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A passport is required to enter
Costa Rica. Most nationalities don't need a visa.
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Departure tax is $26 per person.
Even if you come during
the driest months bring a raincoat or rain jacket. You never know when it will rain.
Bring a swimsuit, comfortable shoes for walking in
the city or on the trails in national parks, sandals, a flash light and a cap or hat for
very sunny and hot days.
If going to the mountains, bring a light sweater or
jacket. It might get chilly.
We always say: "San José is a big city in a
small country and in big cities you always find pickpockets."
Make 2-3 photocopies of your passport and keep one
in each bag, luggage, case or back pack you carry.
If you like and can, leave your passport and
airline ticket or any other important document in your hotel safe.
Do not change your currency into colones on the
street. Always do it at a bank or at your hotel.
Companies that issue travelers cheques recommend
that you record on a separate piece of paper, the number of your cheques.
Do not carry extra cash. Carry the amount you think
you will need each day.
If you carry any type of valuable item, such as a
camera, video or digital camera, expensive sunglasses, etc, do not leave them in any
bathroom or at any table or seat which is not watched. Hang them onto you.
Ask for advice at your hotel's front desk, on how
to get to your destination.
Mainly in San José downtown, if you go out at
night, have the reception clerk call a cab.
If walking in downtown San José, do not
wear valuable jewelry.
Licensed taxi cabs are all red with a yellow
triangle on both front doors. The license plate is painted in the middle of the
triangle.
Taxi drivers must carry visible identification,
with their name and photograph.
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The use of a taximeter (called
"María") is mandatory although for longer distances,
prices are negotiable with the driver.
Follow the safety signs posted in national parks
and at beaches.
At beaches, do not get in the water if there is a
"Dangerous currents" sign. Always ask at local shops about dangerous currents,
high and low tide and unsafe points.
Walk along marked trails. If possible, walk on
trails in groups of 2 or more.
Do not feed the animals. Do not pet
them.
Do not touch plants. NEVER take them from their
natural setting.
