Bed & Breakfast guests -- advance deposit of 30% or $50, whichever is greater.                                         details 

Students in art programs and artists renting studio space -- all fees must be paid in full in advance.   details

For accommodations and services that are not prepaid, the balance is due on check-in. 

We encourage our guests to explore and experience Costa Rica's art, culture, breathtaking natural beauty and fascinating wildlife.   For an introduction to this beautiful, captivating country, click here

The two currencies accepted in Costa Rica are Costa Rica colones and U.S. dollars. Most visitors bring U.S. dollars with them and convert at least some of their money to colones once they arrive.

In Costa Rica, banks will likely give you the best rate of exchange.  You will need to show your passport.

In November 2006 the bank rate of exchange was approximately 523 colones to 1 U.S. dollar. 
(10,000 colones = $19.12, not quite $20)

Many local businesses accept payment in dollars.  However, your change will usually be in colones. 

If you want to withdraw cash from your own bank account using your debit card at an Automatic Teller Machine in Costa Rica, you should be able to do that either at the Banco de Costa Rica or at Scotiabank.

The standard power supply in Costa Rica is 110 volts.  If you live in North America, you can bring and use your hair dryer, electric shaver, etc.

In our studios, we have both 110 and 220-volt service.     

A full breakfast is served daily in our main kitchen, usually between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. 

If you have food allergies or other diet restrictions we would hope to be able to accommodate them.  We would appreciate your letting us know before you arrive.

Although we serve breakfast, we do not have an on-site restaurant.  For other meals, you can reach several good restaurants by car or taxi within as little as 5 to 20 minutes, or visit nearby grocery stores and prepare some of your own meals in our kitchen.

While staying with us, you can easily make transportation arrangements:

	Car rental – there are several agencies to choose from, and we provide free, secure parking on our premises
	Taxi service – taxis are plentiful and affordable
	Buses – for excursions to San José, buses run regularly from the bus station in Alajuela.
	Tour companies – several companies offer excursions to popular attractions such as Poás and Arenal Volcanoes.

You can make arrangements to connect your own computer to the Internet or to use our computer for Internet access.  Wireless internet access may also be available. 

Unfortunately we cannot permit our guests to bring pets to The Artists Refuge.

Although there is poverty in Costa Rica, it is less visible and much less severe than in many other developing countries.  However, most properties, including The Artists Refuge, are protected by fences, gates and security systems. 

The principal purpose of these security measures is to provide protection against petty thievery and vandalism.  You do not need to be anxious about your personal safety.  Violent crime is unusual.