office (808)
959-9120Costa Rica Travel Information
This section has general information about Travelling to Costa Rica. Scroll down to review information about:
ABOUT COSTA RICA
SIZE
POPULATION
CAPITAL CITY
LANGUAGE
GEOGRAPHY
CLIMATE
MAP
CURRENT
EXCHANGE RATE
EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES
GETTING AROUND
BANKING
SECURITY
HEALTH ISSUES
GETTING ONLINE
BROCHURES ABOUT COSTA RICA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.Do I
need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
2.
Do I need a
visa to go to Costa Rica?
3.
Can I
enter Costa Rica with a one way ticket?
4.
Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica?
5.
What is the difference between the rain forest and the cloud forest?
6.
Is the water
drinkable in Costa Rica?
7.
Is there a
train service in Costa Rica?
8.
What is the
currency in Costa Rica?
9.
Are credit
cards accepted in Costa Rica.
10.
What kind of inoculations do I have to take to Costa Rica?
11.
Do I
need an electric adapter for a hair drier?
12.
How much is he
departure tax?
13.
Are
the national parks wheel chair accessible?
14.
What should I bring when going to the rain forest?
15.
Are there domestic airlines that travel within the country?
16.
What is the
sales tax in Costa Rica?
17.
What
number should I dial in case of emergency?
18.
Are there
English written newspapers?
19.
Where can
I practice white water rafting?
20.
Where can egg
laying turtles be seen?
21.
Which are
Costa Rica natural boundaries?
22.
How is Costa
Rica politically divided?
ABOUT COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is characterized by an impressive scenic beauty,
consolidated system of protected areas, social and political
stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and
services. All these characteristics you can find in a territory of
only 51 thousand square kilometers, surrounded by both the Pacific
and Atlantic Oceans, the list of outdoor activities is endless
(hiking, surfing, kayaking, etc). Covering only 0.03% of the surface
of our planet, Costa Rica has approximately 6% of the world's
biodiversity. Costa Rica approach to conservation has ensured that
lush jungles are home to playful monkeys, languid sloths,
crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and a mind-boggling
assortment of exotic birds, insects and butterflies. Meanwhile,
endangered sea turtles nest on both coasts and cloud forests protect
elusive birds and wildlife.
SIZE
51,060 square KMs (19,714 square miles)
POPULATION
4.5 million, (source: World Bank).
CAPITAL CITY
San Jose (estimated population: 1,900,000)
LANGUAGES
Spanish is the official language, although English is widely spoken
in the business community and at most tourist destinations.
GEOGRAPHY
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging
from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above
sea level). The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain Range,
and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges extending
the entire length of the country. There are several active volcanoes
(Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and
Turrialba Volcano) and the country’s highest mountain (Chirripo
Hill) with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft. The country has a
relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans,
as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract specialist
kayakers and rafters from all over the world.
CLIMATE
Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring
breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the
highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during day,
producing 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 May to December with
noticeably drier days during the rest of the year. A general Map of
Costa Rica click here
CURRENCY
Colon (¢)
EXCHANGE RATE
¢560 colones per US$ (march, 2009). The colon depreciates at average
of 11.5% per year.
EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES
You can find a list of Embassies and Consulates in the following
site:
Costa
Rica embassies and Consulates
GETTING AROUND
Airport: Both car and eight person minibuses are available
for hire at the airport for transport to hotels. Fare to downtown
San Jose goes from $20 to $35. In addition, most large hotels have a
shuttle service to and from the airport.
Taxis: Within San Jose, you can traveled by taxi. When
taking taxis within the city limits, make sure the electronic meter
is used. When traveling outside the city limits, checking fixed rate
fares in advanced is highly recommended. Tipping is unnecessary. All
taxis are red except those serving Juan Santamaria international
airport, which are orange.
Car Rental: Many car rental agencies have offices both at
the airport, downtown and at some major tourist destinations. A
valid driver’s license is usually good for the duration of a tourist
visa.
Busses: Costa Rica has an extensive, relatively efficient
and cheap bus system serving the metropolitan area and most of the
country.
Air International: All major airlines fly to the San Jose
International Airport (united, Delta, Continental, American
Airlines, American West, US Airways, Taca, Copa, KLM, etc).
Air travel domestic: SANSA and Nature Air are the domestic
carriers with regular flights from San Jose to prime tourist
destination. There are buses from the two airports in San Jose to
the center. A number of smaller airlines provide domestic charter
flights as well.
COSTA RICA FOOD
You will hear about and be offered gallos (filled tortillas), with
meat and vegetables. Two other common Costa Rica dish are “Gallo
Pinto” and “casado” dishes including rice and beans. For seafood, “ceviche”
fish marinated in lemon juice and spices is very popular dish.
