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As per our company policy, we feel obligated to share with you certain information in order to make your stay a walk in the park! We traveled the world and Central America countries have some particularities that you should know about it. For example, Costa Rica is one the safest country of Central/South America. They have no army and peace is their Top priority. However, when visiting certain areas, in particular the capital of St Jose, you do not want to walk around after dark, especially in downtown after the stores are closed. Nor do you want to flash wads of money or wear expensive jewelry, not only because you are a tourist (as locals also abide by these rules) but out of respect for the less fortunate. Also because Costa Rica, unfortunately, as many other countries in this world, is suffering from illegal immigrants who are sneaking into this wonderful country, some good hard working folks, some aren't, so be smart, take a cab (only the red cars which are licensed).
PANAMA (called the Honk Kong of Central America) is very safe as well, as long as you are staying away from the Colombia's border, and NICARAGUA is looking forward to grow like their neighbor (Costa Rica). But, no matter where your destination will be, VSD will only always make sure that you will be surrounded by English speaking guides, accommodating you in wonderful friendly villages and/or small towns, as safety is #1 on our list. So, worry-free vacation with us in GUATEMALA, BELIZE (Caulker Caye), HONDURAS, UTILA ISLAND (Off the coast of Honduras) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, PERU, SOUTH OF FRANCE, more coming soon!
On average Costa Rican works six days a week, ten to twelve hours per day and make about 130,000 colones per month, this represents $260.00. One of the beauties of Costa Rica are the Ticos/Ticas (the locals), they are warm, friendly and hospitable. They will do their very best in order to help you in any way and even if most Ticos/Ticas do not speak English, they are eager to accommodate your every need. Please, respect them as this is their country and be patient as speed is not their way of life, nor in their vocabulary. Patience is a virtue, but hey after all, you are on vacation, why should you be in a hurry? Right?
The exchange rate as of DECEMBER 2006 is Five hundred and twenty five (525) Colones for one (1) US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted, but some places do not have terminals, so make sure that you have singles, fives, tens, but no bigger than twenties with you. ATM machines are abundant and most give you the option of dollars and/or colones. I recommend paying with colones as it will make your purchases easier, but also the vendor will not have the option to exchange your dollars for lesser than the current rate. They are only human and are prone to charging tourists a little more than the locals, but if you are able to speak the language and put yourself in their shoes, more than likely you will be able to get the same prices.
To give you an idea of the what your money will buy, here are some examples: A typical meal will cost you 3,000 colones ($6.50) per person, a cerveza (beer) on the other hand will cost you around 500 colones (local brands are Pilsen, Imperial, Ice and Bavaria Light), but if you are in a Tourist Trap/5 Stars Resorts, like the prestigious & breathtaking Marriott of Los Suenos on Playa Jaco, a single beer, even local brands will cost you a whopping ¢1,800, so think about the meal! Cigarettes, like Marlboro, will cost you only about $11.00 per carton, the most common local brand is Derby, which is, if I understand, as good as any American brand & will cost you even less (4,500 colones per carton). Please, do not stock your luggage with tons of cigarettes, as the U.S immigration (our friends) will take them away from you (Guaranteed), you legally have the right to bring back one carton per person, sorry!
Food is not spicy and a typical meal consist of rice, black beans and a mixed salad served with seafood (mariscos), pork, beef or pollo a la lena (a delicious specialty which is chicken grilled a la broche in a brick oven wood fire). Gratuities (10%) and taxes (13%) are usually included in your bill (cuenta) but double check to see if it is indeed, if not, realize that your appreciation by leaving 10 to 15% will be greatly remembered, especially if you are intending to return to the place. This will result in faster service, bigger portions & even more alcohol in your drinks...
Make sure to make a copy of your passport and keep it with you at all times. Theft is very common in central America and passports are especially targeted for illegal entry to United States, so keep it in a safe place and only carry your copy. Also REMEMBER that your passport have be valid for another month or more, or you will not get on the plane and/or allowed entry in Costa Rica! Now the real truth about our beaches and our raining season: We do not have white sandy beaches like the Bahamas, most are black, gray or tan. Costa Rica is NOT all about the beaches, as many people try to sell you on their beauty. They are pretty but nothing comparable to the Caribbean's. They will also emphasize that the raining season is not a good time to visit, well, I totally disagree, especially knowing the fact that Costa Rica is ALL about the Rainforest, the Cloud forest, Volcanoes, whitewater rafting on many incredible rivers which serpent through gorgeous flora & fauna, monkeys, toucans, it is for NATURE LOVERS, bottom line! It is the BEST time "in my humble opinion" to visit Costa Rica, as it is GREEN and not burned by the heavy sun, furthermore the rain is only, and 90% of the time, coming at night, which gives you a great breeze and a much cooler weather the next day. The only month you don't want to come over is mid-October to mid- November. So do not hesitate to visit us in the raining season, as flight tickets will be cheaper and less crowded as well, trust me, you will love it!
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