Esther Kang is an undergraduate student at Scripps College majoring in human biology on the pre-health track. Aside from her passions to improve access to healthcare and higher education, she collects and sells secondhand clothing online, as well as going to the beach at sunset. – She will be writing weekly blogs from her perspective about being involved in the Summer 2024 Pitzer Costa Rica Summer Health program at ICADS
Week 5
Before going abroad during the summer, I was a bit nervous about how my finances would hold up.
During the school year, I worked several hours during the week, saving about ½ of the money I made to hopefully last for six weeks in Costa Rica.
Safe to say, my funds lasted.
When I first got to Costa Rica, I exchanged about $50 to colones for souvenirs and meals on free weekends, which lasted for about three weeks. Luckily, we were also given about $170 for lunches and bus fares for our internships when we were on our own, which was intended to last for about three weeks as well.
Thanks to the cozy, inexpensive bistro next to ICADS where we often ate, I had some funds left over from the ones we were given, so I was able to splurge a little more on souvenirs and snacks as we went.
For some context, I have only traveled internationally once before Costa Rica, so I didn’t think too much about other expenses that could’ve come up, which I could have avoided by doing research (and that’s why I’m writing these blogs!).
Regretfully, I didn’t have a consistent eSIM plan, which I now consider necessary for studying abroad and traveling internationally in general. I was unsure how to set it up and instead had to lean on others for service when we were out and about, which is not reliable. When I did have to use data roaming abroad two or three times, I paid $10 for every day I used it, which really can add up!
I recently traveled internationally again for just a couple of days, and as I decided to actually install an eSIM plan, I discovered that buying such from one company is just like booking flights from the same airline. There are many eSIM companies out there, and their prices and benefits can vary, so I believe it’s worth investing research time into which plan is 1. a great fit and 2. most secure so you can save your money.
I also didn’t think too much about foreign currency fees. Check with your bank before your travel! Some restaurants in the most touristy areas of Costa Rica, such as Manuel Antonio and Limón (the Caribbean), may ask to bill you in US dollars, and in those cases, I paid with card.
However, that’s usually not the case —many may only charge in colones, the national currency. Though such fees weren’t a significant part of my spending, I preferred exchanging cash instead at the national banks of Costa Rica named BCR. Though there may be a long wait time, I would say it’s worth it to have cash handy. Don’t forget to bring your passport (both to Costa Rica and the bank)!
Nos vemos,
Esther
