10 Tips for a Smooth Trip to Costa Rica

TLDRDon't rent normal saloon cars, pay in local currency, avoid changing money at the airport, take your time when traveling between destinations, be aware of service charges, use WhatsApp for communication, don't rush into buying property, be cautious of scams, negotiate traffic fines, plan your internet connection

Key insights

🚗Rent a small SUV instead of a normal saloon car for better ground clearance and tire resilience.

💰Pay in local currency to avoid unfavorable exchange rates when paying in dollars.

💳Avoid changing money at the airport and opt for normal banks or withdrawing cash on your credit card.

⏰Plan your travel between destinations with extra time as Costa Rican roads can be challenging and require cautious driving.

💸Be aware of service charges added to menu prices in restaurants and factor them in when budgeting.

Q&A

Is it necessary to rent an SUV in Costa Rica?

—Renting an SUV is recommended for better ground clearance and tire resilience, especially due to the presence of potholes on the roads.

Should I pay in dollars or local currency in Costa Rica?

—It is advisable to pay in local currency (colones) to avoid unfavorable exchange rates when paying in dollars.

Where is the best place to change money in Costa Rica?

—It is recommended to change money at normal banks in Costa Rica instead of the airport, as the rates are generally more favorable.

How long should I plan for travel between destinations in Costa Rica?

—It's important to allow extra time for travel between destinations in Costa Rica, as roads can be challenging and require cautious driving.

Should I factor in service charges when dining in Costa Rica?

—Yes, it is important to be aware of service charges added to menu prices in restaurants and factor them into your budget.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the video and the importance of the tips.

01:23Tip 1: Rent a small SUV for better ground clearance and tire resilience.

03:24Tip 2: Pay in local currency (colones) to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.

05:50Tip 3: Avoid changing money at the airport, use normal banks or withdraw cash on your credit card.

07:07Tip 4: Plan your travel between destinations with extra time for cautious driving on challenging roads.

08:12Tip 5: Be aware of service charges added to menu prices in restaurants and factor them into your budget.

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