Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements?
All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the dates of the trip.

Depending on your home country, you may have limits to the length of time that you can spend in Costa Rica.  Contact your native customs agency to confirm regulations.
 
What are the customs regulations?
No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes an array of items for personal and professional use, as long as they do not appear in quantities that suggest commercial intent. Costa Rican law requires that baggage be examined and that travelers submit customs declarations listing all articles acquired abroad, including fruit, vegetables, meat, meat products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. In the case of families, one declaration can be filled out by the family head.
What should I bring?
A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary, a small first aid kit, binoculars - camera and film, walking shoes,  sunscreen, traveler's checks - cash or/and credit cards, swim suits, casual  clothes for nightlife and fine dining, insect repellent, copies of your favorite Costa Rica travel guide, sandals - sunglasses & hat, necessary medications, rain jacket, passport/birth certificate & driver's license.
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 are business hours?
Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and do not close for lunch.  Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, Dinners and American Express being the most popular.  Government offices are open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Most commercial business open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses at  commercial centers from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Most restaurants open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.  Hotels and some restaurants are open 24 hours.
Is there a good communication system?
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. 
What taxes should I pay?
Travelers must be at the airport two hours before departure. There is a departure tax of US$26.00. There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries, and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels.
Is driving a good idea?
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. 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.
Is bus transportation available?
Costa Rica has a bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation in the Central Valley.  It is the primary means of transportation to natives.  On the countryside, sometimes buses do not run frequently, in some places they operate only once a day.   Another possibility is arranging transfers with tourism transportation agencies which would give you a first class service at reasonable rates.
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.  Since long ago, diseases such as malaria, paludismo, 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.
How much should I tip?
A 10% tip in a restaurant is appropriate but most restaurants will add it to your bill so read your bill before paying a tip. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip. If you are satisfied with the service you receive, private drivers, tourist guides, maids and bell boys would be glad to receive a tip.  The amount would be totally up to you.
What is the difference between the rain forest and the cloud forest?
Mainly the altitude and the temperature.  The rain forests are very hot and humid while the cloud forest are humid and moist.  The species of flora and fauna are significantly different.
What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican currency is called Colon. US dollars may or may not be accepted.  Do NOT count on it.  Major tourist areas accept dollars, as do most hotels and travel related businesses, but a lot of small (and excellent) restaurants as well as almost all the non-commercial artisan shops (not in a tourist trap area) will accept neither dollars nor credit cards