Costa Rica Master Thread

[Saulius]

Someone told me that they got a permit which allowed them to bring in kosher chicken and meat into Jamaica so I was wondering if CR has something similar instead of trying to smuggle it in.

I just landed in San Jose this morning. I put in my luggage through the x-ray and the officer immediately told me - open up this bag, do you have salami in there?
I said yes, and I showed him - I had 2 pound Beef Salami and two one pound Kilbasa. He looked at it and pointed to the label next to the OU Glatt symbol -  "U.S. INSPECTED AND PASSED BY DEPATME4NT OF AGRICULTURE", and he told me as long as you have this label you are good.

[Divora M]

I just landed in San Jose this morning. I put in my luggage through the x-ray and the officer immediately told me - open up this bag, do you have salami in there?
I said yes, and I showed him - I had 2 pound Beef Salami and two one pound Kilbasa. He looked at it and pointed to the label next to the OU Glatt symbol -  "U.S. INSPECTED AND PASSED BY DEPATME4NT OF AGRICULTURE", and he told me as long as you have this label you are good.

Good to know, thanks

[Saulius]

Good to know, thanks

Furthermore, no need to take along meat with you -- they have local shechita here - went into a restaurant / store called "The Kosher Center" - and it tasted fresh and delicious.

They have a few page menu, and you can also buy raw meat. They have entire freezers filled with meat and chicken.  I asked the owner of the restaurant, from where the meat comes from, and he was very knowledgeable and explained to me that it's from local shechita.  They have a Satmar shochet that flies in from New York -- majority of the meat goes for export to the US - but he personally goes down to the shechita to select the supply for his store. 

The beef is labeled - Natural Beef - Minimally Processed, no Artificial Ingredients, No Preservatives.  - the price chart is on their website.

[Divora M]

We are going to be 4+ hours away from San Jose that is why we need to bring food.

[Saulius]

Also, in San Jose airport -- as you enter the baggage claim area - there is an ATM - I attempted to withdraw an equivalent of a few dollars, but the commission fee plus exchange rate that it showed - made it ridiculously unworthy. Uber from the airport to my accommodations 8km away - my credit card was charged $7.18.  Just in the airport, the unofficial pick up area - one needs to exit - cross over the street, and take the escalator upstairs.

Uber is technically not 100% legal -- but past few days, I have been taking 4-5 rides a day and had no issues. 
 

[Saulius]

We are going to be 4+ hours away from San Jose that is why we need to bring food.

I guess you are flying into Liberia airport then -- I am sure you can contact the store via e-mail or Whatsapp - and make some sort of arrangement for delivery. I came in for medical tourism, plastic surgery and dentistry - so not much of a vacation for me.

Also, make sure to arrange for medical insurance before your trip. You MUST first get gov't clearance - by answering an online questionnaire and uploading the required insurance documents. (Else they will not let you board the plane)  https://salud.go.cr/step1 -- The immigration in Costa Rica gives visas now only for the length of your travel insurance coverage.  I used Trawick. https://www.trawickinternational.com/travel-insurance-plans/costa-rica-travel-insurance

-- So if you have a chance to stay longer than planned - make sure to book the insurance for longer - else it's a hassle to get the visa extended once in the country.

[Divora M]

I guess you are flying into Liberia airport then -- I am sure you can contact the store via e-mail or Whatsapp - and make some sort of arrangement for delivery. I came in for medical tourism, plastic surgery and dentistry - so not much of a vacation for me.

Also, make sure to arrange for medical insurance before your trip. You MUST first get gov't clearance - by answering an online questionnaire and uploading the required insurance documents. (Else they will not let you board the plane)  https://salud.go.cr/step1 -- The immigration in Costa Rica gives visas now only for the length of your travel insurance coverage.  I used Trawick. https://www.trawickinternational.com/travel-insurance-plans/costa-rica-travel-insurance

-- So if you have a chance to stay longer than planned - make sure to book the insurance for longer - else it's a hassle to get the visa extended once in the country.

Did you choose that travel insurance because it gave you the lowest rate?

[Divora M]

Has anyone rented a car from LIR that was a 6 or 7 seater?

[Saulius]

Did you choose that travel insurance because it gave you the lowest rate?

It was the most recommended on the other travel forums for US travelers, and considered among the cheapest. - If you want the lowest possible rate, put in $0 for Trip Cost.

https://portal.trawickinternational.com/quote/product/153?agent=9480
"Covers trip cancellation from $0 up to $100,000 and includes $250,000 Primary Medical with coverage for Pre-Existing Medical conditions on plans purchased prior to or with final trip payment. $2000 Trip Delay includes lodging expenses. The optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provides reimbursement for the percentage of the prepaid, non-refundable, forfeited payments you paid for your trip, if you cancel your trip for any reason not otherwise covered. Must be purchased with initial policy and within 21 days of the initial trip deposit date, and the full, nonrefundable trip cost is insured. "

[Divora M]

It was the most recommended on the other travel forums for US travelers, and considered among the cheapest. - If you want the lowest possible rate, put in $0 for Trip Cost.

https://portal.trawickinternational.com/quote/product/153?agent=9480
"Covers trip cancellation from $0 up to $100,000 and includes $250,000 Primary Medical with coverage for Pre-Existing Medical conditions on plans purchased prior to or with final trip payment. $2000 Trip Delay includes lodging expenses. The optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provides reimbursement for the percentage of the prepaid, non-refundable, forfeited payments you paid for your trip, if you cancel your trip for any reason not otherwise covered. Must be purchased with initial policy and within 21 days of the initial trip deposit date, and the full, nonrefundable trip cost is insured. "

Thanks, I just bought it for our trip.