I'm going to Costa Rica in three weeks. How do I prepare?

Question

I'm going through the WorldTeach program for ten weeks to teach English. I have gotten my hepatitis A shot and malaria pills. Any other medications/vaccinations I need to get? What should I bring for living in a small village for 10 weeks? Thank you...

Answer 1

get in touch with my friend harlow at ticoguidetravel.com he is the authority for costa rican travel.

Answer 2

You didn't need the vaccination you got, nor the malaria pills.  

What I would bring would be trinkets to give away.  If you are teaching children bring a few boxes of gold or colored stars to put on papers as a reward.  They don't do that here, and the kids would love it and be proud of earning a gold star.

In general, you want good hiking shoes, and clothing for a tropical climate.  Depending where you will be, you may need a sweater of light jacket (It can get cold in the mountains).

Depending when you are coming, you might need an umbrella (now is the rainy season ).  (That means it rains a few hours almost everyday, at approx. the same time each day >> so you know it's coming.)

Most important to bring is an open mind, a big smile, and an open heart.

Enjoy your trip.

Answer 3

No need for extra medications or vaccinations, you'll be just fine.  Bring comfortable clothing and a good pair of walking shoes.  CR has a very humid climate and I also recommend to bring tampons if you use them.  About the shoes, if you have a pair that you've "broken in" then that's great.  With the rain, puddles,mud etc. you'll wind up throwing them away before you go back home. (that's what I've had to do)

Answer 4

relax miss... this country is amazing. you don't need all that medicine thing. just a nice smile and an open mind to enjoy everything. costa rica is an adventure so can can enjoy it as much as possible. use some mosquito repelant once a while dempends where you are going. hope you enjoy your stay here, if not send me a mail to help you as much as possible. he he he...

Answer 5

Been to Costa Rica many times. Don't get shots or pills. Never had a problem. You don't need to bring much. Bathing suit, suntan oil, sunglasses, some money to buy food, a good pair of hiking sandals. Make sure you bring an extra copy of your passport and airline ticket, just incase. Also save 27 dollars to pay the exit tax. You cannot pay with a credit card or check-must have cash in hand.

Answer 6

BRING TAMPONS!!! I am serious... If you use tampons, bring a bunch, because you won't be able to find any down there!!!

Answer 7

Take the lightest clothes that you have.

You can pick up any medications, insect repellents, sun tan lotions, condoms, etc. at any drug store or grocery store that are all over the place.

Costa Rica is not all jungles as many are led to believe!

Have a good Trip.