Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [486]
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Traveler’s Checks
Most banks and exchange offices will cash traveler’s checks at a commission of 1% to 3%. Some hotels will accept them as payment, but check policies carefully as many hotels do not. US dollar traveler’s checks are preferred. It may be difficult or impossible to change traveler’s checks of other currencies.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Costa Ricans make wonderful subjects for photos. However, most people resent having cameras thrust in their faces, and some attach price tags to their mugs. As a rule, you should ask for permission if you have an inkling your subject would not approve.
Since most people use digital cameras these days, it can be quite difficult to purchase high-quality film in Costa Rica. However, most internet cafes in the country can burn your digital pictures on CD, and cheap media is available for purchase in most large towns and cities.
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POST
Airmail letters cost about US$0.35 for the first 20g. Parcels can be shipped at the rate of US$7 per kilogram. You can receive mail at the main post office of major towns. Mail to San José’s central post office should be addressed: (Name), c/o Lista de Correos, Correo Central, San José, Costa Rica.
Letters usually arrive within a week from North America, longer from more distant places. The post office will hold mail for 30 days from the date it’s received. Photo identification is required to retrieve mail and you will only be given correspondence with your name on it.
Note that in addresses, apartado (abbreviated ‘Apdo’) means ‘PO Box’; it is not a street or apartment address.
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SHOPPING
Avoid purchasing animal products, including turtle shells, animal skulls and anything made with feathers, coral or shells. Wood products are also highly suspicious: make sure you know where the wood came from.
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Coffee & Alcohol
Coffee is the most popular souvenir, and deservedly so. It is available at gift shops, the Mercado Central in San José and at any supermarket throughout the country.
The most popular alcohol purchases are Ron Centenario, Café Rica (the coffee liqueur) and guaro (the local firewater). All are available at duty-free shops inside the airport, or in supermarkets and liquor stores in every town and city.
BARGAINING
A high standard of living along with a steady stream of international tourist traffic means that the Latin American tradition of haggling is fast dying out in Costa Rica. In tourist towns especially, fixed prices on hotels cannot be negotiated, and you can expect business owners to be offended if you try. Some smaller hotels in the interior regions still accept the practice.
Negotiating prices at outdoor markets is acceptable, and bargaining is accepted when hiring long-distance taxis. Overall, Ticos respond well to good manners and gentle inquiries. If you demand a service, chances are you won’t get it.
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Handicrafts & Ceramics
Tropical-hardwood items include salad bowls, plates, carving boards, jewelry boxes and a variety of carvings and ornaments. The most exquisite woodwork is available at Biesanz Woodworks in Escazú. All of the wood here is grown on farms expressly for this purpose, so you needn’t worry about forests being chopped down for your salad bowl.
Uniquely Costa Rican souvenirs are the colorfully painted replicas of carretas (traditional oxcarts) produced in Sarchí (Click here).
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SOLO TRAVELERS
Costa Rica is a fine country for solo travelers, especially if you get in with the backpacking community. Inexpensive hostels with communal kitchens encourage social exchange, while a large number of language schools, tours and volunteer organizations will provide every traveler with an opportunity