Getting to and from San Jose
San Jose is is easy to access, with flights from most capital cities
in the world. American, Continental, Delta, United Airlines fly to San Jose
from many major cities worldwide. Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Qantas and KLM are among some of the other airlines flying into Costa Rica.
Visas
US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. An extension in Costa Rica can be organized on arrival. All visitors must hold an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds. An exit visa must be obtained from the Immigration Department for all passengers staying in the country for longer than 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least 30 days after date of entry for visa exempt nationals and for six months for those requiring a visa.
Weather and Temperature
Though generally classified as a tropical country because of its close proximity to the equator, Costa Rica has no real winter period, and the sun shines here throughout the year. With over 12 hours of sunshine a day, the sun rises at about 5 am and sets at about 6 pm consistently throughout the year.
The average annual temperature is around 21 to 27 degrees Celsius or 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and the coolest months of the year are November, December and January. The months March through May are the hottest months of the year, so make sure you protect yourself from the sun.
Safety in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a safest country in Central America. Education, health and welfare systems are very good and freely available, making abject poverty rare, reducing crime. Also, Costa Rica does not have a military, and has not suffered the history of civil wars and violence so common among its neighbors.
Attire
Bring
lots of lightweight, quick-drying casual clothing - long pants and long cotton
shirts are perfect for the heat. Also bring a lightweight pile jacket if you're planning to explore the country at higher elevations. Oh, and don't forget your a wide-brimmed hat.
Health
Travellers
have little to worry about in a country
where the health standards are ranked
amongst the highest in Central America. Though municipal water supplies are very good, we recommend that you drink bottled water wherever possible.
Money and Costs
Costa Rica is fairly inexpensive compared to American, Canadian, Australia and European countries, has
a great exchange rate, and, with a great selection of clothes, shoes
and food, is a shoppers heaven. It is easy to exchange money and credit
cards are accepted many places.
Food and Drink
Costa Rican local cuisine is based mainly around chicken, beef or fish dishes. The typical lunch menu is called a "casado" and includes one of these items - rice and beans and a pasta or cabbage salad. The greater San Jose area has a wide variety of dining due to a high concentration of foreign residents and locals of mixed ethnic backgrounds.
Other Facts
Currency: Colon
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -6
Dialling Code: +506
Electricity: 120V, 60Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
