Costa Rica Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is located in Central America with Nicaragua bordering to the North and Panama to the South. It is bordered on the East and West by water. The East coast is the Atlantic Ocean and the West coast is Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica is situated very near the equator at just 8 degrees latitude.
 
How's the weather?

Costa Rica's year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and the mountains are warm by day and brisk at night, giving an "eternal spring" feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland. The rainy, or ‘green season' lasts from approximately May to November with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year.
 
When are high and low season?

Many people ask what the general time periods of high and low season are. While most people define this slightly differently, it usually corresponds with the dry / green season months. The dry season usually begins in late November and continues through mid-April. The rains here end in November and grow heavy in September and October.While the months of August and September can be exceptionally wet (though some travelers do not mind at all), the beginning and end of the green season are, in our opinion, some of the best months to travel to CR. Prices are down, the foliage is green and there are fewer tourists.During these months you can count on rain in the afternoons, though it is usually still beautiful from 7am to 2pm. Green season mornings are breathtaking.
 
What type of wildlife can I see in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has long been a destination of choice for birding enthusiasts, biology scholars, and nature lovers of all types. Nearly all of the National Parks in Costa Rica are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including those types mentioned above and more. If you love wildlife, be sure to take a guided tour of one of Costa Rica's National Parks. The tour guides at the National Parks are usually incredibly knowledgeable and can point out things you may not notice otherwise. Scarlet macaws, marine turtles, hummingbirds, sloths, leaf-cuter ants, quetzals, toads, frogs, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, bats, iguanas, the list of wildlife one can see here seems endless. Costa Rica is considered to be one of the most “biologically intense” places on earth. Due to Costa Rica's unique position at the continental divide there are a plethora of exotic creatures, flowers and trees. We recommend you purchase a guidebook for more information on what species you can find in each region.
 
Is Costa Rica dangerous for tourists?

Costa Rica remains a very safe, stable country. Violent crime against tourists is a rarity here and in most cases, avoidable. Do NOT do anything in Costa Rica that you would not do in your home country. Do NOT buy drugs, party late with strangers, walk alone late at night in San Jose, flaunt cash or wear fancy jewelry. The most common crimes against tourists are pick pocketing and breaking into rental cars. If you get a flat tire, or experience a minor roadside emergency , drive to the nearest gas station or public place to change it. Be careful, use good judgment and you will come and go without a hitch.
 
What type of food can I expect when dining out?

Costa Rican local cuisine consists mostly of chicken, beef or fish accompanied with rice and beans. The typical lunch menu is called a “casado” and includes one of the first three items, rice and beans and a small salad. If you like seafood, you can't go wrong ordering Dorado (Mahi Mahi) or Yellowfin tuna.
 
Are there modern medical facilities?

YES! Health care in Costa Rica is excellent and there are several ultra-modern hospitals with English speaking Doctors (some are North Americans) in the greater San Jose area.

For emergency assistance in Costa Rica, dial 911.
 
Is the sun really intense in Costa Rica?

Being in a tropical climate, it's not difficult to get sunburned or dehydrated. A bad sunburn or dehydration are two ways to put a major kink in any vacation. Make sure you use plenty of sunscreen (remember, we're just 8 degrees above the equator!) and drink plenty of liquids so as to avoid such problems.
 
Is it safe to eat the local produce?

The food (fruits and vegetables) in Costa Rica is safe to eat. However, if you are susceptible to upset stomachs when traveling abroad make sure that you only eat peeled fruit and well cooked foods. The water in cities is safe to drink. We suggest drinking bottled water simply for taste reason, however, if you are in remote areas, drink bottled water for safety reasons as well.
 
Are there many mosquitoes?

There are surprisingly few mosquitoes on the popular tourist beaches. There are more in the rainforest and along the rivers. If you intend to take a river rafting tour or hike the jungle, bring insect repellent.
 
Do I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?

Although nothing is required for entry into Costa Rica, there are recommendations for precautions when traveling to remote areas. If you decide to take precautions in this regard, it's best to do so 2 to 3 weeks before your departure. Many passengers ask about Malaria pills. We do not recommend taking Malaria pills unless you are planning on being in a remote or high-risk area. Please consult your physician as well as the CDC's website for the latest updates when planning your trip to Costa Rica. http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm
 
Can I drink the water?

The local authorities state that the drinking water in Costa Rica is perfectly potable, but we recommend that you stick to the bottled variety wherever possible to play it safe. Costa Rica is by NO means Mexico (where Montezuma's revenge has become the stuff of tourist legends) but there MAY be bacteria in the water in some areas that disagrees with your system. As such, we simply suggest you play it safe and be cautious of what you eat and drink.
 
