I haven't been to Costa Rica since 2002 so my memory is a little hazy. I will be travelling to Costa Rica in August with a group of friends from all over the US. We will be flying out of at least 4 different airports but arriving in SJO within a few hours of each other. I am the only person who speaks Spanish and has been to Costa Rica before, so I would prefer to meet up with everybody prior to clearing customs. Does anybody know if it is possible to wait inside the airport prior to clearing customs? I know that our US cellphones will not work down there so we will be dependent on Wi-Fi and Skype to communicate with each other. So, I guess another question would be: what is the wireless connection like at the airport?
1
costaricaguide
Yes you can hang around as long as you're all arriving the same day. I don't know what time they start shooing people out but the terminal is not open 24 hrs.
It's been significantly modernized since '02 and there are several comfortable areas to sit, small restaurants and food courts as well as duty free and souvenir shopping.
The thing I'd be concerned about though is the luggage. If the first arrivals don't claim their bags for four or five hours it will probably get into the abandoned/lost system and who knows if you'll ever see it again.
Once you head through the door to pick up your luggage it's all one way through immigration, customs and out onto the sidewalk where the mob awaits. You can't return to the comfy terminal. I suppose you could sit on the floor near baggage claim if you wanted to.
There is a free, open and relatively highspeed wireless network in the terminal (I didn't have any luck skypeing from there but I wasn't terribly persistent). The number of hotspots and power outlets are limited but just look for the rings of folks huddled around the warm glow of their screens.
2
laescueladelsol
Hey Jimmy D,
I was last in the airport in March. From what I recall, there was a free wi-fi "hotspot" close to the food court. But that was in the terminal. I don't remember there being any restrictions from being able to stay there, but I don't think you'll want your luggage going round and round on the carousel without you watching it. I don't think it's that big of a deal that your friends don't speak spanish. They'll at least be able to make it through customs and to baggage claim. Your best bet is probably to hang out and meet there.
Have a great trip!! :)
3
raquel_z
I just went through SJO today!! The free Wi Fi connection at the departure gate area worked really well. We perched ourselves at the farthest gate - I think it was # 8 or something. There was a convenient power outlet and it was alot less congested than the gates near the food locations and shops.
As others say, the main issue with staying back there would be if you checked bags.
In the checkin area, we tried to connect. The computer showed there were some unsecured networks - however, I had no luck.
Actually, going through customs/immigration at SJO is no big deal. They are used to dealing with non Spanish speaking tourists all the time. Unless you look really suspect, they will just check your passport and the form you filled out, smile at you and wish you a pleasant stay.
Another opton would be to either take the freeHampton/Garden Court shuttle - or a cab for $2.00 to Denny's. It is about 2 minutes from the airport. , They have free Wi FI there and the round booth in the corner has plugs. We spent 3 hours there today having breakfast and using our laptop. WE made a couple of calls to Canada using SKYPE. No one seemed concerned that we were there for so long and they kept asking if we wanted our coffees refilled. (The price of the food is is high and its not what you will want to remeber as a typical costa rican experience..:) but it may be a good place to wait for your group members to filter in.
Good luck,
raquel
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner