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Costa Rica Generals
Costa Rica has
an area of roughly 51,100 square kilometers
(31, 682 square miles). Even so, it is
internationally famous and recognized for the
diversity and density of its natural resources
and for the fabled kindness of its inhabitants.
These facts set
it apart as an especially attractive destination
for foreign tourists who, not incidentally,
make far more than a million visits a year.
Entry Requirements
All citizens need passport and other piece
of identification, such ID or driver’s license
to entry. Visas are needed by certain nationalities
so please contact your Costa Rica embassy or consulate
in your country to determine the necessary documents
you need to enter the country.
Climate
Costa Rica is a tropical country and experiences
only two seasons: “Low or Green or Rainy”
season and “High or Dry” season. The
green season runs generally from May to November
and the dry season begins in December and ends
in April.
Banking
Banks are open from 9 am to 3 pm and not close
for lunch. Some public or private banks are open
until 5 pm.
Business Hours
Government offices are open from 8 am to 4
pm.
Commercial offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm.
Stores and other businesses from 8 am to 6 pm.
Churches
Predominantly Catholic, but other denominations
are found throughout the country.
Credit Cards and Travelers
Checks
Most major credit cards accepted by businesses
and in tourist areas throughout the country are:
Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners
TravelersClub. Checks can be easily cashed but
some banks will only accept Visa or Amex. Banks
also usually require your passport in order to
cash these checks.
Tourist Attractions
Just a tourist tasted are varied, so are the
tourist attractions that Costa Rica offers in
the form of natural beauty, sun and sea, hospitality,
history, adventure and fun. All these attractions
are concentrated in a small area where distance
does not present a problem.
Clothing
Pack light for your travels. The highland areas
can be very cold, so pack a sweater if you are
going there. For the lowland areas light, loose-fitting
shirts and pants are essential. A wide-brimmed
hat and sunglasses are recommended for the beach.
Communications
Direct – dial telephone service, facsimile,
telex, radio, internet service and cable television
are all available around the entire country.
Bilingual operator assistance for international
calls is 116, Local telephone information 113
and Long distance information is 124.
Currency Exchange
The official currency is the Colón and
is easier to use than american dollars, although
US Dollars are accepted throughout the country.
Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels and
airport (safer).
Also some hotels and banks are accepting euros
but the exchange rate is less.
Departure Tax
The average rate is US $26.00 to depart by
air. Land and sea exits are not charged.
Electricity
110 volt AC is found nationwide. A few outlying
areas use their own power source so check ahead
before traveling.
Government
Costa Rica is a democratic republic. Elections
are held every four years.
Hospitals
Health care in Costa Rica is very good and
sanitary standards are high. First class hospitals
are found throughout San José and some
of the other largely populated areas.
Education
Costa Rica enjoy a high level of education
and one of the highest literacy rates in the world.
Language
Spanish is the official language. English is
spoken in tourist areas throughout the country.
Population
Costa Rica has a population around 4 million
of people.
Taxes
There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants
and most service industries and an additional
3.69% tourist tax at hotels.
Tipping
A 10% tip is a restaurant is appropriate, but
most restaurants add it directly to your bill,
so check whether this is the case before paying
and additional tip. Tour guides generally do.
Water
The majority of cities in the country have drinkable
water, although in the more remote areas it is
recommended that you drink bottled water. | 
