WHERE TO FIND SOMEONE IN COSTA RICA - YELLOW PAGES or the WHITE PAGES

HOW TO FIND SOMEONE IN COSTA RICA - YELLOW PAGES or the WHITE PAGES

INTERNET: http://AmarillasDelice.com
BUSINESSES - YELLOW PAGES - http://AmarillasDelice.com/pag_amarillas.php
RESIDENTIAL - WHITE PAGES - http://AmarillasDelice.com/pag_blancas.php


WHERE TO GET A PHYSICAL WHITE PAGES OR YELLOW PAGES PHONE BOOK:
If one has not been delivered to you, you can pick a up at any Cruz Roja / Red Cross. Please gift them with a donation (I gave them a couple thousand colones)

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ORGANIC FERIA - FOODS (VEGETABLES, FRUITS & MORE) & DELIVERY IN COSTA RICA

ORGANIC FERIA - FOODS & DELIVERY IN COSTA RICA
VEGETABLES, FRUITS & MORE

ESCAZU (CENTRO) ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET
WHEN: Wednesdays from 8-11am
http://BuenaTierraOrganicMarket.blogspot.com / BuenaTierra.organica@gmail.com
Organizers Honey (she organizes the Montezuma, Malpais/Santa Teresa/Playa Carmen, Tambor ones on Saturdays) / Fiona (BuenaTierra@hotmail.es) / and Laura (LauraBarra@hotmail.com) with Buena Tierra Organic Produce bring you the Centro Escazu ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET!!! They have THE BIGGEST & MOST BEAUTIFUL, LUSCIOUS-LOOKING organic veges and fruit I’ve EVER seen!!! When I’ve been there, I found most veges were around 400-c each (like bokchoy, herbs, various lettuces, cucumber) to 800-c+ and WORTH IT (these were better than most pumped up veges I've ever seen!) and they’re Certified Organic! Carola sells exquisite goat and cow yogurts and cheeses made in her farm in Coronado. Maria Fernanda delights us with her body and face soaps, creams, essential oils all made from organic herbs. Ena and Jaguar bake uncomparable bromate free brown bread flavored with organic herbs, seeds and nuts. Otto and his wife Melanie offer excellent biodegradable, ecological cleaning products. They even now have chocolate!!! Come support this AWESOME endevour (especially if you want to see it succeed!!), love your body & make some new friends with other like-minded people!!
LOCATION: Escazu Centro - Behind the playground/basketball court next to the Biblioteca de las Damas Voluntarias Library - across the street from the Red Cross - 50 mts North of the Cemetery.

Laura with the ESCAZU (CENTRO) ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET is now offering a ORGANIC FOOD DELIVERY! Request an order form from her at buenatierra@hotmail.es Send your order in BY Monday morning for delivery on Wed. Delivery is currently only in the West end of the Central Valley)!! The delivery fee is 1,000-c within Esaczu & 1,500-c in the Santa Ana/Rohrmoser area (inquire for Cuidad Colon and other areas).
THIS DELIVERY SERVICE HAS BEEN CANCELED SINCE THEY ARE OPENING THEIR OWN MARKET IN JANUARY UP IN ESCAZU CENTRO!!


The largest ORGANIC FERIA:
San Jose - PASO ANCHO -
HOURS: Sat. 6am-till they run out (which can be VERY early!!)
There are about a 20 vendors. Note it’s hard to park & crazy!
LOCATION: 400 mtrs from catholic church/iglesia.


AROUND & ABOUT IN COSTA RICA
Honey - the organizer of the Escazu Organic Feria also does the:
PUNTARENAS AREA:
Tambor - Sat. 8am-noon
Montezuma - 10am-noon
Mal Pais - 3pm-sunset



DELIVERY

NATURA STYLE ORGANIC FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE
(http://NaturaStyle.com / 235-7654 / 8-886-0092 sylvia.escalante@naturastyle.com )

They have the broadest selection of products from Organic fruits/veges, baked goods, snacks, vitamins, herbs, meats, plants – even organic dirt +++. They carry MANY other "healthy" things - not just fruits & veges!!)
Order BY Thurs. for delivery Sat. (tell Sylvia that "Vallarta Vicki" referred you!)

I used to use them when I did, I was overall pretty happy (except in rainy season when MOST veges/fruits aren't that pretty/plentiful anyways!!). I find their website VERY EASY for me!

