Info needed on CR trip
Oct 27th, 2004, 07:47 PM
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Info needed on CR trip
Hi,
I started reading these posts in February of this year. I was planning an 8 day trip to CR in November and at that time it seemed so far. I can't believe that I will be leaving in about 2 weeks. As I have posted previously, I will be staying at the Peace Lodge, Tabacon , and Paradisus.
I booked all my transfers with CR Transfers- very professional, fast, and efficient dealing with them.
Now, I just have a few questions that I would appreciate help with:
1) Based on my hotels and the fact that I won't have a rental car, where would you recommend that I exchange money? We are planning on bringing cash and credit cards only- no traveller's checks. Also, how much money would you recommend changing into colones? And finally, do you think that the hotels would give us a good exchange rate if they indeed do exchange money?BTW- we arrive at 2 pm on a Friday at SJO if that helps- I was hoping that while 2 of us waited for luggage, the other 2 could go get the colones.
2)We are flying into San Jose but flying out of Liberia, so when do you recommend that we should purchase the exit tax? Is it still $26? Also, can you purchase for someone else or must all of us be present?
3)Anything else you think I need to know?
Best hotel rooms, best places to eat in Arenal besides Tabacon, or places to see in between our transfers......
Thanks for all your help. I haven't been on the forum much because I really can't help anyone out being that it's my first trip, but I will definitely post a report and pictures when I return.
I started reading these posts in February of this year. I was planning an 8 day trip to CR in November and at that time it seemed so far. I can't believe that I will be leaving in about 2 weeks. As I have posted previously, I will be staying at the Peace Lodge, Tabacon , and Paradisus.
I booked all my transfers with CR Transfers- very professional, fast, and efficient dealing with them.
Now, I just have a few questions that I would appreciate help with:
1) Based on my hotels and the fact that I won't have a rental car, where would you recommend that I exchange money? We are planning on bringing cash and credit cards only- no traveller's checks. Also, how much money would you recommend changing into colones? And finally, do you think that the hotels would give us a good exchange rate if they indeed do exchange money?BTW- we arrive at 2 pm on a Friday at SJO if that helps- I was hoping that while 2 of us waited for luggage, the other 2 could go get the colones.
2)We are flying into San Jose but flying out of Liberia, so when do you recommend that we should purchase the exit tax? Is it still $26? Also, can you purchase for someone else or must all of us be present?
3)Anything else you think I need to know?
Best hotel rooms, best places to eat in Arenal besides Tabacon, or places to see in between our transfers......
Thanks for all your help. I haven't been on the forum much because I really can't help anyone out being that it's my first trip, but I will definitely post a report and pictures when I return.
Oct 27th, 2004, 08:10 PM
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1. Used credit card and cash during entire week. You will receive Colones in change. Maybe we visited only touristy places, but everywhere accepted USD and cc payments. Hotels will charge 4-6% for exchanging USD to CRC.
2. You can pay the $26 exit tax at the airport. One of us stood in line with both passports, while the other person stood in the baggage inspection line. If you have a lighter or matches, discard these prior to baggage inspection. Or, place them in your pocket if you need them later.
3. From February to now, you have a good grasp on everyone's favorites from the threads here. Have you also read on Frommers.com? Igougo.com? Slowtrav.com?
We never had a bad meal in Arenal. Tab breakfast was great way to start the day. Great service and steaks at Hotel Arenal Rossi Restaurante Steak House Arenas - open air restaurant with drought-resistant landscape right on the main road (name?) between Fortuna and dense area of hotels. Many business signs don't have addresses, but do have phone numbers.
2. You can pay the $26 exit tax at the airport. One of us stood in line with both passports, while the other person stood in the baggage inspection line. If you have a lighter or matches, discard these prior to baggage inspection. Or, place them in your pocket if you need them later.
3. From February to now, you have a good grasp on everyone's favorites from the threads here. Have you also read on Frommers.com? Igougo.com? Slowtrav.com?
