Questions and answers:
In this section you can submit any questions you might have about Costa Rica,
and obtain an accurate and brief answer form a local costarican. Please be sure
to submit only one question at a time and be as especific as posible.
1. I’m planning a trip to Costa Rica for next august; what kind of weather
conditions should I expect?
Please keep in mind that you have chosen to travel in the always famous, six
month long, rainy season of tropical Latin America. Does that mean you won't be
seen the sun on your trip? Not at all, you want to prepare yourself for heat, lots of
rain, sun, and humidity. In general Costa Rica has a good weather, a sunny
morning is very likely even in the rainy season, but rain is also a high (almost
certain) possibility especially in the afternoon hours. Heavy tropical rain is a show
to see, but what is really amazing is what comes after, as everything become
greener, wilder, and more alive.
2. One question I have is about currency, is USD commonly accepted or should I
exchange money at the airport?
USD are commonly accepted in Costa Rica, especially in tourist places like
beaches and volcanoes. Be that as it may, colones are the most used currency in
our country; so, you can pay a hostel night or souvenirs with dollars, but, if you
want to buy some picadillo, a hotdog, or a cheap pair sandals colones are the
way to go. What I'm trying to say is that colones are useful, not indispensable,
change some dollars, just in case. However, every town in Costa Rica has at
least one Banco Nacional branch, where you can easily change your money into
local currency. I’ll be happy to answer any other question you might have.
3. Hi, I’m a Young college student planning on living in Costa Rica for a few
months, maybe San José, what kind of acomodation options are best for me?
Hello, if you are looking for an apartment you can rent a two bedroom, small but
comfortable one for around 500US$ near the major urban area, it's cheaper in
other parts of the country. Near universities you can share a rent (for the same
price), which can be a good option. Also, many costarrican families rent spare
rooms in their homes, this is a really cheap option if you don’t mind shearing
common areas with the property owners or other tenants. Prices can go from
280US$ to 120US$ for room. I do hope this information useful, please ask if you
need further help.
4. I’m planning a trip to Costa Rica for a few months and my Spanish is really
bad, would that be a big problem for me?
Language won't be a major issue, many costarricans speak English, and if they
don’t they’ll probably try to communicate in any other way. Although, if your
planning on staying for a few moths, learning basic Spanish can be both
interesting and helpful. Most of the people are kind to foreigners and they will
help anyway they can, but they would also appreciate if you make and effort,
even if it is far from perfect; also getting around the country will be easer. Please
feel free to ask if you have any more questions.
5. Is it possible to buy shoes in U.S. size 12 in Costa Rica? I think I will need
some hiking shoes so I am considering to buy them in C.R. as they are fairly
expensive to buy in Denmark. I have tried to google it, but I have not been able to
find any information about the general size of the Costa Ricans. I hope you can
help me out with this somewhat funny question.
I'm sure that it is possible to find shoes of that size in Costa Rica; a pair of high
quality hiking shoes can cost you around 240 US$ (120 000 colones) although
you can find them as cheap as 120US$ (60 000 colones), so do the math. In the
city you can find all kind of commercial options, not as common in the beach or
the mountainside. I hope I’ve answer your question, if not, please feel free to
write again. Please don't hesitate on asking anything else you need to know.
6. I’m going to Costa Rica next week and I’m staying in San Jose the first night.
How easily can I take a shuttle or bus to get to Arenal/La Fortuna from there?
An express (no stops) bus from San José to La Fortuna will depart at 6:15, 8:40
and 11:30 every morning, and it will take you close to 4:00 hours to get to your
destination in northern Costa Rica. In case you miss one of the few buses to La
Fortuna you can take one to Ciudad Quesada, and then to La Fortuna, if you do
that you can leave at any hour you want since that bus line has a much more
busier schedule, with buses every half hour or so. Please write again if you have
any more questions.
7. So, I’ll be there only for a week and my plan is to arrive in San Jose and go to
Arenal/La Fortuna, then to Montezuma and back to San Jose to depart. Can you
give me advice on any of those places?
In La Fortuna you can see the beautiful Arenal active volcano, and enjoy the
relaxing hot water springs and the wild landscape. Perfect place for taking a
break from modern life, La Fortuna is small, friendly and very safe. Moctezuma is
also small, welcoming, and safe; with a magnificent beach, waterfalls and very
friendly locals, also, really inexpensive. For both places you need to carry sun
and mosquito protection at all time, this is really important. Feel free to ask
anything else you need to know about Costa Rica.
8. I know Costa Rica is a tropical country but, more specifically, what is the
average temperature and what kind of clothes should I bring?
Be sure to bring comfortable clothes; a pair shorts may be great for the sun, but a
pair of jeans can become your best friend when raining, while in the city or if you
are planning on hiking. A light jacket is also recommendable, but temperature
would never be as low as 12C (54F, only in the highlands) and would rarely be
lower that 18C (65F); it is a most if you are planning to spend some time in the
mountains, though. On the contrary, if you're aiming for the beach better be
ready to experience some crazy weather changes, especially in the rainy season.
By the ocean average temperature can go from 20C (68F) to 30C (86F), and as
high as 36C (97F), but it tends to avoid the unbearable plus-100F. Don’t hesitate
on writing again if you have any other questions.