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What documents do I need to Enter and Exit the Country?
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Required Travel Documents:
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Passport – is required to enter and exit the country. You are required to carry your Passport with you at all times. If you are stopped by officials, a photocopy with your picture, passport number and entry stamp will usually be acceptable. Be sure to keep your Passport in a secure place at all times.
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Travel Itinerary – a copy of your flight itinerary showing your scheduled flights.
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No Visa is currently required for U.S. citizens.
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Non U.S. citizens should check with the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate for the latest in required travel documents.
A valid Driver’s License should be carried at all times when driving.
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What are some of the things that I should NOT forget to bring?
Here is a list of items that cover many needs, and that you might want to bring along with you:
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Casual clothes are worn almost everywhere (excepting a few upscale restaurants) and should include:
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Shorts
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Long pants
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Swim suit and beach towel
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Light jacket or sweater (for higher elevations)
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Good walking/hiking shoes
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Sandals
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Wide-brimmed hat
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Sunglasses
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Light rain jacket or umbrella
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Area Maps
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Camera
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Binoculars
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Extra batteries for Camera and Electronics
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Small First Aid Kit
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Everyday items: Many, if not all, everyday items can be found at Pharmacies or Hotel gift shops – pack more if you are taking a prolonged “nature” expedition in rural areas.
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Insect Repellant (especially in a Rain Forest and at dusk)
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Sun Block
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Prescription Medications (some can be purchased “over-the-counter” at local pharmacies)
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Antihistamines, Decongestants
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Will I need to bring an electricity converter?
Electrical power in Costa Rica is the same as the U.S. (110 to 120 volts AC).
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Will I be able to use my cell phone in Costa Rica?
Yes, but it depends on your cell phone as well as your service plan. Some cell phones will not work outside of the country where they were purchased. But if your cell phone is capable of handling international calls, you also have to be sure that Central America is within your service area. Most plans offer reasonable rates. Or, you have the option of purchasing a cell phone to use just while in Costa Rica. In some areas, you can find an Internet Café that offers telephone service by the minute. A final alternative is to purchase a local telephone calling card for use with land lines to make international or local calls.
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How do I get there?
There are 2 International airports in Costa Rica:
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San José's Juan Santamaria International airport – is the most popular and can reached by calling: 443-2622 or 441-0744
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Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quiros International – is 217 km (135 mi) northwest of San José and can by reached by calling: 688-1117 or 666-0695
Some U.S. and Canadian airports offer non-stop service. However, there are also many good connections available.
There is a departure tax of US$26 on international flights. Currently, only cash or Visa Credit Cards are accepted for payment.
Web Sites for International Airlines & Local Telephone numbers
(Country Code 011, Area Code 506)
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2243-1860
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2280-0069
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2295-6820
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2257-1266
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2257-8266
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2296-4911
80...
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2223-2672
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2257-2992
80...
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2431-5633
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2220-4119
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2296-0909
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2243-1818
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2232-3246
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2295-6969
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2299-8222
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2441-8025
80...
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2430-6690
80...
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Once in Costa Rica, how do I get around?
You have several choices, depending on your needs:
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Domestic airlines: There is a network of in-country airports that are served primarily by these two airlines:
SANSA Airlines: 2441-8035
Nature Air: 2220-3054
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Charter airplanes and helicopters are available
Aerobell: 2290-0000
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Domestic bus service – There is an extensive route system for buses with frequent itineraries linking San Jose with many popular towns, cities, seaports and tourist areas. Taxis and rental cars are necessary for more rural areas.
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Taxi’s – make certain it is a licensed taxi which are red with medallions (yellow triangles containing numbers) painted on the side. Licensed taxis at the airport are painted orange.
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Rental cars — most major carriers are represented plus a number of local companies with competitive rates. 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended if you are traveling to the more rural areas. The driving age is 18 and over but foreigners must be 21 years old and should always carry a valid driver’s license and passport.
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Is the water safe to drink?
Unless otherwise specified, the water is generally safe to drink in all areas of the country. Still, some people prefer to drink bottled water, especially while touring.
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What Time Zone will I be in?
You will be 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is equivalent to Central Time in North America. There is no Daylight Savings Time.
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How much Spanish do I need to know?
Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish, so knowledge of basic terms and phrases is always helpful. However, most Costa Ricans can understand and speak a little English. In Hotels, Restaurants and Tourist areas, there is always someone on staff that is fluent in English.
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What vaccinations should I have prior to visiting Costa Rica?
No vaccinations are currently required to enter the country. Although you should be sure that all of your normal vaccinations are up to date.
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What about Health Insurance?
First, as with travel to any country, you should check to see if your current Health Insurance covers medical emergencies outside of the U.S. If not, you may want to purchase the appropriate coverage from your provider or another source. In Costa Rica, there are private insurance companies which offer full medical insurance, similar to Blue Cross/Blue Shield. You can also purchase emergency Medi-Vac coverage.
