www.CostaRicaTicas.com

There is a simple solution for Covid testing required to enter the U.S.

Testing can be done from the convenience of your hotel by doing the following. You can order a home test kit prior to departing for your trip. One source is https://store.optum.com/ , the cost is $69.99 for 2 tests, this includes fast shipping from FedEx. Another is

https://rn-wellness.com/collections/ind ... -hEALw_wcB

Which sells for $50.00 for 2 including shipping.

A much cheaper option is Walmart for $18.00 for 2 tests or CVS for $20.00 for 2 tests, as well as Wahlgreens and I’m sure most drug stores and many other stores but I don’t know the prices. but much harder to find because of stock shortages. I have only researched the Abbott Test kit and I do not know if other companies are offering the same service.

Before you depart for your trip you need to download a phone app called NAVICA install it and set up your account. When ready to test the app will guide you through the whole process. This is accepted by most airlines near as I can tell but it would not hurt to insure your airline accepts it.

In Costa Rica you still have multiple places offering the test but most are around $85 plus the cab fare to get the test. I have used the airport site as they are open 24 - 7. Another 24 - site is

https://salud.go.cr/step1 .


Again this is information only for the Abbot rapid test and I’m sure there are other options out there but the only one I know for sure is Abbot.

I did this on my last trip and it worked perfect. From start to finish took about 30 minutes and 15 minutes of that was spent waiting for the test to give the results. Did it from the kitchen table in my Air bnb. There was no additional cost for the administration of the test. The only cost was for the test itself.
You do need an internet connection to go to a website where you will be monitored and given step by step instructions by a test proctor who watches you as you go through the test steps.

Also I do believe you must set up the NAVICA App while you are in the states.

I went to Clinica Biblica on 1/17 (Sunday) at 10am, I was on my way in 15 minutes, results emailed at 12:30. Cost $36.41 (I only needed one test so I only paid for one test. $36.41 is less than $50. No shipping, No preplanning, No app download. No question of airline acceptance. Simpler than SimpletonEscorts)

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If you lose your temper you’re phucking yourself - Garcia Marquez

The Clinica Biblica website shows the antigen test for travelers as 30k colones = $46.86. Is the site wrong or do you get a senior or resident discount? $36.41 = approx 23,311 colones per the 1/28 conversion tables.

I just had the rapid test done at clinica biblica in Santa Ana last week and my credit card was charged 36.41 for the test. Why I do not know but if you want to pay cash they charge you more ????

It must have been my infectious smile.

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If you lose your temper you’re phucking yourself - Garcia Marquez

the infectious part is def undeniable

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"cuz I'm a back-door man" Jim Morrison-1969

I just got the antigen test at biblica $36 paid with CC

Can anyone give me directions to the Clinica Biblica testing site From the Hotelcastillo. I found it but there are 50 places all around there in a two or three block radius named Clinica biblica.
thanks in advance

CostaReeker

Clinica Biblica- $36 Taormina- $176. Well worth the walk, in/out 10 min., results 2 hrs.

I would recommend booking appointment in advance because of info required. I had problems with link accepting mine & emailed their call center who booked it.. Outstanding assistance. If you don't have an appointment, you have to scan a QR code & fill out same info as advance booking. Could be a problem if you don't have active phone/ internet.

If you are going between 6am and 9:30pm it is on the 6th floor of the parking garage (Parqueo Clinica Biblica in Uber or Waze). Go into the Garage, get in an elevator, press the button labeled 6. when the door opens, walk forward.

If you are going between 9:30pm and 6am it is on the first floor of the main building (Sede Central). Go up the steps, past the information desk, turn left, walk until you reach the sign that says Laboratorio, stop.

For both locations, you go to Avenida 16. Both buildings are painted blue. Both are pretty obvious, the garage has cars while the main building has stairs.

The trickiest part is getting from the Castillo to the Hotel Del Rey, one assumes you may be familiar with that. From the HDR, take Avenida 1 west (one way street) to Calle 7 (the first street you come to, also one way) Go south on Calle 7 to Avenida 16 (9 blocks). Go west on Avenida 16 (also one way) to a big speed bump with white stripes. (1/2 block). If at anytime you find cars hurtling your way, you are probably on the wrong street. Godspeed CostaReeker.

_________________
If you lose your temper you’re phucking yourself - Garcia Marquez

Finally, someone that can give an answer to the question that was asked. Thank you Boyton. I will be heading down there in a few minutes and I will let you know how it went thanks again,
CostaReeker

That was great Intel there Boyton!. I actually took an Uber from here because both of my knees hurt. The only glitch at all was when the elevator stopped at the sixth floor, I was facing the back of the elevator. I was waiting for the door to open and didn’t realize I had turned around so I rode the elevator back down to the first floor and then I realized there’s only one door on the elevator so I went back up to the six floor and got it straight to 2nd Time! Anyway with or without an appointment , they will do the test for 23,077 CRC with a credit card or 24,000 CRC cash. The price difference is probably so that they do not have to give change when someone wants to pay cash so they rounded up to 24k. Very quick, very easy and no lines at 2:20 pm on a Tuesday. Thanks again Boyton, your directions were dead bang on!

CostaReeker

Pro Tip: When a hospital elevator has two doors, NEVER take the back one. It only leads to the laundry or the morgue.

_________________
If you lose your temper you’re phucking yourself - Garcia Marquez

You know I was joking about the elevator fiasco! Ha ha. Negative Covid test, heading home today.
One guest at de Castillo tested positive so he gets a 10 day extension on his vacation.
Thanks again Boyton
CostaReeker

omg, my worst fear, I don't think my employer will be 2 agreeable to me takin

an xtra 2 weeks in cr, claiming I have covid! I will prob be fired & have to retire

early, oh well!!!

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"cuz I'm a back-door man" Jim Morrison-1969