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 About Costa Rica Costa Rica Itineraries :: Costa Rica Tree Top Tours :: Exploring Costa Rica :: Natural History Nature Store Travel Resources Client Testimonials Carbon Offset Calculator Newsletter |
| Costa Rica travel essentials |
Climate
Defined by borders with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, and with extensive Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, Costa Rica lies at the confluence of two continents and two oceans. The country's backbone is delineated by mountain ranges, and the capital city of San José is situated in the central valley between ranges and enjoys what locals refer to as "eternal spring," with average temperatures around 72°F.
Both coasts are warmer, with average temperatures of 89°F on the Pacific coast and 82°F on the Caribbean coast, though the Caribbean coast tends to be much more humid. With a tropical climate, Costa Rica has only two seasons-wet and dry. The dry season is from December to April and the wet season is from May to November. Annual rainfall varies greatly depending on region, but averages 100 inches per year nationwide.
Health
For the latest health information and vaccine recommendations for Costa Rica, contact your physician, travel clinic or visit the Center for Disease Control website.
Currency and Money Exchange
Costa Rican currency is known as the COLON (plural colones). The latest exchange rates can be found at http://www.xe.com/. US dollars are welcome at many shops, restaurants and service stations at the current exchange rate. When changing U.S. dollars, use new or undamaged bills, as torn or heavily crinkled bills are not accepted.
Most establishments accept major credit cards, including Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and American Express, but there is often an additional charge; you may want to inquire about this before ordering or purchasing anything with a credit card. Although they may be exchanged at banks and hotels, the use of traveler's checks as a form of payment is not as common; ask if they are accepted before using them.
If you have Costa Rican currency left over at the end of your trip, you can exchange them for dollars at the airport or use them to pay your departure tax.
Electricity
110V is the standard voltage in Costa Rica, the same as in North America. Two pin plugs are standard.
Entry and Exit Regulations
U.S. Citizens visiting Costa Rica as tourists do not need a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your date of arrival. Tourists may stay a maximum 90 days.
The international departure tax $26 (as of January 2007) may be paid with U. S. dollars or its equivalent in colones.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. During your travels in Costa Rica you will find that most people working in the travel industry speak English as a second language. You should have little trouble getting around most of the common tourist locations; however, knowing a little Spanish goes a long way, particularly in dealing with clerks at kiosks and in stores. If you don't know any Spanish, it's a good idea to bring along a phrasebook.
Official Time
Costa Rica is on the same time as U.S. Central Standard Time. Daylight savings time is not observed.
USA Travelers Info
The US Embassy is Costa Rica is located at:
Calle 120 Avenida 0, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
Office Hours: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Local Address: 920-1200 San José, Costa Rica
US Address: US Embassy San Jose, APO AA 34020
Tel. (506) 519-2000
After Hours/Emergencies (506) 220-3127
Embassy Fax: (506) 519-2305
Public Affairs Fax: (506) 232-7944
http://usembassy.or.cr/
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