The complete checklist towards your upcoming trip to Costa Rica

At the Costa Rica Dental Team we understand that heading to a foreign country for dental work can be both overwhelming and scary. That is why we are ready to help you every step of the way. Although there are aspects that you must look on your own, we can give you ideas on how to make the most out of this journey. Remember this  is meant to be an enriching experience; you are coming to better your health and you can visit beautiful landscapes  while you  do so.

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There is nothing to be afraid of

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America. Many tourists are impressed at the tico hospitality because people are generally willing to help foreigners. In addition, Costa Rica has been for many years a peaceful country.  Actually, we decided to abolish our army decades ago in order to focus on quality public education. This has created a society that is almost entirely unaware of violence. Of course, there is a police department that ensures law and order, and, yes, while you are here you must be prudent when you go out. In spite of this you will find an atmosphere of relative tranquility.

Our team of dental experts sees patients like you every day. Each week we start new cases and meet new people who come to Costa Rica for extensive restorations. We have been doing so for more than ten years. You cannot be in better hands!

So now to start with the planning:

Step 1
Help us get acquainted with your case
We offer free quotes of your dental work if you are able to share x-rays or treatment plans with us. This will help us answer the "how much" and "how long" questions. Since every case is different, estimates can help determine how to plan your trip, the costs your treatment will entail, and how many days you must stay in Costa Rica. Also, please inform us of any medical history, complications, or prescriptions. If you take daily aspirin ask your doctor if you can suspend it a week before surgery. If you have been through major surgery before or if you have undergone cancer treatment, consult your doctor about the possibility of getting considerable dental work.
Step 1
Step 2
Look at your schedule
Figure out the logistics of leaving home and coming to Costa Rica. Our turnaround times generally range between five and seven business days, so find out when you can leave work or who can watch out the kids during this time. Also, double check you have a valid passport. If you are traveling on a United States, Canadian, or European Union passport, you will not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. When you have an idea of when you have availability, let us know so we can confirm we have availability during those dates too. We always recommend planning at least two weeks in advance in order to have enough time to arrange all details.
Step 2
Step 3
Book your flights
You will fly to the Juan Santamaría (SJO) International Airport, as this is the closest to our facility. There are many direct flights from the United States and Canada, depending on where you live. Airlines that come to Costa Rica include Spirit, American Airlines, Delta, Alaska Air, Air Canada, Jet Blue, and US Airlines. We prefer to leave the airline and itinerary choice to you, which is why you must purchase your own tickets.
Step 3
Step 4
Confirm your arrival
Once you have booked your flights, give us a call to let us know you have. We will probably ask for a copy of your itinerary in order to confirm your appointments. Our reception team will let you know the time and date of your first appointment. If you plan your trip months in advance we will reserve a space for you, but as the date comes closer, please note that we may adjust the time of your appointment as we arrange the agenda.
Step 4
Step 5
Arrange hotels and transportation
We have a list of recommended hotels that you can check out here. We have heard good things about them from our patients. They are all within a 20minute drive or less and we offer courtesy transportation to and from the appointments if you stay at any. The closest hotel is the Hyatt Pinares. Whereas you would have to make your own reservations at any other hotel, we are able to make it for you here, and you will receive preferential rates. Our team can also get special rates from the Holiday Inn Aurola and we can make the reservations for you here as well. Finally, there are son B&B options if you prefer a family, independent atmosphere. In addition, we can arrange airport transportation with drivers we have known for years. They also provide transportation services for day tours. They speak fluent English and have the best disposition to help. Otherwise, there are some hotels that offer shuttles from the airport. We have had patients who also rented a car. We generally discourage this if this is your first time in Costa Rica. Traffic can be really an issue and moving around the city can be hard especially if you are not acquainted with the transit system.
Step 5
Step 6
Check your budget and organize tours
If you want to vacation during your visit to Costa Rica we recommend to do so either before or after your dental treatment. This is because destination tours are generally a long drive away from our clinic and it might be complicated to attend your appointments. To make your vacation worth it, it will be best to not mix it with dental work. If possible, you can extend your visit several days because there is much to see. Some of the most beautiful beaches on earth are located in Guanacaste, at the north of Costa Rica. Exuberant cloud forests harbor thousands of animal and plant species in Puntarenas. You can bathe on natural hot springs on the environs of the Arenal Volcano in Alajuela. You can also watch turtles on the Caribbean within Limon Province. Remember to also check the best restaurants in the area and enjoy the Costa Rican cuisine. If you cannot extend your stay, you can maybe take advantage of the weekend to do some sightseeing close to San Jose. We can help with recommendations. Some hotels offer day tours and include transportation as well.
Step 6
Step 7
Pack your bags and catch your flight
Remember to pack all the essentials. If you plan to visit the beach do not forget your sunscreen, bathing suits, and flip flops. The weather in the Guanacaste area is generally hot, so plan for this. Also, pack a pair of sneakers in case you decide to get adventurous. If you plan to visit the mountain, remember to bring extra clothes, tennis shoes, a waterproof jacket, and warm sweaters, since cloud mountains can be really chilly at night.
Step 7

Thank you for your visit

Remember to bring your passport, daily medicines, and credit cards. As your appointments get closer, also remember to suspend daily aspirin or take prophylactic antibiotics as recommended.
You can generally buy everything you need here, so if you forget something you will be able to get it as well.
We hope to see you soon! If you still have any questions about how to plan your visit to Costa Rica Dental Team, please call or contact us by e-mail.

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*Passport is required to travel to Costa Rica.