www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hi,

I am planning my first trip in Costa Rica in May. Arriving on Saturday 5/12 at 1:30 pm at SJO, I plan to take a bus into San Jose and stay 2 nights at HLH. On Monday, I am planning to take the shuttle to Jaco for 3-4 nights, returning to San Jose and HLH on either Thursday or Friday and returning home on a 2:35 pm flight on Saturday the 19th. Several logistics questions…

- Does HLH prefer payment in dollars, colones, or by credit card?

- To cut down on the amount of cash I need to bring, I would prefer payment by credit card. Does HLH accept Amex or Visa and if so how is the exchange rate affected, if at all, compared to paying cash in dollars or colones?

- For converting dollars to colones, is the exchange rate better at the airport (BAC) or at HLH?

- I would like to reserve a room in advance. However, as I am unsure whether I will be back in San Jose for one or two nights on the back end of my trip, I would like to avoid heavy cancellation fees. Can someone tell me the current cancellation policy?

- Taking the bus from the airport, what is the best/closest drop-off stop to HLH? Is it within walking distance, or would I need a taxi? Also, checkin/checkout time?

- Lastly, is there a pharmacy nearby, open until late afternoon / early evening on Saturdays, where I can pick up some vitamin ‘V’ for the weekend?

Thanks,
Aldrich317

I have paid for everything I have done there in both dollars and colones. I have never attempted to use my card as I always have cash on me when I am there.

HLH gives a good exchange rate, but I never really exchange my money anywhere. I will just swing by the atm (there are several very close by) and take money out in colones. For me I come out ahead doing this. Example I take out 50,000 colones (100 bucks) it tends to only hit my account for about 93-98 bucks.

Getting a hold of vitamin V should be very easy. I ended up with a pocket full of it one day just cause a older guy that was going home didn't want to take them with him.

Other than that I don't have a answer for the other questions.

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Not banned yet...

Vitamin V or C is available at any drug store...hell, they even have posters in the windows advertising the local generic brands...

As for cash, I didn't have any trouble getting it from ATM machines. I suspect that is the best exchange rate you are going to get.

Aldrich317,

Hate to state the obvious but since almost all your questions are HLH related why not just send Bktuna a pm? I am sure he will be willing to answer your questions.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
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alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Cash is king in SJ. Many places offer discounts for cash. I don't like to take the hit on ATM transaction fees, so I bring cash.

Change your money upstairs at the airport at the BAC bank. They will be open when you arrive. Any bank will give you a good exchange rate. Other places will have a little more unfavorable exchange rate, but may be more convenient for you.

Pay your exit tax($28) next to the bank while you are there at the airport after your arrival, just to get that detail out of the way.

PM Boyd (BKTUNA) , the general manager of HLH, about HLH credit card , late arrival, and cancellation policies. I believe that the HLH web site says $50 cancellation fee, raising to 50% if within 72 hours. But check with Boyd, or call HLH. From Okie on this board, on 3/16/12, the US phone number for HLH is 786.467.0378.

HLH is very popular and you may have trouble with short-notice reservations. Check with Boyd.

Boyd, the man for all seasons, usually has vitamins for sale. When he was out of them, I got a good price at a small drug store on Calle Central between Ave 4 and Ave 6. Less than $2 each for 100mg. It should be open on Saturday afternoon when you get into town.

I like the bus from the airport. It takes about 30 minutes on Saturday, costs about 75 cents. Ask the driver "directo San Jose?" If he nods yes, get on and give him a 1Mil bill. He'll give you change. You need colones to ride the bus.

The bus ride ends on Ave 2 between Calle 12 and Calle 14. I walk to HLH in the day time. About a 20 minute walk with a duffel bag. A taxi will be $2 if you want it. Get an agreed price before you get in the car.

Again, PM Boyd for more details. He's very helpful. He knows everything that you need to know. He's a Master of Entertainment. Greg, at HLH, is very helpful, too.

Feel free to PM me if you think that I can help.

RAC

Seems like the guys got most of oyur answers. We do not take Amex. We exchange money basically at the same rate as the bank. We have vitamins here at the best prices. Cancellation is 72 hours.

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BKTUNA/Boyd
I am never going home

Interbus is another good option for a ride from the airport to San Jose. My last trip is was 14 bucks for the ride. Just have to book 3 days in advance. I have used them for a total of 6 times between airport transfers and SJ to Playa Hermosa. They are cheap and very reliable. Easiest to book through here http://www.shuttlebus.co.cr/website/shopping/shopping_cart/index.php

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