Identification / Entry Requirements:

For US citizens, a valid passport . Upon entry, each tourist is issued a 90-day tourist visa. If you plan to stay beyond the 90 days, make sure you leave the country for 72 hours and then re-enter for a new 90 day visa or receive special permission / work visa before you arrive. It's also a good idea to have several copies of the picture page of your passport with you when you travel.
 
What should I pack in my suitcase?

- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Light raincoat and/or umbrella
- Long Pants: evenings can be chilly
- Clothing comfortable for hiking, touring, etc. (70-94 degree weather)
- Hiking shoes - Day pack (fanny or backpack)
- Your Passport and 3 copies of passport.
- Driver's license
- Credit card or traveler's checks
- English/Spanish dictionary
- A Costa Rican guidebook (Fodor's, Lonely Planet, etc.)
- Drugstore items (toothpaste, soap, lotion, razor, etc.)
- Sandals
- Camera and film
 
Any last-minute advice before I get on the plane?

Pack Light! - Especially if you are using domestic flights, as they have weight limits on luggage. Customer service here is more relaxed and can be very slow. Relax likewise and be patient.

Local traffic practices are less ordered. Drive with care while you are here. Thievery is the most common crime. Your status as a tourist makes you a prime target for thieves, so practice some common sense: Keep valuable items in your front pocket; Do not leave valuable items or luggage unattended in public places or your rental car.
 
How are the roads?

If you do any driving in Costa Rica, you will almost certainly do some traveling on the Pan-American Highway. This is the main artery of Costa Rican travel and is heavily used. However, the main highways are constantly improving in quality and in general are not unpleasant to drive. The roads to the more popular beaches are fairly well kept, but there are pot holes that you would not expect in North America.

The biggest problem with driving in Costa Rica isn't the roads, it's the slow-moving vehicles (mostly trucks) that cause delays and the dangerous passes that frustrated drivers make in attempt to overtake them. You will probably have to make a few passes on double yellow lines if you rent a car and want to get anywhere fast, but use caution and drive VERY defensively. As there are few traffic cops in Costa Rica, drivers tend to be a little aggressive in their maneuvers. Roads to more remote locations (Osa Peninsula, Dominical, Monteverde) are in very poor shape and require a very sturdy 4x4. Driving times can vary greatly depending on traffic and road conditions. The drives to Playas del Coco are, in our opinion, among the most pleasant and easiest to manage.

When renting a car in Costa Rica, make sure you've allowed yourself plenty of travel time between destinations. The mileage can be misleading when planning short trips, road signs are in place. Driving at night is not a good idea. Also, please be advised of the risk of leaving unattended luggage or valuables in your rental car. Bear in mind that you will probably average speeds of 70 to 80km per hour on highways and 40 to 50 on back roads:
 
Where can I exchange money?

Dollars - Carry US dollars with you when you arrive to Costa Rica. As the local currency is on a fixed devaluation schedule with the US dollar, you will most always get the best rate of exchange.

Take a pocket calculator on your vacation.

Credit Cards - Most vendors give discounts for using cash, as credit card merchant companies charge high percentages on transactions here. Some vendors do not accept credit cards, while many only take VISA.

Travelers Checks - Although accepted by most establishments, you will usually be charged an exchange commission fee between 2-5%.

Exchange - When you arrive, you may exchange your money at any local bank. Note that you will get a better exchange rate at banks. You may also get foreign currency by using your ATM card. However, it's important that you know the exchange rate before you do this. Currently, the rate is approx. 575 colones to the dollar. In a pinch, dollars are pretty widely accepted, but you'll probably receive your change in colones.
 
How much money should I bring?

That really depends on what you intend to do, see, buy, etc. But to give you a fair estimate on costs, a typical lunch costs around $5 at an affordable restaurant or up to $10 at a nicer establishment. Beer or mixed drinks run about $2.00 per at a typical bar or restaurant, and up to twice as much at a nicer hotel or high-end eatery. Taxi fares are very affordable compared to U.S. cities. A short trip (2-3km) at a beach town where taxis are prevalent costs around $2.00. Costa Rica is seen by some as a very affordable destination by some and expensive by others. There is a dual economy here (local/foreign) and if you wish to make the effort to find bargains they certainly do exist, as do tourist traps which overcharge. Be smart, know the value of the colon vs. your currency and purchase accordingly.
 
Where's The Best Surf?

Surfers were among the first travelers to frequent Costa Rica. While there are no mythical Hawaii-size breaks, Costa Rica is a popular surfing destination for its warm water and year-round waves. Pavones, Jaco, Quepos, Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo are all big surf spots. Some surfers bring their own surfboards; others rent or buy and sell boards while here.
 
