Costa Rica Basics |
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Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Flat- two--pin plugs are standard.
Money: The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is divided into 100 céntimos and is the official currency, although US Dollars are also widely accepted. US Dollars and travellers cheques can be exchanged in banks and many hotels. Banks charge a service fee for cashing travellers cheques and currency other than US$ is difficult to exchange. Using black market exchange options is risky as they have been known to pass on counterfeit bills printed in Colombia. Banks close anywhere from 3pm to 6pm. Major credit cards are widely accepted, although American Express and Diners Club might be more limited. ATMs are becoming more widespread throughout the country, but it is advisable to always have some local cash handy, especially outside the major tourist destinations.
Currency Exchange Rates |
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| CRC100.00 = | US$ 0.18 | £ 0.10 | C$ 0.19 | A$ 0.23 | R 1.50 | € 0.13 | NZ$ 0.27 |
Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. A passport valid for 30 days is required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals must have a passport that is valid at least 30 days after the date of entry. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days provided the passport is endorsed with British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Overseas Territories Citizen. Extensions can be arranged on arrival. In all other cases, a passport must be valid beyond six months and a visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport that is valid at least 30 days after date of entry. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Extensions can be organised on arrival.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport that is valid at least 30 days after the date of entry. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. An extension can be organised on arrival.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must have a passport that is valid at least 30 days after the date of entry. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. An extension can be organised on arrival.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid at least 30 days after the date of entry. A visa is not required for a stay of 90 days. Extensions can be organised on arrival.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport that is valid at least 30 days after date of entry. A visa is not required for a stay of 90 days. Extensions can be organised on arrival.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds. An exit visa must be obtained from the Immigration Department for all passengers staying in the country for longer than 30 days. No exit permit is required for those staying less than 30 days as long as a disembarkation card can be shown. Passports must be valid for at least 30 days after date of entry for visa exempt nationals and for six months for those requiring a visa. Admission to Costa Rica is refused to gypsies of any country and anyone with insufficient funds. Indecent clothing and long, unkempt beards and hair is prohibited. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens travelling to and from Costa Rica by air will require a valid passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.
Health: There are no vaccination requirements for Costa Rica but typhoid and Hepatitis A immunisation is recommended. There is a small risk of malaria in some areas all year round and advice should be taken on precautions. Water in cities is generally safe but it is advisable to buy bottled water, especially outside the main towns where there is a risk of contamination. Dengue fever is one of a number of diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, especially during the rainy season; protection against insect bites is the best prevention. Medical services are reliable in cities and the standard of hygiene and treatment is very high.
Tipping: Hotels add a 10% service charge plus a 3% tourist tax to their bills. In tourist and upmarket restaurants a tip of 10% is usual, however some establishments already include a 17% sales and service tax in the bill. Tipping is rare in smaller restaurants that are frequented by locals. Taxi drivers are not normally tipped, but tour guides usually are. In general if service has been particularly good service staff appreciate a 5 to 10% tip.
Safety: There is no history of terrorism in Costa Rica, however there are incidents of violent crime, occasionally targeting tourists. There has been an increase in attacks on tourists leaving the airport in hired cars in San Jose. Belongings should be watched carefully at all times and in all places, particularly in bus stations and on public transport. Theft of, and from, cars is common. Do not wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash and avoid street moneychangers. Strikes, protests and blockades have recently taken place without warning and further demonstrations could disrupt travel on main roads, particularly those connecting San Jose with the coast.
Customs: 'Machismo' is the main characteristic of Costa Rica culture. Costa Ricans are conservative when it comes to family values, and roles between male and female are expected to be traditional.
Business: Costa Rica has a formal business environment, where men and women wear dark, conservative suits, appointments are made and meetings begin relatively on time. Business projects can be slow, however, as Costa Ricans are conservative in their approach to new ideas and keen to avoid risk. Spanish is the main language, but most business people speak English; however it is polite to have business cards as well as other promotional material printed in both English and Spanish. Machismo exists, but visiting businesswomen will be treated with respect once their ability and authority is clearly established. Hours of business are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday with a two-hour lunch break from 12pm.
Communications: The international access code for Costa Rica is +506. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telecommunications systems in Latin America. The cheapest way to phone internationally is a direct call using a phone card. Mobile phone operators use AMPS, TDMA and GSM 1800 networks. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.
Duty Free: Travellers to Costa Rica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 3 litres of alcohol; 500g of tobacco or 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars. Perfume for personal use is allowed provided it is a reasonable quantity.