FAQs

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

Due to the size of our guest list, we cannot accommodate extra people at the wedding. We only have spaces for the guests listed on your invitation.

Question

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Answer

Our wedding ceremony will take place within the intimate setting of the chapel. Following the ceremony, we will host the cocktail hour and reception in a covered outdoor area. We kindly ask you to dress appropriately for the comfort and elegance of both indoor and outdoor festivities.

Question

Is there available parking?

Answer

Yes, there is convenient parking available right in front of the chapel and adjacent to the wedding venue. If you're staying at the Punta Leona Hotel, you will be assigned a parking space in advance.

Question

Can we bring our kids?

Answer

Although we love your little ones, the wedding is an adults only event. Thank you for making arrangements ahead of time and leaving the kids at home.

Question

What can we bring you as a gift?

Answer

We're excited for your presence, not presents. Please, no gifts.

Question

Are the wedding ceremony and the reception at the same venue?

Answer

The chapel and wedding venue are conveniently located within the same area of the Hotel & Club Punta Leona.

Question

What do I do if I can’t make it?

Answer

Please inform us by marking your RSVP as 'cannot attend' as soon as you are aware of your unavailability. Your prompt response will greatly assist us in making necessary adjustments to catering and seating arrangements.

Question

Is it necessary to book a room at the Hotel & Club Punta Leona for the wedding?

Answer

While staying at the Hotel & Club Punta Leona is not a requirement, we just want to remind you that attending the wedding without a room booking means you won't have access to the hotel's amenities (e.g., the pool, spa, or gym). If you're coming exclusively for our wedding celebration, that's absolutely fine with us!

Question

What should I do if the Hotel & Club Punta Leona is fully booked?

Answer

No stress if the Punta Leona Hotel is all booked up. There's another hotel super close, right by the chapel, so you'll still be in the heart of the action. All the info you need is on our wedding website, just hit up the 'Travel' section. Plus, there are Airbnbs around Punta Leona too. You'll be sorted in no time!

Question

What is Costa Rican Culture Like?

Answer

Costa Ricans are very loving, gregarious and outgoing people. There is a reason why the slogan of the country is pura vida! It means pure life in English. They say this for everything good. Costaricans use it as a greeting, a goodbye, as a way to say thanks or a way to describe how life has been. Costa Ricans, nicknamed “Ticos” are generally laid back people who don’t worry too much about the responsibilities of life. Instead of taking everything so seriously, stressing out and overworking, they enjoy what is given to them.

Question

What is the weather like in Costa Rica?

Answer

Costa Rica weather is tropical due to our proximity to the equator. The country is unique for having over a dozen micro-climates, all of which feature different characteristics. With the weather being so unpredictable, pack light for the beach but don't forget your umbrella and some rain gear – you never know when you might need it!

Question

Are U.S. Dollars accepted in Costa Rica?

Answer

For visitors from the U.S. there’s no reason to change money in advance because dollars are commonly used in Costa Rica, bring $20 bills or smaller (larger denominations are harder to spend because there problems with counterfeit 50s and 100s) and make sure they are in good condition with no tears. For Costa Rica currency we suggest withdraw from an ATM/cash machines. Don't use airport exchange counters as they have high fees, huge commissions, and horrible exchange rates. When using cash, pay for things priced in dollars with dollars (typically more expensive items like hotels, tours, upscale restaurants and overpriced drinks at beachfront bars) and pay for things priced in colones with colones (typically things like hostels, small local restaurants, sodas and groceries). One exception is modern supermarkets (not little mini-supers or pulperias) where things are priced in colones but it does not matter what currency you use to pay because the computerized cash registers are programmed to give the current bank rate for exchange. The currency of Costa Rica is the colon, colones plural.

Question

Can I Get Around Costa Rica Without Knowing Spanish?

Answer

Yes, you can get around Costa Rica without speaking Spanish. Since tourism is one of the most important industries of Costa Rica with the majority of their tourists from the USA and Canada, many locals who work in the tourism industry speak a high level of English. However, don’t count on all Costa Ricans speaking English. Small family run hotels may not speak more than basic English, local restaurant workers may speak very basic or no English and bus/taxi/shuttle drivers know none, little or basic English. If you plan to be visiting non touristic destinations or small, rural towns, we highly recommend learning basic Spanish or downloading Google Translate to work offline. We strongly recommend writing down Spanish words and phrases if you have special needs like food or medicinal allergies, dietary restrictions, disabilities, etc.

Question

Do I need to tip when I'm in Costa Rica?

