Getting around Buses Costa Rica has the best bus system in Central America. It is by far the cheapest and most efficient way to travel. Climb aboard, the buses will take you anyplace you care to go - and will not drain your wallet in the process. Long-distance bus fare from Peninsula de Osa to San Jose is only $10. Your ticket will indicate the seat number and the date of the trip. If you are going to a popular spot, reserve your ticket in advance -and make sure the ticket is for the correct date. Bus tickets are not refundable. Traveler's Tip: When you get to your destination, go into the station to buy your return ticket. That way you will assure yourself a seat for the ride home. There are a few drawbacks to the travel-by-bus routine. Some of the local buses do not have bells to signal the driver to stop. No problem. Do as the Costa Ricans do: let out a whistle or call out "Parada!" which, loosely translated, means "I have arrived at my destination, so please stop the bus so I can get off." Most of the buses are in good conditions, but they are not air conditioned and do not offer a great deal of room for your luggage - or limbs. Long-legged visitors might be wise to cast about for an alternative way to travel. Also, buses do not have toilets; however, on long distance rides, the driver will make stop often enough gas stations, at a soda stands and restaurants to satisfy the passengers. Domestic Airlines There are two domestic airlines serving Costa Rica. One is Travel Air, based in the Tobias Bolanos Airport in Pavas, 7 km. (4 mi.) west of San Jose, the other is Sansa, based in Juan Santamaria International Airport 17 km. (11 mi.) Northwest of San Jose. Privately owned Travel Air is the more reliable. Sensa, owned by state, is cheaper and less reliable. Travel by air taxi is another option, however, these are more expensive at about $250 a trip. However, pooling the fare with a couple of friends might bring the cost down to something more manageable. Driving Renting a car Here are the rules. You must -have a valid American or international driver's license -be twenty-five or older. -have a Visa or Mastercard with enough credit to cover the total cost of the rental. Please check with your credit card company whether or not you can be insured if you pay with your credit card in Costa Rica. Renting a car in Costa Rica is expensive, approximately $320 a week for a compact four wheel drive. The price includes insurance. Warning: check with your credit card company to make sure your insurance covers you if you pay for the rental with a credit card. Fuel is not expensive, around $10 to fill a compact car; $20 to tank up a four wheel drive. By the way, most of the rental cars are stick-shift; so if you don't know how to work a clutch and gearshift lever, you'd best take a few lessons before you come. A word of caution: Costa Rica has one of the highest auto accident rates in the world. Drivers are very aggressive so be prepared to get out their way. The speed limit runs between 75 to 90 kph (45 to 55 mph). Speed limits are posted on signs or painted on the pavement. A speeding ticket can be expensive, $150 US. Try to bribe the officer. Incidentally, drivers coming from the opposite direction will often warn you by blinking their headlights if there are police or a radar trap set up nearby.