FAQs

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

Rehearsal Dinner - This event is cocktail/dinner attire. The event will be at a covered outdoor restaurant. Recommendations for women are sun dresses, dressy tops, dress shorts, skirts. Recommendations for men are short sleeve button down, shorts, or linen pants. Wedding Ceremony and Reception - This event is Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire. Suggestions for women are maxi dresses, cocktail dresses, or dressy jumpsuits. Most of the ground is small gravel so wear wedges, chunky heels, or sandals ( do not wear stilettos). Suggestions for men are dress or linen pants and a long sleeve button down shirt. Jackets and ties are optional. Remember it will be warm!

Question

What airport should I fly into?

Answer

Liberia Guanacaste Airport (Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport or LIR Airport). It is about 45 miles (1h 15min) from Tamarindo.

Question

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

Answer

There are two options. Rent a car or take a prearranged shuttle. The airport is small and has one exit, when you are walking out there will be taxi drivers/other services trying to give you rides. Do not take them (it will cost way more than it should). If you've rented a car, as soon as you exit the outside doors go left and a Sixt (or other rental company) shuttle will be there to pick you up and take you to their rental office (about 5 minutes from the airport). If you have a shuttle, they will also be waiting in the same area.

Question

Where should I stay?

Answer

We've recommended a few hotels under the travel tab with some information about each. If you have specific questions let us know and we will help you pick the right place!

Question

Where will the ceremony and reception be?

Answer

The ceremony will be at Casa Melia and reception will be at Villa Morabeza. Both homes are in the gated community of Punta San Francisco in Playa Langosta, Costa Rica. The neighborhood sits on the point that splits Playa Tamarindo and Playa Langosta. Costa Rica does not use addresses and each home is known by its name, neighborhood, and town.

Question

Should I rent a car or take the shuttle?

Answer

It depends on where you want to say and the activities you plan for your trip. If you are here just for the wedding and staying in Tamarindo, a car isn't necessary but might be the same cost as a shuttle. The town has a lot to do and is walkable (but it is hot). If you stay at the Diria or Wyndham you won't need a car. If you stay at Capitán Suizo you don't need a car if you are fine walking 1 mile to and from town. If you stay at the Westin and don't want to leave other than attend the wedding you don't need a car, but if you want to explore we would recommend it. Having a car does provide a lot of flexibility to go where you want and we do rent one on each trip. The roads to and from the airport and the town are paved. They are single lane and some backups do occur. If you rent a car, we recommend renting through Sixt.

Question

If we rent a car what do I need to know?

Answer

Car insurance: This is the most confusing part about renting a car. Costa Rican government mandates Liability Insurance from the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) coverage (this will be included in the rental cost). Rental companies sell CDW or LDW (Collision Damage Waivers or Liability Damage Waivers) at an additional daily fee. This is where rental companies make most of their money. Most major credit cards already provide rental car insurance as an included benefit. You'll need to contact your credit car company ahead of time and have them provide a letter stating your card covers rental car insurance (it's really easy, they do it all the time). This can save you a lot of money. Most important, if you opt for the rental insurance you cannot use your credit card insurance which typically has MUCH better coverage. Bring a copy of it with you or have the email readily available. How to get around: We use Google Maps and Waze. Check with your cell provider on their policy for data/text. We recommend taking screen shots ahead of time of the route you need to take from the airport to hotel (and any other adventure) incase there is no service. Phone service is fine other than going through the mountains. If you get lost, ask someone. Everyone in our experience is very nice and will point you in the right direction.

Question

What currency does Costa Rica use?

Answer

They use both US Dollars and Costa Rican Colones. Credit cards are widely accepted. We do recommend bringing small bills $1, $5, $10 and $20s. You can pay for anything in US dollars and they will give you change in with Colones or US Dollars. They are always honest about the exchange rate. A few restaurants only take cash and it's nice to buy coconuts and small items on the beach.

Question

Do I need to tip?

Answer

Tipping in Costa Rica is not a standard practice but is always appreciated. Any purchase or service will have a 13% VAT tax (sales tax). Most restaurants will include a 10% service tax added to meals as a tip for the staff, if this is the case you do not need to tip extra (unless you had exceptional service and feel inclined). If the restaurant did not include a 10% service tax, it is appropriate to tip 10%. Here is a quick guide to tipping in Costa Rica: https://www.vacationscostarica.com/travel/tipping-gratuities/

Question

Why Costa Rica?

Answer

We came to Costa Rica a few years ago and loved it here! The scenery is incredible, there is wildlife everywhere, plus the people and food are amazing. We've been back multiple times and Jordan's family will be building a home here.

Question

Contact us

Answer

James McDonald Call or Text 602-793-1183 Jordan Frisbie Call or Text 480-234-8853