www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hi,

I will be making my first trip to CR, arriving at SJO late Friday morning, 5/11. What's the most efficient way to get the necessities out of the way before heading to San Jose?

Should baggage claim be my first stop, before customs... or is there enough lag time after landing to get to the bank to do my money exchange and exit visa purchase?

Is it worth purchasing liquor (wine, rum, vodka) at the airport or wait until I get into San Jose? Any decent red wine (Blackstone?) available, or is it worth bringing a bottle from home?

Is there a fee for using your credit card at the BAC to convert to colones, as opposed to bringing and using cash dollars to convert? What are your thoughts on bringing so much cash to cover all vacation expenses?

Thanks,
Aldrich317

I can answer a few. Get booze at the duty free either on the level you will be arriving on or there's one by the baggage claim, dirt cheap, not sure about wine selection because I don't drink it, so bring in what you drink or the girls might like, eg tequila, rum, vodka, great to have in the room. And cigarettes, but brands are limited, mainly Marlboro and Derby which I think is made by Marlboro.

Second, you are going to have to get thru Immigration before you get to baggage and then go thru customs.

Money changing I'll leave to someone else, I just bring a bunch of USD and get by fine and then I start accumulating colones in change when I buy stuff. To me, they're a pain in the ass, especially those new little plastic ones that don't fit in with the rest of your dough. Mind you alot of places aren't crazy about Franklin's but you'll get them cashed, so bring a bunch of 50's, 20, 10's, 5's, and 1's which are good for tips. Leave your coins at home, they're worthless.