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What about Health Care in general?
Costa Rica has a top-notch medical system with a large number of U.S. trained and/or English speaking doctors. Top quality hospitals are found throughout San Jose and some of the other areas with large populations. Clinics are available in the smaller populated areas. Just click here to get more information.
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Does calling 911 work for emergencies?
Yes, Costa Rica has a 911 system for reporting emergencies. In addition, Fire Departments and Rescue Units can be contacted by dialing 118. Other handy 3-digit numbers to remember are:
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Police Department: 117
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Rural Police Department: 127
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Red Cross: 128
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Is there much crime? How safe will I be?
Costa Rica is fortunate to have a very low crime rate. In most cases, crimes tend to be more opportunistic – petty theft or pick pocketing – non-violent crimes that do not involve outright assault. These crimes are more prevalent in the larger cities and towns. And wherever you visit, you should be more cautious at night, and in more crowded areas. Capital crime is extremely low.
Be sure to exercise caution, as you would anywhere in the world – just because the crime rate is low does not mean it is non-existent. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the U. S. Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
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What about Credit Cards and currency?
Most credit cards are widely accepted. Additionally, U.S. currency is accepted throughout the country, so there may be no need for currency exchange. Many ATM’s dispense both U.S. dollars and Costa Rica colones. Traveler’s Checks are accepted, but are sometimes a hassle to redeem.
What guidelines can you give me for tipping?
Dining: Most restaurants add a 10% tip automatically to your check. Some people want to add something extra if the service or food was exceptional.
Taxis: Tips are generally included in the cost of your fare.
Maids, Bellhops, Shuttle Drivers: US currency is accepted, and usually $1 or $2 is appropriate.
Tour Guides: Depending upon the extent of the tour, usually $5 is enough.
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The beaches all look beautiful, can I go swimming anywhere?
Not everywhere -- in some areas of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the ocean and its currents can be deceiving. Always be respectful of strong waves, riptides and the ocean in general. You must exercise caution as you would on any beach. Best to check with your hotel or local contact for specific conditions.
I’ve heard that Costa Rica is a beautiful country, but that there is also some poverty. What can I expect to see?
Yes, there is poverty in Costa Rica, as there is in any country. Many of the poorer areas are on the outskirts of San Jose. However, Costa Rica has had notable success in reducing poverty and improving social welfare. Poverty affected 48 percent of households in 1982; gradually, by 1994, only 15.8 percent* of households were estimated to be living in poverty. By early 2000, the rate shot back up to over 20%, but in 2006, the number of poor Costa Ricans dropped from 20.2% to 16.7%. And it continues to improve today for a couple of reasons: one, the government’s ongoing commitment to social welfare and education has helped reduce the supply of unskilled labor, and two, the current pattern of economic expansion resulting from tourism, nontraditional agricultural exports and other urban services has helped pull low wage labor out of agriculture and into higher paying jobs. This has also made room for new unskilled workers to enter the labor force for the first time.
Although not likely to have a huge impact, in the grand scheme of things, we have decided to take one small step and attempt to make a difference in one family’s life by sponsoring a child. For more information, contact us by clicking here.
* The official poverty rate in the U.S. was 12.6% in 2005 per the Census Bureau.
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Costa Rica Fast Facts
Costa Rica has become one of the most popular travel destinations for international travelers. It is often called "the Switzerland of Central America."
Political Stability – Costa Ricans are very proud of their democracy, one of the oldest in Latin America – over 100 years, and peaceful history. Through its constitution, the country abolished its army in 1948 and invested the resources previously committed to military defense in education and health initiatives. Over 80 percent of the citizens participate in the political process.
The People – Costa Ricans, or “Ticos,” are happy, friendly and gracious people. Their common greeting is “Pura Vida!” There is a prosperous and growing middle class. The 93 percent literacy rate is the highest in Latin America. Education is free and compulsory for all children and youth. The Costa Rican health care system, modeled after the Canadian system, includes both public and private care providers. The life expectancy for Costa Ricans is the same as for Americans.
NATURAL DIVERSITY AND BEAUTY
Costa Rica comprises only 0.01 percent of the earth’s landmass (less than 20,000 square miles), yet it is home to five percent of the planet’s animal and plant species. There are more species of plants and animals per acre in Costa Rica than anywhere in the world. Biodiversity is evident everywhere: 10,000 species of plants, 850 species of birds, 800 species of butterflies, 500 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. You don’t have to travel far within the country to experience a different and unique ecosystem: mountains over 12,000 feet; active volcanoes; cloud and rain forests; waterfalls and tropical jungles; banana, sugar, pineapple, coffee, and papaya plantations; mangrove forest and coastal swamps; and beaches and marine environments that support a variety of water fowl, fish and crustaceans. Approximately 30 percent of Costa Rica is protected as national parks, biological and archeological reserves, and wildlife refuges.
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