About Costa Rica

General Information:

Costa Rica is the Latin American country with the lowest unemployment. In relation to its surrounding, it has an amazingly peaceful history. This enabled the «Switzerland of Central America» to develop and reach higher social security than its neighbors. Costa Ricans are fond of their intact nature and proud to be «Ticos». Costa Rica offers magnificent wildlife and patches of untouched nature. This is more than just a tropical beach resort. Virgin rain forests, volcanoes, thermal springs, more bird species than all of North America – in short: an introduction into tropical biodiversity in miniature! Visit the official Site of Costa Rica here.

Climate

Costa Rica’s climate is so varied that it becomes difficult to describe. It changes from region to region: compare, for instance, the dry hot climate of Guanacaste with humid Caribbean regions or the Central Valley highlands where temperatures can even drop below zero at night!

Basically, there are two seasons:

The dry season lasts from November/December to the end of April. From November to April, hotels and other operators charge high season rates. The green season lasts from May until November. The season is characterized by almost daily rains, mainly in the middle of the afternoon. These showers last from 2 to 3 hours, after which the sun returns.

Location / Geography

The small Central American country stretches over 51’060 km2. It borders two oceans: the Pacific to the west and the Atlantic (Caribbean) Ocean to the east. Costa Rica shares borders with Panama to the south and Nicaragua to the north. While the Caribbean coastline is relatively straight, there are two significant peninsulas on the Pacific side (Nicoya, Osa).

Sinuous mountain ranges with over 100 volcanoes (of which 7 are active) divide the country into two parts from north to south. There is an amazing variety of vegetation types to be found and several lakes, rivers, creeks, and waterfalls spring from these mountains. Cerro Chirripó(3820m) is the country’s highest mountain. The lowlands are characterized by mostly humid tropical fauna. Costa Rica and its variegated geography will astonish you! Have a look at the country on google maps.

Language

The official language is Spanish, English is very common.

Documents and Visa

Entrance to Costa Rica requires passport with at least 6 months validity, no visa is required.

Vaccinations

Vaccination against yellow fever required in case of origin from countries considered to be at risk, only if permanence in those Countries is longer than 8 hours (coming from Europe: especially Panama).

Corona

Costa Rica doesn't require a negative Corona Test to enter the country, nor a vaccine. All the details and up-to-date information regarding the pandemic and traveling to Costa Rica can be found here.

Currency

Costa Rica’s national currency is known as the colón, but dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and other places around the country. It’s worth noting, however, that bills larger than $20 may not be taken by some businesses. Also, when paying for goods and services in dollars, you’ll more than likely get your change in colones.

Tips

Restaurants will automatically add a 10 percent gratuity to your bill before it’s given to you, in addition to the 13 percent tax. In Costa Rican eateries, tipping is optional, though it’s polite to offer an additional sum if you feel your server exceeded your expectations or went the extra mile to ensure you were happy with your meal.

Airport Taxes

There is a $29 USD (at the moment) departure tax payable at the airport with USD/Costa Rican cash or VISA, Mastercard or American Express. This tax must be paid before you check in for your flight.

Voltage

110 volts, with two-blade electrical outlet, as in the USA. It is advisable to take an adapter.

Time Zone

UTC-6. Costa Rica observes Central Standard Time all year. There are no Daylight Saving Time clock changes.

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