Information For TravelersVisa requirements
No visa is necessary for travelers from the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. Citizens of some Latin American, Asian, African, and Eastern European countries need visas, which can be obtained at Costa Rican Consulates. HealthCosta Rica is one of the safest destinations in the developing world, from a general health point of view. This is largely due to high health standards in our country. There are no required immunizations for entering Costa Rica. However, it is always wise to keep up your basic shots such as tetanus and diphtheria. Risk of contracting malaria is minimal, but for itineraries that include the Caribbean lowlands, travelers might wish to take the extra precaution of a prophylactic medicine such as chloroquine. Decisions about immunizations and anti-malarial medications should be made on a personal basis after consultation with your personal physician. If you take prescription medication, have your doctor give you a spare prescription with a note suggesting an alternative medication if your first choice isn’t available. Private and public hospitals in Costa Rica treat foreigners. Many Costa Rican doctors speak English. You are required to pay all doctor and hospital bills when you are treated. Private hospitals take credit cards but public (Caja) hospitals do not. If you do become ill in Costa Rica, we recommend the Clínica Bíblica in San José. www.clinicabiblica.org Public safety and personal security concernsSan José is a big city, and North American and European visitors bring expensive cameras and other things that tempt. Here are a few tips for avoiding petty theft:
Pedestrian safetyCars do not give pedestrians the right of way. Walk defensively and be very careful when crossing streets. Rent-a Car Security
Money and BankingThe best place to change money is your hotel. Never change money on the street. Banking can be frustrating due to long lines. Your passport is required to cash travelers cheques or make other transactions. Credit cards are widely accepted in San Jose but not in rural areas. Visa is the most common, followed by Master Card and then American Express. Some hotels and other businesses charge a service charge if you pay by credit card. Traveler’s cheques are widely accepted in hotels but not by other businesses. ATMs are widespread in San José but not in rural areas. Use the currency calculator below to calculate how many colones you should receive when you change money. In Jan. 2001, the exchange rate was 320 colones for $1 US. ElectricityCosta Rica’s electrical system is compatible with that of North America, 110 volts. Three hole grounded plugs are very uncommon, so if you have equipment that needs this type of plug, be sure to bring an adapter or buy one at a hardware store. Postal systemExpect your postcards to arrive home after you do—especially in December. Never send cash or anything else of value by regular mail from Costa Rica. Federal Express, DHL and other courier services are available in major cities. PhonesThe best place to make an international call is from your hotel. All phone booths are connected to the international system, and you can connect directly to operators in the U.S. and Canada to call collect or use your credit card. The numbers are listed in the telephone directory, or ask at your hotel. Public phones take phone cards with an electromagnetic strip (buy them at pharmacies, stationery stores or supermarkets) or coins (10 or 20 colones) |
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Costa Rica-based Horizontes Nature Tours has been designing family vacations, honeymoon tours, and educational and adventure travel programs to Costa Rica's most beautiful and biodiversity-rich destinations since 1984.
When traveling with a passport, citizens of the U.S., Canada and most Latin American and European countries may stay in Costa Rica for 90 days.
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