Major FAQ's

Major FAQ-Costa Rica

• Food and Accommodation
• Arrival Information
• Visa Information
• Money
• Climate of Costa Rica
• Communication
• Free time
• About Costa Rica volunteer program (In General)

Food and Accommodation

What kind of food do we eat in the project or with the host family?

Costa Rican food is a fusion cuisine. It combines elements of culinary traditions from Africa, Italy, France, China and Spain. Meals are made up of traditional grains (rice, corn and beans), roots (sweet potatoes), spices (coriander, garlic, annatto, saffron, parsley, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper), oils (olive oil, vegetable oil, and lard), sauces (Soy, and Worcestershire), fresh fruit, and vegetables. Generally, Costa Rican cuisine is mild to slightly seasoned.

The most common dishes that reflect the culture are Gallo Pinto and Casados. Gallo Pinto consists of rice and beans seasoned with coriander, onions Worcestershire sauce and is usually served for breakfast with scrambled or fried eggs and a cup of Agua Dulce (pure sugarcane diluted in hot water) or coffee. Casados consist of white rice and black or red beans served with pork, steak, or chicken, and a small portion of cabbage/lettuce and tomato salad, and fried plantains.

There are a number of other traditional dishes that you will be able to try while you are in Costa Rica. These include higado en salsa escaveche, pozole, ceviche, arroz con pollo, papas con chorizo, olla de carne, barbudos, and mondongo.

Does the project or host family have internet? Electricity?

All accommodations have electricity available 24 hours a day. Electricity throughout Costa Rica is 110V, 60Hz- the same frequency used in North America. Be sure to check your electronics and small appliances for compatibility and purchase any adapters or converters necessary to utilize them in Costa Rica.

Electrical outlets are both Type A (2-prong) and Type B (3-prong). Type A outlets are the most common.

Internet & Phone Services Included in your program is free access to our computer room and high-speed internet at our facilities; free WiFi is also available. You should bring a laptop, tablet or other personal electronic device if you have one, because while we offer free internet and computers, access can be very limited during busy hours. There are also numerous internet cafés available 1-2 blocks away from our offices as well as throughout San Jose. Please note that your host family may not have WiFi available.

If you want to make international phone calls, we suggest purchasing a phone card. If you purchase a calling card from your home country, you will need to locate and write down the country access number for Costa Rica prior to leaving; the access number for your country will not work abroad. We strongly recommend you have a working Skype account for easy communication while traveling. We can also assist you with purchasing a local pay-as-you-go cell phone and/or sim card to be able to easily communicate locally.

Do we get hot showers in our accommodation?

Hot water is available 24 hours a day. It is important to keep in mind, however, that as in most developing countries things like hot showers are sometimes more limited than in our home countries.

Is it safe to keep our items in the host family?

Yes, it is safe to leave your items at your host family stay; however, we recommend that you always keep valuables locked away in your suitcase when you are away.

Is water safe to drink or do we need to buy bottled water?

Tap water in Costa Rica is potable. That said, we always recommend bottled water, which can be easily purchased throughout San Jose and Costa Rica.

Is it an issue if I am vegetarian? I am wheat allergic; would it be a problem to the host family?

Dietary restrictions are not an issue. Upon registration, please include any dietary restrictions, allergies and medical conditions you may have in order for us to properly prepare for your program.

Do I get my own room in the host family?

The program includes shared accommodations with up to 3 other volunteers. Private rooms are available for an additional charge.

Do the members of the host family or the project speak English?

Most members of the families and projects do not speak English. Those members that do speak English have varying degrees of English language level skills and will likely fall in the basic to intermediate category. However, our Field Managers and other international staff are all-bilingual in English and Spanish and are available to assist you throughout your program.

If I arrive with my friend, or girlfriend/boyfriend, can we stay together?

If you are traveling with friends and/or family and wish to be accommodated together, please let us know at registration.

What are the bathrooms and toilet facilities like?

Bathrooms at host family accommodations are shared with up to 3 other volunteers.

What are the laundry arrangements?

Your host family will be happy to help you wash your laundry. The charge for this service is US $5 per kilo (2.2 lbs) and can be paid directly to the family. Alternatively, you can choose to use a local Laundromat in your spare time.

Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?

All accommodations have electricity available 24 hours a day. Electricity throughout Costa Rica is 110V, 60Hz- the same frequency used in North America. Be sure to check your electronics and small appliances for compatibility and purchase any adapters or converters necessary to utilize them in Costa Rica.

Electrical outlets are both Type A (2-prong) and Type B (3-prong). Type A outlets are the most common.

What bedding materials like? Do I need to bring sleeping bag?

Your family will also provide you with basic linens—sheets, pillows, blankets, and a bathroom towel.

Arrival Information

Which airport do I need to fly in?

San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) airport

Do you organize airport pick up?

Airport pick-up is included in your program. As soon as you have made your travel arrangements, please forward this information to us. For flights, you will need to provide the date, time, airline name and flight number. For overland arrival, you will need to provide the date, time and bus company.

Where do I go from airport?

When you arrive at the San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) airport, you will first go through immigrations. You will then collect your bags, after which you will go through customs (“aduanas”) where all luggage is screened by a machine.

After customs, you must walk all the way out of the airport—you will not be met inside the airport. Exit doors are next to the left of the car rental stations. As you move out of the building, you will be met by our representatives. They will have a large bright yellow flag with a smiley face on it.

If you have any issue meeting our representative at the airport, please call us using the contact information provided in your arrival confirmation email. If your cell phone does not work, there are a number of people outside the airport who will offer to let you use their cell phone. This is very normal in Costa Rica, but you should tip them $2-$3 (USD) for this.

It is also common for people to try and help you with your luggage, even though you are with our representatives. If they help you, a normal tip would be $1-$2 (USD). If you prefer not to have their help, please be polite but clear and simply say, 'No gracias'.

Please note, while waiting for your luggage, we recommend either exchanging $20 or withdrawing ₡10,000 (colones) next to the baggage claim area. This will give you money for any immediate incidentals.

What happens if I missed flight or arrived late?

The best way to update on your flight status should you run into any delays, cancellations, or missed flights is to contact us via one of our provided emergency contact numbers. These numbers will be included in your flight confirmation email prior to your program.

Who will come to pick up me? How do I recognize the person at the airport?

After customs, you must walk all the way out of the airport—you will not be met inside the airport. Exit doors are next to the left of the car rental stations. As you move out of the building, you will be met by our representatives. They will have a large bright yellow flag with a smiley face on it.

Can you give us direction for meeting point?

When you arrive at the San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) airport, you will first go through immigrations. You will then collect your bags, after which you will go through customs (“aduanas”) where all luggage is screened by a machine.

After customs, you must walk all the way out of the airport—you will not be met inside the airport. Exit doors are next to the left of the car rental stations. As you move out of the building, you will be met by our representatives. They will have a large bright yellow flag with a smiley face on it.

If my assignment begins on Monday, when should I arrive?

All assignments begin on Mondays. Please plan to arrive on the Sunday your program starts.

If I want to arrive earlier than when my assignment begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations? Does it cost me extra?

If you are arriving early, we are happy to arrange for extra nights of housing in your homestay for an additional charge, please just let us know. In the case that you are arriving early and are staying in a hotel prior to your program, please send the hotel name, address, and the date and time you would like to be picked up.

Who will bring me to the airport for my departure?

Return transportation to the airport is not included in your program. You will be responsible for arranging this, but can opt to do so through our travel partner located onsite at the school. The price for transportation to the airport is $30.

Can you help us arranging our flights? Do you recommend any cheapest flights to fly to Costa Rica?

You are responsible for the travel costs from your home country to San Jose, Costa Rica. Because Costa Rica is a popular destination, we recommend making your travel arrangements as far in advance as possible. We recommend searching for flights in a variety of places to compare prices.

If you are a student, teacher, or under the age of 26, you may consider searching flights through statravel.com. A flight search engine available for all travelers is www.kayak.com . Local travel agencies are always good sources for quotes as well.

Once you have confirmed your travel arrangements, please be sure to forward us your complete flight details so that we can arrange for your airport pick up.

Visa Information

Can you please provide me the visa information? What kind of visa do I need to apply?

