A. Currency: The colon is the official currency of Costa Rica. Named after Christopher Columbus, it is considered one of the most stable currencies in Central America. Bills come in 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 colones increments and coins come in 5, 10, 20 25 ,50, 100 and 500 denominations. You can exchange money at most banks weekdays between 9 and 4 pm. It is well advised to go in the morning as the lines can seem never ending in the afternoon.
All that is needed is a passport or resident ID when exchanging money. Money can also be exchanged on the street for nearly the same rate as at the bank. Most hotels can also assist you with cashing traveler’s checks and other simple financial transac-tions when banks are closed. American dollars are accepted in many locations, especially in San Jose and major tourist areas. Care should be exercised when using a money exchange operation that is not been recommended or is on the street. It is wide to carry American dollars when arriving in Costa Rica as you will get the best exchange once you arrive as the currency is on a fixed devaluation schedule.
Most vendors would prefer cash, so there is often a discount offered for you not to use your credit card for purchases. It is wise to check with your credit card company to see if they charge fees for converting transactions from colones to dollars. Travelers Checks are accepted in many places, but there is occasionally a fee of 2 or 3% added for transaction fees.
B. How much money should I bring?:
How much money you decide to travel with really depends on what you plan on doing and seeing while you are in Costa Rica. Food and drink is relatively inexpensive here, with a typical lunch running around $5 at an affordable restaurant and a beer or cocktail running about $2. Taxis can be found in major areas for a reasonable price, but become more expensive in less populated areas. Costa Rica can be very affordable if you plan your activities and accommodations with a budget in mind, or can be very expensive if cost is no object and hedonistic luxury are the goal of your vacation. Just remember the conversion rate from dollar to colones; look for bargains and enjoy your visit!
C.Should I get Immunizations?
Epidemic diseases have been mostly wiped out in Costa Rica, so there is no proof of vaccination requirement to enter the country. It is always a good idea when traveling to have current tetanus and infectious hepatitis immunizations regardless of any requirements. The Centers for Disease Control has a hotline that will advise of any unusual outbreaks, but generally your trip should be worry free as far as your health goes.
D. Can I drink the water?
The Costa Rican government has gone to great measures to make sure that drinking water in Costa Rica is perfectly safe for visitors, but bottled water is available almost everywhere in case you are worried. This is definitely not Mexico, but there is al-ways a possibility that local bacteria in the water may upset your digestive tract as it could anywhere, so be careful of what you eat and drink is recommended.
E. What sort of food is available?:
Native Costa Rican meals consist primarily of chicken and fish served with rice or beans. All cooked in a safe and healthy way- Costa Rican cuisine is delicious and nutritious. Seafood is widely available in the beach areas and many new and varied restaurants are available in San Jose and other growing areas. The Dorado (Mahi Mahi) and the Yellowfin tuna are always popular choices and are always tasty and fresh. The many types of interesting and exotic fruits and vegetables make eating in Costa Rica an adventure!
F. Passports and Visas:
A valid passport is required for entry into Costa Rica. Upon entry every visitor is issued a 90-day tourist visa. If you are planning on staying in the country for more than 90 days, please make sure that you leave the country and re-enter, so that a second 90 day tourist visa is issued. It is also a good idea to have several copies of the cover page of your passport in different locations in case it is stolen or lost. If you are not a US citizen, then please check with your local Costa Rican embassy for information regarding travel require-ments. Travelers from some countries must have a visa, as well as a passport, prior to entering the country. If you do NOT meet the entry requirements upon arrival in Costa Rica, you will not be admitted and will have to leave on the next plane. In addition, most Central and South American countries, including Costa Rica require a departure tax. If you are departing to a neighboring country, the tax may be inconsequential, but if you are returning to the U.S., currently this departure tas is of $27 per person and can be paid in cash or by Credit Card.
G. Passport and Visa Rules for Traveling with Minors:
Many countries, including Costa Rica, impose restrictions on minor children who travel alone, with only one parent, with someone who is not their parent or who are nationals of another country, including dual nationals. Any child must present written, notarized authorization for travel from the absent parent, parents, or legal guardian. If the parent or guardian traveling with the child is the sole custodian, the court order granting custody may, in some cases, serve as the authorization document. It does not hurt to have this documentation translated into Spanish and authenticated by the Costa Rican Embassy prior to departure. Any questions about more specific situations or circumstances should be addressed with your local Costa Rican Embassy.
H. People of Costa Rica:
The population of Costa Rica is now approx-imately 4,000,000 people. This number includes about 40,000 natives that belong to several different cultural groups. The official language here is Spanish, but English is a required course in school, so nearly everyone speaks some. The Costa Rican people are lovingly referred to as Ticos (Tea- coes) and are well known as friendly and welcoming to all that visit. Costa Rica’s constitution requires 6% of its Gross Domestic Product be dedicated to education. This has resulted in a higher literacy rate – 95%- than the United States and makes Costa Rica a leader in Central America.
Computers are available all over the country- even at most Post Offices and internet access is widely available. This is a progressive, well educated population! Many students from all over the world come to Costa Rica to attend some of the well respected language schools that exist here. Most of Costa Rica is Catholic, as is most of this region of the world. The government is secular but very conservative, primarily because of the heavy religious influence. Most observed holidays are religious in nature.
I. Electricity:
The current in Costa Rica is the same as the US. Three prong outlets are scarce, however, so bring an adaptor if you have items that require that sort of outlet. Anything you can plug in the US will work just fine in Costa Rica!
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