FAQ
Q. Do I need to know Spanish?
A. No! You definitely do not have to know Spanish. A lot of our volunteers do not speak Spanish (yet!). A little knowledge of English OR Spanish is sufficient to communicate.
Q. Which currency is used in Costa Rica? Do I have to change my money before?
A. Ticos (how the native Costa Ricans are called) pay with Colón (Colones) but the US Dollar is accepted almost everywhere as well, especially when you have small bills.
Q. Is there a Hospital, Bank, or Supermarket close to the Rescue Center?
A. We have a hospital 30 minutes away but there is a good doctor and the red cross with ambulance service 10 minutes away. The bank is 10 minutes away. A small store is within walking distance. The doctor's fee is $40.
Q. Is there Wifi at the Rescue Center?
A. Yes, we have WiFi. It is slow sometimes, but if you need faster WiFi there are places in town where you can go to get connected.
Q. Are there dangerous animals on the property like snakes, frogs, or spiders?
A. There are some poisonous amphibians and insects in Costa Rica in general, so we cannot guarantee that you will not see one of those. But if you keep some simple rules like never going barefoot, especially not after rain, staying on the path, and never touch unknown animals – everything is fine. We never had a case where a Volunteer got injured seriously by any kind of animal.
Q. What should I bring?
A. Please do not bring expensive clothes or equipment. Likewise, expensive items such as jewelry and fancy watches will attract attention from the locals and will be a temptation to steal.
Recommended Packing List
Closed-toe shoes and shirts which dare to get a little dirty, a flashlight, and if you are coming between May and September a raincoat.
Flashlights and batteries – If you can bring a flashlight. If you can, get your hands on a solar-powered battery charger and bring a couple of sets of rechargeable batteries as a backup.
Reusable water bottles there is an overabundance of plastic water bottles in Costa Rica, and to limit our negative impact on the environment we require that you bring your own refillable water bottle to use while here. Costa Rica has potable drinking water.
Toiletries – bring your own towel. Please try to only bring biodegradable products in order to limit our impact on the environment.
Insect repellent - This is essential for preventing mosquito and bug bites. If you can find DEET-free repellent, this is preferred as it will not harm the animals or the environment as much.
Clothing – Rough work clothes, along with a lightweight waterproof coat.
Footwear – A pair of sturdy hiking boots are most appropriate for working, but tennis shoes also work fine. You may also want to bring some comfortable trainers for your free time, and sandals or flip-flops for relaxing in.
Other – Also, do not forget to bring lots of sunscreens (at least factor 15), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed sunhat.