How much do things cost in cost rica?

Question

im thinking about going but i'll be on a budget so im wondering how much things cost. some examples are beer at a nightclub and regular bar, entry fee to clubs, dinner at a nice restaurant and at average place, the canopy tour, and to see the volcano? whats the best way to get from one place to the other? if it helps i want to go to san jose and maybe jaco. which one would be better to spend the weekend in for partying? how are the girls in c.r. are they down to earth and easy to talk too? thanks any answers and advice is appreciated!!!

Answer 1

Depends:  Hotels are the same as the US for equivalent. Drinks anywhere from 2 bucks (usually most of the places) to way high at nice places. Clothes: CHEAP, Food, varies, but they have great seafood and great hamburgers (their beef is range fed, so it tastes better). Taxi cabs: very cheap.

Answer 2

Let's start with Ticos:  They are generally nice and down to earth.  The girls are really easy to approach, especially if you have a gringo accent, but be careful because some of them will be after your money and not necessarily after you.  

Beer will cost you  800 colones, about $1.60 at a local joint such as a karaoke bar.  Stay away from the places that charge less.  They are usually the places where drunks and very unsavory characters congregate.  It can go to about 1600 to 2000 colones, $3.50 to $4.00 in the more upscale joints around San Jose where people go to be seen.  I generally stay away form those places.

I have had dinner in places like Le Monastere.  The last time I went the bill ran to around 130,000 colones, about $260 dollars, but there were 8 people in the dinner party, and we all had dessert and plenty to drink.  At places like La Esquina de Buenos Aires and El Novillo Alegre (sorry, no websites found), the prices are generally around $20 to $30 per son.

The best way to get from San Jose to Jaco is to take the bust at the Coca Cola Bus Station downtown.  You can party anywhere you want in Costa Rica since it's the national pastime.  But it depends on the kind of party you are looking for.  If you are looking for fun with Ticos and especially Ticas, then you should go where Ticos congregate.  

Have fun, don't get sloppy drunk so you can keep your wits, and have a great time.

For more information about Costa Rica, visit the TicosLand website.

Answer 3

Costs depend a lot on where you go.  Places that cater to American tourist often have American pricing.  Places that the locals frequent usually are a bit cheaper.  Avoid San Jose - it's just a big city and doesn't really show the coolness of Costa Rica.  Jaco is a big surfing town and very touristy (not necessarily a bad thing - depends on what you are looking for).  Most excursion run less than $100 each.  I think I've paid between $50 - $75 for each of the Canopy Tours I've taken.  The same for the volcanoes - but depends on which volcano you go to, and how far away it is.  A tour of Arenal from La Fortuna will be cheaper than a tour of Arenal from San Jose - gas is about the same price in CR as it is in the states.

For partying, stick with the coastal towns.  Just be aware of your surroundings and don't get stupid drunk.  There is very little violent crime in CR but they do get there share of petty thievery.  So don't pass out in the bathroom or your wallet could go missing.

All the people I've met, males and females, have been exceptionally nice and down to earth.  Very friendly and easy to talk to.  But I usually do stay in the tourist areas (I'm not good with Spanish) and most of the people I have contact with are connected to tourism in some way.  So not sure if they are all as fabulous as I like to think - but I hope so.