The San, Jose Airport (SJO)

There are several airports that service Costa Rica, but the one you'll be needing is the San Jose International Airport.  The Airport code is SJO.  The San Jose Airport isn't that big.  There are only 8 gates.  You can't get lost in this airport.  It's super easy to navigate and the signs are in Spanish and English.  Most everyone in the airport speaks English so you won't even know you are in a Spanish speaking country (until you leave the airport). Check out the images and things you need to know about SJO.

The Language

The language of Costa Rica is Spanish.  There are many Americans living and retiring in Costa Rica.  I can see why!  Even if you don't speak or understand Spanish, you will be able to get around and maneuver within San Jose.  There are enough English speaking people (in San Jose) to help you.  I would say that at least one in five people speak English well enough to communicate with you.  
Who can't speak English?  About 99% of the taxi drivers... but that's OK, I'll show you how to get around easily with the taxi drivers.  You'll also be glad to know that almost every health professional in San Jose speaks fluent English and in most cases other languages as well.  It's simply amazing because most US doctors only speak English.  Costa Rican doctors are truly world-class when it comes to mastering languages.  It's very impressive.  Once you understand that people are traveling from all over the world for healthcare in Costa Rica you'll see why being internationally literate is almost a requirement.  You will feel very comfortable communicating with the medical community.

The Money

The currency of Costa Rica is the "Colone" pronounces Co-Low-Nee.  The smallest paper bill is a 1000 colon bill (it's the red one).  A 1000 colone bill (pronounced mil colone) is worth $2 US.  Exchanging money is a MUST.  US dollars are easily spent in the airport, but once you leave the airport you will need some colons.  Most all the stores take a credit card (MasterCard and Visa), but the street vendors and open air markets take colons.  If they take US dollars, don't expect them to be able to make change in a US currency.  I exchange money and traveler's checks at ScotiaBank and Banc of San Jose.  They are everywhere.  You can also use your MasterCard or Visa in the ATM machines.  Debit cards are NOT credit cards.  I suggest not fooling around with debit cards internationally... get a regular credit card.

The San Jose Airport only has 8 gates.  Getting in and out of the airport is really easy.

Upon Arriving

While in-flight en route to Costa Rica, the cabin staff will pass out the Costa Rican Immigration/Customs Form. You'll be required to fill out the Costa Rican customs form before departing the plane. This form is easy to complete and there are instructions in the Airline Magazine in the pocket in front of your seat. If you need help, the cabin staff will assist you. The form on the right side of the photo is the Costa Rican customs form.

There are only 8 gates in SJO.  Even if you arrive on the furthest gate, the walk to immigration and baggage claim is not far.  If you have wheelchair service upon arrival then you will be escorted when you de-plane.

This is the sign pointing to immigration and baggage claim. When you get off your flight, look for this sign.  It is in Spanish and English

You can also purchase travel insurance for your stay in Costa Rica.  It's not expensive.  It covers accidents, lost baggage and a few other things.  The government controls the insurance industry in Costa Rica so there's no insurance competition.

You can PREPAY your departure tax of $26 US before you go through immigration.  I suggest that you do this because you can avoid the departure tax line when you are ready to leave San Jose.  

The prepay departure desk only takes $26 US cash or a VISA credit card.  They do not accept MasterCard, American Express or Traveler's checks.  Have your $26 cash ready.  If you use a Visa Debit card you may get stuck with a nasty fee. 

Once you clear immigration, which doesn't take long, you'll head down the escalator to baggage claim.  This is what you'll see... (a Costa Rican welcome sign)

Once you get through baggage customs, you'll enter the rental car hall.  I do not suggest renting a car on your trip, but if you stop at the "Economy" rental desk, you can rent a cell phone.  The people at the desk speak English.  They'll take you over to the cell phone rental desk by curtosey shuttle.

You'll also find the "official airport taxi" desk,  ff you want a legal taxi ride from the airport.

Next to the taxi stand is a place where you can exchange money.  I don't exchange money at the airport, I use Scotiobank or the Bank of San Jose.  The fees here are higher than the bank fees for exchanging money.

You'll notice familiar US hotel franchise chains outside the airport. If you stay at an airport location, you will probably pay more because of the airport taxes... the ride from the airport to downtown San Jose is about $10; the ride to any of the "burbs" is $8 more...

You'll enter through these doors under this sign...  tell the help outside that you need a wheelchair.

Remember to order wheelchair services upon your return. This will make your surgical journey home even better. Remember to tip your service people well because you are going to bypass all the walking customers. Just let the gate agent know that you just had surgery and you won't have to stand in any lines or carry your own luggage. This is why packing LIGHT is a must! You don't want to have to manage much upon returning home because your body is still recovering!

If you pre-paid your departure tax, you can go straight to the check-in line, if you didn't you'll have to get in the departure tax line.  Hopefully it won't be too long.  Of course if you pre-pay it you will avoid this line altogether.

While in-flight en route home to whatever US city, the cabin staff will pass out the US Immigration/Customs Form.   You'll be required to fill out the blue US customs form before departing the plane.  This form is easy to  complete and there are instructions in the Airline Magazine in the pocket in front of your seat.  If you need help, the cabin staff will assist you. 

Remember that you are newly post op and even though you have wheelchair service you should probably wear circulation hose to promote healthy leg circulation.