Tips and Tricks!!!!

 Whether you have already decided to go to Costa Rica or you are just curious about the program, these eight tips and tricks can help! 

        
  1. Always carry around at least quinientos (500) colones in change in case you need to pay to use a public restroom while away from the finca. Sometimes the price will vary slightly, but it is usually between 400 and 600 colones. 
  2. Always assume that there is a hike ahead! Costa Rican roads and paths tend to be long, winding, rocky, and slippery, so always be sure to have tennis shoes or hiking boots on hand. 
  3. Avoid online shopping or anything that requires shipping costs. I ordered one package while abroad, and it was NOT worth it. The postal system in Costa Rica can be confusing and expensive, so it is much easier and cheaper to buy things from a store rather than online. 
  4. Be sure to get an international phone plan before you travel. I originally tried GoogleFi, but I ended up going with Verizon. While that worked fine for me, I often did not have access to the internet when we traveled to places without wifi. One of the other students used T-Mobile, which seems like a better quality and price. 
  5. Bus stops may not always look like the standard bus stops in the U.S. Keep an eye out for the words "la parada," which means "bus stop" in Spanish. Sometimes bus stops are in random places, like on the off ramp of the highway, so keep your eyes open!
  6. Download at least one of the following apps: Waze (similar to Google Maps), Uber, and/or DiDi (a rideshare app). These apps are very common in Costa Rica, and chances are that you will need them to get around since you probably won't have always have access to a vehicle. 
  7. Don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. Most Ticans are very kind and helpful, and they will be thrilled to tell you the best places to visit! Just be sure to travel with other people since traveling alone (especially in a different country) can be risky and possibly dangerous. 
  8. Use sunscreen and bug spray every single day!!! This might sound like common sense, but it is so important! Just skipping one day can leave you with sunburned, peeling skin and itchy bug bites everywhere, both of which are very uncomfortable. That being said, bring bug bite cream and aloe vera gel if you can because I guarantee that you or a friend will need it. 

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