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Welcome to Costa Rica |
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Rhythmic pounding of waves on breezy shores;
deserted beaches lined with palm trees and lush rain
forests; velvety rolling hills of tropical
vegetation; cottony clouds kissing the treetops;
raging rivers cutting through virgin jungle;
waterfalls feeding clear blue lagoons...These are
just a few of the wonders visitors enjoy in the
country called Costa Rica.
The population of
Costa Rica is predominately of European origin,
particularly Spanish. The ethnic diversity, which
has resulted from settlement patterns in Costa Rica,
gave the country a rich cultural tapestry that is
every bit as interesting as the ecological diversity
for which it is better known.
Costa Ricans are
proud of their Republic, one of the most stable and
democratic political systems in all of Latin America.
The country abolished its military in 1948 and is
forbidden by its constitution to establish another.
Peace is not only a political concept in Costa Rica,
but is evident in the spirit and generosity of the
people themselves. The negotiating and constructive
dialogue which guide the political process in Costa
Rica also guide the country's citizens in their
searching for mutually beneficial solutions to their
problems. In accordance with the democratic
tradition in Costa Rica, education is free and
mandatory, and the government's expenditures for
health and education are among the highest in the
budget. Costa Rica's literacy rate is 96%, and the
average life expectancy exceeds 70 years.
Natural areas are
one of its greatest sources of national pride. With
46 national parks, reserves and wildlife refuges,
Costa Rica long ago established ecological
conservation as one of the country’s top priorities.
The result of its concentrated efforts at
preservation is a rich bio-system in which diverse
animal and plant species flourish. Costa Rica's
natural areas are cherished by the country's
citizens as well as by visitors from all over the
world.
Costa Rica is a
small country by most standards, 125 kilometres (77
miles) wide at it narrowest point and 300 kilometres
(185 miles) at its widest. It is situated 10 degrees
north of the equator and has a territory of 51.000
square kilometres ( about 20,000 square miles),
roughly the size of West Virginia, in the U.S.A. The
population of Costa Rica is approximately 3.5
millions.
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Immigration Policies |
Citizens from Western European and EEC countries or
from the United States or Canada need only a valid
passport to enter Costa Rica.
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Weather/Tourist Seasons |
Tourists enjoy Costa Rica all year long, but the
favourite period of the year is the dry season, from
November to April. More and more many tourists enjoy
the beauty of the Green Season between May and
October when Nature reaches its highest peak. The
average temperature is 21 degrees Centigrade (70
degrees Fahrenheit) in the highlands and 28 degrees
Centigrade (82 degrees Fahrenheit) in the lowlands
along the coast. The weather is temperate throughout
the year; Costa Rica is said to have an eternal
spring. Even in the rainy season the mornings are
dry and sunny.
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Public Services |
Electricity is 120V / 60 Hz, and North American
electrical items can be used with no adapter
necessary. The potable water is fresh and drinkable
across the country. Costa Rican boasts a state-of-the
art telecommunications system, the most advanced of
any country in Latin America. It is inexpensive and
convenient; direct-dial calls can be made to nearly
any country in the world. Post offices can be found
in almost all cities and towns, and public
telephones are nearly always accessible.
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Taxes and Tips |
The hotels, in accordance with the law, charge a 13%
consumer tax and a 3% tourist tax on the price of
the room. In restaurants a 13% tax and a 10% service
charge; if the service is excellent, you are welcome
to leave an additional tip. Tourists must pay an
airport tax, about US $26.00 at the airport upon
leaving the country. (Stand July 2004).
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Health |
No vaccinations are required in order to enter Costa
Rica. Cholera and malaria do not represent a danger
in the country. For those who are planning trips
into the jungle and are concerned about the risk of
disease, preventive measures are recommended. Public
health services in Costa Rica are among the best in
the world; excellent medical care is available in
hospitals and clinics in all the larger population
centers in the country.