Citizens from EU countries, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require special visas to visit Costa Rica. You will receive an entry stamp at immigrations in the San Jose airport. The stamp is typically valid for 90 days, but may vary.

If you are a citizen of South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe you may or may not be required to pre-arrange and apply for a tourist visa. Please contact the nearest Costa Rica Embassy to verify their requirements to obtain a tourist visa. To enter Costa Rica, you must show your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Costa Rica. You should also carry with you a printed itinerary for your planned departure from Costa Rica in case this should be requested by immigrations.

Can I extend my visa while I am in the country? Can you help me on this?

Tourist visas may be extended by making a short trip to Nicaragua or Panama and then returning to Costa Rica. It is also possible to renew your visa in country, but the process is time consuming. If you will overstay your tourist visa by just a few days, you can simply pay the fine when you depart. Presently the fine is approximately $2.00 (USD) per day, but is subject to change at any time.

Money

Are ATMs easily available?

There are ATMs all around Costa Rica, including at the San Jose airport. We strongly advise you to notify your bank prior to leaving your home country in order to prevent stop services on your card.

Where should I exchange my money?

We recommend either exchanging $20 or withdrawing ₡10,000 (colones) at the San Jose airport when you first arrive. This will give you money for any immediate incidentals. Later you will get the best exchange rate at the National Bank or Banco de Costa Rica. You must have your original passport with you to exchange money.

How much money should I bring with me?

There are ATMs all around Costa Rica, so access to money should not be an issue. You should consider the following when budgeting for your trip:

• Lunch out: $5-8/meal
• Dinner out: $15-30/meal
• Laundry service: $5-8/kilo
• Transportation: $1-2/ride (Expect $15-$20 per week for travel to/from your project)
• Half-day Tours: $50-100
• Full-day Tours: $100-150
• Multi-day Tours: $200-$600

We also recommend budgeting at least $50 for souvenirs.

What does the weekly program fee covers?

Included in your program fee are airport pickup, project orientation and support, a shared room with a host family, and 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner).

Is it safe to carry cash with me?

We recommend carrying only the amount of cash you need rather than large sums of money.

How do I contact my family and friends once I arrive in Costa Rica? How can my family members contact me?

If you want to make international phone calls, we suggest purchasing a phone card. If you purchase a calling card from your home country, you will need to locate and write down the country access number for Costa Rica prior to leaving; the access number for your country will not work abroad.

We strongly recommend you have a working Skype account for easy communication while traveling. We can also assist you with purchasing a local pay-as-you-go cell phone and/or sim card to be able to easily communicate locally.

Can I bring my mobile from my home country? Does it work?

We recommend you contact your provider to determine if your cell phone will work while outside the country.

Climate

Region	Altitude	Low	High	General description
San Jose	1,170 m (3,839 ft) Above Sea Level	24°C | 75°F	27°C | 80°F	In May-November (Rainy Season) it is warm with intermittent rain and sunshine and Spring-like conditions. In December-April (Dry Season) it is warm with very little to no rain and Spring-like conditions.
Pacific	Sea Level	29°C | 84°F	32°C | 90°F	The May-November (Rainy Season) and December-April (Dry Season) seasons are distinct, yet it is generally hot and sunny year-round.
Caribbean	Sea Level	29°C | 84°F	32°C | 90°F	The May-November (Rainy Season) and December-April (Dry Season) seasons are less distinct. It is hot, humid, and sunny year-round with a fair amount of rain.
Highlands	2,200-3,800 m (7,218-12,467 ft) Above Sea Level	10°C | 50°F	27°C | 81°F	In May-November (Rainy Season) it is warm with intermittent rain and sunshine and cool to warm temperatures. In December-April (Dry Season) it is warm with very little to no rain and Spring-like conditions.

Costa Rica Free Time

Free time options in Costa Rica

Volunteers have free time for the duration of their volunteer project and weekends. While IFRE does not arrange activities during this time off, our local staff, members and coordinators can provide priceless assistance in making appropriate arrangements for travel in Costa Rica. It’s the time for self-discovery and learning. It’s time to explore Costa Rica – it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world offering numerous opportunities for a truly amazing experience. Our IFRE local coordinators/staff are available to give you free advice, travel tips and helps to book your travel.

