9. What taxes should I pay?

Answer: 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.

Back


10. If I decided to stay longer, can I get a visa while I am there?

Answer: You just have to leave the country for 72 hours, upon returning to Costa Rica the permit will be renewed automatically for 90 more days.

Back


11. When is the best time to travel?

Answer: 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.

Back


12. What should I bring?

Answer: 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,

Back




13. What is the currency use and form of payment accepted in Costa Rica?

Answer: Colones, which can be obtained at hotels or banks. American dollars and Traveler's Checks are welcomed everywhere, as is Visa card. MasterCard and American Express are accepted at some places, but not as popular as Visa. ATM machines are not common or easily accessible.

Back



14. What are the medical concerns and suggested vaccines?

Answer: 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.

Back


15. Is the water drinkable in Costa Rica?

Answer: The water is potable in most of the country. We recommend using bottled water, specially in areas around the coast.

Back


16. Are immunizations required?

Answer: From a general health standpoint, Costa Rica is one of the safest destinations in the developing world. This is largely due to high health standards in our country. Thus, there are no required immunizations when traveling to Costa Rica.

Decisions about immunizations and anti-malarial medications should be made on a personal basis after consultation with your personal physician.

Back


17. Tell us about the food.

Answer: Rice and beans, fresh fruits and vegetables are the basis for all meals. At lunch and dinner fish, chicken and beef are commonly served. Food is lightly seasoned, but not spicy. Soft drinks, bottled water and fruit drinks are served with all meals. Alcoholic beverages, local beer and Chilean wines are widely available. The coffee is justly famous. Our lodges serve home cooked meals using local fresh produce and regional specialties.

Back

 

 
 
 
 
 
 


 

Receive BD News
on your e-mail

Enter your e-mail address:
Suscribe
Unsuscribe