Check out their products in English at http://naturastyle.com/en/productos.asp

Vegetables & Fruits (organic & not but it’s indicated. Some hard to find & unique things).
Dairy Products like goat milk/products (including goat cheese with herbs, pasteurized OR raw goat’s milk & yogurt, goats ricotta cheese, goat’s raw soft cheese & flavored goats yogurt; heavy cream; pasteurized mozzarella cheese; buttermilk, organic infertile eggs, pasteurized, sesame seed OR raw butter, sour cream or milk.
Cereals - by Bioland & Nutresol –Amaranth, barley powder, granola, oatmeal, wheat germ or bran & whole oats.
Grains, Beans & Seeds – Amaranth, barley grain, black or red beans; brown rice (non-organic [booooh]); millet; wheat berries; soy & mung beans, chan, flax, sesame & sunflower seeds.
Dry Fruits & Nuts - Almond (non-organic); dehydrated banana; cashew nut; dehydrated prunes; raisins; walnuts (non-organic [booooh]).
Flours & Misc. - Soy OR whole wheat flour; Agar algae gelatin; ground coconut (non-organic); wheat gluten
Misc. – Corn tortillas (with or without cheese); Pastas - like carrot or spinach; pineapple empanada
Bakery goods like breads (sold by the piece) - Brown breads with goodies added like figs, orange, spice OR banana; chocolate, oatmeal or ginger cookies (all organic!!) ; banana cake (though I didn’t taste much of a banana taste) OR fruit cake
Salts & Sugars - Organic pure brown sugar; sea salt; organic sugar candy/tapa dulce
Honeys & Jams - Honey – plain, with ginseng OR lecitin; black berry, guava, mango/tomato, mango/ orange OR tomato/organic organic marmalade; molasses, peanut butter; strawberry jam
Oils – Coconut or sesame
Sauces, Vinegars & Pickles - Brown rice; hot pickled peppers; salad dressing; soy sauce, tomato sauce
Soy Products - Soy milk – plain or with carob; soy protein
Snacks - Bars – Amaranth, cereal (traditional or organic), chocolate bar –with peanuts OR vanilla (non-organic), original or with coconut, ginger, guarana or mint organic, crunch chocolate, oat, sesame (MY FAV!!) OR sunflower (Katrina’s fav!). Cookies with whole oats (regular OR with orange), sweetened with carob OR soy. Crackers – Sodiet (soda?) OR wheat bran. Rice cakes. Sesame seed nachitos; sesame seed sticks.
Organic Meats - Chicken – organs, thighs OR breasts; calamari; congrio fish; pinki shrimp; sailfish; sea bass; small shrimp
Wine - Setsobua – Cabernet/sauvignon, shiraz or white Mezza luna.
Teas & Coffees - Teas – Basil, organic black tea, juanilama, lemon grass, linden, mixed – juanilama & lemon grass OR digestive. Organic Coffee (grain or ground). Corn drink coffee substitute.
Algae - Long strip kelp or nori/laver/porphyra seaweed.
Supplements & Medicines - Algae capsules; aloe capsules; bee pollen; brewers yeast; EM (some powerful stuff!! “efficient micro-organisms); flax fiber; ginseng syrup OR capsules; lecithin capsules, Noni extract; Pro-B; royal jelly capsules; spirulina capsules; aloe gel.
Personal Care (I’m not going to list everything here but they have crystal OR natural deodorant; organic soaps; cleansing creams; creams; shampoos & rinses; clay masks (we did that the other day – REALLY tightens up those pours!!!) & body soap; hydrating cream; facial cream; organic sun block (8-85 & 45 AND for kids) & tanning oils.
PLANTS (all organic so you could even grow your own!!!):
Herbs (organic) - Aloe; basil, celery; lemon grass; mint; oregano; parsley; peppermint; rosemary; sage; tarragon; thyme.
Plants (organic) - Bougainvillea; croton; guava; lemon; mandarin (more like real lemons); mango; noni; orange; plantain herb; rose; rue; violet; weeping fig; wormwood;
Even earthworms; Compost; organic soil!
Remember this is NOT dealing directly with A farm - they are a delivery service so OF COURSE it's going to be more expensive on many things (though I’ve been shocked at their MUCH LOWER prices on many things you can find in the market) as they get all the products together for you so you're not having to run all over town & back, searching, etc. You're paying for the convenience (WELL worth it to me!!! The delivery fee is just 1,2000 colon).

WONDERFUL Organic Feria/Farmers Market Wednesdays in Escazu Centro!!

ESCAZU (CENTRO) ORGANIC and NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET

WHEN: Wednesdays from 8-11am (but a large % of the things are gone BY 9ish so get there EARLY to get the best choices/things).
http://BuenaTierraOrganicMarket.blogspot.com / BuenaTierra.organica@gmail.com

Organizers Honey (she organizes the Montezuma, Malpais/Santa Teresa/Playa Carmen, Tambor ones on Saturdays) / Fiona (BuenaTierra@hotmail.es) / and Laura (LauraBarra@hotmail.com) with Buena Tierra Organic Produce bring you the Centro Escazu ORGANIC and NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET!!!

They have THE BIGGEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL, LUSCIOUS-LOOKING organic veges and fruit I’ve EVER seen!!! When I’ve been there, I found most veges were around 400-500-c each (like bokchoy, herbs, various lettuces, cucumber) to 800-c+ and WORTH IT (these were better than most pumped up veges I've ever seen!) and they’re Certified Organic!!

Carola sells exquisite goat and cow yogurts and cheeses made in her farm in Coronado. Maria Fernanda delights us with her body and face soaps, creams, essential oils all made from organic herbs. Ena and Jaguar bake uncomparable bromate free brown bread flavored with organic herbs, seeds and nuts. Otto and his wife Melanie offer excellent biodegradable, ecological cleaning products. They even now have chocolate!!!

