Ten Ways To Take "Cost"
of Costa Rica
1• Go during the green, or rainy, season (May through November), when
hotel and rental car rates are cheaper. A car rental can go for $55 a
day, fro example, during the the high season, $35 a day in the "green"
season. And you can often save 30 percent or more on hotels and
tours.
2• Carry cash. Many hotels offer discounts if you pay in cash.
3• Take buses or taxis instead of renting a car if you plan to stay in
one place for a few days. Taxis are cheaper in Costa Rica than they are
in the United States (about 60 cents U.S. per kilometer).
4• Eat at sodas -- small local restaurants that serve typical
Costa Rican fare. For a few bucks, you'll get a heaping plate of
chicken, beef, pork or seafood, along with rice, beans, mashed
potatoes and other sides. (Note: If you're staying at a resort, it's
sometimes cheaper to take a taxi into town and eat at a soda than it
is to dine at the onsite restaurant. And that way, you get to
explore the town).
5• If you're with a group, hire a taxi to take you on a tour. For
instance, a tour to Poas Volcano usually costs $35 per person. A
taxi to the volcano costs $50 for up to four people. The driver will
wait for you and drive you down again.
6• Buy a long-distance phone card called ''199 Viajera'' or rent a
cellular telephone once you arrive in Costa Rica. Using your card
from home will end up costing you much more and roaming with "your"
cell phone won't work unless it's pre-arrange and then gets very
expensive.
7• Most inexpensive hotels aren't listed in Internet directories.
Consult a good guidebook to find the real bargains.
8• For adventure and nature, and a chance to be with and learn from
Costa Ricans, try rural community ecotourism. Many of these lodges
cost $25-$45 per person per day, including three meals.
9• Volunteer. There are research programs to choose from. Volunteers
usually have to pay little for room and board.
10• 'Make conversation first -- don't just ask for what you need.
You can usually get discounts this way, proving that even in a
country not known for price negotiation, a little nicety can go a
long way.
For more information about travel to Costa Rica or to make a car
rental, hotel, tour, or vacation package reservation, contact our
reservation desk at:
Telephone: 506 258 4896
Email:
[email protected]
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