Costa Rica F.A.Q.

Have all the quick F.A.Q. about this wonderful country

1. 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 apper 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.

2. Which airlines travel to Costa Rica?

As a Costa Rican Tour Operator, we don´t handle international airline tickets, but we would like to invite you to book your flight at your convenience with:

• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Continental Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Mexicana de Aviación
• Copa Airlines
• Aviateca
• Martinair
• LTU
• TACA
• American West
• US Airways

3. When is the best time to travel?

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.

4. What should I bring?

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 (no spray because you are not allowed to take it on the plane), sandals, sunglasses & hat/cap, necessary medications, rain jacket, passport, driver´s license (if you are going to rent a car), batteries (especially unusual batteries for cameras, hearing aids,etc) film (cheaper at home than in Costa Rica), binoculars (if you don´t have look for these at the duty-free shops at the airport), watch, alarm clock,(some hotel shave alarms or a wake up call service), contact lens supplies (cheaper at home than in Costa Rica, in case you use contact lens), towel (usually the hotels provide towels), and umbrella (especially during the rainy season).

5. 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.

6. What are the 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, Master Card, 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 opens from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses at commercial center from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Most restaurants open from 10:00 am to 11:00 p.m. Hotels and some restaurants are open 24 hours.

7. 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.

8. What taxes should I pay?

Travelers must be at the airport two hours before departure. There is a departure tax of U.S. $26.00. There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurant and most service industries, and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels.

9. 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.
Hospitals and Red Cross will provide any medical treatment in case of emergency.

10. How much should I tip?

A 10% tip in a restaurant is appropriate but most restaurants will add it to you 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, tourist guides, maids and bell boys would be glad to receive a tip. The amount would be totally up to you.

11. Do I need to have any special precautions?

Please consider the following precautions during your trip that are the same wherever you travel around the world: Do not leave your luggage unattended at the airport or with a stranger, do not carry any stranger’s luggage through customs or migration, and always carry your money within an inside pocket or a body pouch, or money belt.
Daily spending money could be carried in your bag or front pocket. Credit cards and travelers checks are good tools when you travel. Carry a separate package with the following information: a copy of the identifying pages of you passport, the number of you credit cards, traveler’s checks, bank accounts, airplane tickets, and emergency phone numbers.

12. What would be the best way to plan a perfect trip?

Find an advisor that knows the country. We are a full service tour operator and ground Transportation Company specialized in daily tours and located in San José, Costa Rica. We handle detailed itineraries for an optimum trip (hotel reservations, car rentals, local flights, etc) for individual travelers as well as groups.

13. Do you have final suggestions?

Plan your trip well in advance so you have more options to choose from. Since your eating and drinking habits are often radically different during a trip, be sure to drink lots of fluids, especially the day before arriving. Try not to go overboard your first night giving your body a chance to acclimate period. The water is safe to drink in all areas of the country.