Come support this AWESOME endevour (especially if you want to see it succeed!!), love your body and make some new friends with other like-minded people!!

NOTE:  You can also PRE-ORDER what you desire and it's ready for you when you get there or you can pick it up later in the day/the next day at their restaurant (Buena Tierra) - or have it DELIVERED!!!

DELIVERY•EXPRESS:
Laura is now offering a Delivery Service! Request an order form from her at BuenaTierra@hotmail.es and send your order in BY Monday morning!!   The delivery fee is 1,000-c within Escazu and 1,500-c in the Santa Ana/Rohrmoser area.   (I need to update this)

DIRECTIONS:
 Escazu Centro - Behind the playground/basketball court next to the Biblioteca de las Damas Voluntarias Library - across the street from the Red Cross - 50 mts North of the Cemetery.

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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/07/wonderful-organic-feriafarmers-market.html
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Better Quality BEDDING and SHEETS in Costa Rica (where to find)

Most of the bedding I've found in Costa Rica doesn't seem to even have a "thread count' on it so Goddess only knows what it is and it often is quite rough and scratchy and often the elastic on the bottom sheet doesn't last long (that's been MY experience). Costa Rica is REALLY lacking in GOOD QUALITY bedding/sheets for sheet snobs like myself (my bed (a complete memory foam bed with NO coils [coils in a bed are REALLY BAD for anyone with High Blood Pressure, Pain and/or Arthritis!!!!]) is my SANCTUARY and I use soft/sensuous sheets of 600+ thread counts and have the MOST LUSCIOUS blanket I've EVER found (from Orotex below)!! I sleep so little so when I do, I want it to be a MAGICAL experience!!!

Finding special/cool sheets - hahahahhahaha!!!

Below is a list of some places where I've found bedding of at least 200 count (again - finding thread count listed on sheets in CR is RARE so we start with what we have to!!).

The BEST QUALITY in bedding for the BEST PRICE I get them online at: http://Overstock.com/18451/static.html?CID=134045&fp=f&TRACK=emailcusts & have people bring them to me! Shipping of your WHOLE order within the U.S. is just $1!! They also have AMAZING prices for Memory Foam Toppers which are shipped quite tightly and I’ve had people bring me king size ones in their suitcase! I just ordered some 330 Thread Count Solid Sateen Sheet Set for just $23!!

HOME and DRESS CLUB

NOW LOCATED IN PAVAS (2-290-8631 / 2-291-8633) / HomeAndDressClub@gmail.com)

They are an outlet for Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Calvin Kline, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Hotel Collection+ and often have sales of 20-60% Off!!!

DIRECTIONS: 100 East of La Artistica, carretera a Pavas, contiguo a Fiesta Centro.

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm.

TROPICAL BED and BATH

(2-282-8653 / 2-282-8712 / http://TropicalBedAndBath.com / info@tropicalbed.com)

They have all types of thread counts (their website indicates 200-650 count!!), and for extra deep and extra-extra deep mattresses. Katrina said they had some REALLY NICE QUALITY sheets!!

DIRECTIONS: Santa Ana – Their ad shows it’s off the Pista at the Santa Ana/Airport exit. Turn Right towards Pozos. At the street where the MATRA heavy duty trucks/equipment rental/sales is (across from Bosques de Lindora), turn Right and back a bit is a little office space in Bodega Los Higuerones – Local #3.

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30 to 7pm and Sun. 10am-5pm

LINO’S Y BLANCOS

(2-228-8085 / MichelleG@racsa.co.cr)

Decent quality bedding at pretty good prices.

OWNER: Michelle Giustiniani Reyes.

DIRECTIONS: Guachipelin - Plaza Mundo, Locales 2y3

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-6:30pm

BEDS, BATH and MORE

(2-223-9553 / http://BedsBathAndMore.com / info@BedsBathAndMore.com)

Wally and Todd with Hotel Bula Bula in Plaza Grande (near Tamarindo / http://HotelBulaBula.com [old buds from my San Francisco days]) SWEAR by this store!! I went and didn’t find anything I wanted to buy but it could be. They do have some sheets up to 400 count but we noticed some from KMart.

DIRECTIONS: San Jose - Paseo Colon in the plaza where Quiznos is (Costado Sur?), diagonal a Toyota Purdy Motors.

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-6pm Sun. 10am-5pm

SILVER THREADS Fine Linen and Towels - The store is no longer but you can still get these high end/high quality European sheets (hence HIGH $$$) privately from the owner. Email me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com for the direct contact.

DECOR FRANCE

(2-288-1512 /

Slightly flawed Queen and King size, 400 thread count sheets for 21,500 and 27,250-c. Hazel (thanx Krysia)

DIRECTIONS: Escazu - Plaza Tabriz - 600 mts south of MultiPlaza

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm

ROYAL PALM INTERIORS

Ojochal - (2-786-5118 ext. 3 / RoyalPalmInteriors@gmail.com)

Import BAMBOO SHEETS. They are incredibly soft and have an extra deep fitted sheet to accommodate mattresses up to 15” deep. Everyone who has purchased LOVES them!!!