Answer

Tipping is not required in Costa Rica, unlike in the USA, all restaurants and tourist services in Costa Rica automatically include a 10% gratuity (service tax as it’s called in Costa Rica) in your bill, in addition to the 13% tax, before it is presented to you. Tipping in Costa Rican is optional. That said, it is considered polite to provide an additional amount if you feel the service has exceeded expectations or if extra effort was made to enhance your dining experience.

Question

Looking to dine like a local?

Answer

Sodas are what Costa Ricans call their local Costa Rican restaurant. A Costa Rica soda are normally small, mom and pop open air restaurants that serves only traditional Costa Rican food. It's the ultimate spot for an authentic local dining experience, and it's easy on the wallet too!

Question

What's the best navigation app to use in Costa Rica?

Answer

Waze. Waze was developed using Costa Rica as a testing ground and like WhatsApp has a fanatical following here. Please Note: Costa Rican roads can be challenging. If you do not have 4WD and off road driving skill please use good judgement – Waze will show you where other people went but that does not automatically mean you can do it too. Also Note: There are no addresses in Costa Rica so you’ll need to enter a business name or nearby landmark for driving directions in Waze.

Question

How can I stay connected if my phone doesn't have roaming?

Answer

The easiest place to get a prepaid phone or SIM for your unlocked phone is in the airport. Basic phones cost around $30-40. The SIM cards come in denominations from $5 to $20. If you want a data SIM be sure to add “datos” or “internet” to your request. Some SIMs are for talk and text only. The companies we recommend are: Kolbi and Claro. In the SJO international airport across from the baggage claim carousels is a blue counter with a sign that says Kolbi/ICE.

Question

Do I need an electric adapter for a cell phone?

Answer

Outlets are 110 V, with standard US two prong plugs.

Question

What do I Need to Pack for Costa Rica?

Answer

We recommend bringing clothes that dry fast and wick away moisture, closed toed hiking sandals or good walking shoes, lots of sunscreen and mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hat, a micro fiber towel, an insulated water bottle and a swim suit. For those planning to visit more mountain or high elevation areas like Monteverde, Poas/Vara Blanca, San Isidro de Perez Zeledon and San Gerardo de Dota, make sure to bring a sweater and socks and long pants as it’s cooler up there.

Question

What should I bring when visiting the rain forest?

Answer

All you need is insect repellent, a rain coat with a hood and a comfortable pair of hiking boots.

Question

Where can I practice white water rafting?

Answer

You can practice it at Pacuare, Reventazon, Corobici, Sarapiqui, Naranjo and Savegre rivers.

Question

Can I Drink the Tap Water in Costa Rica?

Answer

Yes, you can drink the tap water in Costa Rica is main cities and major tourist destinations. However, if you have a very sensitive stomach, are sick or getting over a cold, we would recommend you to bring a water filter or buy bottled water if you have to. Furthermore, hotels will tell you if the tap water is safe to drink and most hotels will have filling stations with bottled water.

Question

Can I Flush Toilet Paper in Costa Rica?

Answer

Yes and no, but 99% no. Due to the type of sewage system Costa Rica uses, you have to throw the toilet paper in the trash in nearly all places. There are very few high end resorts and hotels where you can flush the toilet paper but most places will have signs to please throw the toilet paper in the bin.

Question

What are the Best Beaches in Costa Rica?

Answer

Costa Rica has a myriad of beautiful beaches! Some of our personal favorite beaches for tourists are Flamingo, Bahia Ballena, Conchal, Cocles, Punta Uva, Grande, Playa Hermosa Osa, Carrillo and Playa Hermosa Guanacaste.

Question

Where Can I See a Volcano in Costa Rica?

Answer

Costa Rica has many volcanoes! Some are even active! The most popular volcanoes that are easily accessible are Poas, Arenal and Irazu. All three of these volcanoes have their own national park making it easy to see these awesome forces of nature

Question

Where is the Best Place to Visit in Costa Rica?

Answer

The best place to visit in Costa Rica depends on what you want to see and do. If you’re looking for a beach vacation and are visiting for the first time, then beach towns in Guanacaste, Jaco, Puerto Viejo, Santa Teresa, Montezuma or Manuel Antonio are fantastic destinations. Looking for hiking or adventure? La Fortuna, Monteverde and Bajos del Toro are excellent places. Want to get away from it all in the deep rainforest? Head to the Osa Peninsula!

Question

Who shall we contact if we have any other questions?

Answer

Don't hesitate to get in touch with Joss or Chad if you need assistance or have any questions. Also, if you need support in organizing a ride from the airport to your hotel or Airbnb, just let us know.