The national currency is called the colón. Please consult www.xe.com to find the present exchange rate. Before leaving Costa Rica, it is a good idea to exchange all colones back to dollars.

ATM machines are plentiful in Costa Rica and using your ATM card will generally give you the best exchange rate available. Be flexible, though, as sometimes machines are out of order. Check with your bank beforehand to find out how much you will be charged each time you make a withdrawal. Please also be aware that there are no American banks in Costa Rica.

Should I bring a credit card?
In addition to bringing an ATM card to obtain cash, you should definitely bring a credit card. Hospitals often require a credit card number to treat students. ISA resident directors cannot and will not charge student medical visits to an ISA credit card. For this reason, you need a credit card for medical emergencies.

Traveler’s checks
Traveler’s checks are often difficult to use. Please note that many students have found that Visa traveler’s checks are not accepted.

Western Union (800-777-7777) has numerous offices around San Jose and in several major towns and cities around the country. It offers a secure and rapid, although pricey, money-wire service, as well as telegram service. A $100 wire will cost around $15, and a $1000 wire will cost around $50.

Former students have given us some idea of what you should expect to spend per week while in Costa Rica. Due to the fluctuation in rates of exchange and differences in individual spending habits, we can only give you estimated figures. Based on the past, most students seem to spend anywhere from $50 to $150 per week. Of course this amount varies depending on your spending habits, although they recommend $100-$150 for traveling on weekends and $50-$100 for weekly expenses. Remember, you will be responsible for all meals not eaten at your homestay and for any additional activities, tours, or excursions you wish to participate in. This figure does not include extravagant traveling on the weekends or heavy shopping. Obviously, if you are looking to keep this figure down try to find things to do in and around Heredia rather than traveling each weekend. Again, keep in mind that this is a rough figure and that some students spend less and others more. Many students highly recommend creating a budget for yourself before you get there or soon after you have arrived so that you do not overspend.

What will I spend money on?
This is an individual issue for each student (and their parents!). Quite often the greatest expenses will come from travel, shopping, gym memberships, and going out. ISA covers two meals a day while in Heredia. You will eat breakfast and dinner with your host family. On the weekends when you have excursions, you will have to pay for lunch and dinner each day as well as for any additional activities or tours. Prices for additional activities vary with each session. Additional activities include rafting, horseback riding, canopy tours, etc… It is easy to spend more money than you would like to because you are not accustomed to using colones, and you might forget to budget your spending.

Individual travel expenses:
The options for travel and adventure are innumerable! Aside from planned excursions, students for the trimester and semester programs will have plenty of time on weekends to plan their own trips and adventures. Students may also participate in additional activities such as rafting ($65+) and canopy tours ($40+) that are lots of fun. Depending on your style of travel (1st-class planes or 2nd-class buses) and accommodations (youth hostels, pensions, cheap hotels, or regular hotels), you can easily spend $70-$200 a weekend. ISA will also provide 2 to 6 optional excursions per trimester or semester program. These excursions are organized by the resident directors, tend to be a safer option than traveling on your own, and include very nice hotel accommodations and transportation. You will also be accompanied by one of the resident directors.

Expenses that ISA will NOT cover during your stay in Heredia:
• Expenses incurred for visas, entry/departure fees or airport taxes.
• Any changes or confirmation of your airline ticket that you personally make.
• Any restaurant meals, tabs, cover charges, etc. (whether you’re with the group or on your own).
• Lunch and dinner on excursions.
• Additional activities on either the planned or optional excursions such as canopy tours, horseback riding, tours, rafting, etc.
• Anything that you do on your own before, during, or after the trip.
• Transportation within the city such as city buses or taxis.
• If you need medical attention, you will pay all of your expenses in-country and will be reimbursed upon your return by the insurance company.
• Trimester and semester students will pay for their own books (approx. $20-75 depending on the courses taken).
• You don’t have to go on the ISA-organized excursions that are not included in the program price, but if you choose to, you must pay extra. The cost of the trip will be divided among the students going, and to keep the cost down, the most economical arrangements will be made.
• You are never reimbursed for missed activities or meals that are paid for by ISA.
• Your trip to the airport if you’re not traveling on the program dates.
• Gym membership, intramurals, etc.
• Snack food in the house.