No matter what time the student arrives, at the airport exit there will be a driver from COSI waiting. The student should look for a sign with the COSI logo and his/her name. The participant is not to take a regular taxi. The COSI driver will have the host family, hotel, or apartment information and will take the student there at no extra cost. The airport in San José is located a half an hour by car from the homes of most host families. When departing Costa Rica, students must make their own transportation arrangements.
Internet access, e-mail, faxes and telephone
At COSI, students can send faxes, mail letters, make phone calls or surf the internet at a minimal cost. For international calls, we provide a list of numbers to call collect or calls can be paid directly at COSI. Calling cards such as AT&T, MCI or Sprint are the best means to call home. Please note that 1-800 numbers are charged
as international phone calls
in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican cellular telephone system now allows the use of USA cellular phones. However prices are about $1 per minute and it is possible only in 4-band cell phones.
Health insurance
Health insurance is available here in Costa Rica. This policy covers medical expenses due to an emergency or acute illness; however, we strongly advise getting travellers insurance in your country of origin. If interested in this policy, please let us know as soon as possible.
Money
At the reception participants can exchange US dollars for Costa Rica colones at the daily bank rate. Traveler’s checks can also be exchanged. Money can also be exchanged at the airport upon arrival, but at an unfavorable rate. We do not recommend changing large amounts of money there. If necessary, change a small amount ($20-$30) at the airport and change the rest at COSI Monday-Friday.
Airport pick-up
