FAQs

Question

Do I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica?

Answer

You WILL need a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica. Please make sure your passport will be valid for 6 months after your departure. If you need to apply or renew, visit https://travel.state.gov. The process should take around two months. Don't delay!

Question

DO I NEED TO RSVP?

Answer

YES! Please submit your response on the RSVP tab

Question

Can I bring the kiddos?

Answer

We love your mini me's, but our nuptials will be adults only. If you are bringing children with you on the trip, our Villa concierge can help arrange babysitting services during the wedding.

Question

WILL MY CELL PHONE WORK?

Answer

We recommend checking with your individual provider as this will vary. Your cell phone will likely work BUT you will be charged for international data roaming which is pricey. You can add an international plan to your phone before you go if you need to have cell service, or buy a local SIM card at the airport when you arrive for relatively cheap. Keep in mind, you can always connect to WiFi for free (if offered at your hotel) to send texts between iPhones, emails, or to post those beach pics on Insta! We recommend downloading WhatsApp (text messaging/wifi calling app) if you need to communicate with anyone who does not have an iPhone.

Question

Do I need to take malaria pills?

Answer

No, they do not have malaria in this area. However, mosquito repellant is a very good idea.

Question

Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?

Answer

Yes, in all of Costa Rica you can drink the water out of the tap. If you don’t like the taste, you can buy bottled water.

Question

Do they accept US dollars?

Answer

US cash is accepted country-wide. Please check your bills carefully before bringing them here because torn or taped bills will not be accepted. Please note that if you do pay in US dollars, all change will be give back in Colones (Costa Rican Currency)

Question

Do they accept $50 and $100 USD bills?

Answer

In most smaller stores/restaurants, no. It’s better to bring 20’s than just $50’s and $100’s. If you plan on paying a hotel room with larger bills, check with individual hotels first so see if they accept them. $50s are accepted at most restaurants, but you can always exchange them at a bank to be safe. This is due to a high quantity false bills that go through Costa Rica.

Question

Do I tip at restaurants?

Answer

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, you get bad service.

Question

What is the sales tax in Costa Rica?

Answer

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)

Question

Do I need a car in Manuel Antonio?

Answer

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). When using a taxi service, it's recommended to have your hotel arrange the taxi for you.

Question

Do they accept Mastercard or American Express credit cards?

Answer

Not all places. Most hotels, restaurants, and ATMs will accept Mastercard. AMX is still not widely accepted in Costa Rica. VISA is accepted everywhere.

Question

Can I buy food they are selling in the streets?

Answer

Use your best judgement. Our planner says that in Manuel Antonio she would buy from the people on the beach. Someplace on the street where there is lots of cars going by, probably not. Costa Ricans are very clean people, but you have to take an educated guess.

Question

What about eating in sodas (little hole in the wall restaurants)?

Answer

Definitely, usually the food is good and cheap. Most require cash payment.

Question

What should I definitely try to drink?

Answer

They have delicious fruit drinks called “batidos”. They are non-alcoholic and made fresh daily. Some favorites are guanabana, tamarindo, cas, and mora. The guanabana and mora should be made “en leche” which means in milk. For those of you who drink, the local liquor is guaro. It is made from sugar cane and best mixed with Fresca soda and lime. The most famous and widely drank Costa Rican beer is Imperial. Wine and imported liquors are somewhat expensive to drink here. Of course, you must experience the Costa Rican coffee.

Question

What are the local dishes?

Answer

Typical Costa Rican food is simple, yet good and fresh. Here are a few suggestions: Gallo pinto for breakfast, which is rice and beans with some veggies, cilantro, and a bit of Costa Rican Lisano Sauce. Casado for lunch or dinner, this is the typical plated meal that comes with your choice of meat, white rice, beans, salad and platanos (sautéed plantain bananas.) Ceviche, guacamole, and black bean dip for appetizers. Ceviche is a lime juice cured fish or shrimp cocktail. All are served with tortilla chips or crackers. Helado anytime, ice cream in amazing tropical flavors Fish/Seafood is usually freshly caught that morning and fantastic.

Question

What should I bring with me?

Answer

It is going to be hot, so you wont need much. - bathing suit - shorts - tank tops/light t-shirts - sandals - something for the wedding - sun tan lotion (Bring back up for Jack) - sunglasses - digital camera, battery charger or special batteries - small flashlight - bug spray - toiletries (tampons are hard to get here and expensive) - you don’t need to bring a pharmacy of drugs with you, just prescription ones. You can buy almost anything over the counter here. - hair dryer, however, remember in this high humidity you should probably plan for easy styles, curls, and up-dos. - make-up, once again, due to the high humidity it is best to just bring the basics. Plus, you are going to get a tan so who needs all of that! - plata (money) + gana a disfrutar (desire to have a good time!)