Ah, the joys of travelling! Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time adventurer, there’s no denying the excitement of packing your bags and hitting the road. But as any experienced traveller will tell you, there are always some things that you just can’t find abroad. If you’re planning a trip to Samara, Costa Rica, there are a few items from home that you may want to bring along to ensure a comfortable stay. So grab your passport and a sense of adventure, and let’s take a look at some of the must-have items for your trip!
Medication
There are two main pharmacies in Sámara and the pharmacists are considered to be semi-doctors here. This means that they can write prescriptions and administer medications. I have personally taken antibiotics rounds a few times here in Sámara, with a prescription from the pharmacy. However, some prescription drugs may not be available in Sámara or may be difficult to find. If you have prescription medication, bring enough for your entire trip, along with a copy of your prescription, and a note from your doctor. You may also want to bring your favourite medication for issues like headaches, indigestion, or general cold and flu.
Personal hygiene products
Some American personal hygiene products such as your favourite deodorant or shampoo/conditioner may be difficult to find. For women, if you use tampons, bring them! I have never seen them for sale at any stores in Sámara. There are lots of varieties of toothpastes and even deodorants. And if you are not picky about your hair care, you will be fine. When it comes to makeup, again this is something you may want to bring from home. You can buy some drugstore makeup in the New China Supermarket, you will have to go to Nicoya to get anything good like proper lipsticks or mascara.
Electronics
Electronics such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras may be more expensive and hard to find. There are a few places in town where you can purchase these items, such as M.Express or Maravilla (my favourite store!) But there is very limited selection and generally, it is much more expensive. You can find chargers almost anywhere, however this is not the case for Apple products. So if you have an iPhone or Macbook, ensure you bring your charger and possibly a backup.
Snacks and food items
Sámara is full of snacks! Don’t worry! But if you have a specific type of snack that you love from back home, you may want to bring it. Here, you will find all sorts of chips and crackers. There are Lays and Doritos and even SmartFood in some stores. Oreos are also quite popular. But if you have specific dietary needs (like gluten-free or vegan), you may want to pack a few snacks.
Supplements
I am a gym person and love my protein shakes and even bars from time to time… well, I loved them. Because they are very hard to find here and very expensive. There is a supplement store in Nicoya that sells some of my favourite brands of protein isolate, preworkout, and BCAA’s, but the price is literally double that of back in Canada. And the only actual protein bars I have ever seen in Sámara cost approximately $8 per bar.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Of course there is Sunscreen here! There is lots of sunscreen available in Sámara. The issue is the price. It is quite expensive here and you will be using quite a lot of it. I recommend packing some from home. Pack more than you think you need! The same goes for Insect Repellent. There is Off-brand spray here and I have seen 1 or 2 other brands. But there is not much variety and the spray is very…. wet and sticky.
Outdoor Gear
If you plan to explore the natural beauty of Sámara, you may need some out door gear, such as hiking boots, rain jackets, hats, and backpacks. You will have to travel to Nicoya to purchase any of these items, and even there, they may be very hard to find. I am not sure that I have ever seen a rain jacket for sale anywhere.
English-language Books
If you are a reader, bring books! Books are hard to find in Sámara. I have seen them only available in various hotels and restaurants in town, as part of a swap situation. This means you bring in a book and you can take a book in return. I have not seen them for sale. In Nicoya, there is a book store (libraria) but you will find that paperback English books are all well over $20 and the selection is very limited.
Travelling is all about experiencing new cultures and exploring unfamiliar territories. But it’s also about feeling comfortable and having the things you need to enjoy your trip to the fullest. By bringing along a few items from home to Samara, Costa Rica, you can ensure that you’re prepared for whatever your trip throws your way. From sunscreen to insect repellent to your favourite snacks, these items will help you feel right at home in this beautiful country. So pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
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