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Banks, Currency Exchange and Credit Cards |
Banks are normally open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
(some offer a late afternoon service until 5:00
p.m.) for all types of international financial
transactions. The colón is the national currency of
Costa Rica and is easily exchangeable in hotels and
banks, usually for a minimal fee. Traveller’s checks
are usually treated as cash, and major credit cards
are welcomed in most establishments.
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Transportation |
Costa Rica's bus system is extensive, and regular
routes run between cities; taxis are also easy to
find in most cities. Likewise, car rental agencies
have offices in convenient locations across the
country. Flights within the country are also
available and relatively inexpensive on SANSA or
NATUREAIR.
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Communication Media |
Costa Rica has over six television stations, which
broadcast in Spanish. Satellite television service
is also available in most places and offers a
worldwide programming (U.S., European, Asian and
other channels). Internet is widespread and E-mail
service offered free of charge for Costa Rican
citizens. More than 100 radio stations broadcast in
Costa Rica. Eight daily newspapers are published in
Spanish and two weekly are published in English.
There are also several monthly magazines and
newspapers published in the country. Foreign
publications can be purchased at most bookstores.
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Telecommunications System |
Costa Rica has a state-of-the–art telecommunications
system, which is, consider one of the best in Latin
America. From almost every part of the country you
can dial direct to almost every point in the world.
Please dial 124 for additional information (Spanish/English).
Country code for long distance calls, direct dialing:
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EUROPE |
AMERICA |
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Austria
0043 |
Brazil 0055 |
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Belgium
0032 |
Chile 0056 |
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France 0033 |
El Salvador
00503 |
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Germany
0049 |
Guatemala
00502 |
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Italy 0039 |
Honduras
00504 |
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Portugal
00351 |
México 0052 |
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Spain 0034 |
Nicaragua
00505 |
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Sweden 0046 |
Panama
00507 |
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Switzerland
0041 |
United
States 001 |
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The
Netherlands 0031 |
Uruguay
00598 |
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United
Kingdom 0044 |
Venezuela
0058 |
Collect calls from Costa Rica
direct to:
Belgium: 00800-3200-3200
Germany: 00800-0049-0049
Italy: 0800-0341-039
Japan: 0800-081-1081
Spain: 08000 341034
Sweden: 00800-4600-4600
Switzerland: 00800-2341-23241
The Netherlands: 0800-031-1111
United Kingdom: 0800-0441-044
United States: 116
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Food and Drinks |
A variety of delicious dishes can be enjoyed in
Costa Rica. Typical restaurants usually offer dishes
with beef, chicken, pork, seafood and/or fresh
vegetables. Particularly in the larger cities,
Italian, French and Chinese restaurants are easy to
find; Costa Ricans enjoy their share of "haute
cuisine". Rice, beans and tortillas are the staples
in most households, but supermarkets and "mercados"
offer nearly anything you might use in your own
kitchen. Because of Costa Rica's climate, fresh
fruits and vegetables are plentiful all year round.
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What you should bring |
It is advisable to bring US-Dollars only- Not other
currencies -
Traveller checks - Please do not bring Eurochecks
International credit cards (Visa, Master Card,
American Express)
Light pullover for the evenings in San José and
mountainous regions
Swimming suit and shorts for the beaches
Sunglasses
Drivers license
Camera
Alarm clock for hostels without wake-up service
Small travelling bag for excursions to sites where
large suitcases cannot be carried
Special medicaments
(in Costa Rica you will usually find only the North American
equivalent brands/medicines)
For forest visitors:
Light rain jacket or poncho for excursions in the
rain forest
Resistant shoes (hiking shoes) or rubber boots
Light wind jacket
Light long trousers
Light long sleeved shirts
Several pairs of light socks
A thicker pullover (for higher located forests)
Insect repellent (to be obtained in Costa Rica, too)
Sun protection lotion (and hat, too)
Binoculars
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