Where and when is the best fishing in Costa Rica?

Sport fishing in Costa Rica is excellent on both coasts and there are game fish to be caught during all months of the year. Fishing is of the ‘catch and release' variety (although a small number are kept for trophies or for eating) and prices vary greatly in price depending on the boat, outfitter and region. Several world record fish have been caught off the coasts of Costa Rica. On the Pacific Coast, Ocotal/Coco, Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos and the Osa Peninsula are all fishing hot spots with various charter companies. On the Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero and Barra Colorado are popular. The slowest fishing months are September through November on the Pacific and June and July on the Caribbean, though this varies from region to region. Marlin, Roosterfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Tarpon and Snook (on the Caribbean) as well as Yellowfin Tuna are the prime targets.
 
Baggage on International and Domestic Flights:

In country flight baggage restrictions vary from carrier to carrier. However, most flights only allow a 25-pound baggage limit per person. In fact, before some flights, they will actually weigh you and your luggage to make sure. For International flights, 2 bags to check and 1 to carry is the standard (usually with a 50 to 70 pound limit for each bag).
 
Is there good golfing in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is not yet a world-class golf destination, but this is changing rapidly. The Melia hotel chain offers two courses, one near the San Jose airport at the Melia Cariari ($40 greens fees), the other on the beach at the Melia Playa Conchal ($100, includes cart). You have to be a member or a guest of their hotel to play the Cariari course. Royal Pacific Golf & Country Club, a Ron Garl designed course, is a short drive from the Melia Conchal is an 18-hole course. Hacienda Pinilla, located on Costa Rica's North Pacific Coast is just a short drive from Melia Playa Conchal's Garra de León Golf Course. This newly created 18-hole championship links style layout was completed in February of 2001. Mike Young designed the course on what used to be a working cattle ranch and is now part of a 5,000 acre mega-development. The entire project is still in the early stages of development, but the course already boasts the finest greens in Costa Rica.
 
What time is it there?

Costa Rica is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, which is equivalent to Central Standard Time (CST) in North America. Costa Rica does not change clocks ahead for daylight savings time, so from April through December local time is one hour ahead of CST.
 
Is the electricity standard North American voltage?

YES! You can plug any normal electric-powered device (hair dryers, shaver, laptop computer, etc.) into an electrical wall outlet in Costa Rica.
 
How much do I tip waiters and other hired help?

Although tipping is not very common in Costa Rica (because it's usually included), a general rule of thumb is to tip like you would in your own country. In most restaurants a 10% service charge is already added to your bill. If you receive exceptional service, werecommend leaving an additional 10%. For porters, 150 colones (about 50 cents) per bag is a fair gratuity. Tipping taxi drivers is almost unheard of but if you feel the urge, it will be well received! For tour guides, follow the guidelines for each company or again, tip like you would in your own country for similar services.
 
What are normal business hours?

Government offices are generally open from 8 am to 4 pm, while banks close anytime between 3:00 and 6:00 pm, according to the bank and its branch. Most shops are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, while some open at 8:00 am and others close at 7:00 pm; most grocery stores close at 8:00 pm. Some shops also close for lunch, between noon and 1:00 or 2:00 pm.
 
What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find there?

There are some really neat locally made products that make great souvenirs or gifts. Costa Rican coffee is among the best in the world and makes a great, affordable gift. Other popular items are hot sauces, hand made wood and ceramic crafts, hammocks, leather rocking chairs and jewelry. The artisan town of Sarchi is a popular tourist stop where gifts can be purchased direct from the craftsmen. There are also plenty of tourist shops thru out the country.
 
General information about Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is located in Central America, between Nicaragua on the north and Panama on the south. It's capital city is San José.

Time is -6 hours from GMT. (Same as Central Standard Time in the US.) - No Daylight Savings time. The sun rises at 5:45 AM and sets at 5:45 PM +/- 15 minutes year round.Over 32% of Costa Rica's land is protected, compared to 0.1% of the land in the U.S.

Population is over 3 million with nearly one-third living in the Central Valley around the capital of San José.

The majority of Costa Ricans are descendants of Spanish immigrants.

Costa Rica's government is a democracy similar to the U.S. with 3 branches of government.

The literacy rate (96%) and life expectancy are similar to the United States and Canada and much higher than most Latin American countries. Agricultural exports include coffee and bananas, but tourism continues to grow.
 
Do I need a passport or visa?

It is now a requirement that all persons entering Costa Rica carry a passport that is valid for at least 6 months (expiration date must be 6 months after your entry date) to enter the country. A birth-certificate and photo id are no longer accepted by the government due to 9/11 security requirements.

