Call Costa Rica from the USA/Canada for 5 cents per minute.

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Jaco Beach Tours Travel Tips
JacoBeachTours.com travel tips are provided by our local staff 
and real life experiences in Costa Rica over the past 14 years.  

Departing for Costa Rica
Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to scheduled departure time.
Reports continue to indicate checking in for Spirit Airlines in Fort Lauderdale
airport is a 2 hour process.

Checking in Luggage
Review the airline luggage policy. Airlines have begun charging per bag checked.
Currently you can purchase 2 bag tags for checked baggage for $10 - $20 per bag online
through the Spirit Airlines website. Your third checked in bag cost is $100,
weight limit is 50 pounds per bag.

Airline Food and Beverage Service
Food service on many airlines has been discontinued.
Beverage and snack service is available purchased often with just debit or credit cards.

Carry on Luggage
Carry all prescriptions and medication in your carry on luggage along
with one day change of clothes.
Items like bottled water, cans of soda and any container over 2 ounces are
not allowed in your carry one bags. Place shampoo, make-up, toothpaste
and mouthwash in a zip lock style bag in your luggage.

What to Bring
Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and a hat.
Bring a soft cooler which you can use to chill drinks during your stay.
Consider packing in your luggage a small George Foreman Style grill. 
George Foreman style grills and coolers are very useful while traveling and
make great gifts for your favorite cab driver, hotel room maid and hotel attendants.



Secure Your Belongings at Your Hotel
Prior to departure to Costa Rica make at least 2 copies of your passport. When enjoying Costa Rica leave your passport in the security deposit boxes at your hotel. There is no reason to travel on tours with your passport. Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Use the security boxes at your hotel for your passport, airline tickets or airline confirmation letters, credit cards and personal belongings like watches, jewelry and digital cameras.

Carry only the cash or colonies you will need for the day or evening.
Leave excess cash in your hotel security deposit box.
Carry just one credit/debit card on any day tour or while shopping or dining.
Please leave remaining credit/debit cards in the security deposit box at your hotel.



Banking in Costa Rica
ATM machines are located throughout Costa Rica.
However we suggest you only use ATM machines which are located on bank properties during normal banking hours. We have receive a number of reports of ATM machines in remote locations, located away from actual banks , are "Eating" debit cards.

If your ATM card gets stuck (Eaten) in an ATM machine, it will be destroyed.

You do not have the option of recieving "Cash Back" from  purchses made with
debit cards used at supermarkets, gasoline stations and liquer stores.

Banking is very slow on Mondays and Fridays in Costa Rica along with
the 1st and 15th of every month.

To withdraw funds from a credit or debit card at any Costa Rica bank using tellers you do need to present your actual passport.



Rental Cars
Lock your rental car at all times. Do not leave any articles inside a rental car.
Park your rental car in a secure location. Inspect the tires on your rental vehicle.
New tires on rental vehicles are subject to be stolen or exchange for old used tires.
If you have an unfortunate situation where you ruin a tire, you bought it.
Buckle Your Seat Belt. DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE.

Departuring from Costa Rica
Arrive at the Airport at least 2 hours prior to scheduled departure. Costa Rica departure tax is $26. Payable at the airport. Duty free products , prfume, watches, liquoretc. must be purchased a minimum of one hour prior to boarding time. Please arrive early to check -in, exchange currency, clear security and purchase duty free liquer.
USA citizens are allowed one gallon of liquor per person, (Over 21+ years of age)
5 - fifths, 4 - Quarts or 2 - 1.75 liter bottles.

Coffee and Hot Sauces
Purchase coffee and Costa Rica sauces including the world famous Iguana hot sauces at leading supermarkets in Costa Rica. Purchase Costa Rica coffee inclucing Volio and Cafe 1820 Molido in various sizes in the Supermarkets/ Super Mercado Mas Menos and Pali for $1 to $1.50 for a 12 ounce bag. Your selction of coffee is limited at the airport and you can save money by purchasing coffee prior to arriving at the airport.
Iguana hot sauces make great souviners and gifts. Expect to pay $1 per bottle.
This is a great bargain. The colorful labels are a one of a kind design.

What to Wear
Daily temperutes on the Pacific Ocean coastal areas average 85 to 95F degrees
Button down the from 100% cotton shirts and blouses allow you to open your shirt and enjoy the breeze during the peak time of tempertures. Wear quality shoes for walking in uphill and downhill terrains. Costa Rica a great vacation resort for active tourism.
Baseball style hats with a black colored underside of the brim will help cut glare. Sunshine in Costa Rica at times can cause you to squint even with sunglasses. Polarized sun glasses are definately recommended.

Where Do I Find English Radio in Costa Rica
Tune your dial to 99.5 FM Radio Dos
A Great Variety Classic Rock, Oldies and songs to sing along with while enjoying GUARO.
Listen to Radio Dos 99.5 FM everyday all day long

Suntan Tips and Sunscreen
Sunscreen is less expensive when purchased in the USA.
Apply sunscreen early in the day and allow 15 to 30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed.
After a morning shower, apply sunscreen evenly, enjoy breakfast. Plese allow 30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed. Applying additional sunscreen will increase your protection especially after swimming.

Did you know you can great a great sun tan while sitting in the shade under an umbrella or
Tiki Bar roof. Suntans are caused by reflexing sun rays. Reflexing sun rays from pools, beaches, water and any surface create your suntan. Exposing yourself to direct sun rays causes sunburn. When around the pool or on the beach everyone is being exposed to the same amount of reflexing rays. Those people in the direct sun are exposing themselves to burning rays, which will cause a signicant sunburn in Costa Rica and in any sun vaction destination.

Things to Remember
1: Remember You are in Costa Rica
2: Remember You are in Costa Rica
3: Do not leave backpacks, purses or personal items un attended at any time.
4: Do not go swimming without being aware of rip tides and do not leave your
    belongings un attended on the beach
5: Do not travel with just one debit or credit card. 
    Travel with two debit cards for one account
6: Do not carry debit cards or credit cards unless needed.

Contact Us for additional local information