Traveling in Costa Rica: Water and Electricity
We were exposed to an entirely different culture and at first it took some getting used to, seeing how people lived. By the end of the week I understood better that the Costa Ricans did not need computers and televisions and fancy houses, that their family was the most important priority. It has helped me readjust the priorities in my own life.
The trip exceeded all our expectations. Each day just got better than the day before -- and you wouldn't believe that could happen.
—Helen R., Lexington, SC, February 2007
Drinking Water
Electricity
Electricity is the same as for the USA (110 Volt) but only with 2-prong (polarized style OK) outlets. Electricity is almost universally available in Costa Rica, but the system is subject to overloading, especially near the end of the dry season, when the hydroelectric dams are at low capacity. Blackouts are not uncommon.
Showers
Even in truly elegant hotels you are likely to find a unique Costa Rican electrical shower torture system: the suicide shower. Hot water showers are often constructed with electrical wiring connected to the inlet pipe. Usually only one control handle delivers water; the second, if present, does not deliver water at all. Here's the secret: the more forcefully you turn on the water, THE COOLER THE WATER TEMPERATURE (based on the theory that there's a constant amount of heat and you regulate temperature by the flow of water).
Some of the shower heads have switches which activate lower or higher voltage settings. If you are trying to get a HOT shower, turn down the water flow, and try different settings on the shower head (also note the effects this adjustment makes on the lights in the room). As Americans with electrical codes and (sensible) fear of exposed electrical wiring, these electric showers seem flirtations with death, but they do seem to work. So far Serendipity guests have had no catastrophes...
