BAMBA EXPERIENCE F.A.Q.

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Choose the FAQ that you need for your travel experience:

FAQ: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass Mexico, Guatemala & Belize
FAQ: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass Costa Rica
FAQ: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass Central America
FAQ: General Travel Mexico questions

BAMBA HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS PASS MEXICO, GUATEMALA & BELIZE:

We are here to help you make the most out of your travel Experience in Mexico and Central America. One of the advantages of traveling on a Bamba Experience pass rather than going on your own is the EXPERIENCE you will have during your trip with us. We have carefully selected the best operators in each destination so you will travel on the most optimal forms of transportation for each route; sleep in the most popular hostels; and do great activities you may not have planned but are exactly what you were looking for on your travel Experience. We will help you plan the perfect itinerary for the time you have available and pre-arrange all of your bookings so you can forget about about the details of organizing transportation and activities.

Once you buy a Bamba Experience pass you can forget about the hassles of organizing transportation on your own.  Say goodbye to searching for complicated bus schedules or waiting hours for the next bus to depart.  With Bamba you will receive an e-mail 24 hours prior to your departure time complete with all of your departure information including bus station address, departure time, e-ticket number and recommendations on hostels and things to do in your next destination.
Plus, we give you the flexibility to make as many changes as you wish to your itinerary as easily as sending us an e-mail or calling our toll-free number.
We are your LOCAL FRIEND in a FOREIGN COUNTRY! With our personalized English speaking assistance you can contact our 01-800-GO-BAMBA toll-free number from any public phone in Mexico or email us and we will answer all your questions, give you recommendations on places to sleep, things to do in each destination and will send you an e-mail with all the information you need for your next journey so you can travel stress free, relax and enjoy your trip.
Bamba enriches your travel experience by giving you FREE ACTIVITIES, taking care of all the hassles of organizing your transportation, and giving you the best “inside” recommendations for each destination.

Your pass includes all your transportation either in First Class Public Buses or Hostel to Hostel vans plus Included activities along the route. We offer you our personalized English speaking call center with 01-800-GO-BAMBA toll free number that you can call from any public phone in Mexico to ask questions, make changes to your itinerary and receive recommendations on things to do, places to visit and other great adventure activities to do in each destination.

Hostel to Hostel Vans: 13 & 15 passenger vans.
Public Buses: First Class Public Buses with A/C, TV's and WC.
Please see map for more information.

Travel on a very comfortable first class public bus with A/C, TV’s and WC during the day or overnight.  Nightbuses give you the benefit of sleeping along the way and saving money on a night's accommodation.  (Tip: Most drivers love to blast the A/C so bring a sweat shirt or blanket to keep warm)

Everything is done via electronic ticketing and is very easy!  After you make your booking and send us your STA voucher number we will automatically send you a confirmation email with a Bamba Experience recommended itinerary.  Then all you need to do is take a look at our departure schedules and send us an email to let us know what time you would like to depart.  Bamba will send you an e-mail 24 hours prior to your departure time complete with all of your departure information.
*First Class Public Bus: We will send you your confirmation number, allocated seat number and information of how to get to the bus station via email.  Upon arrival to the bus station all you have to do is present your confirmation number and ID at the ticket counter 30 minutes prior to departure.
**Hostel to Hostel Service:  Call or email us 48 hours prior to your departure time to tell us the location of your hostel (in both the departure and arrival destinations) and we will send you an email with your pick-up time and information regarding your next journey.

How do I reserve my place on the next bus?

Simple! All of your transportation (including individual sectors) is pre-booked with a Bamba Recommended itinerary.   If you would like to personalize your itinerary or make changes during your trip, you are free to contact us via email or via our toll-free number up to 48 hours prior to departure.  All changes are subject to availability.

How to contact Bamba Experience?

Before travelling: info@bambaexperience.com
While travelling: flexibility@bambaexperience.com or toll free number in Mexico: 01 800 462 2622
At any time (From 9.00 AM to 08.00 PM Mexico Time):
Toll free number in Mexico: 01 800 462 2622
Toll free number from the U.S: +1(310) 601-8242
International: +52(55) 5584-4401/02

BAMBA HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS PASS COSTA RICA

How do I choose the right Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass in Costa Rica?

Please check out the Home page for Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass Costa Rica and then view the MAP below with the recommended itinerary based on the time you have available for your trip in Costa Rica and how much you want to do and experience. The beauty of this pass is that it is UP TO YOU to decide what you want to do, where you want to go, which activities you want to do and where you want to stay. This is a flexible independent travel option for backpackers and independent travelers who are looking for a safe, flexible, fun and convenient alternative to public transportation.

What is a Costa Rica Bamba Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass transfer service?

A Bamba transfer is a hotel-to-hotel transportation connecting all main tourist destinations. This service is specially convenient because it is safe, efficient and delivers you directly from one hotel to another. All shuttle buses are air-conditioned and non-smoking. To board our vehicles reservation is needed and availability is guaranteed with 72-hour advance notice. Each passenger is allowed one carry-on and one item of luggage. Car seats for children are provided upon request.

How much luggage am I allowed?

