Costa RicaTeam Information
Dates: Year round, with the best months being May through September.
Duration: 1 week to 3 months is best
Mission: Project of your choice (teaching, evangelism, children, other)
Size: 4 people or less is ideal
Lodging/food/transportation: $75/day/per person
Translator: $50 USD per day/translator
If the team is larger than 4 people, team will need to rent vehicle.
Rule of Conduct
The government of Costa Rica holds By Provision responsible for volunteers’ activities and outcomes of activities, intended or not. While in Costa Rica volunteers with By Provision will accept the guidance and authority of By Provision for rule of conduct, behavior, and dress code.
1) Volunteers come to Costa Rica to work and serve as beneficial to the ministry of By Provision.
2) Volunteers will accept advice and suggestions from By Provision for their activities in Costa Rica.
3) Volunteers will dress with modesty.
4) Volunteers will not make promises to locals/natives leading them to believe future "help/gifts" will become available, nor commit By Provision in any way.
5) Volunteers will inquire with By Provision about giving of gifts to nationals, for the best way to do so, whether giving personal items brought from the US or items By Provision has on hand in Costa Rica.
6) Volunteers must refrain from dating. One-on-one social meetings between opposite gender must be approved.
7) Volunteers will hold a valid US drivers license and an international license, if driving a By Provision vehicle.
8) Volunteers will abstain from using alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs while in Costa Rica. Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs is to be observed even if it these items are offered free of charge, in a public or private place, no matter what the volunteer deems.
By Provision officers solely determine whether or not a volunteer’s behavior is detrimental or beneficial to the ministry and witness. Volunteers who do not wish to comply, need to inform By Provision and make arrangements to leave as soon as possible.
Basics for a Trip to Costa Rica
Emergency Air Medical Assistance
We highly recommend you purchase emergency air medical assistance. This will get you home should you need medical care. It is not medical insurance; it is what you need to get home to get medical care. Your regular medical might cover air medical evacuation, check your policy first.
U.S. Embassy REGISTRATION:
Registration at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (in the country you are visiting) makes your presence and whereabouts known, in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary.
Documentation Needed
A digital copy of your identification documents (passport, driver’s license, international driver’s license) is easiest and usually sufficient. It's recommended to have several notarized copies of all identification documents. You may wish to put one in each piece of luggage (checked and carried on).
Official travel information:
In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.
Packing considerations
Most airlines allow two 50lbs checked pieces of luggage and one carry on. If you pack light, please bring some things for the ministry.
Outside of ministry, the kinds of activities you will do in Costa Rica are mostly tourist oriented. It’s mostly road travel, national park excursions, or shopping and eating out.
Wear layered comfortable clothing. There is quite a bit of walking so bring a comfortable pair or two of walking shoes.
Antibacterial hand solution, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential every day of the year.
T-shirts and khakis or jeans are probably most practical.
Anywhere but church, long shorts are fine to wear for women and men.
Money issues:
1) A Visa card is the best credit card to have in Costa Rica. A debit card can be used at most ATMs to get cash. A credit card can be used, but you must go to a bank if you need cash. Cash will be needed.
2) US dollars can be used in many stores and exchanged at banks everywhere. We will gladly exchange dollars for you too.
Medications To Consider
No vaccinations or medications are required. Check with your doctor. By Provision recommends having at least yellow fever, tetanus, hepatitis vaccinations/boosters. Polio can be a threat here, check to see if you were vaccinated as a child.
OTC
Hand sanitizing lotion
Insect repellant with deet
Aleve/Tylenol/Advil/Ibuprofen
Allergy pills and nasal spray
Lip balm
Moisturizing lotion
Cortizone anti itch cream
Sunscreen protection
After sun care lotion