CONTACT: Shelagh Duncan

LOCATION: Ojochl is 30k south of Dominical

HOURS: Tues-Sat 10-5.

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Another option is to buy things online/on the internet/web & have friends/family bring them to you. You can have them shipped to you & though the item could be cheap, they often are in oversized boxes hence there will often be a fee for such oversized boxes.

For this type of option go to:

http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/11/bedding-sheets-comforters-where-to-find.html

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TICO STANDARD BEDDING

(under 250/300 count [more like 100-200 or not numbered and ROUGH])

OROTEX

(2-222-4627 / orotex@racsa.co.cr)

The bedding and bath department and the nice showroom featuring their higher quality fabrics is now located across the street (white building with like a terra cotta trim) of MY FAVORITE fabric store. They're starting to carry some numbered tc sheets (I don't think I've found them over 350tc yet though), they have towels for pretty good prices, a few decorative bathroom things as well as off and on they have some curtains that I LOVE for GREAT prices!! Of course it’s not the high quality I’m used to but the towels I bought here are better than most I’ve found in Costa Rica. The MOST SENSUOUS blanket I have EVER felt I found at Orotex for under $35 for a King!! DELICIOUS!!! Francisco is one of my main buds there (he speaks some English). Gustavo Jop and a few other family members up front speak GOOD English.

DIRECTIONS: San Jose - Calles 38-40 Ave. 4 (about 1/2 block South/East of ARCR)

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8am-12:30pm and 1:30-6pm (note that USUALLY they do NOT re-open at 1:30pm so don't rush in!!)

HiperMas

Aliss - Lower thread count but some cooler styles

Cemaco

PriceSmart has some 200-ish thread count sheets but mainly in white.

CHEAPO CHEAPO CHEAPO!!!

PEQUEÑO MUNDO (http://PequenoMundo.com / 2- 2801200-main office in Curridabat)

CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP - LOW quality, chachkis – like a dime-store. GOOD for some things like hammers & screw drivers, things like end tables/stands (I have bought a LOT of tose here), kitchen things, sets of dishes for $20. They also have REALLY LOW quality clothes (though I have found some cool silk things there before), towels, sheets+ – all cramed into a small space.

For more about Pequeno Mundo see my post at:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/08/PequenoMundoCR.html

If you know of ANY stores that carry some good quality sheets &/or cool bedspreads/comforters, etc. - PLEASE e- me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

GOOD SHOPPING!!!


Vicki

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ROLLER SKATING - ROLLER RINKS in Costa Rica

Salon de Patines - Music Skating Rink
(2-224-6821 / Jason.Music@gmail.com / JasonDMusic@yahoo.com)

FREE LESSONS on Mon. (during normal season)!
Wed. - Special Music Request - YOU get to choose the music!
They have a store that sells all sorts of skate things (including street skates) and a small soda for snacks! The rink can be rented privately for parties and meetings! Kids are welcome though they prefer it be more in the morning/when they're not so busy and you're keeping an eye on them.

This is a "family environment" so no alcohol is sold here!

This family-owned business (the Music’s) has been around in Costa Rica since 1960 (and I believe their grandpa ran a rink in Kentucky even!!). Jason speaks GOOD English (tell him Vicki sent you!!).

HOURS: Regular Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-10pm, Sat.- 1-3:30, 4-6:30, 7-10pm. Sun. + 10-12:30pm, 1-3:30, 4-6:30, 7-10pm 10am for kids ages. When kids are on break: Daily 10am-12:30pm & 1-3:30pm, 4-6:30 & 7-10pm daily.

COST: $4 (includes skates - $3 if you have your own skates). When you leave they also give you 2x1 ticket for the following week.

DIRECTIONS: San Pedro - 50 mts east of the roundabout Fuente de Hispanidad and the San Pedro Mall or 2 blocks West of the University of Costa Rica.

This is THE skating rink of Costa Rica.

AIRPORTS & AIRLINE INFORMATION - SJO - Juan SantaMaria Airport - San Jose, Costa Rica - Revised

STARTING to UPDATE this March, 13, 2012

Below is a list I've started of information on the Airports in and around Costa Rica, Official Entry Requirements, Departure Tax (which recently has changed), Arrival and Departure Information, Airline Information, Where to Park near or at SJO Airport and LOTS MORE!!!
(this is by NO means THE list of lists! Things change. Just sharin' some info and leads! Share back - please notify us of any changes/additions).

There's FREE WiFi/WIRELESS Internet in the Airport (BUT - not until AFTER you've passed security)!!

ENTRY • EXIT REQUIREMENTS for Costa Rica

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/01/requirements-to-enter-cr.html

LiberiaCostaRicaAirport.net/Entry_Exit_Requirements.html
(easy to read in English)


OFFICIAL

Migracion.go.cr

OFFICIAL AIRPORT WEBSITE

aeris.cr

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DEPARTURE TAX

NOW -  $29

There is a Departure Tax that YOU MUST pay when you are DEPARTING Costa Rica via all flights (currently NOT when departing via bus, car or walking.  MANY countries have it but build it into the airline ticket [making it EASIER for you while in their country]). 

