Tourist Information

Visas

Visa requirements for Costa Rica change rapidly so check with your consulate before leaving. Currently citizens of the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama, Romania, South Korea, Uruguay, the UK, France and most other Western European countries do not need a visa for a 90-day stay. Citizens of Australia, Ireland, Iceland, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Vatican City and most of Eastern Europe and Latin America can stay 30 days without a visa. If you do need a visa, it will cost approximately US$20 from a Costa Rican consulate.

When to Go

As far as climate goes, the late-December to mid-April dry season is the most pleasant. But of course, this is when everyone else goes to Costa Rica, so prices are up and hotels are full. Although some roads are impassable in the wet season, it's still worthwhile to visit at this time, and things are much quieter. April, May and mid-October to mid-December should give you the best of both worlds

Getting Around

Airport: Both car and eight person minibuses are available for hire at the airport for transport to hotels. Fare to downtown San Jose is approximately US$10.00. In addition, most big hotels have a minibus service to and from the airport.

Taxis: Within San Jose: can be hailed or ordered by telephone; have white number plates. When taking taxis within the city limits, make sure the electronic meter is used.
When traveling outside the city limits, checking fixed rate fares in advanced is highly recommended. Tipping is unnecessary. All taxis are red except those serving Juan Santamaria international airport, which are orange.

Car Rental: Numerous car rental agencies have offices both at the airport, around downtown and at some major tourist destinations. A valid national driving license is usually good for the duration of a tourist visa.

Busses: Costa Rica has an extensive, relatively efficient and cheap bus system serving the metropolitan area and most of the country.

Air: SANSA and Nature-Air are the main domestic carriers and operates regular flights from San Jose to provincial towns and farther flung tourist destination. There is a bus service from the airline office in San Jose to the airport. It is advisable to book in advance. A number of smaller airlines provide internal flights as well. There are around 200 small airfields throughout the country.

Social Niceties, Traditions and Taboos

Costa Ricans are not very punctual for social activities - except for football matches, the cinema and weddings - but are more formal with their business appointments.

The national pastimes are football and politics. The people have a strong sense of democracy. Costa Ricans are affectionately called 'Ticos' for short.

Eating Habits

People eat frequently, especially snacks as they walk down the street. These include gallos (filled tortillas), with meat and vegetables. The staple dish is rice and beans which is eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Costa Ricans eat a lot of meat - beef, chicken, pork. Eating fish is considered a luxury although fish marinated in lemon juice and spices is a cheap delicacy. Vegetables and fruits are also popular and cheap. Imported apples and grapes are considered a special treat.

There are restaurants in all the major towns serving a variety of cuisines. Local food can be found in small 'sodas'. Popular restaurant dishes include: olla de carne (soup of beef, plantain, yuca, nampi and chayote), sopa negra (black beans and poached egg); and picadillo (meat and vegetable stew).