The following is a series of documents and links intended to provide general guidelines when planning, traveling, or staying at the Soltis Center.
- For visa requirements in traveling to Costa Rica, please visit the web page of the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria de Costa Rica:https://migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Visas.aspx or contact the Study Abroad Program Office of your university or college.
- For travel warnings and alerts to Costa Rica, visit the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs at: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html or contact the Study Abroad Program of your university or college.
- For vaccines and medicines, or Health Information for Travelers to Costa Rica, visit with your doctor or visit the CDC web page at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/costa-rica.
- It is recommended to bring some cash (dollars). The exchange rate varies on a daily basis but for the current exchange rate, visit the Central Bank of Costa Rica website: https://gee.bccr.fi.cr/indicadoreseconomicos/Cuadros/frmVerCatCuadro.aspx?idioma=1&CodCuadro=%20400
- If bringing dollar bills, be sure to have low denomination bills of $20 dollar bills or less. Bills in the amount of $50 or $100 are hardly ever accepted locally. To exchange dollar bills to “colones”, we recommend exchanging at the local banks instead of at the airports. No U.S. coins are taken locally; only "colones", the local currency.
- If you have made arrangements to have us waiting for you, look for the person with the Texas A&M University sign in-hand. Do not allow anyone else to handle your luggage.
- Public shuttle schedules and information available upon request.
- Major credit cards are accepted in Costa Rica but be sure to have it activated for overseas traveling.
- For those suffering with car sickness, bring medications with you. These types of medications can also be obtained locally.
- Bring your prescription medications.
You should bring the following:
- Rain gear (umbrella or raincoat)
- Insect repellent
- Suntan/sun block lotion
- Flashlight (with rechargeable batteries)
- Hiking shoes/boots
- Swimsuits
- Sandals/flip flops
- Several extra pair of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Personal first aid kit
- Hat/cap
- Water canteen or bottle
- Original and a copy of your personal insurance card
- Personal identification card
- Original and a copy of your passport
Recommended, if handy:
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Laptop computer, tablets and smartphones