There are restaurants in all the major towns serving a variety of
cuisines. Local food can be found in small 'sodas'. Popular
restaurant dishes include: olla de carne (soup of beef, plantain,
yuca, potatoes and chayote), sopa negra (black beans soup); and
picadillo (meat and vegetable stew).
BANKING
Street corner foreign exchange transactions are technically
illegal, and often risky. Always, use a bank or Currency Exchange
Office. All ATMs are closed from 10 PM until 5 PM.
SECURITY
There are pickpockets in downtown San Jose. Do not leave your
personal items unattended at beaches, restaurants, parks or
businesses. Don’t carry your passport with you. Carry a copy of your
photo/signature page, along with a copy of the page that shows the
entry stamp from the Costa Rica custom office.
HEALTH FOR VISITORS
Drinking water is safe in all the major towns and cities. However,
we recommend that you only use bottled water. Dengue fever have been
showing up across Costa Rica Central Pacific Coast. Make sure that
you use plenty of mosquito repellant while visiting the country
side.
GETTING ONLINE BROCHURES ABOUT COSTA RICA
You can obtain online brochures from the Costa Rica Tourism Board
(Costa Rica Institute of Tourism). The online brochures are
organized by categories (Costa Rica General information, surfing,
beaches, money moon, family oriented activities, golfing, fishing
etc).
Click here to visit the Tourism Board online brochure website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do I need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica.
2. Do I need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
Depending on your country of origin you may enter Costa Rica without
a visa. USA, Canada and most European countries have this privilege.
The Costa Rica Embassy in Washington DC has a section devoted to
visa requirements. You can check if you need a visa a the following
link
http://www.costarica-embassy.org/consular/visa/country-selection.htm
For the visa application information you can check the following
link
http://www.costarica-embassy.org/consular/visa/Authorized_Visa.htm
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your closest
Costa Rica Consulate.
3. Can I enter Costa Rica with a one way ticket?
All visitors must have a round trip ticket as an entry requirement.
4. Do I need an international drivers license to drive in Costa
Rica?
You are allowed to drive with your normal driver's license for three
months.
5. What is the difference between the rain forest and the cloud
forest?
The main difference is that in the cloud forest does not rain as
much as in the rain forest. The species of flora and fauna that you
might find differ from one to the other.
6. Is the water drinkable in Costa Rica?
The water is potable in most of the country. We recommend using
bottled water, specially in areas around the coast.
7. Is there a train service in Costa Rica?
There is a train tour that goes from San Jose to Caldera. For
information and reservations please call (506)233-3300 or
(506)221-0777.
8. What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican currency is called Colon. US dollars and major
credit cards are widely accepted.
9. Are credit cards accepted in Costa Rica.
All major credit cards are widely accepted. You will find ATM
machine distributed throughout the country.
10. What kind of inoculations do I have to take to Costa
Rica?
No vaccines are required to enter Costa Rica. However, we recomend
that ask your family doctor for any inoculation that may be
recomended. Yellow Fever inoculation is now required for some South
America country. Call your nearest Costa Rica Consulate to check on
this new requirement.
11. Do I need an electric adapter for a hair drier?
Outlets are 110 V, with standard US two prong plugs.
12. How much is he departure tax/fee?
Departure tax is $26, can be paid in US Dollars, colones or a credit
card. The procedures on how and where to pay for this fee change
often. Make sure the check at the hotel for current information.
13. Are the national parks wheel chair accessible?
The Poas Volcano National Park is the only one that offers access
for wheel chairs.
14. What should I bring when going to the rain forest?
All you need is insect repellent, a rain coat with a hood and hiking
boots.
15. Are there domestic airlines that travel within the country?
You can contact SANSA at ww.flysansa.com (506)221-9414 or Nature Air
at www.natureair.net (506) 220-3054.
16. What is the sales tax in Costa Rica?
Sales tax is 13%. Hotels are subject to a transient tax too.
17. What number should I dial in case of emergency?
Dial 911 for immediate assistance.
18. Are there English written newspapers?
AM Costa Rica
www.amcostarica.com and The Tico Times.
www.ticotimes.net
(506)258-1558
19. Where can I practice white water rafting?
It can be practices at Pacuare, Reventazon, Corobici, Sarapiqui,
Naranjo or Savegre.
20. Where can egg laying turtles be seen?
You can go to Tortuguero National Park in the Caribbean or to Las
Baulas National Park in the Pacific coast.
21. Which are Costa Rica natural boundaries?
- North: Nicaragua - South:Panama - East:Caribbean Sea - West:
Pacific Ocean
22. How is Costa Rica politically divided?
Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces: San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela,
Cartago, Limon, Puntarenas and Guanacaste.
Frequently asked questions Question were provided by the Costa Rica Institute of Tourism.
