About Costa Rica:

Costa Rica has not only become known for its beauty and ecological tourism, but also as a country whose values reflect many of ideals embraced by those of us interested in world peace, environmental preservation, excellent education, and a high standard of health care.

 

Costa Rica is unique in Central America as it has the longest uninterrupted democracy; no standing army in more than 50 years; the largest percentage of preserved rain forest per capita in the world; over 90 percent literacy rate; a high level of education and health care supported by the government; and an ongoing support for ecology and sustainability. At present, Costa Rica has initiated a commitment to become the first carbon neutral country on Earth.

 

Costa Rica attracts more than 1 million visitors every year. It's easy to get to Costa Rica and direct flights leave major airports daily. It's a small, peaceful oasis of staggering beauty... a mysterious world of volcanoes and rare creatures found nowhere else on earth.

 

Costa Rica is one of the few places in the world where you can have a fresh-fruit breakfast on a deserted beach, eat lunch on a volcano, and watch the sun slip slowly into the Pacific... all in one day!

 

The Climate:

Costa Rica is located between 8° and 11° north of the equator.  Costa Rica enjoys a temperate tropical climate marked by two seasons: the green (invierno) and the dry (verano). 

The Green season generally runs from mid April until early December. During the Green season, mornings are usually sunny, with occasional afternoon storms later in the day. There are usually at least six or more hours of sun per day during the Green season. The Dry season runs from mid-December through April.

The ocean waters are always warm and boating, swimming, diving and fishing are always fun. 

Safety/Travel Advisory:

Currently there are no travel warnings for Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in the world to visit.

 

Time Zone:

Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

 

 

Language:

Costa Rica's official language is Spanish, though some of its citizens are at least moderately bilingual. Costa Rican public and private schools require a second language to graduate. English is the most common second language in Costa Rica. In most areas, visitors will find signs in English and employees who speak some English. You may want to give your Spanish a test run. Costa Ricans are very patient with your Spanish.

Currency:

The national currency is the colon (¢) and both Dollars and Euros are easily exchanged at banks. Major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist spots, but you can't use them in some of the more rural areas. Hotels and Restaurants will generally accept credit cards and dollars, but once you are away from San Jose, small businesses, restaurants, and hotels will ask for cash payment in colones.

 

Electricity:

North American appliances are compatible with Costa Rica's electrical system, which functions at 110 volts at 60 cycles.

 

Communications:

The country Telephone code for Costa Rica is 011, and the area code is 506. All calls within Costa Rica are considered local calls. Costa Rica is a technologically advanced country, and you’ll find Internet cafes in most cities and Wireless access in many businesses.

 

Transportation:

International Flights: The majority of air traffic to and from Costa Rica is handled through the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), located 30 minutes from San Jose, in the city of Alajuela. For our area, you can fly into Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), located in the heart of northern Guanacaste Province. 

Domestic Flights: There are two domestic airlines serving Costa Rica, Nature Air and Sansa. Nature Air is based at the Tobias Bolanos Airport in Pavas, four miles west of San Jose, about 20 minutes from Alajuela. Sansa flights depart from the Juan Santamaria International Airport 11 miles northwest of San Jose. Visitors can also charter planes for private groups. A network of internal airports serve popular tourist areas including: Liberia,Tamarindo, Barra del Colorado, Tortuguero, Limon, Quepos, Golfito, and Arenal. 

Domestic Bus Service: Costa Rica has one of the best public transportation systems in Latin America, consisting almost exclusively of bus travel. Local city buses will take you almost anywhere within city limits, and intercity buses are inexpensive, and widely available.

Automobiles: It is best to rent a car for your stay in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a good highway network, the main roads are paved. There are toll booths on some of the major highways to and from San Jose. Tolls run from 300 to 750 colones each (about $.50 to $1.50). Gas stations are scattered throughout the country, some open 24-hours a day. 

Driver Requirements: A tourist may drive with a current license from his country of origin and his passport during the three months that his tourist visa is valid. Seat belts are required for drivers. Motorcyclists are required to use helmets.

 

Exit Requirements for Costa Rica:

As you leave Costa Rica, you'll have to pay a $26 exit tax, payable at the international airport. If you're traveling with an underage child without his/her second parent, you will need extensive paperwork to be allowed out of the country. Don't come without it.

 

Vaccinations:

As of this time, Costa Rica does not require visitors to have any particular vaccinations, although you should make sure that all of your normal vaccinations are up to date.

 

Medical Facilities & Services:

Any foreigner who is temporarily in the country has the right to receive health attention at hospitals and clinics in case of an emergency, sudden illness or a chronic disease. Costa Rica has a modern medical system, under the administration of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).

 

Emergencies:

Costa Rica has a 911 system for reporting emergencies. Crimes that are no longer in progress should be reported in person at the nearest police station. In the event of a traffic accident, vehicles must be left where they are, and not moved out of the way. Both the Transito (Traffic Police) and the Insurance Investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles are moved. Although sometimes slow to respond after notification, these officials will come to the accident scene.