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 1) Get a passport, even if you’re not sure if and when you will be traveling. In the U.S., it now takes a lot longer to obtain one.
1.5) Just added---Be sure to tell your bank before you travel that you will be using your atm/charge cards in Costa Rica. One of the most common problems we hear from new visitors is that their atm card won't work. Later, they find out that their own bank put a hold on their money because of a suspicion of card theft because of it being used in a foreign country. Travelers Checks---despite what some Costa Rica experts and websites say, Travelers Checks are not accepted everywhere; in fact, virtually no businesses accept them! They can only be cashed in banks. Also, of the 3 major credit cards, Visa is the most widely accepted, Mastercard second and American Express third, if at all. 2) Although everyone should consult their own doctor, immunization shots are not required for travel to Costa Rica. A good idea though, would be to make sure your Tetanus Vaccinations are current. For scary tropical disease information, visit the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). A grain of salt should be taken before viewing, if you and your doctor agree that you are not in the higher risk categories. 3) Essentials to bring: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellant, spf chapstick, light and medium weight clothing including a light jacket, warm weather footwear (sandals/flip-flops) and lightweight hiking footwear, small flashlights that take normal batteries like AA or AAA, camera, binoculars, back pack. 4) Jaco is a beach city, which means that there is an ocean here! It is the Pacific Ocean, and it is beautiful and warm with waves and currents. Lifeguards are scarce most of the time so you will be on your own for the most part. Swim or surf with a group. Look out for each other. Ask the locals about conditions before entering the water. Riptides are usually to blame for bad situations. Sometimes just a few simple bits of education about riptides can make the difference. If you feel yourself being pulled out away from the shore and you can’t overcome the force of the current with normal swimming, don’t panic (easier said than done, we know). Click the red read more below for the full story. |
Miscellaneous 
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