Monthly Expenses Accommodations on Missions Base – This includes rent, water, trash removal and basic internet for $400. Electric – If you are planning on using the air-conditioner it will be $200/month; if you are planning not to use the air-conditioner the basic rate is $100/month. There is one fan available in the room. Phone – The phones plans are pre-paid, so it will depend on your usage to know how much you will need to recharge each month. Generally speaking, $10 should be sufficient, but that would not include using internet on the network. You may need to budget for Skype credit, if you will be using Skype to call home (to a line). Food – Overall, the cost of food is high in Costa Rica and the amount to budget will also depend upon your general eating habits. If you eat simply and enjoy rice and beans then your food budget will be lower. If you are going to continue to eat similarly to what you eat in the States, it will be a bit higher. A suggested monthly budget is $300, which would include an occasional meal at a local restaurant. Personal Expenses – This is whatever you spend on personal items. This includes shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and any other personal items that you might need. Also budget for any medicine, sunblock, bug spray, and anything else you will need. You can do your laundry by hand or use a laundry service for about $10/load. This category also includes any new clothes or birthday gifts you might want to get for someone. Remember that the cost of things is generally higher here than in the States, so budget accordingly. Entertainment – This would include whatever you might want to do for fun. Perhaps go out-of-town for the weekend and explore Costa Rica, do a tour or go out to eat to a fun restaurant or movie. It is important to have fun—so plan for it. Health Insurance – Be sure your current policy has international coverage. There are short-term international policies that can be purchased, especially designed for those involved in short-term missions. If you need information about options, email us and we can send you the information.