.

Oh and bring BUG SPRAY! They'll nibble on you night & day up there.

what kind do you recommend?

For bug spray...anything with DEET works best. For the rainforest? "Deep Woods Off".

If you are going to be using public buses you will need to change money to colones at the airport.
An assortment of small U.S. bills $1's-10's would be good also. Many places accept U.S. money. There are banks in most towns.
I wouldn't count on the ATM's. There are some that accept all Visa cards and fewer that accept MC. Some only accept cards from that bank. It is not unusual for them not to be working also. Some work fine but just be prepared to have to go in and sit in line just in case. Notice I said sit. Most banks have seats to sit in because it can be a bit of a wait. As each person takes their turn you move to the next seat. Some banks even have movies to watch.