www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Currently trying to plan a month long trip split between Costa Rica and Sosua, DR. I'm in the process of fine tuning the logistics between my destinations, particularly from SJO to San Domingo, DR. I have found, after some googling, that TACA airline offers direct flights from the two cities for a decent price (a little less expensive than a RT flight from Chicago to SJO). Now TACA is new to me and in fact I never knew they existed until today. So I hit the search button for some insight/opinions about this airline from the members of this site and....OK, not bad...sound like a legit company...I'm sold. So now I know how to get to Sosua but I do have some questions regarding traveling between the two airposts (I don't really like surprises unless they involve the words "good" and "Chicas" ).
So, first off, do I need to purchase the $26 tax stamp when I fly out of SJO to San Domingo, DR like when I depart for the US?? Having never stepped foot inside of SJO, what is the best time of day to travel (meaning when the airport is the least busy)?

Regards.

The only thing I can say with any certainty is that that CR exit tax applies between a CR airport and anywhere outside of Costa Rica--unless I misunderstood your travel itinerary. Are you going to actually be in San Jose or merely transit to SanTO Domingo? The rest I'll leave to my more knowledgeable Brothers. However I will put in a soft pitch to join us as a CRT VIP--those discounts alone will save you strong dollars if you're only here a few days...See the discount page for details.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

I've been considering Sosua as well, but never considered combining the two. From what I've read on ISOC, if possible, you should try to fly into Puerto Plata (POP) instead of Santo Domingo (SDQ).

To Jazzbo: Yes I will be spending a portion of my vacation in CR. As for becoming a VIP here, I will definitely consider that.

To Ramair4: I too have considered flying into POP but as I was told by some members here there are no flights from SJO to POP.

You will have to purchase the $26. CR departure tax. It is not destination specific.

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

I did this twice last summer, flying from San Jose to Santo Domingo on Taca each time, and then bus'ing over to Sosua using Caribe Tours. First, yes, you do have to pay the exit tax. Second - no issues with the flight other than the fact that with the itinerary of late arrival in Santo Domingo from San Jose and early departure from Santo Domingo back to San Jose, you will almost certainly have to spend the first and last nights of the trip in Santo Domingo. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing - book at the Mystik Hotel and avail yourself of the excellent talent next door at the "Girl's House" club, or check out the street action.

Appreciate all the info GR.

No problem - one other note - as I recall, on the first trip I was booked straight through on Taca coming back from Santo Domingo through San Jose to Los Angeles, and therefore did not have to pay the departure tax. Taca just sent me to a window at SJO for an approval stamp and that was that.