San Jose is the largest city in Costa Rica with almost 1.5 million people. The city is located at an altitude of 1200 meters and is surrounded by lush valleys. Central San Jose contains a surprising mix of wealthy and poor, and expensive shops and boutique hotels often share the pavement with small wares vendors and musicians who serenade passersby for their spare change. San Jose also has traditional charm with wooden homes, brick-lined pedestrian streets and grand theaters. From San Jose, you can take short trips to rainforest, volcanoes and pristine beaches.

Communication

How do I contact the local coordinator?

You can communicate via phone and email prior to your arrival and during your trip. You will also meet them at your orientation.

How do I contact my family and friends once I arrive in Costa Rica? How can my family members contact me?

You can communicate via telephone or internet and your family can call you at the home of your host family (being considerate with the time differences).

Can I bring my mobile from my home country? Does it work?

Yes, you can bring your phone. It probably will not work automatically with the system here. It’s possible to get an international plan with your phone company, but they are expensive. However, if your phone is unlocked (you will have to contact your phone company in advance to get it unlocked), then you can get a SIM card here for your phone for local and international calls. If you prefer to buy a little inexpensive phone here, they are around $25-30. Your regular phone will work with the Wi-Fi here as well.

General Questions

Where can I use internet? Is there a place where I can use phone to make a call to my family and friend?

Included in your program is free access to our computer room and high-speed internet at our facilities; free Wi-Fi is also available. You should bring a laptop, tablet or other personal electronic device if you have one, because while we offer free internet and computers, access can be very limited during busy hours. There are also numerous internet cafés available 1-2 blocks away from our offices as well as throughout San Jose. Please note that your host family may not have Wi-Fi available.

If you want to make international phone calls, we suggest purchasing a phone card. If you purchase a calling card from your home country, you will need to locate and write down the country access number for Costa Rica prior to leaving; the access number for your country will not work abroad.

We strongly recommend you have a working Skype account for easy communication while traveling. We can also assist you with purchasing a local pay-as-you-go cell phone and/or sim card to be able to easily communicate locally.

What kind of gifts would be appropriate to bring for the host family and the project?

Please know that it is not mandatory for volunteers to make donations or bring gifts to their projects; however, they are always received with great appreciation and gratitude.

Donations or gifts that are always helpful include:

• Educational: books, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, etc. (new or used)
• Hygiene: soap, shampoo, lice treatment, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels
• Health: Band-Aids, antiseptics, wet wipes, vitamins
• Clothes: socks, shoes, undershirts, hats

We would also like to invite you to contribute to our Vitamin Program. The objective of this program is to help improve levels of nutrition and reduce anemia at orphanages in San Jose. To participate in this program, please bring one bottle of chewable children’s multi-vitamin tablets.

Please note that there are many markets and shops in San Jose where you can buy all of these items, often for less than they will cost in your home country.

If you wish to bring a gift for your host family, we recommend something that represents your home country. This could include traditional sweets or any number of other knick-knacks.

Could you please provide me the packing list?

The key to packing for a trip to Costa Rica is to pack for both the cool, interior climate of San Jose and the hot, humid, coastal climates. Weather around San Jose is “spring like,” with warm days and cool nights; whereas the coasts tend to be hot and muggy. In all cases, you should be prepared for rain, which is common throughout Costa Rica.

Your accommodations will provide you with basic linens—sheets, pillows, blankets, and a bathroom towel. You are responsible for bringing your own toiletries (see below). We suggest bringing an extra towel and any other special comforts from home that are important to you.

Clothing	Equipment	Toiletries
7 Pairs of underwear	Daypack	Shampoo
7 Pairs of socks	Water bottle	Conditioner
5 T-shirts	Camera	Soap
2 Long-sleeved shirts	Laptop or tablet	Deodorant
4 Pairs of pants	Umbrella	Toothpaste
2 Pairs of shorts	First-aid kit	Toothbrush
Swimwear	Notebook	Razor
Light jacket	Pens/pencils	Towel
Rain gear	Bilingual dictionary	Mosquito repellant
Sneakers	A copy of your passport	Sunblock
Sandals	Outlet adapter or converter	Sunglasses, Hat