Cost Saving Tips In Costa Rica
- Go during the green, or rainy, season - May through November. Hotel, rental car and tour rates are cheaper. For example, a car rental can go for $55 a day during the the high season, and $35 a day in the "green" season. You can often save 30 percent or more on hotels and tours.
- Carry cash. Many hotels offer discounts if you pay in cash.
- 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 US$1.75 per kilometer from airport to downtown San Jose).
- 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 you get to explore the town).
- 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.
- Renting a cellular telephone, or buying a long-distance phone card called "Servicio 199" or ''199 Viajera'' or "Tarjeta Viajera Internacional 199", is less expensive than using your card from home. Roaming with your cell phone won't work unless it's pre-arranged and then it's expensive.
- Most inexpensive hotels are difficult to find on the Internet. Consult a good guidebook or ask us!
- Make conversation first - don't simply ask for what you need. Familiarity goes a long way.
