Frequently Asked Questions2024-06-15T13:42:08-06:00

What you need to know before you travel

FAQs

Frequently asked questions from numerous travelers over the years. If you don’t find what you need, contact us!

¿Necesito visado para viajar a Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:18:10-06:00

Los ciudadanos de muchos países, incluidos Estados Unidos, Canadá y la mayoría de los países europeos, no necesitan visado para permanecer hasta 90 días.
(Esto ha cambiado recientemente, y ahora se te permite permanecer hasta 180 días en el país y conducir con tu permiso de conducir extranjero).
Consulta con la embajada de Costa Rica los requisitos específicos.

¿Qué lenguas se hablan en Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:20:06-06:00

En el hermoso país centroamericano de Costa Rica, la lengua oficial que hablan ampliamente sus habitantes es el español.
Sin embargo, debido al auge de la industria turística del país y a la afluencia de visitantes de todo el mundo, el inglés también se ha convertido en una lengua muy hablada, sobre todo en las zonas populares entre los turistas.
Tanto si visitas las playas vírgenes como las exuberantes selvas tropicales, es probable que te encuentres con muchos lugareños capaces de conversar en inglés.

Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of?2024-06-15T13:38:41-06:00

Costa Ricans, or Ticos, are known for their friendly and polite nature. A common greeting is “Pura Vida,” which means “pure life.” It’s also courteous to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek.

Are there ATMs in Jaco?2024-04-15T17:12:56-06:00

Yes, there are several banks and ATMs in the town of Jaco. Some of them allow you to withdraw dollars, but you can get colones, the local currency, in all of them. If you need to go into the bank for any reason, make sure you bring your passport. You’ll always need it to do any legal paperwork, and it will be your source of ID while in Costa Rica. (It must be the original; a copy will not be accepted.)

Are there direct flights to Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:28:17-06:00

Yes, there are direct flights from major cities in the US, Canada, and Europe to San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) airports. If you need to arrange airport pickup and drop off consider private transportation or car rental services.

Can BookyBee.com help me with our complete accommodation?2024-04-15T17:08:48-06:00

Of course! That’s what we do. BookyBee.com was designed to be your one-stop shop for all your needs, including activities, tours, transportation, and other services. We do not manage vacation rentals but offer third-party concierge services to vacation rental companies, hotels, and other lodging locations.

Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:18:10-06:00

Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European countries, do not need a visa to stay for up to 90 days. (This has been recently changed, and you are now allowed to stay up to 180 days in the country and drive with your foreign driver’s license) Check with the Costa Rican embassy for specific requirements.

Do I need to book accommodations in advance?2024-06-15T13:32:01-06:00

It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during the high season (December to April) and in popular tourist areas.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:22:47-06:00

No specific vaccinations are required, but it is recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines. Check with your healthcare provider for recommendations.

Do they accept USD? and/or what is the local currency?2023-04-01T12:38:13-06:00

The local currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC), which averages between 500-600 for 1 USD. But luckily, most of Costa Rica will always accept USD, but you must be aware of the exchange rate to make sure you are getting the proper change. If possible, when paying in cash and the price is in Colones, try to pay in colones; that way, your change will be exact. There are establishments whose prices are in USD, but most will give you a change in CRC even with that.

Does BookyBee have accommodations or can help with booking?2024-06-15T13:34:33-06:00

BookyBee does not provide this particular service. Our core business is centered around organizing tours, activities, and services such as chef hire, massage, car rentals, and airport transportation. While we may have recommendations in certain areas, this service falls outside our current offerings.

How do I get around in Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:26:51-06:00

Options include private transportation, rental cars, taxis, buses, and domestic flights. Renting a car can give you more flexibility, but roads can be challenging in some areas.

Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?2024-06-15T13:24:03-06:00

Costa Rica is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it’s always good to take standard precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings.

Is Jaco Costa Rica safe?2023-04-01T12:40:46-06:00

Yes, Jaco Costa Rica is safe for people of all ages. One of the only towns we’ve visited where children are out playing in the parks and community areas way after the sun has set. The community has also installed a number of cameras around town and along the beach to help keep the area safe. Small petty theft is heard of, just like any other place so play it bright doesn’t leave for example your expensive laptop in your car visible from the outside.

