FAQ

Getting to “The Freebird” from Juan Santamaría Airport via taxi?

“The Freebird” suggests you use the official airport taxis. Official airport taxis known as Taxi Aeropuerto have a yellow triangle painted on the car and the cars are reddish-orange in color. The drivers wear uniforms with white shirts.

You pay at the Taxi Aeropuerto window located on your left as you exit the airport.

Driving to “The Freebird” from Juan Santamaría Airport.

Print out our map on the Location Page for your taxi driver!

Upon exiting the airport you will follow the signs to San Jose. You will be on the Interamerican Highway going south.

On your drive to San Jose you will past several landmarks such as; the Firestone/ Bridgestone tire factory, you will cross over the Virilla Bridge and see Denny’s restaurant on the left side of the highway.

Once you enter the downtown area of San Jose you will need to get on Avenue 2. Continue on Avenue 2 you will pass Teatro National (National Theater) located on the Plaza de la Culture, continue on 2 more blocks past the Teatro National to 9th Street (Calle 9). Turn right or South on to Calle 9, follow Calle 9 south to Avenue 10, turn left on Avenue 10 to the next street which is 11th street (Calle 11), go left on Calle 11. Watch for Hotel Colonial on your right, “The Freebird” is located on the left side of the street about 100 feet past Hotel Colonial. 

The printable map on our web site Location Page shows the location of “The Freebird” and should help getting you here.

If you need driver need assistance in getting here call 8329-5577.

Is it safe to walk in San Jose?

With any large city in the world, use common sense. Most area of San Jose are safe to walk in during the daytime. At night time it is a little different. If possible do not walk alone. Leave all valuables at home or locked in a safe at your hotel. Do not carry or display large amounts of cash. It is suggested to always take a cab after 9:00 PM or if you have partied a little too much.

Do you have a bar and restaurant?

No, The Freebird does not have a bar or restaurant. There are more than 20 bars & restaurants within a 2 – 3 block radius of The Freebird. Some are open 24-7.

What electricity voltage is used in Costa Rica?

The voltage is 110V, Frequency 60 Hz.

Are there ATM machines near The Freebird?

There are 4 or more ATM’s within 3 blocks of The Freebird plus several banks.

What credit cards will hotels, restaurants and stores accept in Costa Rica?

Credit cards such as MasterCard, VISA, Dinners Club, Discover and American Express are accepted by the majority of medium size to larger hotels, restaurants and stores in Costa Rica. Smaller businesses tend to accept only Colons, Costa Rican money.

“The Freebird” accepts all major US credit cards listed above.

Can You Use American Currency?

Most restaurants, stores and hotels will accept US$5, 10, 20, 50 & 100 dollar bills. Bill must be clean, not torn and no marks on the bills. American coins are not accepted in Costa Rica.

Are Traveler Checks accepted in Costa Rica ?

Most stores, restaurants and some hotels will not accept traveler checks. Most of the banks will cash a travelers check for you providing you have your I.D. (Passport or Driver License) and the signature must match PERFECTLY.

Safety tips

  1. Leave all jewelry at home or in your hotel safe.
  2. Do not carry more cash than you need for the day.
  3. Carry only necessary credit cards, leave extra in the safe.
  4. After 9 pm or 9 beers take a taxi. If you choose to walk after 9 pm, don't do it alone.
  5. Do not give money to the street kids. They are not hungry, most of them are crack addicts. Giving them money will not turn them away. They will be after you everytime they see you for the rest of your visit.
  6. Carry your money, ID and credit cards in your front pockets.
  7. NEVER use the night taxis parked outside the hotels. They will overcharge you. If you need a taxi, flag one down on the street.
  8. NEVER get in a cab occupied by anyone else than the driver.
  9. Make sure the taxi has a meter and have the driver reset it before your go.