We never had a bad meal in Arenal. Tab breakfast was great way to start the day. Great service and steaks at Hotel Arenal Rossi Restaurante Steak House Arenas - open air restaurant with drought-resistant landscape right on the main road (name?) between Fortuna and dense area of hotels. Many business signs don't have addresses, but do have phone numbers.
Oct 28th, 2004, 06:24 AM
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I have to agree with TripleSecDelay. It's not necessary to exhange money. But, don't take a lot of large bills....stick mostly to $20's.
Hotels would probably take $50's for hotel rooms, but will also take credit cards. Visa is best as I've heard it's more widely accepted in CR, especially for ATM machines, but I've had no problems using Mastercard for hotels so far.
Hotels would probably take $50's for hotel rooms, but will also take credit cards. Visa is best as I've heard it's more widely accepted in CR, especially for ATM machines, but I've had no problems using Mastercard for hotels so far.
Oct 28th, 2004, 07:20 AM
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I just love El Novillo. Great food and unbelievable view of Arenal. Located between Arenal Paraiso and Montana del Fuego.
Try to go into a private bank if you find it necessary to go to a bank. It is generally quicker. It is a little daunting the first time as there are guards everywhere. Many banks outside of San Jose have rows of chairs and it works out pretty well for your circulation as you get up and shift chairs as each person goes to the counter. The one time we went in San Jose it was a very lengthy stand in line.
Some of the larger hotels will allow you to change a certain amount of money per day. As was mentioned, U.S. dollars are accepted in most of the tourist areas. Keep them small..under $20. And try to have ones in good condition. I have never had too many $1's and $5's.
There is a bank in the airport that you can go to but I would not worry about it. Everyone in CR seems to have a calculator these days but if you are worried about being ripped off, carry a small one with you. Do expect some variation in the exchange rate as in any country but try to have a fairly current base to go by. It could change just between now and the time you go. I don't worry about a few cents/colones difference here and there. It isn't worth the hassle but if there is a huge difference I would say something.
Try to go into a private bank if you find it necessary to go to a bank. It is generally quicker. It is a little daunting the first time as there are guards everywhere. Many banks outside of San Jose have rows of chairs and it works out pretty well for your circulation as you get up and shift chairs as each person goes to the counter. The one time we went in San Jose it was a very lengthy stand in line.
Some of the larger hotels will allow you to change a certain amount of money per day. As was mentioned, U.S. dollars are accepted in most of the tourist areas. Keep them small..under $20. And try to have ones in good condition. I have never had too many $1's and $5's.
There is a bank in the airport that you can go to but I would not worry about it. Everyone in CR seems to have a calculator these days but if you are worried about being ripped off, carry a small one with you. Do expect some variation in the exchange rate as in any country but try to have a fairly current base to go by. It could change just between now and the time you go. I don't worry about a few cents/colones difference here and there. It isn't worth the hassle but if there is a huge difference I would say something.
Oct 28th, 2004, 08:05 PM
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Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice. I didn't even think about bringing a small calculator. It reminded me of my trip to Spain- every time I was given a price, I pulled out the calculator and my mom said, "oh no, I didn't come here to do math." It was funny to see her face everytime I pulled out the calculator
Anyway, since everything from our hotels to transfers are already paid for, we just need money for tours, souvenirs, meals, etc. Thanks for the info on small bills- I am a very generous tipper- sometimes to my husband's dismay. So I always have a bunch of small bills. I must say I get great service though.
I can't wait to eat some of the fruit. Are there road side stands that sell fruit , roasted pork, juices (sugar cane etc.) Just wondering if it's anything like the mountains and rainforest areas of Puerto Rico.
Anyway, since everything from our hotels to transfers are already paid for, we just need money for tours, souvenirs, meals, etc. Thanks for the info on small bills- I am a very generous tipper- sometimes to my husband's dismay. So I always have a bunch of small bills. I must say I get great service though.
I can't wait to eat some of the fruit. Are there road side stands that sell fruit , roasted pork, juices (sugar cane etc.) Just wondering if it's anything like the mountains and rainforest areas of Puerto Rico.
Oct 28th, 2004, 09:44 PM
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Wolfiesmom : I, too, get nailed for tipping by my spouse. However, mostly in the U.S. It's okay while we're on vacation; Maybe she agrees with me that the small amount of a tip to us means much more to the recipient.
Regarding food stands... Sodas sell inexpensive meals. They are virtually everywhere, and most are obviously marked with either a sign for Coca-Cola or Imperial beer.
Interesting that you mention roasted pork. By the end of our last trip to PR, we were calling it "Puerco Rico". I'm not aware of the CR diet focused on pork - more focused on chicken, rice, beans, platinos, heart of palm, etc.
There's a current thread here on Fodors titled "CR recipes"... it may eventually contain enough posts to provide insight to the staple foods served there.
Your comment about the calculator leads me to believe that maybe you haven't seen the posts here on Fodors that have lists of what to bring to CR. Please find these using the [search] function. There may be other items that will be useful during your visit...
Regards,
Regarding food stands... Sodas sell inexpensive meals. They are virtually everywhere, and most are obviously marked with either a sign for Coca-Cola or Imperial beer.
Interesting that you mention roasted pork. By the end of our last trip to PR, we were calling it "Puerco Rico". I'm not aware of the CR diet focused on pork - more focused on chicken, rice, beans, platinos, heart of palm, etc.
There's a current thread here on Fodors titled "CR recipes"... it may eventually contain enough posts to provide insight to the staple foods served there.
Your comment about the calculator leads me to believe that maybe you haven't seen the posts here on Fodors that have lists of what to bring to CR. Please find these using the [search] function. There may be other items that will be useful during your visit...
Regards,
Oct 29th, 2004, 01:27 AM
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Have a great trip!!!!
Please post when you return. I'm particularly interested to hear what you think of Paradisus as I have reservations there (as well as two oher hotles) for December.
Pura vida!
Please post when you return. I'm particularly interested to hear what you think of Paradisus as I have reservations there (as well as two oher hotles) for December.
Pura vida!
Oct 29th, 2004, 04:29 AM
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Don't worry about feeling foolish in CR as even the Costa Ricans have calculators. Don't forget some inexpensive ponchos (small compact ones), flashlights, plastic bags to keep wet/dirty items in. I go to CR for several weeks every year and the above are essentials for me. Looking at your itinerary, Peace Lodge is probably the only place you might need any type of covering for rain. Even there it might only be a very heavy mist from the clouds although there can be considerable spray from some of the waterfalls while exploring them.
As far as tipping, you will find that most Costa Ricans do deserve more than the 10% already added to the food bill. We are generous tippers also. My husband worked in the service industry for 8 years while in college and grad school so we understand how important they are to life!
There will be plenty of roadside fruit stands to buy fresh fruit. Some of my favorite things are the guanabana, the white pineapple, fresh papayas. I also love the chayote squash and was thrilled to find it here at home at a local store. Do have heart of palm salad..yum. No danger of not running into the national dishes of CR such as rice and beans and Casado. As was mentioned, the little sodas are the best places (and cheapest) to go for real typical food.
As far as tipping, you will find that most Costa Ricans do deserve more than the 10% already added to the food bill. We are generous tippers also. My husband worked in the service industry for 8 years while in college and grad school so we understand how important they are to life!
There will be plenty of roadside fruit stands to buy fresh fruit. Some of my favorite things are the guanabana, the white pineapple, fresh papayas. I also love the chayote squash and was thrilled to find it here at home at a local store. Do have heart of palm salad..yum. No danger of not running into the national dishes of CR such as rice and beans and Casado. As was mentioned, the little sodas are the best places (and cheapest) to go for real typical food.
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