EXTRA FEE FOR ONLINE PAYMENTS 23% EXTRA
At SJOShuttle.com 🇨🇷, we are committed to offering reliable, affordable, and professional private transportation services throughout Costa Rica. Whether you’re heading to La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, or the Nicoya Peninsula, we aim to make your journey seamless.
One question we hear from customers, especially those booking from abroad, is:
“Why do you take a small deposit online and request that we pay the rest in cash to the driver?”
This is a great and important question, and we want to give you a clear, transparent answer.
💰 The Truth About Online Payment Fees in Costa Rica
Many customers assume that online payments are simple and cost-effective, especially with widely used platforms like PayPal, Stripe, or other international processors. While these services typically charge around 3% in transaction fees, that’s only part of the story.
The real financial burden comes when we try to withdraw these funds into our Costa Rican bank account. Local banks in Costa Rica impose additional banking fees, currency conversion costs, and government taxes.
All together, this adds up to a total loss of up to 23% on every payment made through these platforms.
That’s nearly a quarter of the payment lost—not to customer service, vehicle maintenance, or fair wages for drivers, but to financial institutions.
✅ Why We Use a Two-Step Payment System
To keep our services affordable and sustainable, we follow a two-step payment model that balances customer convenience with business reality:
1. Deposit Online
We collect a small deposit via PayPal or another online processor to confirm your reservation. This secures your trip on our schedule and helps us manage logistics efficiently.
2. Balance in Cash
We kindly ask you to pay the remaining balance in cash directly to your professional driver at the time of service.
This helps us:
- Avoid heavy local banking charges
- Keep our pricing competitive
- Ensure our team is fairly paid
- Continue offering personalized service
🚗 How This Benefits You
This approach may feel unfamiliar at first, but it offers real advantages for travelers:
- Lower overall cost: We don’t need to pass on high transaction fees to you.
- Fair rates: You’re not paying inflated prices just to cover banking losses.
- Transparency: You know exactly how much you’re paying and why.
- Reliable service: Our local team receives their full earnings, ensuring excellent service from pickup to drop-off.
🏦 ATM Access Made Easy
Worried about finding an ATM? Don’t be! Costa Rica’s major towns and tourist areas offer easy access to local ATMs. For instance, if you’re staying at Koora Hotel in Monteverde, there’s a Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) ATM just a short walk away.
You’ll also find ATM machines in:
- San José Airport (SJO)
- La Fortuna town center
- Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Nosara, and many other destinations
Be sure to check your bank’s international withdrawal policies and fees before you travel. Most cards are accepted without issue.
🌿 Supporting Local, the Right Way
SJOShuttle.com 🇨🇷 is a small, locally owned Costa Rican business. We’re not part of a large corporation—we’re your neighbors, guides, and drivers, committed to making your Costa Rican adventure smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
By working with us and understanding our payment policy, you’re helping:
- Strengthen the local economy
- Support ethical tourism
- Reduce unnecessary fees that don’t benefit service providers
- Encourage sustainability in the tourism sector
🙋 Still Have Questions?
We know that travel logistics can sometimes be stressful, and we want to make everything as smooth as possible for you. If you have any questions or concerns about payment, scheduling, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We’re available via email, WhatsApp, or our booking form—and we always respond quickly.
🔑 In Summary: Why the Balance is Paid in Cash
- Online payment processors charge ~3%
- Costa Rican banks and taxes add up to 23% in total fees
- To avoid these high costs, we collect only a small deposit online
- The remaining balance is paid in cash to your driver
- This keeps prices fair and supports our hardworking local team
Thank you for choosing SJOShuttle.com 🇨🇷. We’re honored to be part of your journey through beautiful Costa Rica, and we appreciate your understanding and support of our payment structure.
