Business
hours:
Government
offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commercial
offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stores and
other businesses are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Churches:
Like
all Latin American countries, Costa Rica is predominantly
Catholic, but churches of other denominations are found
throughout the country.
Rain
Jacket :
Pack light for your travels. The highland areas
can be quite cold, so pack a sweater if you are going there.
For the lowland areas light, loose-fitting shirts and pants
are essential. A wide brimmed hat and sunglasses are recommended
for the beach.
Communications:
Direct-dial telephone service, facsimile, telex,
radio and cable television are all available. Bilingual
operator assistance for international calls is - 116, local
information - 113, long distance information - 124.
Getting
In:
Citizens
of the United States, Canada and most western European and
Latin America nations do not need visas to enter Costa Rica.
U.S. citizens planning to stay fewer than 90 days can enter
the country with a valid ID, a copy of their birth certificate,
and a tourist card that can be obtained from their airline
when they depart the United States.
Getting
Out:
On
the day of departure, travelers must be at the airport about
two hours before the time their flight is scheduled to leave.
There is a departure tax of US $20.00.
Hospitals:
Heath
care in Costa Rica is very good and sanitary standards are
high. Top quality hospitals are found throughout San José
and some of the other areas with large populations.
Language:
Spanish is the official language. English is spoken
in tourist areas throughout the country.
Taxes:
There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants,
and most service industries, and an additional 3% tourist
tax at hotels.
Time
Zone:
Costa
Rica is in the same time zone as U.S. Central Standard Time,
but does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Tipping:
A 10% tip in a restaurant is appropriate but most
restaurants will add it to your bill, so read your bill
before paying a tip. Taxi drivers generally do not receive
a tip.
Water:
The water is safe to drink in all areas of the
country. Nevertheless, we suggest you buy bottled water
for drinking.
