About Costa Rica
Location
Costa Rica is one of the small
nations that together comprise the isthmus of Central America. The
country's borders are defined by Nicaragua to
the
North and Panama to the South. Because it is between two continents,
and two oceans, this convergence of land and water makes the region
a great bottleneck, rich in ecological diversity.
Area
51,100 sq km (19,929 square miles) Geographic Division
Costa Rica is divided into seven
provinces (States) which are: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia,
LimŪn, Puntarenas,
& San JosČ (Capital City)
Climate
Tropical, average temperature
around 27 C / 80 F.
Weather in San Jose
Time
GMT / UTC minus 6 hours.
Language
The most widely spoken language
in Costa Rica is Spanish (97% of the population); although there are
other native languages
used mostly within the indigenous reserves. Many businesses,
in and around San JŪse, and resorts throughout the country have employees
who also speak english.
Electricity
110V, 60 Hz
Currency & Exchange rate
The Colon (¢1,oo) is the national
currency of Costa Rica . The exchange rate against the US dollar can
vary day by day,
but as of July 14th 2005, it was ¢478.00 colones per
dollar.
Here's
a link to see what the rate is today;
Currency Exchange
Credit Cards
Automated Teller Machines (ATM's), can be easly found
in most populated areas of Costa Rica. Most international
credit cards are accepted throughout the country:
Visa :: Master Card :: American Express :: Diners Club
Tipping
Most restaurants will include
a 10% service charge at the bill . Taxi drivers generally do not receive
a tip. If you are satisfied
with the service you receive, hotel maids, tour guides and
drivers would appreciate a tip.
Departure Tax
The average rate is US $40.00
as of August, 2004.
Visa Requirements
Citizens from Western European
and EEC countries, from the United States, or Canada will need only
a
valid passport to enter the country. There are a few exceptions
Australian and
Greek citizens are allowed 30 days.
Most others are allowed to stay for up to 90 days.
Suggested items to bring
Pants, Shorts, T-shirts, Hiking
Shoes, Socks and extra socks, Bathing suit, Sandals, Waterproof sunscreen,
Sunglasses,
Light-weight hat, Day Pack, Light rain jacket,
Flashlight, Insect Repellent, Umbrella, Casual attire for nights,
Binoculars, Camera and film.
Links to other useful sites.
Costa Rica Maps
Tico Times
La Nacion
AM Costa Rica
Inside Costa Rica
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