At your destination

"Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or CAD dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience.

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Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide)
Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage)
Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program)
Hotel porters and wait staff: Included
 

Costa Rica - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists."

"To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however we will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary."

"Roads in Costa Rica are not up to Canada standards. Roads vary from paved, multi-lane highways to narrow, gravel roads. The gravel roads often contain many potholes, bumps, and hazards. The journey can take place on a unpaved, gravel road. The drive time can take longer than expected."

"We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you depart. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash, please note that exchange at banks is typically more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. However, bank hours are limited to Mondays through Fridays and sometimes only morning hours on those days. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller. In many destinations (except Western Europe), we suggest to bring between $50 to $100 in $1 bills which may be used to pay gratuities.

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Costa Rica - The Costa Rican Colón is the currency of Costa Rica. It is very common in Costa Rica to deal in both American dollars and the Costa Rican Colon, often prices will be given in both denominations. Many, but not all, ATM machines in Costa Rica dispense both Colones and dollars. It is not recommended to exchange money at the airport in Costa Rica. More favorable currency exchange rates can be found at locations outside the airport, such as at your hotels."

"While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons. 
 

While most US-issued credit cards have the embedded microprocessor chip, there are still some that have the magnetic-strip technology. The “chip-and-PIN” cards require users to punch in a personal identification number (PIN) instead of signing for a purchase. For example, many automated ticket kiosks, such as those commonly found at train stations, gas pumps and parking garages, don’t accept cards without a chip and PIN. Most cash registers are equipped to handle American cards but if you encounter difficulties, offer an alternative credit card or politely insist that the cashier keep trying to swipe the credit card. ATMs typically recognize and accept US issued debit cards. For travel to Europe, should you anticipate using ticket kiosks or purchasing train tickets locally, you may consider buying tickets and other basic purchases prior to departure."

"Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. 

We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. 

While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! 

About Tax-Free Shopping
Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. If interested, we suggest you check the respective country’s online website, or with your tour manager or with www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased. 
 

Costa Rica - Large stores and supermarkets in Costa Rica will have fixed prices that are clearly labeled and should be purchased at that price. However, in local markets people regularly bargain for what they buy, and you should too! Wooden carvings, woven blankets, colorful paintings, and beautifully crafted pottery are only a few examples of the many souvenirs you can purchase to remember your trip." 

"Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit.

It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
 

• Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd

• Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)

• Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room or on the bus as Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any loss. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe

• Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash

• Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard to replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag

• Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing

• Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body.

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Tourist Street Scams

Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
 

• Remain alert and cautious. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public places, including train stations, markets, subways and tourist sites;

• Be especially careful when traveling independently, or leaving your tour group to explore on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Avoid narrow alleys and poorly lit streets;

• Use only official taxis and check the change you receive from all taxi drivers and vendors;

• Beware of pickpockets often working with an accomplice who will distract you by spilling something on you, dropping a wallet or other seemingly valuable object, or tripping and falling down in front of you;

• Beware of aggressive street vendors who may approach you offering a demonstration which may end with you being pressured to purchase an item or act as a distraction for another pickpocket;

• Don’t tip beggars;

• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest;

• Carry modest amounts of cash (US dollars) in small denominations so that you can avoid flashing large bills when paying for small items;

• ATM machines can be a convenient way to carry less currency. However those machines too can be used for robbery. Be wary of anyone who can look over your shoulder when inputting PINs. Another scam involves rigging the machine with a plastic insert which makes your card retrieval difficult; the thief then removes your card after you walk away;

• If you are confronted, do not fight back - give up your valuables. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police and keep a copy of the official report for insurance claims.

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Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Costa Rica

• General Emergency: 911"

"Languages

Costa Rica - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
 

Electricity

Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
 

Costa Rica - The voltage used is 110 volts.
 

Code of Conduct

Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. The notion of Pura Vida dominates the national outlook.
 

Food and Meals

As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. 
 

While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Although tap water is considered safe to drink in the major cities, it is recommended that visitors only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Filtered water is often available at hotels. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water."