Three must brings to Costa Rica:
- Umbrella and rain jacket
- Bug spray and sun screen
- Colones and American dollars
Now why do you need to bring these three things?
Well let’s start with the umbrella and rain jacket; if your coming during the summer at all this is the rainy season for Costa Rica. Although August to September has the most rain it still rains frequently and randomly during May-July. I would not worry about rain boots but instead wear old shoes or Chaco’s / flip flops that can handle the rain.
The bug spray and sun screen are an absolute must. With the amount of bugs that enjoy eating us we have to put bug spray on at least twice a day. The sun screen is mainly for the trips on weekends such a Manuel Antonio.
Using your card abroad because expensive very fast. I suggest bringing 300 American dollars in colones which you can acquire from any major bank in Kentucky such as pnc or fifth third. If you choose to use your card while in the country make sure that you do not charge in dollars but in the country’s currency,this eliminates some fees for exchanging the currrency. If you decide to pull out money while in the country do so wisely. Do not go weekly to pull out small amounts because the fees for ATMs can be outrageous. Budget correctly and maintain self control and you should be able to pull out larger amounts and eliminate a majority of ATM fees.
My next post will be about planning trips and transportation in Costa Rica. Read on tomorrow to know more about the planning behind trips and the best uses of transportation.