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About Costa Rica

Airlines

There are several airlines flying to Costa Rica, some of which are: Grupo TACA (a Central American Airline), American, Continental, United, Delta, Iberia, LTU, Lufthansa, Air Canada, KLM, Mexicana and Varig.

Banking

Banks are open from 8:30 to 15:00 and do not close for lunch. On Saturdays some branches open in the morning.  Request their schedules at your hotel.

Car Rentals

There are many car rental agencies but you need to make reservations in advance, especially during the high season (December to April) and holidays. A valid drivers license is needed and companies will ask for a US $800 to $1000 deposit. Rates start at $35 per day plus insurance.

Climate

There are two seasons: the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. The Caribbean coast does not have a defined rainy season (be prepared for rain or sun at any time). In San Jose temperatures range from 15 C./60 F. during a cool night in December to 28 C./82 F.  on a hot afternoon. Temperatures change with the altitude and not with the seasons. You'll find cooler temperatures in the mountains. At sea level you'll find 30-35 C. / 80-85 F. tempertures.

Currency

The currency in Costa Rica is the "colón" (plural: colones). The exchange rate fluctuates almost every day.  As of July 1st 2007 the rate was: US 1$ = 521 colones.

Electricity

Runs 110 volts / 60 cycles AC, the same as in the United States

Geography

Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panamá to the south-east. To the west is the Pacific Ocean and to the East the Caribbean Sea.

Costa Rica is divided in two by 3 mountain ranges. The Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range starts at the border of Nicaragua and continues all the way to Arenal Volcano. The Central Volcanic Mountain range surrounds the central valley. The Poas and Irazú Volcanoes are part of this mountain range. The third one is the Talamanca Mountain Range  which finishes at the border with Panama, in the south east, and includes the highest peak in the country, Chirripó (3,820 mts./12,560 ft.)
The Pacific coast is 397 km. (635 miles)long and is very irregular;the Caribbean coast is 82.5 km. (132 miles) long and is very regular.

Government

Costa Rica is a democratic republic. It has independent executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Health

There are NO epidemic diseases in Costa Rica. No immunizations are required.  

Holidays

Official holidays are: January 1st, April 11th (Juan Santamaría Day - national hero), Good Thursday and Friday, May 1st (Labor Day), September 15th (Independence Day) and December 25th.  

Money

As soon as you arrive, we recommend you to change your currency into colones AT A BANK. Although, US dollars are accepted at all major tourist destinations, it's better to use colones, because some people will give you a lower exchange rate. Major credit cards are accepted at all medium - large size hotels, restaurants and stores. ATM machines can be found only in main cities. Only at some banks you can change your travelers cheques. When arriving at a bank and before making the line, ask at the information desk if you need to pre-authorize the travelers cheques.

Population

Estimated at 4.13 million in 2007

Telephones

Country code is 506. Local phone numbers have 7 digits. The telephone service is public, owned by the government and operated by the I.C.E. (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad). Costa Rica is the Latin American country with more telephones per capita. Long distance calls can be mad through the operator or with pre paid card, like ATT. There has been an effective transition to pre-paid phone cards, but you still find some phones that use coins, so be prepared. We recommend you buy a pre-paid 500 colones "Colibri 197" card. These cards are available at selective stores throughout the country. Ask at your hotel where you can find them. 

Water

The water is drinkable in all the hotels. At all restaurants, shopping stores and small shops ( Pulperías ) you can buy bottled water.

Important Telephone Numbers

Hospitals