FAQs

Question

Can you bring US Dollars?

Answer

Yes, you can use USD in Costa Rica. You might receive change in their local currency, which is Colones. So just try to spend the change first so you are not stuck with it in the end. It won't be worth it to exchange it back.

Question

How much cash should you bring?

Answer

A lot of locals depend on tips for their income, so it is customary to tip a small amount to say thank you. Bring $50 in ones for tips (more if you are staying longer than 5 days). Most people tip their driver from the airport to the resort and back to the airport, $2-$3 is enough since you will most likely be with other people going to the same place. You should also tip your bellhop once they show you your room and bring your luggage. Then have some left to tip bartenders if you want better service. You can also tip at the restaurants a& buffet but I don’t find this as common. I read there is a spot on the beach to get $35 massages, if you plan to do this bring cash. If you plan to purchase anything (there will likely be vendors on the beach) I would bring $50-$100. Then I always bring some extra cash just in case. Don’t bring a lot of $20 bills as you might not be able to find change. Just bring a few and the rest $1's, $5’s and $10’s. And don't forget your $75 pp for the boat!

Question

What should you pack? (some of these are just suggestions)

Answer

Two bathing suits, coverup, lighter clothes (temperature will likely be VERY HUMID & in the mid-high 80's during the day), light jacket for mid-high 70's temp at night, bring shorts & tennis shoes if you plan to zip line or go 4 wheeling, two pairs of flips flops/sandals, sunscreen, hat, bug spray, sunglasses, cash, credit card (check to make sure you will not be charged foreign transaction fees), and your PASSPORT. Small closeable bag to use for beach and boat. Travel umbrella-October is the end of rainy season in Liberia, Costa Rica, sometimes it may rain for 10 mins during the day or it could rain all day. Lets hope we get lucky We usually pack these OTC meds–Zyrtec/Benadryl, Hydrocortisone cream, Band-aids, Neosporene, Advil, Dramamine, Antacid, Imodium, Ex-lax (never know how foreign food is going to affect you). If you are traveling outside of the All Inclusive you may want to pack a beach towel, not all hotels provide them or allow you to take them on excursions

Question

How can I contact others when I get there?

Answer

You can make sure you have international data set up with your wireless provider just in case you were to need it at the airport or on the way to the resort. Once you are at the resort you will be able to use free wifi. If you have an iPhone you will be able to text Steve and I, if you do not please download "Whats App" before leaving the US and make sure you can see Steve or I as a contact in the app. Feel free to text us to test it out.

Question

Where can I find everyone when I arrive?

Answer

I believe everyone we have invited will have a layover. Even if your flight departs at 6 am, you probably will not arrive at the resort until 1pm-2pm or later depending on the length of your layover. Steve and I arrive on Tuesday the 12th and after we get checked in we will probably relax and plan to meet everyone in the lobby bar after dinner. If you arrive on Wednesday you can text us when you get there but if we don’t answer that means we are in the water, so check the pool or the beach. Thursday we will all be on a catamaran together!

Question

What is the dress code for a la carte restaurants?

Answer

The app says "We kindly ask that you come dressed appropriately to dinner service. Gentlemen wearing tank tops are not allowed." The buffet dress code says gentlemen may not enter sleeveless and everyone must wear shoes. Women should wear proper dress attire. Basically, don't wear a tank top and short shorts!

Question

Should you rent a car?

Answer

Steve's and my answer would be no, don't do it. We had a bad experience in Panama. Insurance is required in Central America, so the rental car may look cheap online and then when you get there it becomes really expensive. Certain credit cards provide primary coverage (like the Chase Sapphire card), but we were told in Panama that you needed to provide proof. Then I would say if you have the proof there is no guarantee the rental car company will accept it. It's less stressful to hire transportation through a website like Expedia. If you need help finding transportation to another area in Costa Rica, let us know.

Question

Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?

Answer

The tap water at the resort is not drinkable. There should be plenty of filtered bottled water available in the room and around the resort (bars & restaurants) that you can drink and some restaurants outside of the resort will have filtered water as well. Restaurants in Costa Rica have been purchasing water filtration systems so you can drink the water at many of them. Some restaurants/hotels might not have this installed, so you should always ask or just purchase bottled water to be safe.

Question

Items you shouldn’t bring and what to lock up

Answer

Don’t bring expensive jewelry you plan to leave in the room. Anything of value that you do bring you should lock in the room safe as soon as you get to your room. This includes locking up your passport, credit cards and excess money. If you leave money laying out the maid could think it’s a tip, so it’s best to lock everything away as soon as you get in the room just so you know it’s safe.