This Departure Tax has increased to $29.

WHERE
TO PAY the $29 Costa Rica DEPARTURE TAX:

IN THE TERMINAL -  Last I checked (ahhh - life in Costa Rica - the land of constant change!) it was as you enter at the FIRST set of doors - IMMEDIATELY take a RIGHT and it's that counter on your RIGHT (NOTE ON THE PROCESS:  In the old days when I was traveling with others, one person would go line up at the airline line while the other went and paid the Exit Tax.  Last time I did it the guard at the airline line would not let us enter the line UNTIL we showed them proof we ALREADY had PAID the Airport Tax and had our Immigration Departure Exit Form so go pay the Exit Tax FIRST.  Only one person NEEDS to go up to the counter with everyone's Passport and the $29 for each passport [so no need to clutter that area any more than it needs to your luggage/bodies].  EVERY time I've done it or been with people that did it, it was a breeze!!  I've never waiting more than 3 people deep.

HOW
TO PAY the $29 Costa Rica DEPARTURE TAX:

The $29 is paid either in US $s or the equivalent in colones (Costa Rican currency) via CASH (this is a good way to get rid of all your coins also since you will NOT be able to convert it into ANY other form of currency once you're outta there [though you could have been nice enough to have left all your coins for the housekeeper where you stayed the night before or the people that helped you!!]).  They DO now take Credit Cards (I believe it's JUST Visa or MasterCard) - BUT - it's processed as a "Cash Advance" which usually YOUR bank charges a hefty fee [many banks I've seen were 20-something percent] for this service [Debit Cards don't normally charge a fee for a Cash Advance so it may not cost anything to do that.  One thing I've get to get confirmation on but I think is true is if they are taking money out of YOUR U.S. dollar account and converting it into colones for THEIR colon bank account - most CREDIT CARDS charge a International Conversion Fee for that [MANY ALSO charge around 3% additionally.  USAA only charges 1%] 

OTHER OPTIONS FOR PAYING THE 
$29 DEPARTURE TAX

•  You can also do it in some of the nacional banks - BUT - they often have LONG lines so why do it that way???  Don't make much sense to me ???).
•  Some major airport hotels and Travel Agencies and Tour Companies will let you pay it at the hotel for a $3-$10+ or so "Convenience Fee".

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AIRPORT NUMBERS IN COSTA RICA:

SAN JOSE - SJO (Juan SantaMaria):  2-437-2400  •  Fly2SanJose.net  aeris.cr (seems to switch to the Fly2SJ one)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Santamar%C3%ADa_International_Airport

Coordinates - 9° 59′ 38″ N, 84° 12′ 32″ W

According to their website, if one is flying on American Airlines, United Airlines, Jet Blue or Avianca and pre-checked-in online, the airport has a bank of 10 kiosks where you can Self Check-In - without standing in line - EVEN if you have luggage.  WOW - this seems MEGA STRANGE security wise for an international flight where they give you the standard questions.

LIBERIA - Guanacaste (I've seen it called Daniel Oduber as well as Tomas Guardia??):  2-668-1010 (I've also seen 2-666-0695)
LiberiaCostaRicaAirport.net  •  facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002535143356
LOCATION:  http://maps.google.es/maps?q=10.610922,-85.543928&hl=es&ll=10.615731,-85.534058&spn=0.078288,0.109692&sll=10.59338,-85.544643&sspn=0.039147,0.054846&fll=10.610922,-85.543928&fspn=0.039144,0.054846&z=13%20Lives%20in%20Liberia,%20Guanacaste

LIMON:  2-758-1379 (I don't know how much of an airport is really there these days)

PAVAS (Tobias Bolanos):  2-232-2472 (this airport WAS the home to NatureAir.com [my FAVORITE airline!!] but it seems like most NatureAir flights have switched over to a terminal NEXT to SJO airport.  Pavas•Tobias Bolanos Airport is ABOUT 15 minutes from SJO airport [but allow for traffic as it CAN be an issue])

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FLIGHT INFORMATION

ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE INFO  - San Jose - SJO

ARRIVALS:
Fly2SanJose.net/front/pt9.php - OR - 190.10.79.155/fiws/LlegadasPag.aspx

DEPARTURES:
Fly2SanJose.net/front/pt8.php - OR - 190.10.79.155/fiws/SalidasPag.aspx

ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE INFO  - Liberia

http://aeris.cr/vuelos.aspx?id_cat=13

ARRIVALS:  http://190.10.79.155/fiws/LlegadasPag.aspx

DEPARTURES



Here's another interesting international website for flight information:

FlightStats.com/go/FlightStatus/flightStatusByAirport.do;jsessionid=394EBC1209F462F5E3D56F1F84557766.web4:8009?airportCode=SJO&airportQueryType=1

AUTOMATED FLIGHT INFO:

2-437-2626

CODES:  English-9   Arrival-1   Departures-2

(I find it hasn’t worked properly for me MANY times)

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GENERAL AIRPORT INFO

Client Services: 2-443-1737 / 2-443-1244-fax (5am-10pm) (they speak GOOD English and are REALLY helpful with ANY questions you have!! They can NOT page anyone)?????????
NOTE:  For awhile, whenever I call this # - it rings a weird busy and the fax line - no fax comes on.

