Welcome to Costa Rica 😊

Quick Facts About Costa Rica

Money and Finances

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colon (CRC). Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 colones, while banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 colones.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Costa Rica, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, it is advisable to carry cash as some smaller towns and rural areas may not have ATMs or may experience connectivity issues.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially in major tourist areas and larger businesses. Visa and Mastercard are generally more widely accepted than AMEX. However, it is still advisable to carry cash as some smaller businesses may not accept credit cards or may charge a fee for their use.

Internet and Phones

Costa Rica has reasonable internet speed with an average download speed of 23 Mbps and an upload speed of 7 Mbps. However, there have been reports of government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Some of the major telco companies in Costa Rica are Movistar and Claro. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is USD 30 per month. Sim compatibility issues can sometimes arise, so it is best to check with the telco company before purchasing a plan.

Dialling to Costa Rica

To call Costa Rica from another country, dial +506 followed by the relevant area code and local number. The area codes used when dialling within the country are 2 digits long.

Transport Around Costa Rica

Air Travel

Costa Rica has two primary international airports - Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose and Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste.

Train Travel

There are no inter-city train networks in Costa Rica.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro system in Costa Rica.

Buses

Buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Costa Rica, with numerous companies operating routes throughout the country. An example ticket price for a 3-hour journey is around $5, with journey times ranging from 1-8 hours depending on the destination.

Rideshare

Uber operates in Costa Rica, with average prices for a 20-minute ride around $10.

Driving by Car

Driving in Costa Rica can be challenging due to narrow roads and mountainous terrain. Speed limits are generally 60 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways. Costa Rica uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Costa Rica, tipping is not expected but is appreciated in the service industry. Usually, tipping around 10% of the total bill is considered generous. Locals greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, and it is common to address people by their first name. Speaking with strangers is usually friendly and casual, and men and women address each other using courtesy titles like 'Señor' and 'Señora'.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Costa Rica has a universal healthcare system known as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). The public healthcare is affordable and accessible, with costs ranging from $10 to $50 for a visit to a doctor. However, the private healthcare in Costa Rica is quite expensive, with the average cost for a visit to a private clinic being around $100. It is recommended to have travel health insurance when visiting Costa Rica.

COVID Situation

Costa Rica has managed to control the spread of coronavirus quite effectively, with strict guidelines being enforced to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of September 2021, there have been over 500,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and over 6,000 deaths in the country. The Costa Rican government has implemented measures such as the mandatory use of masks and social distancing to control the spread of the virus.

Common Health Risks

Costa Rica has a relatively low incidence of infectious diseases. However, there are some common health risks that tourists should be aware of, such as the risk of dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus from mosquito bites. There is also a risk of food poisoning from consuming contaminated food or water. Travelers should take appropriate precautions to avoid these risks, such as using insect repellent, drinking bottled water, and practicing good hygiene.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Costa Rica, the legal drinking age is 18 and alcohol consumption is generally legal. However, public drunkenness and driving under the influence are illegal and can result in stiff fines and imprisonment. Alcohol consumption is also prohibited in certain areas such as schools, churches, and public parks.

Recreational Drugs

Costa Rica has strict laws against drug trafficking and possession. Recreational drug use, including cannabis, is illegal and can result in imprisonment. However, the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use has been decriminalized, and penalties for possession are typically limited to small fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are legal and socially accepted in Costa Rica.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex relationships were legalized in Costa Rica in 2020, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.

Firearms / Guns

Costa Rica has strict gun laws, and private gun ownership is heavily regulated. Firearms can only be legally possessed by citizens who can prove they have a legitimate need for them, such as security guards or hunters. Carrying a firearm without proper authorization can lead to imprisonment.