www.CostaRicaTicas.com

At one time Hotel Don Carlos used to allow you to pay your airport departure tax before going to the airport so you saved time when you were leaving CR. They have stopped doing this.

Also at the airport if you pay with a visa card your bank charges you a cash advance fee.

If The Sportsman Lodge or Hotel La Amistad or HLH were to accept payment it would be very convenient and could be added to your bill if you were a guest there.

Anyone like to suggest this to the managements of the above places ?

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

Just walk 200 feet from Don Carlos to the bank in the tall ugly INS Bldg and buy your exit tax stamp there. Easy.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

There used to be a small kiosk just before Immigration that you could pay the fee. I didn't see it this last time (October). Anybody know where they moved it or did they do away with it? It was very convenient to buy it there and just tuck it away in your passport. Also, The Prez will usually sell you one even if you don't stay there (if you're nice to them and they have time).

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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

Any branch of Banco Costa Rica will sell you the departure tax. Make sure you have your passport with you.

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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

When you arrive on your flight go up to the top level and go inside and pay your tax. Ask for your change in colones and walk out front of the airport and catch a SAN JOSE bus to the end of the line then either walk or taxi to your hotel. Taxi and bus runs around $ 2.50 - 3.00 in most cases and you have your tax pre-paid. This works better if your flight arrives during day light hours

the bank at the ins building is very convenient.. thank you to whoever put the info on that on the board....

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I know nothing, nothing!

I haven't been in CR since May, but they probably got rid of it. Since they expanded the immigration lines, that location is useless since you are already in line at that point. It would be a good idea to have it in the luggage area. People can buy their exit stamps while they wait for their bags to come out.

Can you buy more than one exit tax at a time? I will be in CR twice within a 10 day span.

I believe they have a 30 day expiration but I am not 100% positive. Best to check with the bank teller.

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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

Since they added the second exit tax desk, it has definitely improved efficiency, but a couple of years ago, the exit stamp line was a mess. That's why it was important to get it before coming to the airport. These days, I rarely see more than just a handful of people on line, and they usually have 3-5 "tellers" at those desks so it moves quickly.

Srilm,

I completely agree with you. It has never taken me more than 5 minutes to buy my stamp just before my flight. It's never been a big deal. Even those times the kiosk at Immigration has been open, I've foregone that opportunity, as you lose your place in line.


Ciaociao

Orange,
I checked into this at one time, and I'm almost positive that you can purchase multiple departure tax forms in advance. But if memory serves, Irish Drifter is right, as I'm pretty sure they have an expiration. I don't remember if it was 30 days, or 90 days..... Best bet is to check with the departure tax people on your next trip.

Good luck,
MG

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Thank-you all for the good information.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

I purhased mine at the bank across from the Morazan last trip.

I didn't like the idea of having to pay exit fee when going down to Bocas Del Toro, Panama for a few days since I had a flight from SJ back to the USA later and had to pay again. To me that was bit of a gouge .

I fly into your country with a return ticket leaving in 2 weeks, I pay at exit $26. But you also want $26 bucks every time I leave during that 2 weeks too ? Oh well .

I also keeping hearing its $5 to enter Panama, but they hit me for $13 upon arrival in Bocas, not sure why . Would have been nice to know in advance of booking the flight to Bocas though, exit fee also...so here it is to warn anyone else .

Paying exit at airport works fine, or taking a stroll to the INS bldg, 2nd floor works well two...and if you have a bit of wait, there's some nice skirts around usually .

Why don't they just charge upon arrival and get it over with....plus maybe they'd make a few bucks on the gringo that never leaves or dies in CR . It all goes to a good cause I'm sure....so says the sign .

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