Accommodations & Packing

Accommodations

In Costa Rica groups stay in modest hotels or guesthouses or in university dormitories. Accommodations in the countryside tend to be more basic than those in San José. Often customized programs include a homestay. Under these circumstances, you may not always have access to hot water or standard mattresses. We are confident that this experience will enhance your understanding of the country in a challenging, experiential manner.

Electrical Current

The electrical current is the same as in the U.S. (110 volts, 60 cycles). However, most outlets cannot accommodate a grounding prong or wide flange. If you bring electrical appliances, you will need to bring a two-prong adapter to fit an outlet with two narrow slots.

Luggage and Packing

Due to luggage capacity restraints for most vehicles in Costa Rica, you are allowed to only pack one large, soft-covered bag and one carry-on, plus a purse, camera case or briefcase. Pack as lightly as you can.  In general, if you cannot comfortably walk five city blocks with all of your gear, you have packed too much. 

International travel baggage restrictions and fees for excess cargo vary by airline and destination.  In general, the maximum allowance per piece of checked luggage is 50 pounds and 62 linear inches (total length + width + height) for international flights.  For specific information, check with your airline.

Packing Tips

Be sure to put essential items such as medications and toiletries in your carry-on bag in case of a delay or lost luggage. 

Pack comfortable, modest clothing. Cotton slacks, neat blue jeans, t-shirts without logos and button-down shirts are appropriate – shorts, sweat suits, athletic gear, and tank tops or any other revealing clothing are not. 

Pack as lightly as you can.  Plan to wear outfits at least twice during the trip.  Remember, you can hand wash items during the program.  Laundry facilities may be available as well. 

For church, government, and professional speakers and visits, pack at least one dressier outfit.  For men, consider a nice button-down shirt and slacks (ties are not required). For women, a dress, or skirt/slacks and blouse (not a t-shirt) are appropriate. 

Plan to bring items that are lightweight and can be layered in case of temperature or weather changes or air-conditioned rooms. 

CGEE strongly recommends leaving expensive jewelry/watches at home. 

Recommended Packing List:

• SMART phone with international plan (check with your provider)

• Comfortable walking shoes with a closed toe for rural areas and markets, where there may be mud or biting insects

• Sandals or house shoes for shared bathrooms as well as for health and safety reasons (e.g. scorpions)

• Swimsuit (some trips visit the ocean or have a hotel pool)

• Sweater, sweatshirt or jacket for cool evenings, air-conditioned rooms

• Rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella

• Sleep sack or flat sheet (optional for homestays)

• Ear plugs (if you are a light sleeper)

• Dressier outfit for church or meetings (described above)

• Medications, toiletries – many common OTC medications and toiletries (e.g. tampons, razors) may not be readily available

• Specific medicine for traveler’s diarrhea, constipation, and motion sickness, the most common ailments

• Sun & insect protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent

• Small flashlight & extra batteries (for dark streets, rural areas)

• Refillable water bottle

• Power bars or high-protein snacks (especially if you are vegan or vegetarian)

• Small backpack or shoulder bag for day excursions

• Small bag or luggage that can be used for short in-country trips

• Notebook or journal

• Reading material, deck of cards, etc. for waiting times or delays

• Toilet paper/Kleenex (not always available in public bathrooms)

• Money belt or neck pouch to hold valuables

• ATM card, credit cards

• Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer

• Plug adapter (if you bring electrical appliances)

• Passport and photocopy of the photo page (pack separately)