The dress code is semi-formal, here is a link to see ideas of what that entails. *** https://pin.it/6AyCJrZHP ***
Yes you can drink tap water.
No, we do not have malaria in this area. However, mosquito repellant is a very good idea.
No, they do not accept Canadian money in Manuel Antonio.
US cash is accepted country-wide. No US coins are accepted.
NO, please check your bills carefully before bringing them here. Ask your bank to exchange torn, missing corner bills for new ones. If they look at you funny, you can tell them that Costa Rican banks do not accept torn bills; this is true.
In most smaller stores/restaurants, no. It’s better to bring 20’s and just $50’s and $100’s if you plan on paying a hotel room with it (check with individual hotels first), $50’s are accepted at most restaurants or exchanging them in the bank. This is due to a high quantity false bills that go through Costa Rica.
No, there aren’t any banks in Manuel Antonio that will accept traveler’s checks.
Only luxury hotels in Costa Rica have this service. The average is $3 - $5 per service.
Your bill includes a 10% service tax, which is a law-mandated gratuity. Some menus will even list prices with taxes included. The waiters make very little and we recommend leaving an extra 10% unless of course, if you get bad service.
It depends on what you are buying… Everything across the board has a 13% VAT added to it Restaurants also have a 10% service/gratuity tax (tip)
No, it would be more of a burden than anything. The roads are narrow and there is little parking. There are taxis that run all night and an excellent bus system during the day. (every 20 minutes until 7pm)
Almost everyone in tourist areas speaks English. If not they know someone near who can help you or can understand you.
No, please don’t. Bring a photocopy and keep the original in the hotel / house safe. You only need your passport at the airport and if you go to a bank to exchange money.
Costa Rica is like all places in the world, there is petty theft and crime. Remember, you are coming to a third world country. If you use common sense, you should be fine. 100% of the time: keep an eye on your bags, leave valuables in the hotel room or safe, don’t leave bags in cars unattended, don’t expose large amounts of cash in public, and keep your room and car locked. Costa Rica is a very casual country and there is no need to bring expensive jewelry, handbags, or clothing. Passports and credit cards are not needed on the beach!
Yes, but it is an ocean, and you need to respect Mother Nature. There are certain times of the day when the current is stronger than others. Most of the time there are not lifeguards on the beach. If you find yourself in a rip tide, swim horizontal, not towards the beach
Coffee is number one here and you can take as much back with you as you want. There are also souvenir shops on the beach and in Quepos with tropical wooden handicrafts, hammocks, t-shirts, and sarongs. For nicer and more expensive gifts, try Regalame Art Gallery with Costa Rican artists’ work displayed or the shops in Plaza Yara
Approx 550 - 600 colones to $1 USD at this time Please DO NOT bring CAD or Traveler’s Checks, CAD is accepted only at the Central Bank in San Jose. You cannot use CAD money in Manuel Antonio. Traveler’s checks are not accepted at all.