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Entry Requirements
A valid U.S. passport is required. Officials requesting I.D., during your stay, will usually accept a photocopy of your passport showing photo, passport number, and entry stamp.
If traveling from a country other that the U.S. or Canada, or if you have any other questions, contact the Costa Rican embassy in your country and they will be more than happy to assist you with any information you need.
When departing, you should be at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight. There is a departure tax of U.S. $26.
Best time to Come
Costa Rica is an excellent vacation destination the whole year round! Costa Rica has two basic seasons:
The Dry or High Season:
This season starts in late November and lasts through April. Days are usually dry and sunny. Because this is the most popular season, reservations need to be made well in advance and prices are usually more expensive.
The Wet or Low Season:
The season runs usually from May to November. Though rain may come daily during the afternoon, sunny summery mornings and peaceful evenings are usually delightful times for activities. Bargain conscious travelers usually pick this season because prices are lower and discounts abound.
What To Bring
Costa Rica has a pretty constant range of temperatures because of its geographic location in the tropics. However, because of the presence of so many climate zones, it is suggested that you dress not only for hot, humid weather, but also for the cool breeziness of higher altitudes. The following is a list you might want to choose from:
A couple of bathing suits. ShortsT-shirts or tank tops, Loose-fitting cottons Lightweight long sleeved shirt, Rubber sandals, Hats, Lightweight hiking boots with good tread, Athletic shoes for walks, Light sweater and/or jacket, Light cotton pants, Jeans (for horseback riding),Extra socks, Sunglasses, Insect Repellent (75 % DEET recommended),Waterproof sun block lotion (SPF 29-40),Towels, Folding sturdy umbrella, Rain jacket or poncho ,Day pack, Camera, Binoculars, Medications
More bits of information:
The capital of San José is located at a higher elevation so it may be cool and breezy during the evening.
Dress in Costa Rica is typically casual, but traditionally, shorts are not worn to nice restaurants or parties.
Health Issues
Costa Rica has excellent heath care and sanitary standards are high. Hospitals and private clinics are similar in quality to those in the United States, but not as expensive.
Costa Rica's socialized medicine and public education has served to effectively control those illnesses and diseases that typically affect tropical countries. The standard of health is quite high.
Vaccinations are not required, nor are they considered necessary.
Be sure to bring with you a medical history if you have any health condition that would require special attention or consideration in the event of illness or accident. Costa Rica does use a 911 emergency call system that uses bilingual operators.
Some health tips:
When participating in outdoor activities, avoid using fragrant shampoos or perfume; these will act as mosquito magnets!
Don't try getting your suntan all in one day! The Costa Rican sun is tropical; pace yourself with appropriate sunscreens.
Bring bottled water with you on your outdoor excursions and keep yourself hydrated early in your activities.
Security
All wise and seasoned travelers know that whether you are at home or abroad, there are always precautions you can take to insure the safety and well-being of your trip. Some tips are as follows:
- Always be alert to what is going on around you.
- If your vehicle is bumped from behind, do not stop on the street or side road; proceed to the nearest public area and call for police assistance.
- If you are lost, find the closest public place, like a service station to ask directions or seek assistance in reading a map.
- Always keep your doors and windows closed and locked, especially while parked.
- Keep your things locked away, out of sight, in the trunk or glove compartment, especially when leaving the car parked.
- Always park in well lit areas.
- Check under and inside your vehicle before getting in.
- Do not pick up hitchhikers.
- Do not count your money until you are in a safe place.
- Never leave your keys in the car, even for a moment.
- If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest public place and call the police.
- If you carry a purse or backpack, keep it close and secured to your body, tucked under your arm. Never carry a wallet in your back pocket.
- Leave your suitcases in your hotel; take only what you need when you go out and keep a close eye on your possessions.
Ticos (CR National) are arguably the friendliest people in the world.
Driving
You should have a valid American or international driver's license before driving in Costa Rica.
You should always carry your license with you, while driving.
Costa Rica has very tough drunk driving laws.
Speeding tickets run about U.S. $150.
Financial Matters
Currency Exchange: Costa Rica's unit of currency is known as the Colon. As of January 2007, $1 US Dollar = ¢520 Costa Rican Colons.
It is recommended that you make your currency exchange in Costa Rica, rather than your country of origin, because you will get a much better exchange rate. It is suggested, however, that you stay away from "street" exchanges because not only are they illegal, but you are subject to being ripped off.
To exchange your money you must show your passport or a certificated photocopy. There is a fee for exchanging dollars in a private bank.
Credit Cards & ATMS:
ATM’s are available in major cities with some accepting Visa and others only Master Card and some accept both. Amex is also fairly well accepted, but not as much as Visa & MC. AMEX, VISA and Master Card credit/debit cards are widely accepted in retail establishments, restaurants, hotels and gas stations etc.
The Water
Unlike most Latin American countries, Costa Rica has a reputation for having good clean water. Salads are safe because crops are grown with clean irrigated water.
Even though the water quality is good, you still may want to stick to the readily available, relatively inexpensive, bottled water, especially in rural or remote areas.
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