Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica?* Yes, a valid passport is needed to get enter the country. The expiration date needs to be 6 months or more away from your traveling plans.
2. Do I need a visa to Travel to Costa Rica?* Citizens from Canada, United States and most Western Europe countries only need a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica. You can check with the Costa Rican embassy in your country for specific questions or doubts.
3. Is water potable in Costa Rica?* Water is potable in the Central Valley. We recommend drinking bottled water, specially in areas near the coast.
4. Can I use credit cards or travelers checks in Costa Rica?* Yes, mayor credit cards are accepted in Costa Rica and there are ATM machines along the country. Dinners Club and Discovery credit cards cannot be used in Costa Rica, however American Express, Visa and Master Card are welcome.
* Traveler checks are accepted in mayor hotels. Small boutique hotels don´t usually take traveler checks. However, major credit cards such as American Express, Visa and Master Card are gratefully received in all hotels and most businesses. Dollars are always welcome, specially in small denominations.
5. How much is the departure tax?* Departure tax is $ 26.00 and you can pay in colones, dollars or with a credit card. When paying with a VISA credit card they charge the card as cash advance. You can buy departure taxes when you book a trip with us, this will help make things faster once you arrive at the airport ready for departing.
6. Are National parks handicap accessible?* The only National Park that has handicap facilities is the Poás Volcano National Park.
* Costa Rica is not very well prepared to handle big quantities of handicapped tourists. Mayor hotels are completely handicapped friendly and have ramps and bathrooms specially designed but some other things such as public transportation are not ever close to being well prepared.
7. Are there local airlines in Costa Rica? * Yes there are two local airlines that fly to different parts of national territory.
8. Where should I call in case of an emergency?* Call 911 for immediate assistance.
9. Will my cellular phone work in Costa Rica?
* Your cellular phone will not work in Costa Rica but there are ways of renting one.
10. Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica?* Basic safety precautions must be taken while driving in Costa Rica, specially in the central area. While in San José, close windows and make sure doors are locked. Don´t leave luggage at sight and make sure to always leave the car in secure parking lots.
* In Costa Rica it is not very common to give addresses by street names or numbers. We basically use buildings, and some historical places as references for directions so be ready to listen to different and interesting reference points.
11. Can I use my driver´s license in Costa Rica?* It is possible to drive with your country´s driver´s license for a three month period.
12. Taxes and tips?* 10% tipping in restaurants is included in your bill.
* Taxi drivers don´t usually get a tip
* Most services have a 13% sales tax
* Legally hotels add 16.39% tourist tax to the price of the room
13. Do I need an electricity converter for my appliances?
* Our electrical system works with 110 volts, with standard outputs.
14. Does everybody speak English?* The national language is Spanish, however, most people who work in the tourism area speak English.
15. Attire?* It is advisable you bring a rain jacket, swimming suit, shorts, sunglasses, resistant shoes for hiking, light long trousers, light long sleeved shirts, light socks, sun block and insect repellant. The clothing depends basically on the weather so can check with us what kind of clothes to bring for the specific dates of your trip.
* Costa Rica is a very informal country so you can wear skirts, shorts, jeans, etc. Everything fits the people, the thing you should have in mind is weather.
16. Costa Rica time zone?* Costa Rica is in the same time zone as U.S. Central Standard Time, but does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
17. Seasons?* Golden Season (dry) December/May
* Green Season (rain) Mid May/ November
18. Costa Rican Gastronomy?* Rice, beans and corn are basic elements of Costarrican cuisine along with meat, fish, vegetables and fruits exquisite plates are made.
* In the coast a lot of fresh seafood is offered.
* Corn in different ways: for example tortillas and tamales
*
Gallo pinto (rice and beans), casado and ceviche, olla de carne, picadillo and cajeta are typical plates of Costa Rica.
* Hotels offer a variety of international food.
* Spicy food is not very common
* Coffee is a must while visiting Costa Rica
* National Beer and ´Guaro´ are made in Costa Rica. Imported wines are available
