| CR - FAQ's |
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CR MISSION PROGRAM FAQ's |
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What is included with my trip price? Full time GTD mission guides, local guides, translators, transportation/fuel within Costa Rica, mission projects & activities (see above), accommodations during event, up to 25 meals (and some snacks) while in CR (except @ airport), travel medical insurance, missions t-shirt, devotionals, the trip of a lifetime!
What is not included? Airfare, air travel arrangements, Costa Rica airport exit tax ($26), meals @ airports or meals outside of Costa Rica, accommodations (or any other expense) before &/or after mission trip, individual bedding & pillow, any gratuities for local guides, unscheduled snacks, souvenirs, optional activities not booked in advance, any costs incurred by lost or stolen passports, water bottles, items listed on checklist.
What is a "Costa Rica airport exit tax"?
Airport departure tax: CR charges you to leave their country. IT MUST BE PAID IN CASH in the amount of $29 US or the equivalent in colones (CR money). No credit cards or traveler's checks are accepted. This must be paid before your flight check-in at the airline counter. Enter the departure section of the airport and find the airport tax collection counter.
Where will we be staying? GTD utilizes a variety of housing options. You might be staying in bunkhouse style rooms, family unit housing, or smaller 2, 4, or 8 person rooms. Showers and bathrooms are on site as well. For larger groups (40+) , some trip members may stay at local churches. What types of foods will be served? The Costa Rican staples include gallo pinto (rice and beans), fresh eggs, cheeses, meats (chicken, beef, pork, fish), corn tortillas, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Please notify us if you have any food allergies. What should I bring with me? See packing list. click here, info is at the bottom of that page. What will the weather be like? In Guanacaste, the "rainy" season runs from July through November. Be prepared for some amount of daily rain. The "dry" (and windy) season runs from December through June. But please be prepared for all sorts of tropical weather in either season. Do I need to have any special clothing? Yes, depending on your trip, you will want to bring a combination of work clothes, casual wear, and church clothes. You may want to have a modest swimsuit for trips to the river or the hot springs. Long sleeves and longs pants are recommended for protection against biting bugs and thorny brush. When travelling it is best to dress comfortably and modestly. Please keep in mind that you are representing God, your church/group, GTD, and yourself. Be careful not to offend others! Is the water safe to drink?
The water is generally safe in the local communities near the mission center. If you have weak stomach/constitution, then you might want to be more cautious. In larger communities or near the beaches, bottled water is a good decision.
What ministry supplies can we bring for the trip? This will vary by trip, but we can always use Spanish Bibles and/or Christian resource books. Please check the webpage for current ministry needs in Costa Rica ADOPT-A-NEED. If you are filling a major need for GTD or a local church, please let us know so we can cross it off of our list (and THANK-YOU!). If your organization wants to donate money for building supplies for the Missions Center construction, you can do so online CLICK HERE, or coordinate with our US Missions Director. Do I need any shots or special medications? You might want to have a current tetanus shot and you should check with your health care provider for current advisories in Costa Rica. Please bring a full supply of any current medications. Many people also bring some type of antacid, anti-diarrhea, and laxative. You can also check the US government site http://travel.state.gov/ for official travel advisories and recommendations. Do I need to be able to speak Spanish? We will have translators present with every trip (if necessary). Most of the people in the surrounding communities speak only Spanish. Any words or phrases you can learn prior to the trip will be helpful, but not a necessity. A dictionary or pocket language guide is very handy. Can I use American dollars in Costa Rica? Yes, most places will allow you to pay in dollars then give you local currency for your change. If you want to exchange your money while in the country, you can do so at the airport bank or any local bank with a copy of your passport.
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