Practical Information

Communications

Direct-dial telephone service, facsimile, telex, radio and cable television are all available. Bilingual operator assistance for international calls is - 116, local information - 113, long distance information - 124.

Your US or Canadian cell phone will generally not work in Costa Rica and when it does the service is spotty and can cost you up to $5 a min. However, you can rent local cell phones from companies like Paradise Cellular which provides great rates and even donates part of your payment to conservation groups within the country.

type:	Tourist information
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Airport tax

On the day of departure, travelers must be at the airport about two hours before the time your flight is scheduled to leave. There is a departure tax of US$26.00.

A planned entry tax of US$15.00 per person is expected to be applied at the airports according to Tourism Minister Carlos Benavides that is intended to replace an existing 3% hotel tourist tax.

type:	Embassies and Consulates
World66 rating:	[rate it]
zipcode:	10000
address:	San Jose, Costa Rica
tel:	506 291 5764
email:	info@tourism-costarica.com

Time Zone

Costa Rica is the same as U.S. central standard time, but does not observe daylight savings time.

type:	general
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Tipping

A 10% tip in a restaurant is appropriate but most restaurants will add it to your bill so read your bill before paying a tip. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip.

Generally, in the city the taxes are included at restaurants.  On the beach or other very turisty areas, they will not. 

type:	Embassies and Consulates
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Churches

Like all Latin American countries, Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic, but other denominations are found throughout the country.

type:	general
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Rain Jacket

Pack light for your travels. The highland areas can be very cold, so pack a sweater if you are going there. For the lowland areas light, loose-fitting shirts and pants are essential. A widebrimmed hat and sunglasses are recommended for the beach

type:	general
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Hospitals

Heath care in Costa Rica is very good and sanitary standards are high. First class hospitals are found throughout San José and some of the other largely populated areas.

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Language

Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas throughout the country.

Taxes

There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries, and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels.

Water

The water is safe to drink in all areas of the country. Nevertheless we suggest you to buy bottled water for drinking

Business hours

Government offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commercial offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Banking

Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and do not close for lunch.

Costa Rica Travel Supplier Directory

General information to help plan a better trip, country`s weather and what to pack currency, getting their, customs, visas & vaccinations, culture, wildlife and other tools to help prepare your vacation.

type:	Tourist information
World66 rating:	[rate it]
email:	editor@southamericatour.net
address:	6 de Diciembre y el Telegrafo, Edif. Garcia Ayala, 2do piso Suite 402
url:	Costa Rica Travel Directory and Tour Supplier Index" rel="nofollow"> Top Destinations in Costa Rica San Jose Manuel Antonio Tamarindo Monteverde Quepos Liberia Cartago Limon Puntarenas San Isidro de Perez Zeledon Montezuma Santa Cruz more > partner sites: Wikitravel Press | Adventure Travel | Cheap Airline Tickets | Cruises | Virtual Tours This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. For more information read our copyright policy, privacy policy, and terms of use.