What happens if a group doesn't finish a project?
Most projects cannot be completed in the course of a week, but all projects do get finished. When teams are not available my construction team(local workers) completes the project. Especially in the case of homes projects need to be completed as soon as possible, as families usually find lodging in other homes from the time of demolition of the old structure to the completion of the new home. We work 12 months out of the year, including our construction efforts.
What if nobody in my group speaks Spanish?
You will have a Spanish speaking guide available to you at all times unless otherwise determined with your group leader.
How are payments and donations made?
Payments may be made by bank transfer (preferred method), check (in the name of Charlie Strong) or credit card (through Hope Unites) up to the 30-day mark before the arrival of your group in Costa Rica, and the addresses for both payments and donations can be found on the "Contact Us" page. Donations can also be made to Charlie Strong under "Career Missionaries" at www.hopeunites.org. Once the 30-day mark has passed, all late payments need to be made by bank transfer to eliminate payments arriving late due to problems with the mail, checks being made out incorrectly, etc., which could lead to your group's inability to make the trip. Information for bank transfers can be attained by contacting me personally in Costa Rica through email or phone, with such contact information being available on the "Contact Us" page of this same website.
What items might I not have thought of to bring?
Please see the "Things to Bring" link at the bottom of the "Trips" page of the website.
Will my credit cards and debit cards work in Costa Rica?
Most ATMs in Costa Rica will give you cash in colones on your U.S. credit card or debit card. Some will even give U.S. dollars. It is important that you inform your credit card companies of your trip destination and duration as some companies terminate services with use in a foreign country and will not reactivate such services until they have spoken with you in person. Remember that more rural areas will often not have banks and if you are able to get money on your card through a local vender you may pay as much as 20% service charge.
What is the currency and rate of exchange?
The colon(es) is the currency of Costa Rica. The exchange rate varies a little, but as of June 2008 one dollar exchanges for approximately 517 colones (the dollar is dropping a little each day, which means you get less colones for your dollar each day). U.S. dollars, especially 20s or less, can be used in many places, although exchanging some money will be helpful for you in some areas and contributes to your experience of the Costa Rican culture. Also, one very important point is that it is very difficult to use U.S. currency here if there are any holes or tears in the bills. Hundred dollar bills from the year 2001 are also difficult to get cashed as there are many counterfeit bills in Costa Rica with that date. You should therefore make sure that all U.S. currency is in good condition and stay away from 100s from the year 2001.
How do we change money?
I will almost always change your money for you during the duration of your trip, with such money readily available throughout your trip at the rate my bank gives me. Remember to not change any money in the airport as you will lose about 10 cents on the dollar.
Will calling cards and cell phones bought in the U.S. work in Costa Rica?
Only ICE cards will work with Costa Rican phones, and they can only be bought in Costa Rica. Some U.S. companies claim that their cards work here, but they do not. Save your money and buy a card here, as they are easy to find and to use. Some U.S. cell phones work here, such as Singular, although it costs more than $3 per minute to place a call. My cell phone is also often available for emergency or very brief calls.
Do I need sleeping gear?
As of 2008 all of Strong Missions lodging offers beds, shared or otherwise. Floor lodging is no longer available, as it became apparent over recent years that teams enjoy their stay and work more efficiently if they get a good night's sleep. In some cases you will need a pillow and pillow case, and perhaps an extra blanket, especially if staying in the Central Office or Seminary Dormitories of the Methodist Church. Your team leader(s) should fill you in regarding any sleeping gear you might need after communication with the staff of Strong Missions. For more information about lodging, see that section on the "Trips" page of this website.
What's the weather and culture like and how do I dress appropriately?
The Church and culture in Costa Rica are much more conservative in many ways than our own. It is important to remember that short-shorts are not appropriate in the city, although such clothing can be used at the beach and other specified fun destinations. Use of such clothing brings unwanted attention in a variety of ways. Other clothing recommendations depend on the project location. Many parts of Costa Rica have rain all year long and although the beach and lowland areas are warm to hot, the mountainous areas are often considerably cooler. This is why raincoats, long pants and lightweight jackets are suggested when working in Costa Rica, especially higher altitudes. Remember that good closed toed shoes are required for construction work, as are gloves and often safety glasses.
What do I do when I get to the airport?
From the time you exit the airport in San Jose and find the sign with "Strong Missions" on it and the person holding it, all your transportaion and lodging needs will be taken care of. Therefore relax and get to know the country.
Can you help me with good airfare prices?
Definitely. Please see the airfare section on the "Trips" page for more information, and of course feel free to ask any additional questions you might have.