Citizens with valid passports of the U.S., Canada and most Western European countries are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for 90 dayswithout a visa.
 
Why travel to Costa Rica?

Only .03% of planet surface but 6% of world's bio-diversity. The country provides a huge opportunity to view fauna , flora and wild life that you will never see again in a lifetime. The landscape of Costa Rica remains unspoiled by humans. Polite and well-educated people are the standard in Costa Rica. Its people are very friendly and helpful.
 
Is Costa Rica a good place to vacation with children?

Absolutely!! There are plenty of exciting activities and educational opportunities for all ages. Experiencing the fauna , flora and the wild life of the Costa Rica will be an experience your children will not soon forget. Horseback riding, hiking, swimming, sailing or enjoying the beach and much much more.
 
When should I visit Costa Rica?

The country is relatively unspoiled by tourism and foreign greed. Now is a great time to visit. The dry season is December through April. A mini-summer also exists July and August. Green Season is the rest of the time. You will experience sunny mornings and afternoon rains during the green season.

Temperatures are consistent year round but vary by elevation within the country.
 
Do I need to speak Spanish?

The official language is Spanish. Most people speak English . You can also find people who speak German, French and Italian. Knowledge of the basics hello (Hola) and thanks (gracias) goes a long way. Try to learn a few phrases and numbers before you come .English is spoken in most areas where tourism exist.
 
If I rent a vehicle, what should I expect?

An International Drivers License is a great thing to have, but it is not necessary. Insurance of $15 to $20 US per day is MANDATED by LAW. Don't bother trying to convince them that you have credit card insurance. It doesn't matter to them. The insurance company is owned by the government.

Subcompacts are available but most tourists rent a 4x4, especially if you plan to travel the back roads where high clearance is necessary. Expect to spend at least $70 per day for a 4x4. There is a wide variation in prices among the rental agencies, so shop around.

If you're going to drive from San José, make sure the agent reserves a car for you in San José, COSTA RICA (SJO).Wear your seat belts. (It's the law.)

If a police officer is on the side of the road and waves you down, you are expected to pull over. Don't give them your drivers license to keep, don't pay them, take the ticket to your rental agency and pay it there. Maximum speed is 100 kph, but there are very few places where this is possible. Speed limits are posted on signs or painted on the road itself. Be aware of school speed zones that are 25 kph. Most roads are 60-80 kph and you'll be lucky to go 40 kph on dirt roads. Take your time on the drive; just relax and enjoy the scenery, it'sbeautiful.

Bridges are everywhere and most bridges are one lane. At these bridges, there is a yield sign on one side of the bridge. Traffic from on direction must yield to the traffic from the other side. On busy days it can take some time to go over a well-travelled bridge. Costa Ricans (or Ticos) are like everyone else behind the wheel of a vehicle. They may be the most polite people we know, but in control of a car, they can be aggressive. The mountains and hills make most roads necessarily curvy with many blind corners. Passing in a blind corner is a common trait for drivers. Be safe. If you come across a bunch of branches in the road, it's likely that just ahead there is an accident or a car is stalled in the middle of the road. Use caution. Most roads have no shoulders, so stopping in the middle of the road to fix a flat or pour water in a radiator is common.
 
What activities are available during the day?

-Sunning

-Scuba Diving

-Hiking

-Surfing

-Sunset sailing

-Sea kayaking

-Jungle canopy tours

-White water rafting

-Snorkeling

-Bird watching

-Horseback riding

-Sport fishing and more

Our recommendation: schedule tours for the morning, siesta during the early afternoon and relax by the pool or beach as you wait for sunset.
 
Is it safe to swim in the Pacific Ocean?

There are no life guards at most beaches. Most beaches are fine for swimming, but there are also many places that can have strong undertows. Always be cautious.

Flotation devices are not a substitution for swimming ability. Strong breezes and tide changes can cause dangerous drifting.

Be careful around surfers.

Keep an eye on your children at ALL times!

Don't swim alone.
 
What activities are available at night?

Star gazing.
Open-air restaurants and night clubs.
Casino's.
Listening to the wild life.
Renewing old friendships and making new friends.
 
What currency is used?

Official currency is the Colón. The exchange rate approx. 575 Colónes to $1 US. You can find out the current rate by going to BCCR Economic Indicators. Banco de Costa Rica Exchange

Notes come in 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 bills. Coins are 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, and 500.

Dollars are accepted in most tourist areas if the bills are new and not torn. It's best not to bring US bills larger than $20.

Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas. Smaller local restaurants accept local currency only.

ATMs are available for VISA/Plus in downtown San Jose. American Express cash machines are only found in San José.