Do I need a passport and visa to go to Costa Rica?
A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica and it should be valid during the following 6 months from your date of entry into the country. You may enter Costa Rica without a visa, depending on your country of origin. The United States, Canada, and most European countries have this privilege.

Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica?
No. You are allowed to drive with your normal driver’s license for three months.

Can I get married in Costa Rica? What documents do I need?
Yes, foreigners can get married in Costa Rica. The documents needed are: original birth certificate, affidavit of single status, police record, valid passport, and divorce decree (if applicable). These documents need to be authenticated by a lawyer.

What kind of inoculations do I have to take to visit Costa Rica?
Visitors from Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guyana need to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How is the climate in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a tropical country with pleasant temperatures all year. The country’s average temperature is 22° C (72° F), with coastal temperatures of up to 27°C (81°F) and high altitude temperatures that reach 15°C (57°F). Costa Rica has two distinct seasons: the dry season which runs from December to April and the green season which runs from May to November. During the green season you can expect sunny mornings and rainy afternoons.

When is the best time to travel?
There are several travel seasons. The high season runs from December to April, and it has better weather and higher prices. Christmas, New Years, and Easter are peak vacation dates with the highest prices and low availability. Most deals can be found between May and November during the green or rainy season.

What is the voltage in Costa Rica?
The voltage in Costa Rica is the same as the US: 120V 60Hz. Europeans might need adaptors for their electronic devices.

Do I need to exchange money?
The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colón. US dollars are widely accepted, but it is always a good idea to exchange money. You can do this at a bank or at most hotel front desks.

What should I bring?
Make sure you pack your passport, driver’s license, cash/credit card, camera, comfortable shoes, sandals, bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, at least one light sweater or jacket and one pair of long pants, a raincoat if you have one, insect repellent, and any medications you currently take.

What is the time zone in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is in Central Standard Time (-6 GMT), but it does not observe daylight savings time.

Is there a good communication’s system?
You will find reliable telephone service all over Costa Rica; however, many cell phone service providers do not offer coverage in the country. Internet access is widely spread and cable TV services offer plenty of international channels. For international calls, dial (00) followed by your country code, area code, and telephone number.

What taxes should I pay?
All travelers must pay a US$26.00 departure tax at the airport or at a Gray Line counter. Sales tax is 13% and restaurants charge an additional 10% service charge; thus, you do not need to leave a tip for waiters.

Is driving a good idea?
A lot of travelers enjoy driving and visiting the country at their own pace. However, keep in mind that in order to rent a car you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and a major credit card. You also need to buy insurance coverage and we strongly recommend you get a GPS system with your rental.

What is the best way to plan a perfect trip?
Contact Gray Line Costa Rica; truly, the local expert!

Gray Line Tours Costa Rica
P.O. Box 72-1017 La Uruca
San José, Costa Rica
Tel: +(506) 2220-2126
Fax: +(506) 2290-1550
info@graylinecostarica.com