LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Money & Costs
Untitled Document
Travel costs are significantly higher here than in most Central American countries, but cheaper than in the USA or Europe. And if you’re arriving from inexpensive Central American nations such as Nicaragua, get ready to bust that wallet wide open.
Prices in Costa Rica are frequently listed in US dollars, especially at upmarket hotels and restaurants, where you can expect to pay international prices. Most types of tours are charged in US dollars. In fact, US dollars are widely accepted, but the standard unit of currency is still the colon.
Shoestring travelers can survive on US$20 to US$30 a day, covering just the basics of food, lodging and public transportation. The cheapest hotels start at about US$5 per person for a bed, four walls and shared bathrooms. Better rooms with private bathrooms start at roughly US$10 per person, depending on the area. It is possible to eat cheaply at the many sodas (lunch counters), where you can fill up on tasty casados (set meals) for about US$2 to US$3.
Midrange budgeters can travel comfortably for anywhere from US$50 to US$100 per day. Hotels in this category offer very good value, and double rooms come with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot water (most of the time) and even breakfast, for US$20 to US$50 per night. Many hotels in this price range also have shared or private kitchenettes, which allows travelers the opportunity to cook. (This is a great option for families.) A variety of restaurants cater to midrange travelers, offering starters (often as filling as a main meal) that range in price from US$5 to US$10.
Top-end visitors can find a good selection of restaurants and hotels in the touristy towns and within some of the major resorts. Luxurious beachside lodges and boutique hotels can cost anywhere from US$80 – and all the way up – and offer meals that begin at US$20.
Lodging prices are generally higher in the dry season (December to April), and highest during holiday periods (between Christmas and New Year and during Semana Santa). During slower seasons, most hotels are eager for your business, so you can try to negotiate a lower rate. Some of the more popular tourist areas (Monteverde, Jacó, Manuel Antonio and many of the beaches on the Península de Nicoya) are also more expensive than the rest of the country.
HOW MUCH?
SkyTrek zip-line adventure in Monteverde: US$40
Admission to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: US$7
A bus from San José to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: US$7.75
Taxi from the international airport into central San José: US$12-15
Two hours of surfing lessons in Tamarindo: US$30
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
