COSTA RICA INFORMATION
We have prepared this section to give a
general introduction to Costa Rica. You can go directly to the area of interest
or scroll down to read the entire document. The frequently asked questions were
provided by the Costa Rica Board of Tourism and are believe to be accurate.
However, we do not guarantee their accuracy
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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 million, (source: World Bank).
CAPITAL CITY: San Jose (estimated population:
1,250,000)
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 (¢) = 100 centimos.
EXCHANGE RATE: ¢483.68 colones per US$
(September 7, 2005). 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 minibus 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 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
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.
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%
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.
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THE IBFR
