Documents and Copies

When traveling to another country copies of essential documents is a necessity. In the event of a robbery having copies of these documents can make replacing them a much easier process. You will have to carry your original passport with you while in transit but only need to carry a copy when traveling in Costa Rica. If you  plan to drive you will want to carry your original drivers's license with you. Obviously you will need whatever credit cards you plan to use as well. 

*** Make sure to notify your credit card company that you will be out of your country (of residence) and will be using your credit card. Otherwise after your first credit card transaction your card will be frozen ( for your protection) and it is difficult, if not impossible to do anything about it until you return home.

Carry as little as you can get away with in your wallet or purse. 

In today's digital world making and safely storing copies of essential documents is a rather easy thing to accomplish. Documents can be scanned, or photographed with a digital camera and:
                * stored on a USB micro drive
                * stored on a CD
                * E-mailed to yourself - Computers and 
                   internet are available in virtually all hotels
                   and internet cafes in all cities and towns.

If you don't have a scanner or camera available to you your documents can be scanned and stored on a USB micro drive at any one of a number of local businesses such as Office Depot or Kinkos


           You will need copies of the following:
1. Copies of your passport.
    You can keep your original passport in a safe place, 
    such as a hotel safe, when traveling or engaging in 
    one of the many activities that you can do while in
    Costa Rica. It is a good idea to have two copies, 
    one to carry with you and one to keep safe with the
    original.

2. Copies of your driver's license. if you are driving
    you will want to carry your original but keep copies
    in a safe place as well.

3. Copies of your insurance card and insurance 
     information.

4. Copies of all travel tickets, such as your airline or 
     bus tickets (or e-tickets).

5. Copies of hotel reservations, car rental agreement,
    and tour reservations.

6. Copies of your birth certificate, social security
     card, credit cards and traveler's checks.

                   Packing List

For a typical one to two week trip the the following list is a good guide. Everyone has different needs and tastes but is is recommended to pack as lightly as possible but still have what you need to be comfortable. 

T-Shirts   3-5 short sleeve or sleeveless
                 1-2 long sleeve (for bug protection
                 in the rainforest and night, as well 
                 as higher elevations.
1-2 Dress Shirts or Blouses
3-4 pairs of shorts
1-2 surf or swim shorts/baggies
1-2 pairs of long pants or jeans. Convertable
       long pants/shorts are a good choice to 
       help keep packing light. 
5-8 pairs of underwear
5-8 pairs of socks
1 sweatshirt
1 light jacket
baseball cap and bandana
mesh bag for wet and dirty clothes.

Most hotels have laundry service and most of the main destination cities have laundy services available.


                                Shoes

hiking/walking/or running shoes
amphib water shoes or sandles
flip flops or sandles
light weight dressier shoes.

                             Toiletries

toothbrush with carry case
toothpaste
razor
comb/brush
deoderant
washcloth and towel
shampoo/conditioner
cosmetics
tampons
toilet paper


** Most toiletries can be purchased in Costa Rica if necessary at any supermarket or local stores.

                        Surfboard/s
Most surfers pack up and bring their favorite board or boards. This used to be quite easy and economical, however in the last couple of years airlines have placed more restrictions on size, as well as increased charges for boards. Make sure you check with the your airline of choice before your make your ticket purchase. 
 
Surfboard rental is available pretty much everywhere but remember that board selection is limited and if you break your own board you go home with two pieces. If you break a rental, you go home the price of the board poorer.