03/21/2008

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to enter Costa Rica?
Yes, a valid passport with expiration date not shorter than six months is required to enter Costa Rica.
The law requires that you carry your passport with you at all times during your stay. Plainclothes immigration inspectors may stop you on the street with request to see your passport. Fortunately, officials will usually accept photocopies of your passport; be sure to include your photo, passport number, and entry stamp. It is a good idea in any case to make photocopies of all documents and to keep them with you, separate from the originals.
For latest information about travel to Costa Rica you may go to US Department of State travel advisory page at www.travel.state.gov/travel/costa_rica.html.

What I can bring to Costa Rica duty-free?
See Customs Regulations.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Whenever you have the most time to come and enjoy the country. Most visitors regret not being able to stay longer since there are many more things to see and do, than what they expect.
With 7 micro-climates, you can always find areas in Costa Rica that offer sunny beach weather, cool mountain breezes, dry or humid regions. General rule of thumb, when the Pacific Coast is having its afternoon rains everyday, (Green Season May-Nov), the Caribbean side is sunny and drier (but still green).

Do I need to exchange cash before I come?
No. With the exception of airport* the exchange rate for dollars is better in Costa Rica than in the US and other countries.  Taxis and most other establishments readily accept US dollars. Numerous ATMs throughout the country make it easy to get cash with your Visa or Master Card and your PIN number. Most tourist related businesses (hotels, restaurants, tour companies, etc.) readily accept major credit cards. Travelers checks are a little more difficult to cash, especially outside San Jose. If you are bringing cash make sure that the dollar bills are in good condition, otherwise you will have problems with exchanging them for Colones (local currency). It is a good idea to copy down your credit card numbers and store them in a safe place. In case you loose your credit card you may reported it by calling:
VISA: 0-800-011 0030
MasterCard: 0-800-011 0184
AMEX (travel checks): 0-800-012 0039
AMEX (credit cards): 0-800-012 3211
Diners Club: (702) 797-5532 (collect)

*The company "Global Exchange" which operates at the Juan Santamaría airport in San José and other airports in the region is defrauding tourists by charging extra 10% for the service.

My friend is in San Jose, Costa Rica, and needs a place to stay for this coming week. Can I make a reservation on his behalf, and pay for his room via PayPal?  
Yes, you can.  Just fill out the reservation form you find on our web site at www.joluva.com and send it to us. We will contact you about the total price of the reservation within 24 hours and give you Reservation Confirmation Number. Our PayPal account is affiliated with our email address joluva@abac.com. In emergency you may always call us directly  506-2 223 7961.

Is the water safe to drink?
Yes! Even most of the small towns outside of the Central Valley have a small roadside sign that assures visitors that the local water is certified safe.

Do you have air conditioning in your Guesthouse?
No, we don't. Each room has a ceiling fan. There is no need for air conditioning in San José. The average temperature is 68 °F or 20 °C.

Do you have a swimming pool, jacuzzi or sauna in your Guesthouse?
No, we don't.

Are you affiliated with a fitness center near by?
No, we are not. A list of fitness centers close to our location is available at the reception desk.

Do you have a bar or restaurant in your Guesthouse?
No, we don't. There are many different bars and restaurants within short distance from our place.

Do you have safety boxes in the rooms?
Yes, we do - and they are free of charge.  They are electronic type where you set your own code.

Do you have high speed wireless access to Internet?
Yes, we do. The service is available 24 hours - and it is free of charge. 
In case you did not bring your laptop, for a small fee you may always use our computer stations to access Internet.

  Do I need to rent a car?
If this is your first visit, you may find a car is more trouble than a convenience, especially in the San Jose area. Taxis are reasonable and you don't have to worry about parking. Most tours include transportation. If you are going to Quepos, you can take a three and a half hour bus trip for about $6 or a 25 minute plane trip for $60. If you have more time to explore the countryside and you are not shy about asking directions (few road signs), then a 4X4 is the way to go. Most of the car rental companies are operating out of San Jose; some companies have additional offices near the international airport so you can pick up your car upon arrival. We can help you to make your car rental reservations with reputable companies at our front desk. Passport, valid driver license, and credit card is required.
WARNING!
In recent days we have had an increase in crime against tourists in Costa Rica. One particular method of theft involves rental vehicles leaving the premises near the International Airport. The thieves will puncture a tire and follow the car until the driver stops to fix the tire. Then they will also stop and offer assistance. In the process they will steal valuables from the car. Before leaving the premises ask an attendant to check the condition of your tires and check where the spare tire and jack are located. If you get a flat tire during your trip try to reach the nearest gas station instead of accepting assistance from strangers. In any case,  always close all the doors and windows to secure all your valuables left in the car. If any vehicle stops with offer of assistance note the license plate number.
These are our recommendations:
1. Do not leave your car alone on main or side roads.
2. If it is possible, use parking lots.
3. In case of flat tire do not accept assistance from strangers.
4. Never leave personal items or valuables inside your vehicle.
5. Keep the car doors locked all the the time.
6. Do not pick-up any strangers on the road.

Will it be safe to park my car overnight on the street? Do you have a parking lot?
 We do not recommend parking your car overnight on the street. Paid public parking lot open 24 hour is located next to our place.

Do you provide escort service?
No, we don't.

Can I bring a guest to my room?
Yes, you can, as long as he/she is over 18 years old and has a valid photo ID ("Cedula") or passport. We charge extra $5 if he/she stays overnight (any time between 9 pm and 8 am). We reserve the right to refuse entry to any visitor if we feel it is in the best interest of our Guesthouse.

This is my first trip. Where should I go? What should I do?
There are many attractions and day tours convenient to the Central Valley (San Jose). Check our Tours page for details. Some tours offer 5 attractions in one FULL day. Some of the most popular areas outside the Central Valley, is Arenal (Lake & Volcano), Quepos-Manuel Antonio (Pacific Coast), and Puerto Viejo/Playa Cocles (Caribbean Coast). If you have been here before, or you have plenty of time, a few days on the Osa Peninsula would be unforgettable.

How far are you from the beach?
San Jose is located in the middle of the country. It takes approximately 2 - 4 hours by bus or 30 minutes by plane to get to the beach.

Where can we buy the tickets for bus or local airline?
If you have problem with getting the tickets or make the reservations we can reserve and buy these tickets for you. We charge $10 for this service. Click here to check the bus schedule.

I am really having problems with the bus transportation to Quepos. I understand the bus terminal is in the Coca Cola district, which I've heard is an area to avoid due to drugs, prostitutes, etc. I've also read that the busses typically are "local", so there is nowhere to put my luggage.
I do not think you -or anybody else - would have any problem with a bus to Quepos. It is true that the Coca Cola area is not a good one for sightseeing but you simply buy the bus ticket in advance and take the taxi directly to the bus. Just be sure to take the express bus to Manuel Antonio not the local one. The express bus leave Coca Cola terminal at 6 AM, 9 AM, 12 noon and 5 PM. It takes approximately three hours to get to Quepos. Upon arrival in Quepos, stay on the bus and tell the driver the name of the hotel you are staying in Manuel Antonio and he will make a stop to let you out right in front of your hotel. The buses are very modern with ample space for luggage in special compartments. Each piece of luggage is ticketed and each passenger have a numbered seat. Most of the buses have air condition.
As a matter of fact it could be one of the easiest, most economical and very picturesque tours you would have in Costa Rica. The bus ticket costs only $6.