Bargain with everyone. Culturally speaking, unlike the United States, pricing at vendors and in open markets is flexible and typically not displayed on the product. The best way to get the best price is by knowing what you want to pay for the item when you start to bargain. Also set a personal ceiling on the item you are looking at so as not to pay more for it than you originally hoped. If you don't know how to price an item, seek out several vendors with the same item and listen in on the bargaining they do with customers.

If looking for souvenirs, San José will probably be the most low-cost place to buy them as most other places will be very touristy. Arenal will likely have more authentic Costa Rican memorbilia to buy if you talk your bus-driver into stopping by the little stalls on the way to the volcano.

When leaving your hotel to go out, via taxi, inquire at the front desk or with hotel personnel as to the expected cost of your taxi ride. Once you arrive at your destination, give the cab driver the expected amount. Unlike NYC, Costa Rican "cabbies" do not have a set fare.

Tip is included in the price you pay wherever you go, thus you are not obliged to tip anything unless your service was extraordinary or you feel the need (bellhops, bus drivers, and your guides are exceptions to the rule and should be tipped). If you do choose to tip keep in mind that $1-3USD is more than acceptable.

We'll provide you with the latest exchange rate before your trip so that you know approximately what a "good" exchange rate to switch over to local currency. Although you can exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican Colones (CRC) at the airport ATMs or other currency exchange locations, most places and people in Costa Rica accept US Dollars. We recommend having both currencies on hand.

Most restaurants, bars, and places that see tourism will let you use your credit card so use it if you can, because your card company will generally give you a good exchange rate. Please check with your credit card company on all fees associated with usage in a foreign country before departing on your trip.

Make sure to find out until what time breakfast is served at each hotel so that you’re not left hungry.

At restaurants, if you are unsure on what to get don't hesitate to ask what is their favorite item on the menu (the locals are typically very friendly and will be delighted to pitch in with their honest opinion).

The water is safe to drink in most places in Costa Rica, although consider avoiding drinking it in run down local restaurants; it might be a good idea to get bottled water with no ice there.

For those of you interested in typical Costa Rican food / drink, here are 3 popular ones:

• Casado – a meal of beef/chicken/fish, rice, beans, and plantains



• Cacique – a Costa Rican hard liquor that is their version of less potent and sweet vodka



• Bavaria Gold – Best cheap local beer that you can find in Costa Rica

For whitewater rafting, surfing, or any other water activity, it is a good idea to pack an athletic shirt such as under-armor or something polyester as it will chafe less and it will dry quicker. Also, for whitewater rafting, wear tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals as flip-flops are not advised.

Definitely bring running shoes and plenty of socks for various activities.

Bring bandages / Band-Aids with you in case you or someone from the group gets minor lacerations (Tylenol or Advil is also great to have just in case).

Bring bug spray and use it anytime you are going to the rain forest or jungle setting.

Bring several plastic bags for your wet clothes / shoes.

Use sunscreen! - even if it is cloudy you will still get a nice tan.

Wear jeans and shoes while horseback riding!!

Utilize your hotel safe as much as possible by leaving your passport, valuables, and the majority of your money there when going out (30,000 Colones = around $50 is more than enough to have in your pocket at any given time).

Every hotel that you will be staying at has a nice pool, although not heated, so night swimming can be chilly.

Wi-Fi can be found at all the hotels that you will be staying at in case you have a smart phone or a laptop; there are also plenty of Internet Cafés within walking distance of your hotels.

In Arenal, the Lava flows 24/7 but the Red Lava flows can only be seen in the dark (6:30pm-ish).

Wake up early as most adventures and tours start early with the latest ones leaving around 3-4pm.

Most night clubs and bars close at 4am.

There are many stray dogs in Costa Rica but do not be alarmed as they are generally not aggressive.

If you decide to rent a car, make sure to rent an SUV, because there are many unpaved roads, especially near Arenal, that will test your vehicle’s durability.

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, and although many residents speak English, persuade a Spanish-speaking person on your tour to join your group as having a translator can be VERY helpful.

Costa Rica offers a rich variety of activities to tourists for great prices, try them all, and you will certainly have an adventure of a lifetime.

Don't forget that on the way out of the country, when you get into the airport, your first stop should be in the line to pay the exit tax (before you wait in line at your airline) – approx. $26 and major credit cards are accepted.