Casa Las Sirenas Exclusive beachfront Bed and Breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ's

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Last updated June 2008

 

First, here's a short list of hints to help you enjoy your trip. 

  • How should I carry my money? Keep a stash of extra cash in US dollars, and carry it separately from your purse or wallet. Many local businesses at the beach don't accept credit cards nor Traveler's Checks and ATM machines are tough to find except in larger towns like Tamarindo or Santa Cruz. A trip to the bank will usually be necessary to cash traveller's checks or use an ATM. The nearest ones to Playa Negra are around an hour's drive away.  
  • Make sure that all of your US bills are perfect. Costa Rican banks won't accept torn or marked dollars, so most businesses won't either. Many places will not accept $100 bills or be willing to change them. I recommend bringing $50 and $20 bills. A bank will change $100 bills.
  • Bring extra film and batteries for cameras and electronics. If you have a digital camera be sure to remember your charger and extra memory sticks. While at the beach, don't leave your camera visible on your towel or in a bag.
  • Bring along two copies of your passport I.D. page and carry one with you. Keep the actual passport somewhere safe. My guest rooms have a locked safety deposit box.
  • If you rent a car, always leave it empty. Some people also leave the car doors unlocked to prevent broken windows. It is recommended to never leave ANYTHING in your rental car.
  • If you plan to drive, pick up a Spanish phrase book to help you decipher the road signs. Of course, this will help everywhere. Lonely Planet has an excellent one, especially written for Latin America. 
  • Don't bring pre-paid calling cards with toll-free numbers from the US or Canada. They don't work in Costa Rica. There are pre-paid local calling cards available at nearly every store and gas station, and I keep several here at the B&B. 
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Can I drink the water? 
Most of the tap water in Costa Rica is potable and in our area there is no problem with tap water. We are part of the local certified city well system. (back to top) 

How can I get to Playa Negra without a car?  
There are several options for you ranging from very expensive to rather cheap. You be the judge: 

  • Fly into the San Jose airport and take a taxi to Playa Negra. A 3.5 hour ride will cost you about $150, but give you a great opportunity to brush up on your Spanish with the driver. 
  • Fly from the San Jose International airport to Tamarindo. This flight leaves four times a day, lasts about 50 minutes and costs $65 one-way. From Tamarindo you'll need to grab a cab. The 40 minute ride costs about $45 and if you call us ahead of time, we'll make sure there's a taxi waiting for you. 
  • Bus from San Jose to Santa Cruz. This 4 1/2 hour ride will cost you approximately $7. Once in Santa Cruz you can connect with local bus out to the beach or you can take the 35 minute taxi ride for about $30. 
  • Fly into Liberia on an International flight, then take a taxi from airport to Playa Negra (about US$60.00).
  • Fly into Liberia and then take a bus to Santa Cruz. See above for directions from Santa Cruz.
  • Click here to see our how to get here page.
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