UF Faculty Study Tour - Session 2 questions
1. What is Eleanor’s Cell phone number?
407-908-4379 - Call any time and I will get back with you as soon as I can.
2. Do I fill out a TAR if UF is not giving me any money?
Ask your UF travel guru. There is an online form to request permission for no cost UF travel.
3. Will I have access to the internet?
Yes, at EARTH for FREE,
at Tirimbina Rainforest Lobby 3/7 and 3/8
at Rancho Margot FREE – they will give us an access code
at Holiday Inn 3/9 (not sure of cost)
4. Will my cell phone work?
Contact your cell phone carrier. ATT had an additional fee for use in country. Clarify that you want to use your phone while you are in Costa Rica, not call Costa Rica from the US.
Or you may purchase a low cost phone card (with an access number) to use while you are in Costa Rica.
- Who should a family member contact in case of an emergency in the United States?
011 + 506 + #### - ####
Office direct phone (506) 2713 0247
Patricia Cruz’s cell phone (506) 8383 9071
Driver, Ronald Barquero’s cell phone 8855 0683
Guide, Víctor Abarca’s cell phone 506) 8880 1839
As soon as I get info back from each of you, I will share each of our contacts.
6. Where will we be staying?
Patricia is putting that information (location and phone number) together for us soon.
7. What Time Zone- Time is equal to our Central Time Zone http://www.howtocallabroad.com/costa-rica/ has it on the website
8. What do we owe and when?
Balance Due Feb 28. Total is 1606.38 total per person per Patricia. So remaining balance is probably $786.19 if you paid $810.19 deposit Let me know if this date is not possible for you. If you let her know, she can charge the same credit card for the remaining balance. I have asked her to send receipts for deposit to Becky, Terry, Teresa, Dan, Susan and Sheila so they can start the process for partial reimbursement.
9. Items to send to Eleanor
a. flight info: airline, departure, transfer, arrival time info (whatever you have for confirmation is fine)
b. copy of medex card
c. copy of photo and info page of passport
10. What to take?
Ideas- Gifts/trinkets for farmers/families, recordable hallmark books, extra collapsible zipper duffle bag, camera batteries, ANYTHING Gator Gear (cheaper from Walmart and BEALLS Outlet stores), pencils, Eleanor is taking Gator Hammock Season Salt. Something that is typical of Florida. Mickey said anything Disney, SeaWorld or Universal also is a hit, but there are many GATOR fans. Items for school such as , pencils, erasers, toothbrushes, reading books in English are great.
11. What to wear?
Comfortable shoes, long pants, light jacket, rain coat or poncho, bag or day pack, NOT short shorts, but shorts ok flipflops for shower only, take plastic bags to wrap wet clothes, shoes. Patricia said it is hot, so shorts are a good idea. (MY legs will be covered!)
12. Where are we going and what are we doing? Itinerary is on blog http://2012CostaRica.blogspot.com
Patricia will be updating it with contact for hotels
13. How do we get from the airport to the hotel?
Ronald will be picking us up at the airport on Saturday. That is why we need all flight Yes, Ronald will take us to dinner on Saturday night and we will get Sheila from the Airport.
14. Have you registered at UF website for travel approval and MEDEX insurance?
Please send me a copy of your card by email.
15. Health Insurance- notify your personal health insurance company you are out of town.
Kathleen found out that Blue Cross Blue Shield has a $750 deductible but she went through the Medex company to get the deducatible reduced to $100 (premium is based on age).
16. Will my credit cards work in Costa Rica?
Notify Credit Card Company and Bank of overseas travel. American Express charged a 2.7% fee but Capitol One did not charge the fee for using the card in Costa Rica. You must check. Most businesses will take US dollars or Costa Rican colones. (Pronounced co lo’ nays)
17. Where to convert dollars to colones (Costa Rican money)?
No need to get money before you leave the US. Most places will take US dollars. There is a bank on EARTH Campus Sunday when we arrive. Dinner Saturday night is paid for. You may want some money for snacks or other things. When I went to the grocery store, I got change back, like my ATM card here allows cash back after a sale.
18. How much money will I need to take with me?
Meals are covered but if you want snacks during the day, you will want cash. Sodas, water, chips, candy, cheese, coffee, pastries, adult beverages similar in price to here. I took $100 and bought about $200 on credit card in coffee, vanilla, gifts to bring back. The coffee, vanilla and Lizano sauce are typical items I bring back. Also, books and colorful t-shirts. That is why I take a zipper collapsible dufflebag with me (about $12 at Kmart or Walmart in luggage section). Take 1 suitcase and bring back 2. Check your airline for baggage fees these days. Exit Tax: You will need about $28.00 US to get out of the country. We pay that at the airport.
19. Is it dangerous?
No worse than begin in a downtown big city in US! Just be careful. Stay together, never alone. You will see armed guards even at McDonalds and grocery stores.
20. What if something happens?
Leave a copy of passport photo page with family as well make a copy of photo ID and credit card number, lost or stolen who to call number, and emergency info. Take a copy of passport with you separate from passport.
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