Location and Characteristics:

Located in the Central American Isthmus with ports on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and 153 miles of road between them. Our country occupies a privileged place in the world, finding itself in the middle of Central America. To the East of the country is the Caribbean Ocean, and to the West, the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica borders to the North with Nicaragua, and to the South with Panama.


Population, Language, and Religion:

Costa Rica’s population is of approximately 4,000,000 inhabitants whose mother tongue is Spanish. The population is distributed among the seven Provinces that form the country. The capital city is in the Province of San José. Catholicism is the official religion, but freedom of worship is guaranteed.

Climate:

Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during day, producing an "eternal spring" feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland. The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year.

Heritage and Culture:

An important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics. They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans’ standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.

Medical care:
Health Care in Costa Rica is very good and health standards in the country are high. There are first-class hospitals in the city of San José, as well as in the main cities throughout the country.

Food:
Restaurants in Costa Rica offer tourists an ample variation of international foods; those who wish to taste Costa Rica’s cuisine, there are many places that serve typical regional dishes.

Electricity: Costa Rica’s standard at a national level is energy at 110 volts, and 60 Hertz for electricity.

Type of Change and Regulations: The rate of exchange with regards to the United States dollars is fluctuating. Dollars can be exchanged in any bank of the National Banking System.

Bank Schedules: Local and international banking services are available both in public bank entities and in private institutions. Banking hours are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. without breaks. Evening banking services are often available from 12:00 PM up to 6:00 PM.

Craft Markets and Purchases:
Costa Rica offers an ample variety of crafts that reflect the country’s traditions and typical characteristics, which go from reproductions of pre-Colombian objects, or the typical Costa Rica oxcart, to the most modern and elegant designs. Wood and clay sculptures, ceramics, leather articles, jewelry, and wickerwork pieces can also be found. These items can be purchased in downtown San José and in other places, such as Moravia, Sarchí (Alajuela), and Guaitil (Guanacaste).

Tips: Most restaurants include 10% service tax in your bill. Please check your bill before paying any additional tips. Other services do not include tips, since they are voluntary. Taxi drivers are usually not tipped.

Credit Cards and Traveler’s Checks:
Most credit cards are accepted throughout the country; however, VISA is the most accepted. Some small businesses, especially in rural areas, only accept local currency in cash. The United States dollar is your best option for traveler’s checks, since other currencies are rarely accepted. To change your traveler’s checks, banks will ask you for your passport. Should you wish to bring cash, you should do so in dollars, but make sure that they are in good conditions, and that you eliminate US$100 bills, since most Costa Ricans do not accept them. You will be able, though, to change those bills at the Banks.

Important telephone numbers: Emergencies: 911, Information: 113

Telephone Code: 506, and there is no local code system.

Transportation throughout the country:
The country has a large fleet of taxis, easily identified by their red color. In rural areas, taxicabs are often 4x4 vehicles so as to easily access that type of zones. Orange cabs provide service to and from International Juan Santamaría Airport. There is bus service inside and in between Provinces, as well as for international voyages.

Clothing:
We suggest you pack your clothes thinking you will be visiting different places with a varied climate. Highland areas can be very cold, so you should pack a sweater or a jacket if you are thinking of traveling to these places. The use of short and very comfortable slacks is indispensable for the lowlands. To visit the beach, you should bring a wide brim and sunglasses. If you so wish it, you can bring your own tanning lotion; otherwise, you can purchase it here.Main Festivities: January 1 - New Year’s Day / January - Coffee Cup Tournament / April 11 - Juan Santamaría / May 1 - Labor Day / August 2 - Our Lady of the Angels / August 15 - Mother’s Day / September 15 - Independence Day.