Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Crysta Parkinson @ Well Worn Suitcase
Arrival in a new country can be a crazy moment with a family in tow. Here is what the process will look like when you arrive in Costa Rica…
Paperwork
There is no need to apply for a Visa ahead of time when heading to Costa Rica (from the U.S.). Some simple paperwork is all that is required, and the flight attendant will pass the forms out on the plane. Have handy a pen and the address where you will be staying in Costa Rica (if you will be staying multiple places, the first works), along with everyone’s passports. Be ready for a little bit of writer’s cramp – you will be asked to complete ONE Customs form per family, and ONE Immigration form per person.
Passports
When traveling with a family, place the immigration forms on the photo page of each passport to save time in the immigration line.
Lines
There are two lines to immigration, one for citizens and one for visitors. They move fairly quickly, so be ready. When we reached the front of the line, we were asked if we spoke Spanish (un poquito), then had to answer a couple of questions about where we would be staying and how long we would be in the country. Officers often will ask children a simple question to verify identity – like their middle names – so you may want to prepare them for that.
Baggage
The next step is to pick up your bags (there are carts and skycaps available, if you choose), and head through customs. Our customs forms were collected, and we were asked to put all of our bags on a conveyor for xray check. This is a definite chance for chaos to set in, as things are happening FAST. Don’t let it get to you – take your time, and respect the pace of each member of your family.
Assistance
As in other Latin American countries we have visited, there are people everywhere ready to help. We found it was worth grabbing a skycap (not as official as you may be used to – use your best judgment) for the help, as we had our hands full keeping the family all together in the crowd. We gave him $2, and not only did he help us get to the right place for our hotel shuttle, he helped us with our bags and even flagged the shuttle down for us.
Have a Plan
We suggest having your transportation arranged in advance, as everyone will be worn from travel when you arrive. There are many options available – hotel shuttle, taxi, private transfer – you don’t want to be figuring it out on the fly if you can help it.
TIP: Booths inside the airport (before and after customs) offer local money exchange. There is no commission on Visa/Mastercard draws. See our post on $$$ for information on our recommendations for money to have on hand.
Paperwork
There is no need to apply for a Visa ahead of time when heading to Costa Rica (from the U.S.). Some simple paperwork is all that is required, and the flight attendant will pass the forms out on the plane. Have handy a pen and the address where you will be staying in Costa Rica (if you will be staying multiple places, the first works), along with everyone’s passports. Be ready for a little bit of writer’s cramp – you will be asked to complete ONE Customs form per family, and ONE Immigration form per person.
Passports
When traveling with a family, place the immigration forms on the photo page of each passport to save time in the immigration line.
Lines
There are two lines to immigration, one for citizens and one for visitors. They move fairly quickly, so be ready. When we reached the front of the line, we were asked if we spoke Spanish (un poquito), then had to answer a couple of questions about where we would be staying and how long we would be in the country. Officers often will ask children a simple question to verify identity – like their middle names – so you may want to prepare them for that.
Baggage
The next step is to pick up your bags (there are carts and skycaps available, if you choose), and head through customs. Our customs forms were collected, and we were asked to put all of our bags on a conveyor for xray check. This is a definite chance for chaos to set in, as things are happening FAST. Don’t let it get to you – take your time, and respect the pace of each member of your family.
Assistance
As in other Latin American countries we have visited, there are people everywhere ready to help. We found it was worth grabbing a skycap (not as official as you may be used to – use your best judgment) for the help, as we had our hands full keeping the family all together in the crowd. We gave him $2, and not only did he help us get to the right place for our hotel shuttle, he helped us with our bags and even flagged the shuttle down for us.
Have a Plan
We suggest having your transportation arranged in advance, as everyone will be worn from travel when you arrive. There are many options available – hotel shuttle, taxi, private transfer – you don’t want to be figuring it out on the fly if you can help it.
TIP: Booths inside the airport (before and after customs) offer local money exchange. There is no commission on Visa/Mastercard draws. See our post on $$$ for information on our recommendations for money to have on hand.
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