People: Costa Ricans are known as "Ticos." They are a proud people progressing independently from colonial days as a backwater in the Spanish Empire. Today, their genuine friendliness and commitments to peace, democracy, education and health care are world-renowned.
Language: Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
Government: A model democracy committed to peace without a military.
Economy: Costa Rica's stable history, competitive investment policies and well-educated workforce are attracting foreign investment and diversifying the economy. Tourism remains an important foreign exchange source as do banana, coffee and other agricultural exports.
Utilities: Tap water, ice and blender drinks are safe to drink, however, use common sense in the most remote areas. Electricity is 110 volts AC, the same as the United States.
Entry Requirements: All U.S. citizens including children and infants require passports to enter Costa Rica. U.S. passports must be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. We recommend that you carry a photocopy of the passport and leave the original in a safe place while traveling about.
Immunizations: None are required for travel to Costa Rica. If you have specific health concerns, you should speak to your personal physician before traveling.
General Climate: Costa Rica enjoys mild, subtropical weather with little variety year-round. Temperatures are nearly constant all year with variations related to elevation. The lowlands average around 80-90 F, the Central Valley about 72 while it can dip below 50 on the mountains at night. The Dry Season is December-April and the Green Season is May-November. The Green Season brings late afternoon or evening showers, fewer crowds and lower prices; it is a great time to explore!
Currency: The national currency is the colon (es) which floats in relation to the U.S. dollar. Dollars can be exchanged at banks, exchange houses, international airports and most hotels. Credit cards are widely accepted although occasionally subject to a service fee. Many smaller establishments only accept cash. Up to $50 worth of colones can be converted back to dollars upon departure. ATM's are becoming more popular but will not be found in remote areas.
Tipping: Good service deserves to be rewarded. Don't forget to tip tour guides, drivers, bellboys and maids. Restaurant bills include a 10% gratuity but leave an extra tip for good service.
Taxes: There is an airport departure tax of around $26 per person. Hotels include a 13% sales and 3.39% tourism tax on room charges.
Transportation: Costa Rica is served by numerous airlines from the United States. Reasonably priced small, propeller or twin-engine planes service domestic destinations. Driving can be a challenging endeavor due to rugged terrain, poor road conditions and a "competitive" atmosphere. We do not recommend driving at night, especially on isolated roads.
Safety: Costa Rica is a generally safe destination but petty crime/thievery does exist, especially in San Jose. Common sense and being alert to surroundings and scams is effective crime prevention. We recommend keeping a low profile and leaving trappings of affluence at home to avoid becoming a target. Do not leave things in unprotected cars, not even in the trunk.