Is Jaco family-friendly, and are there any activities for children?2023-04-01T12:33:38-06:00

Yes, Jaco is family-friendly and has plenty of activities, tours, & day trips for the whole family. Almost all condominiums/hotels feature a pool for those days when you want to sit back and let the children play in the pool. Also, with activities like zip-line, horseback, crocodile tour, monkey tour, Tortuga Island, and off-road tour side-by-side, all very family friendly!

Is the beach safe for swimmers? How about Surfing?2023-04-01T12:31:51-06:00

Jaco beach stretches from one end to the other end of town, with vast areas to set up and spend a few hours in the sun. The further you are on the South end of the beach, the more minor the waves and current will be. This is perfect for small children, nonswimmers, and also first-time surfers. Work your way further North, and you will see stronger waves, current, and more advanced surfers in the water. Along the beach, you will also notice several coast guard stations with people on the watch to ensure even more safety.

Is the water safe to drink in Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:25:04-06:00

Tap water is generally safe to drink in most areas, but in some rural areas, it’s better to stick to bottled water.

Tipping in Costa Rica2024-04-15T17:10:14-06:00

Over the years, working in and out of tourism, our recommendation has been to tipping. Amounts vary from the cost of the activity to the number of people in the activity. So, determining a percentage or an amount is difficult, but a good starting point is a minimum of 10%. Still, one thing to remember is that salaries are not as big as you’d expect in Costa Rica (primarily when you work as a tour guide or waiter/bartender, for example), and what you tip is what the guide/staff gets to take home today to their families. And finally, only if you enjoyed the activity and believed the guide/staff did a great job. 

What are some must-see attractions in Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:36:27-06:00

Popular attractions include Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Jaco, Tortuga Island, Nauyaca Waterfalls, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.

What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:21:25-06:00

The dry season, from December to April, is considered the best time to visit. The rainy season runs from May to November but can still be a good time for fewer crowds and lush landscapes.

What kind of wildlife can I see in Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:37:23-06:00

Costa Rica, a country celebrated worldwide for its rich biodiversity, is a haven for nature lovers. The country’s lush forests and pristine beaches are home to a diverse array of wildlife. From the playful monkeys swinging from the treetops to the slow-moving sloths lazily lounging around, from the vibrant toucans showcasing a burst of colors to the sea turtles quietly nesting on the beaches, there is a plethora of fauna to be seen. Here, one can truly immerse themselves in nature, witnessing a variety of other wildlife species in their natural habitat.

What languages are spoken in Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:20:06-06:00

In the beautiful Central American country of Costa Rica, the official language that is spoken widely by its inhabitants is Spanish. However, due to the country’s booming tourism industry and the influx of visitors from around the globe, English has also become a very commonly spoken language, particularly in areas that are popular with tourists. Whether you’re visiting the pristine beaches or the lush rainforests, you’re likely to encounter many locals who are able to converse in English.

What should I pack for a trip to Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:38:01-06:00

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather, a rain jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications.

What types of accommodations are available in Costa Rica?2024-06-15T13:31:27-06:00

Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts and hotels to eco-lodges, hostels, and vacation rentals.

When Is the best time to visit Jaco Costa Rica2023-04-01T12:28:20-06:00

Jaco Costa Rica has two distinct seasons, the dry season (Summer), which goes from December until May, and the rainy season (Winter), which goes from June until November. Outside Jaco, the climates may differ as the country is classified as tropical because of how close it is to the equator. The early months of the dry season are the peak season as it is fresh, beautiful weather with cool nights and not too humid. Closer to the end, the humidity and heat will rise with the rain coming. Rainfall during the rainy season differs from every season and can range from 24-hour rainfalls to short little afternoon showers. Each season brings its beauty, and Costa Rica shines all year round.

Why should you book with BookyBee.com?2024-04-15T17:11:41-06:00

We care about your comfort and security. Our team members have been in the tourism industry for more than 15 years, providing top-notch services in Jaco and the rest of Costa Rica. We partner with the best service providers for each activity on our site, guaranteeing you and your group the most fun, best price, and utmost security. Best of all, we take care of all your bookings and reservations. You have to arrive and relax.

Travel Destinations

BookyBee Links

Need a Car Rental?

To rent a car for your trip in Costa Rica, click the link below to access our discounts on select vehicles!

REY Design

Local website designers, online support & website management, content creators, digital marketing, and more online business needs.

JacoCostaRica.com

Local and insider information about Jaco and the surrounding area, plus an online business directory to search for any business.

Pacific Photography

A team of local professionals for photography and video production in Costa Rica. Creating content and memories that are unforgettable!