Costa Rica - Travel Advice

[Nixonbd]

Have a trip to SJO planned for early July; passport expires in September. Will I run into any problems?

[Dveight]

Hey fellas I'm a vet of Colombia, Panama, Brasil, Peru, but oddly I'm making my first trip to San Jose early next month. Any recommendations for reliable and trusty drivers, I arrive pretty late at night and rather have a reliable driver water versus dealing with some taxi driver. Thanks for any insight.

Use O. L. D. Very reliable and reasonable rates\. My flight in May was over an hour early + my bags was the first off the carousel. I was certain I would be waiting, but a soon as I walked out there he was waiting for me. I was shocked, customer service doesn't get any better, he monitors flight information to make sure he is there when you arrive.

[One Lucky Dogg]

Hey fellas I'm a vet of Colombia, Panama, Brasil, Peru, but oddly I'm making my first trip to San Jose early next month. Any recommendations for reliable and trusty drivers, I arrive pretty late at night and rather have a reliable driver water versus dealing with some taxi driver. Thanks for any insight.

Try One Lucky Dogg Tours & Travel.

O. L. D. One Lucky Dogg.

[Dickhead]

Taking a taxi will be way more reliable than having some driver allegedly waiting for you. Late at night, with little traffic, using the meter, twenty bucks. Maybe slightly less, depending on where you are staying. It can be thirty bucks during rush hour.

[HangerOne]

Hey fellas I'm a vet of Colombia, Panama, Brasil, Peru, but oddly I'm making my first trip to San Jose early next month. Any recommendations for reliable and trusty drivers, I arrive pretty late at night and rather have a reliable driver water versus dealing with some taxi driver. Thanks for any insight.

[One Lucky Dogg]

Hi, guys and gals. Found this low fare today on United. Take a look.

Seats are not available on all flights or all dates of travel. You may need to have flexible travel dates to find this fare. Fares for travel on holidays may be higher. Adv. Purchase:21 Days. Available: Fri-SunTravel Starting: Friday, 29 May 201.5 More Details: Lowest fare found for travel within the next 30 days. Last Updated: Friday, 08 May 2015.

Happy Flying.

O. L. D. One Lucky Dogg.

[You69Me]

I got the best exchange rate for dollars and euros at the Scotia bank on the Paseo Colon. Better than from any money changers. Many stores exchange at good rates just negotiate.

Ok, you got me. I can't spell. LOL.

[Dveight]

While Exchange rates can certainly vary wildly, one thing that never varies is that you will always get fucked in the at ss changing money at an airport. Any airport. I spent several months in CR and consistently got better rates on ATM withdrawals than anyone was offering. But I get a wholesale rate from my brokerage account, the mean (average) of the bid and the ask for the day. The second-best place to get fucked changing money is at a hotel. I just watched my hotel rip off some eurotrash, giving them 2. 5 to 1, where the wholesale rate is almost 3 and any fool could get 2. 9 on the street.

Ok, you got me. I can't spell. LOL.

[Dickhead]

While Exchange rates can certainly vary wildly, one thing that never varies is that you will always get fucked in the at ss changing money at an airport. Any airport. I spent several months in CR and consistently got better rates on ATM withdrawals than anyone was offering. But I get a wholesale rate from my brokerage account, the mean (average) of the bid and the ask for the day. The second-best place to get fucked changing money is at a hotel. I just watched my hotel rip off some eurotrash, giving them 2. 5 to 1, where the wholesale rate is almost 3 and any fool could get 2. 9 on the street.

[Qncterra]

Colones Exchange Rate:

Airport Money Exchange: 466.

Bank at SJO Airport: 537.

La Amistad: 530 (they advertise an exchange rate, but conveniently never have any money to exchange).

Sportsman: 505.

Moral of the story: Exchange Rates can very wildly. Make sure you know the rate, so you can get the best one possible.

Yep. I always use the banks for the best rate, and will use the ATM to tide me over, if I arrive on weekend, or after they close.

[Qncterra]

OK fellas, what to do here? Arriving at 9 pm on Saturday. Want to take a bus around 11 am to Jaco. Where do I stay Saturday night that late? I'm OK with missing out on mongering for a night, just want to get in, get comfy, get up, eat and hop on a bus (saving money) to Jaco without a big hassle.

Gracias!

If you are just looking for a decent place for the night, there are probably some close to the airport. A while back, I missed a flight and the taxi suggested one nearby for around $32, but I opted to go back to SJO. Can't remember the name right now.

[Dveight]

Colones Exchange Rate:

Airport Money Exchange: 466.

Bank at SJO Airport: 537.

La Amistad: 530 (they advertise an exchange rate, but conveniently never have any money to exchange).

Sportsman: 505.

Moral of the story: Exchange Rates can very wildly. Make sure you know the rate, so you can get the best one possible.

[Dveight]

Planning a trip with husband and daughter (graduation gift). Looking for a resort with close beach access, golf course nearby, shopping, and Eco-adventures including zip lines and waterfalls. Budget friendly but still has a luxury feel. Traveling in July 2015. Are all inclusive resorts better than non inclusive? Is it worth renting a car or use local transportation?

Listen to Dickhead, your husband will love the Hotel Del Rey!

[Dveight]

Really; you're using this forum for a "family vacation" to Costa Rica? Have any pictures of your daughter?

Best response EVER!

[Dickhead]

We already answered your questions. You should stay at the Hotel Del Rey as that is the most family-friendly hotel in San Jose. You should rent an SUV and drive to Jaco Beach. If the Hotel Del Rey is unavailable, stay at Sportsman's Lodge. They have the best fishing guides at that hotel and can help you with all your travel needs.