Each passenger is allowed one carry-on and one item of luggage. The carry-on must stay with the passenger at all times, while the luggage item will be tagged and placed in the luggage compartment. Neither Bamba Experience nor www.bambaexperience.com will be held responsible for loss or damage to carry-on items left unsupervised by the passenger. This includes carry-on items incorrectly stored with the luggage. Transportation of additional luggage, surfboards (maximum 7 feet in length), or large items are not included in the price and must be arranged ahead of time with Bamba Experience. A payment of $10 (U.S.) is required for each extra item. Additional luggage or large items will be stored in the luggage compartment, while surfboards will be secured to the roof of the shuttle bus. All extra items are accepted according the available space. If there is no space remaining, the extra items cannot be transported.

Can I take my surfboard with me and, if so, what are the requirements?

Yes, passengers may take their surfboards on the vans, if booked ahead of time with US$10 cost for each surfboard and is accepted on a space available basis. Surfboards are secured to the top of the vehicles and must be no longer than 7 feet.

How will I find my Shuttle Bus at the airport?

When a customer is being picked up at the airport, Bamba Experience sends a representative to meet incoming passengers at the International Arrivals area. This representative helps the passengers with their luggage and guides them to the appropriate vehicle. All passengers must look for a green "Interbus" representative, our local alliance for this service. This representative always carries a sign and wears the respective uniform.

How will I find my Shuttle Bus at my hotel?

When the driver arrives at the reception area of a hotel, he identifies himself and asks for passengers. Once located, the passengers are led to the vehicle and the luggage is loaded onboard.

What will happen if I lose the transportation and activity vouchers?

You must call the office and advise about it immediately, We will provide you a new block voucher.

What are the size of the vehicles if I travel in a Costa Rica Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass with Bamba Experience?

Bamba Experience generally uses either 15-passenger vans, adapted to transfer no more than 8 people for greater comfort. Smaller vans reduce considerably the time lost during pick-ups and drop-offs, leaving passengers with more time to invest in their vacation. Occasionally Bamba Experience will use 30-passenger vehicles, but in these cases only 16 passengers are allowed on-board.

Are local taxes included on price?

Yes, price includes all lodging taxes but we are not including the Airport taxes, this ones must be pay directly at the International Airport.

If I am in a hotel and I decide to change it, can you still pick me up there?

When you are already in a hotel and decide to change you will need to let us know in advance so we can pick you up with no delays.

How is the weather in Costa Rica?

Since we are in a Tropical region we have two seasons: Dry and Rainy but anytime can rain so we recommend you bring an umbrella or to have a rain coat with you.

How are the roads in Costa Rica?

We do not have highways like in North America but our main roads are paved and in some touristic areas roads are unpaved (dirt road)

Does this program include tours with the price?

Yes, price includes transportation (depending which pass you purchase you get 4, 5, 6, or 7 transfers plus 2 free activities that you can select before starting your adventure in Costa Rica.

Are there restrooms available on the vehicles?

There are generally no restrooms aboard vehicles. However, policies require that longer trips must include one or two rest stops of 15 minutes. Each of these rest stops takes place at restaurants or "sodas" for the benefit of our passengers. These stops always include areas with clean bathrooms and fresh food.

Can I take my pet with me?

No animals are allowed on the vehicles.

ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT US: info@bambaexperience.com          

TRANSFERS ANTIGUA - GUATEMALA CITY - SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR - MANAGUA, NICARAGUA - SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA

Where can I travel to with the Bamba Experience Central America Bus Pass?

Travel from Guatemala City to Panama City with included stops in San Salvador, Managua San Jose & Panama City.

Are there daily departures?

Yes, departures are every day according to the established schedule and itinerary. Easter Friday is the only day of the year that service is not provided.

Do buses make stops?

Transportation is provided from capital to capital. On occasions buses make intermediate stops to pick up additional passengers en route to their destinations. The route Costa Rica - Panama, due to the duration of the trip makes 2 stops close to meal times.

Are stopovers permitted?

Yes. Passenger is free to stay at each country as long as he/she wants to. The passenger can continue the trip whenever he/she wishes as long as a previous reservation and confirmation is done. You can book all your buses in advance and get all your tickets when you start. If you want to make changes to your itinerary you will need to make them directly at the Bus Station ticket counter with your tickets and ID.

How long does my Bamba Experience Central America Pass last for?

Your tickets are "open date tickets ". This implies that there is no expiration date on the ticket. As long as a previous reservation is made you can use your ticket whenever you wish to.

How & where do I pick up my tickets?

In Antigua you will have to go to one of Bamba Experience partners office 2 days before you would like to depart with your reservation number (previously sent by Bamba Experience) to pick up your Central America Bus Pass:
Partners Address:
5a ave Norte 15A
Antigua, Guatemala

How far in advance should I make the reservation of my ticket?

Reservations should be made with 3-4 days before hand during low season and with at least 1 month anticipation during high season.

How much are customs expenses?

Customs expenses vary from border to border and depending on the nationality of the passenger. Usually an average of $ 5-$7 per border is needed.

Do I need a visa to travel?

It depends on the nationality of the passenger and the country you are going to visit. Since, the requirements for each country are different and are constantly changing, the best option is to get in touch with the corresponding consulate or embassy, they will be more than glad to inform the traveler what steps to follow.

Does the price of the ticket include hotel expenses?

As every single traveler has different expectation regarding accommodation hotel expenses are the passenger's responsibility. They are NOT included in the price. Depending on the country but accommodation will cost you around $ 10 USD. You can book hostels at www.bambaexperience.com/hostels.php

ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT US: info@bambaexperience.com