What do we do with our valuables while working, etc?
Many hotels have safes in the rooms for approximately $3 per day, however many teams stay in church centers, seminaries, etc. In such cases, valuables should be locked up as well as possible or kept on the person, however we suggest that things of such value other than passports be left in the U.S. It is just better to leave things you "can't live without" at home. "Out of sight, out of mind" are words to live by here, so keep all valuables in suitcases, backpacks, etc.
Can we bring gifts for the children, families, etc?
Absolutely, but the giving of toys, clothing, supplies, and other gifts must be coordinated through Charlie Strong, the Director of Strong Missions, and the directors, teachers and pastors, to later be distributed to the children, churches, families, or other communities. This is better for the esteem of the recipients and cuts down on children and adults learning to always expect gifts from overseas visitors, as well as making such giving a true act of charity. This is important so as to not contribute to a feeling of dependence as well as to keep recipients from arguing over who gets what, something that occurs occasionally among those who have so little.
Are there concerns about the food/water?
Most water in Costa Rica is potable and can be drank without fear, although at times contamination does occur, especially in lower lying areas. Regardless, bottled water can be found everywhere. Most food can be eaten without danger, although most problems arise from unwashed fruits and vegetables or warm condiments. Travelers should be careful when eating from street venders, but most hotels, restaurants and homes have excellent food preparation procedures.
How much money do we need for the meals that are not covered?
Groups have all meals covered except for those that fall during the fun trips, and even then breakfast is usually included. Teams usually eat 4 or 5 meals that are not prepared by us, and these can range from $4 to $15 per meal, depending on your spending habits and what you prefer to eat. Those on extremely tight budgets can also buy sandwich items for the fun trips, thereby saving money.
Are there certain cultural taboos about which we need to be aware?
There aren't many, as the people here are incredibly friendly and patient with travelers. It is important to remember that South and Central America are also part of America, and so referring to ourselves as Americans can be thought of as rude. We should refer to ourselves as North Americans or citizens of the U.S. The term "gringo" is used here for citizens of the U.S. but simply because it is shorter than "estadounidense" or "norteamericanos". There is usually no malice when the people of Costa Rica use this term, and Costa Ricans also refer to themselves as "ticos". The church is generally much more conservative than many churches in the U.S., so short-shorts should not be used except during beach trips. Use of revealing clothing can and will bring unwanted attention in the church and in the streets. There are also certain hand gestures that mean different things here, but such information will be distributed upon your arrival.
Should we be concerned about safety?
Safety is an issue in San Jose, Costa Rica, just as it is in any large city in our world. It is wise to wear backpacks over the front of your body or under your arm, especially within cities, as pick-pockets are very adept at opening zippers. It is also better to wear long pants in the larger cities as ticos seldom wear shorts in city life. With long pants it's easier to go unnoticed. Of course, large groups stand out and therefore shorts don't matter so much, but then again there is safety in numbers. It is suggested that team members stay in groups when out for a walk, shopping, buying break, using the internet cafes, etc. for this very reason. A key point is to remember that pedestrians have no right of way here. Watch the streets carefully and cross only when no cars, buses, or motorcycles are coming, regardless of the color of the street light or what the "walk" sign says. Other safety tips will be discussed upon your arrival, but know that Costa Rica is still safer than all other Central and South American countries. It is also important to remember these safety tips in other areas with heavy tourism, as thieves are on the look-out in such areas as well.
What do you need to provide us with insurance and what will it cover?
For United Methodist Volunteers in Mission groups or individuals, please purchase insurance directly through them for $.75 per day per person at http://gbgm-umc.org/vim/insuform.htm. If you do not have insurance through another international carrier you must purchase this through gbgm, as it covers you for accident, illness, and death. It's simply better to be safe than sorry.
Do I need any shots?
An up-to-date tetanus shot is a good idea, but that's really all that's necessary.
Do I need a power converter for my appliances, camera charger, etc.?
No, appliances and chargers, etc. work in the plugs here. At times there are not many plugs available, but when available there is no need for a converter.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of team members?
No. I've had as many as 50 on a team, and as many as 70 here at one time. I have also hosted individuals, couples, families and other small teams. It is important to note that prices do vary according to team size, as transportation costs are less when split between more people. See the "Trips" page for more details.
What about medical emergencies?
We am fully knowledgeable of area medical facilities and pharmacies and can therefore take care of any emergency that arises. La Clinica Catolica "Catholic Clinic" is a private hospital in the immediate area that we've used for various small injuries and health issues. A medical team volunteer who have stayed two nights in this hospital told us it was better care than she received in the hospital back in the U.S.
