Frequently Asked Questions

 

Booking Info:


I'm travelling solo in Costa Rica. Can you accommodate me?

Absolutely! We have 5 double rooms, which can accommodate a couple or a single. 


I'm travelling with my friend/partner to Costa Rica. Can you accommodate me?

Totally! We have 5 double rooms. All rooms can either accommodate a couple or a single. 


How many guests can you accommodate at Casa Nautika Retreat Center?

Up to 14 guests.  If there are larger groups, there are options to stay in the cabinas on the adjoining neighbors property.


What time is check-in / check-out?

Check in is from 1pm on the first day. Check out is before 11am on the last day. If you arrive before 1pm, that's ok, you may just have to wait until 1pm for your room to be ready. If you want to check out after 11am, that's ok too, you will just need to be packed up and out of the room by 11am so our housekeeper can get the room ready for the next guest but you can stay and use the facilities until your departure.


What is your cancellation policy?

See our terms and policies HERE.


What day can I arrive?

You can arrive on any day.


Can I stay for longer?

For sure! As long as we have room, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish! We've had guests stay for 6 weeks... sometimes they just never leave. Send us an email and we can chat and come up with a deal for you!


Travel Info:


Can I enter Costa Rica with a one-way ticket?

No. To enter Costa Rica, you must show proof of onward travel, either a pre-paid airline or bus ticket to exit the country. Airlines do not always ask for this documentation, but Costa Rica Immigration may deny you entry without proof of onward travel.


Do I need any vaccines to enter Costa Rica?

There are no mandatory vaccines, but the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, etc.), as well as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. Travelers coming from some African countries as well as Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Ecuador and Guyana must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.


Are ATMs available?

Most travelers bring a small amount of US cash with them and withdraw from ATMs as they need it along they way. ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities.


Can I use credit / check / debit cards?

Credit, Check and Debit Cards are largely accepted through the country but may not be accepted in smaller shops. Master Card and Visa are accepted much more widely than American Express.


What is the local currency in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s currency is called the colon (CRC), named after Christopher Columbus. In most tourist towns, stores and restaurants accept U.S. dollars. You can exchange U.S. dollars and Euros at banks throughout the country.


Can I use US Dollars in Costa Rica?

Yes, almost all good and services can be purchased with US Dollars while in Costa Rica.


What are the current exchange rates?    

AS of May 2018

1 USD = 566 CRC                   1 EUR = 654 CRC
1 CAD = 435 CRC                   1 GBP = 751 CRC

Find updated exchange rates at www.xe.com/currencycharts


Do Costa Ricans speak English?

Many Costa Ricans speak conversational English in the tourism industry. As you travel into more rural areas of the country, you will encounter more people who speak only Spanish. Costa Ricans are known for being friendly, so if you’re having trouble communicating, a smile, hand gestures and an English-Spanish dictionary will serve you well.


Do I need an adapter for my electrical devices?

Costa Rica’s electricity operates at 110 volts and 60 hertz, the same as in the United States and Canada. Visitors from countries with other electrical systems, such as those in Europe will need adapters for their electrical devices.


Is Internet widely available throughout the country?

Internet is very common throughout the Central Valley and many tourism destinations. Hotels and restaurants often provide free WiFi service, and local Internet cafes offer high-speed connections for around $1 per hour.


Will my cell phone work in Costa Rica?

That depends on your provider; call in advance to arrange international roaming. Once in Costa Rica, you may also purchase a pre-paid phone card for use with your GSM or 3G cell phone. Phone cards are available at the international airport and may be purchased for $10.


Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica?

No, your home license is valid in Costa Rica for the duration of your tourist entry stamp. When driving, always carry your passport, or a copy of your passport ID page and entry stamp page, showing proof of legal status in the country.


Does it rain everyday during the green season?

Typically the months of September, October and November see the most rain  – usually limited to late afternoon thunderstorms that last one or two hours. In exchange for a bit of rain, you’ll receive of up to 10-40% off high season hotel rates.


How is the weather in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has a temperate tropical climate marked by two seasons: the dry (December- April) and the wet (May-November). The average temperature throughout the year is between 71°F and 81°F. During the rainy season, also known as the green season, mornings are generally sunny followed by late afternoon showers.


How are Costa Rica's medical services?

Costa Rica is internationally recognized for its top-notch medical services, both public and private, thanks to its wealth of skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities. For minor aches, pains and bruises visit a local pharmacy. 


How much do I tip in restaurants?

Tipping is not customary in Costa Rica, but in the tourism industry tipping for professional services is universal. It is considered polite to tip guides and drivers for performance and services rendered. While largely a personal decision, a tour guide may be tipped $2-$10, depending on the size of your group. Note that all restaurant bills include a mandatory 10% tip, and leaving extra is uncommon.


Is the water safe to drink in Costa Rica?

Yes, you can drink the tap water throughout most of the country. Casa Nautika's water comes straight from a spring on the mountain.  In certain remote areas, water may not be potable. You will see warning signs of “Agua No Potable.”


What are Costa Rica's biggest holidays?

Costa Rica is a Catholic country, and its most important holidays revolve around religion. Holy Week, known as Semana Santa, is the week leading up to Easter Sunday – and a very popular travel time. Christmas (December 25) is also important, followed by Costa Rica’s Independence Day, celebrated on September 15.


What is Costa Rica's time zone?

Costa Rica does not observe daylight savings time, so it operates at GMT-6 year-round. During daylight savings time in the United States (mid-March through early November), Costa Rica is in the Mountain Standard (MST) time zone. The rest of the year, Costa Rica is in the U.S. Central Standard (CST) time zone.