Some Answered Questions
about Travel to Costa Rica
Why travel to Costa Rica?
This page isn't big enough to handle all the reasons. First I would have to say the beauty of this tranquil Country. With it's long and beautiful coastlines, alluring waters of the Caribbean and the Pacific, pristine beaches, luscious rain forest and varied wildlife. Many visitors say that Costa Rica is even more beautiful than Hawaii, but a lot less expensive and less unspoiled. The second reason for traveling to Costa Rica are the thee million people that affectionately call themselves "Tico's". You will become "smitten" with them. Their warm smiles, friendliness, trustworthiness and easy going attitudes make you feel like you stepped back 40 years in time. Try going to the surfing town of Jaco. I thought I was back in the 60's. Other reasons for traveling to Costa Rica might be the excitement of seeing live volcanoes, the warm temperate weather, some of the most colorful animals on the planet, take the eco-tours, relax and get away from the hustle, take advantage of some of the worlds greatest fishing. You could take part in a canopy tour through the top of the rain forest. There are not many vacation spots you can do that. You might even be interested in scouting around for a possible retirement property. (100,000 Americans are already there) There are many other reasons , but I think you should go and see for yourself. Nothing is better than the actual experience.
When is the best time to travel?
The travel industry designates several business seasons during the year: High Season (related to the dry season, from December until April), Peak season (Christmas, New Year and Easter), and the Green Season (also called the Low Season -related to the rainy season, from May until November). If you live in the Northern Climates, you will probably consider winter the only time to visit. However, persons from others areas of North America and Europe find the rest of the year equally pleasant. They also find it quite a bit more affordable. Other vacationers just prefer the country when there are fewer tourists -during the Green Season.
A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary, a small first aid kit, binoculars - camera and film, walking shoes, sunscreen, traveler's checks - cash and/or credit cards, swim suits, insect repellent (no spray because you are not allowed to take it on the plane), copies of any guide books or CR maps, sandals , sunglasses & hat/cap, necessary medications, rain jacket, passport, driver's license (if you are going to rent a car), batteries (especially unusual batteries for cameras, hearing aids, etc), film (cheaper at home than in Costa Rica), any chargers for cell phones or cameras, travel alarm, (some hotels have alarms or a wake up call service), contact lens supplies (cheaper at home than in Costa Rica, in case you use contact lenses), and an umbrella (especially during the rainy season).
Which airlines travel to Costa Rica?
As more and more people become interested in Costa Rica we are finding more and more airlines interested in flying there. Costa Rica has two major international airports. One being in San Jose and the other to the north at Liberia. Here are just a few airlines that fly into Costa Rica and more are being added all the time.
- American Airlines
- America West
- Continental Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier Air
- Mexicana de Aviación
- Copa Airlines
- Aviateca
- Martinair
- LTU
- TACA
- United Airlines
- US Airways
What is the time zone in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is the same as U.S. central standard time, but does not observe daylight savings time.
What about the communication systems?
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. Internet cafes are available in most towns and hotels. You will now find wi-fi at all the major hotels. Some Cell phones will work in Costa Rica depending on your carrier. Cell phones are also available to rent, but keep an eye on your charges.
Many people love driving and visiting the country at their own pace. Car Rentals are available from the major rental companies. To rent one you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and a major credit card. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Costa Rica, most are open 24 hours. Auto insurance is a MUST, which is included in your contract with the car rental because most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. Sometimes the insurance will cost more than the rental. If you have a question, contact your carrier. When the rented car is given to you, the contract will explain both parts responsibilities. If you are involved in a traffic accident: Do not loose your temper, do not leave the place of the accident, do not move the car, cooperate with the legal authorities, do not sign any agreements nor accept any liability, and contact your rental car company immediately. One other caution, many of the roads are narrow and not maintained. Take your time and enjoy the country side. Meeting an oncoming tour bus on a mountain curve will keep you awake. Also watch for people (especially children) walking along side the roads.
Costa Rica has a bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation in the Central Valley. It is the primary means of transportation for the natives. In the countryside, buses may run less frequently. In some areas of the country, the buses only run once a day. Another option is to arrange transfers with one of the tourism transportation agencies. This option provides you with first class transportation service at reasonable rates.
What are the entry and exit requirements?
- Passport valid 6 months beyond intended stay in Costa Rica.
- Ticket for return or onward travel.
- Visa is not required for stay up to 90 days for citizens from the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and dependences, Germany, Greece, Holland and dependencies, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America and Uruguay.
- Visa is not required for stay up to 30 days for citizens from the following countries. During the stay it is possible to solicit an extension which allows a stay up to 90 days: Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Czech Republic, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, San Cristobal/Nevis, San Marino, St. Lucia, St Vincent, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vatican, Venezuela.
- Visa is required for citizens of all countries not listed above, and must be obtained from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling there.
- Adults and children (from 0 - 16 years old)(*) require the following documents below to enter Costa Rica:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months(**)
- A pre-paid airline ticket to exit Costa Rica or proof of financial resources ($400.00US - $1,000.00US in cash, traveler checks, and/or credit cards) to pay for the market value of a one-way airline ticket (either to return to your home country or to go to another country)
- A visa (if required)
- Travelers must be at the airport two hours before departure. There is a departure tax of U.S.$26.00
What are the medical concerns and suggested vaccines?
Health 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. Long ago, diseases such as malaria and yellow fever were eradicated in Costa Rica. There are no plagues like in other countries, and no special vaccine recommendations for travelers more than the influenza and the tetanus vaccines. Hospitals and the Red Cross will provide any medical treatment in case of emergency. Also, you can go to the drug stores in Costa Rica and buy most of your prescription drugs over the counter. The exception would be strong pain relievers and narcotics which require a special prescription. In Costa Rica, pharmacists are permitted to prescribe medicines as well as administer injection. Check with your governments customs regulations as to the amount of drugs you can bring home.
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