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AIRPORT TAXI

There is a monopoly on the taxi's from the airport with orange taxi's called Taxi Aeropuerto.  They are only allowed to take people FROM the airport and are located as you leave the terminal - to your left.  You can either choose to pay a set fee - or opt to have the Maria/meter on but once you get in - you can not change your mind.  Also, RARELY have I found a driver that speaks English.
NOTE:  I have called there a few times (the last being March 13, '12 where I spoke with an Amelia) and each time they have said that no one spoke English???  Say WHAT????  They're dealing with TOURISTS??  Well, I guess that tells you what their level of "customer service" is!

SAMPLE RATES TO ESCAZU:  (need to be updated)
Airport taxis (the official ones) - $22 one way – 1-4 (though not much luggage as the trunks tend to be smaller so I’ve found they’re really only comfy if it’s 1-2 people if you have 2 pieces of checked luggage per person), $26-van – 1-10 people.

They accept  Colones or U.S. dollars (best not to bring anything over a $20 and the smaller the better [less of a chance of him saying he doesn't have change and hi getting a WAYYYY better tip].  Speaking of tipping - tipping taxis is NOT customary in Costa Rica - except if they actually DO something for you - like help with your luggage, etc.).

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AIRPORT TRANSFERS • GREETS

Which sounds better to you - Exiting the airport terminal with the masses of weary travelers - walking into the hourds of illegal taxi drivers offering to give you a ride some place for a discounted rate (with a few legal ones mixed in there)?

OR

Have someone standing there with a SMILE and a piece of paper with

YOUR NAME on it GREETING you (in ENGLISH if that's important) and helping you to the car with your luggage?  A friendly face that can answer questions for you?  Take you to get your money changed?  Someone to drive you whereEVER in Costa Rica (or Nicaragua or Panama) you need to go?  Or playing tour guide for a couple+++ days?

Someone that IS CUSTOMER SERVICE oriented - who TRULY wants to help you!!!!

If you KNOW you DESERVE all this

contact LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

and let us help coordinate those details for you!

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AIRPORT PARKING INFORMATION

http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/03/airport-parking-sjo.html

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES

NOTE:  When booking directly with the airlines in their Ticket Offices or on the Phone - they OFTEN have a $20-$25 PER TICKET ADDITIONAL fee!


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CHEAPEST WAY TO GET TICKETS:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/11/airline-ticket-sites.html


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AIRLINES

AeroMexico
http://AeroMexico.com
2-440-1353  /  2-440-1381
SERVING:  Mexico City


Air Canada
http://AirCanada.ca
CR - AIRPORT COUNTER:  2-441-8025-English-9  (only Mon.-Sat. 8am-1pm)  /  2-243-1860
RESERVATIONS:  CR - 0800-052-1988


Air China (coming)


Air Comet
http://AirComet.com
CR:  2-291-0684 (counter only 8am-noon)
SERVING:  Only Sat. Madrid


Air France (KLM)
http://AirFrance.com/cr
2-220-4111 (only ticket office - no flights to CR)


Air Panama*
http://FlyAirPanama.com
CR  -  2-430-4787  /  2-222-0712 / 2-222-0753-fax / 8-392-4256 / 2-601-1007 / 2-296-8592
Panama  -  507-316-9000 / 507-315-0439
David - Panama City


Air Transat (partnered with CanJet
http://AirTransat.com
2-441-9444
CHARTER - Seasonal - Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto


America West
http://AmericaWest.com  /  http://Facebook.com/USAirways  /  http://Twitter.com/#!/USAirways
CR - Airport:  2-430-6690
RESERVATIONS - CR:  0800-011-0793  /  0800-011-0888
U.S.:  1-800-622-1015


American Airlines
http://AA.com
CR - Airport:  2-442-8800 / 2-257-1266 / 2-248-9010
U.S.:   1-800-433-7300
SERVING:  Dallas/Ft. Worth, Miami (I try to avoid going in/out of Miami as these flights are TOOOO often delayed - sometimes 1-2+ hours!!), New York-JFK (non-stop!!)

TICKET OFFICES:

SAN JOSE - Sabana Este - DIRECTIONS: Centro Cars Building - next to Mas x Meno and across the street of the Hotel Corobici - just at the entrance of the hwy to Alajuela. HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-7pm, Sat. 9am-1pm. ADVANCE CHECK IN: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm
ESCAZU (Guachipelin) - Plaza Roble - in front of MultiPlaza - 1st Floor - Blvd. Camino Real. HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-1pm. ADVANCE CHECK IN: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm
SAN PEDRO / CURRIDABAT - DIRECTIONS: Edificio Torre del Este - Frente Facultad de Derecho - De La Universidad De Costa Rica. HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-1pm. ADVANCE CHECK IN: Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm (THANX Daniel)


Avianca
SERVING:  Bogota, Columbia-SFO 4 times week


Can Jet (partners with Transat)
http://CanJet.com
Canada/US  -  1-800-809-7777
CHARTER - Seasonal:  Toronto


Continental Airlines (have now merged with United Airlines)


Condor
http://Condor.com
CR - Airport:  2-441-9444  /  2-430-4787  /  2-243-1818
SERVING:  Frankfurt and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic


COPA
http://CopaAir.com
CR - Airport:  2-441-4742 / 2-441-8243 / 2-223-2672 / 2-295-7400
US  -  1-800-359-2673
TICKET OFFICE:  SAN JOSE (Paseo Colon) - Plaza Torre Mercedes - Mon.-Fri.-8am-6pm. Sat.-8am-2pm.
SERVING:  Nicaragua - Managua, Panama - Panama City, Honduras - San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, Columbia - Bogota, Guatemala City


Cubana?
http://Cubana.cu
2-430-4787 / 2-221-7625 / 2-221-6918


Delta
http://Delta.com
CR - 2-440-4805 / 2-257-4141 / 0800-056-2002
Atlanta and New York 5 times/week?


Frontier
http://FrontierAirlines.com
CR - 2-440-1353 / 2-440-1381
U.S.-1-800-432-1359 / 1-303-371-7000
Denver-SJO - 12:10am - 6:25am
SJO - Denver - 6:30am-12:15pm
(only Dec. 18-Sept. 4)


Iberia
http://Iberia.com
2-441-2591  /  2-441-5635  /  2-257-8266
Madrid


JetAirFly
http://JetAirFly.com
Brussels


JetBlue
http://JetBlue.com  /  http://Facebook.com/JetBlue  /  http://Twitter.com/#!/jetblue
CR - 2-441-6849  /  0800-012-1666
US - 1-800-538-2583  /  TTY•TDD - 1-800-336-5530
Orlando to SJO and Liberia
Where else they go:  http://JetBlue.com/wherewejet/?intcmp=hd_wherewejet


KLM (Air France) - in partnership with COPA
http://KLM.com/travel/pa_en/index.htm
2-220-4111 (only ticket office - no flights to CR - just to Panama City and they can code-share)
Offering flights from various European destinations with a stop in Panama (so not having to go through the U.S!!!) and Schiphol, Amsterdam.  Rome, Italy
Flights  -  Sun., Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri.


LACSA (see "TACA")
http://TACA.com
2-443-3555


MartinAir
http://MartinAir.com
Amsterdam
2-440-8848 / 2-232-3246


Nature Air 
NatureAir.com  •  facebook.com/NatureAir
CR  -  2-299-6000  •  8-682-0791 (counter at SJO)
US  -  1-800-235-9272
LOCAL AIRLINES WITHIN COSTA RICA and who I'd take (they have TWIN ENGINE planes - vs the other one which is just single engine planes) (plus Bocas del Toro, Panama and Managua, Nicaragua)
LOCATION:  Nature Air NOW flies out of SJO Airport in the MAIN TERMINAL (EXCEPT the 7am flight to Liberia which is still out of Pavas/Rhomoser Airport).
 
NorthWest
2-668-1078
Liberia Airport ?


SANSA - located next door (West) of the terminal
http://FlySansa.com
CR  -  Airport - 2-442-9385 / Ticket Offices - 2-223-4179 / 2-221-9414 / 2-290-4400-office
US  -  1-877-767-2672-


Sky Services
(charter out of Canada into Liberia only [I think])


SouthWest
Will announced they will start flying into SJO from Baltimore/Washington DC March 7, 2015


Spirit Airlines
http://SpiritAir.com
2-441-2052   /  0-800-011-1103
US:  1-800-772-7117-English  /  1-800-772-7117-Spanish
Baggage Claim - 2-430-7815
OFFICE: Heredia-Ultrapark Business Centre
SERVING:  Ft. Lauderdale - SJO:  10:41am - 11:35am.  11:31pm-12:20am (next day)

          SJO - Ft. Lauderdale - 1:06am - 5:50am.  12:30pm - 5:18pm (Wed, Thurs., Fri., Sun.)

PROMOTIONS:  http://Spirit.com/EMailNotifySignIn.aspx (fyi  - I don't know many people - especially lately - that have found that $9 fare deal)
WHERE THEY FLY:  http://Spirit.com/RouteMaps.aspx
(NOTE: Spirit goes to MANY other Countries BUT you will ALWAYS have to go via Ft. Lauderdale [and sometimes overnight]. They fly to ARUBA, BAHAMAS - Nassau, San Salvador, CAYMEN ISLANDS - Grand Cayman, COLUMBIA - Armenia, Bogata, Cartagena, Medellin, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, EL SALVADOR - San Salvador, GUATAMALA - Guatamala City, HAITI - Port au Prince, HONDURAS - San Pedro Sula, JAMAICA - Kingston, Montego Bay, MEXICO - Cancun, NICARAGUA - Managua, PANAMA - Panama City, PERU - Lima, PUERTO RICO - San Juan, Aguadilla, TURKS and CAICOS ISLANDS - Providenciales, USVI - US VIRGIN ISLAND - St. Thomas, St. Maarten


TACA (with SANSA, AeroPerlas and LACSA)
http://TACA.com
CR - Airport Counter - 2-437-2664  /  2-437-1000  /  Call Center (though I think it's in like Ecuador) - (HOURS - Monday-Friday - 4am-9pm)2-242-1000 • 2-443-3555  /  2-257-9444  /  2-296-9533 / 2-299-8222-CR res. - 2-English
US - 1-800-400-8222 (24/7)

OFFICES:

Curridabat - DIRECTIONS:  75 metros al oeste del Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y
              Arquitectos. Centro Comercial Plaza Freses Local #7.
       HOURS: Monday-Friday - 9am-7pm.  Saturday - 9am-5pm. 

Escazu (San Rafael) - DIRECTIONS:  Centro Comercial Plaza Los Laureles.
       HOURS: Monday-Friday - 9am-7pm.  Saturday - 9am-5pm. 

San Jose (La Sabana) - DIRECTIONS:  Diagonal Noreste al parque metropolitano La Sabana.
       HOURS: Monday-Friday - 9am-7pm.  Saturday - 9am-5pm.  Sunday - 9am-2pm

(starting May '12 - SJO to Brasilia, Brazil and Bogota, Columbia.  Starting June '12 - SJO to Monterrey, Mexico.  Other flights - Havana, Cuba; David, Panama)
Peru - Lima.


United
http://United.com
2-441-8025 (only on Mon, Wed. Sat. 10:30am-2pm)  /  2-234-3434  /  2-220-4844
My contacts under Continental (I'm verifying this)
Continental - CR  -  2-440-0580 (ask for Cristian Porras to help you, he speaks REALLY GOOD English, is VERY service orientated [and a cutie!!])  /  2-442-1904  /  2-286-4911 /  Reservations - 0800-044-0005
US  -  1-800-396-1751
Cargo in Houston - 1-800-421-2456 / 2 / 2
Liberia Airport - 2-668-1194 - Sat. and Sun.
Houston and Newark (Neward mainly in season)


USAir
http://USAirways.com
2-430-6690 / 2-520-0593 / 0800-011-0793
Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT), Philadelphia (Phl), Phoenix (PHX)

(the numbers that start with a “2-4” are for the counter AT the airport. The 800 type numbers and those that start with a 2 are mainly ticket offices NOT at the airport)

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CHARTERS

Aerobell 

2-290-0000 / http://Aerobell.com  /  soporte@aerobell.com

Small planes and helicopters for Air Charters, Executive Flights, Aerial Photography, Emergency Flights, Parachuting and International Flights

From Pavas-Tobias BolanosAirport (Hanger 14) to:

Quepos

Nicoya

Tortuguero

Managua, Nicaragua

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Guatamala

(or wherever you want to go)

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SENIORS

Seniors are WELL respected in Costa Rica! In most instances, you get to go to the head of the line including for security, immigration and customs. Each airline has a different starting age for what constitutes a “senior”.

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IMMIGRATIONS

2-440-0504 / 2-441-5541-fax
Migracion.go.cr

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW•HAVE BEFORE YOU COME TO COSTA RICA
•  Some sort of Ticket (airline or bus) that shows that you are LEAVING Costa Rica WITHIN 90 days (or 30 days - depending on your rules for your country your passport is in).

     •  Proof of Economic Solvency in the amount equivalent to $100-U.S. per month of tourism (so if you're entering Costa Rica on a 90 day Visa - that would be "proof" that you have at least $

•  Passport MUST be in good condition
(Costa Rica is VERY VERY VERY TIGHT on this rule!!!!  This INCLUDES NO fraying/separation along the edges of the passport [the concern is that the passport might have been tampered with - especially because Costa Rica is #2 in the WORLD for stolen passports], tears+.
I've known some people that were either refused to get on the airplane wherever they were departing from - or WORSE - they LANDED IN Costa Rica and Immigrations REFUSED to let them IN Costa Rica!!!  One was a guest that was refused on a Thursday night and he actually had to sleep overnight in the Immigration area till he could get the next flight out to Panama [the cheapest place to fly to since he could not go outside of the airport to catch a bus] and the next morning he flew to Panama - BUT - their Passport section was NOT open - so he got to spend the weekend in Panama [this was a few years ago so I'm foggy on the exact details at this point on where he stayed, etc. but the bottom line is his airline ticket and accommodations were at HIS expense!!  PLUS, he was traveling with 5 other people and THEIR trip got delayed - so there was a BIG side effect to this

•  Your Passport can NOT be expiring in less than 3-6 months!!!
(Costa Rica's Immigration website says "minimum validity of passports shall be 3 months for nationals of those countries located in the first and second set of income guidelines to Costa Rica and 6 months for those in the third and fourth group" [I'm not clear on what that means at this moment]).

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