How is the weather and seasons in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a tropical country that is pleasant all year around the average temperature throughout the country is around 25 degrees. The temperature on the coast is much warmer than the mountains with an average temperature being between 27-35 degrees. and at the mountains being between 20-25 degrees. Costa Rica has 2 seasons, the dry season which runs from December until April and the green season which runs from may to November. During the green season you can expect great sunny mornings with the chance of showers and heavier rain in the afternoon.

When is the best time to travel?

The travel industry designates several business seasons during the year: High Season (related to the dry season, from December until April), Peak season (Christmas, New Year and Easter), and the Green Season (also called the Low Season -related to the rainy season, from May until November).

What are the customs regulations?

Costa Rican law requires that baggage be examined and that travelers submit customs declarations listing all articles acquired abroad, including fruit, vegetables, meat, meat products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. In the case of families, one declaration can be filled out by the family head.

What is the voltage in Costa Rica?

The Voltage in Costa Rica is the same as the US, 120V 60HzHz

Do I need to change money?

The official currency is the Colon, but dollar are very well accepted, any way it's a good idea to change some at the banks or the hotels,

What should I bring?

A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary, a small first aid kit, binoculars - camera and film, walking shoes, sunscreen, traveler's checks - cash or/and credit cards, swim suits, casual clothes for nightlife and fine dining, insect repellent, sandals - sunglasses & hat, necessary medications, rain jacket, passport/birth certificate & driver's license.

What is the time zone in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is the same as U.S. Central Standard Time, but does not observe daylight savings time.

What are the business hours?

Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and do not close for lunch. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, Dinners and American Express being the most popular. Government offices are open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Most commercial business opens from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses at commercial centers from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Most restaurants open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Hotels and some restaurants are open 24 hours.

Is there a good communication system?

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. Internet cafes are available in most towns and hotels.

What taxes should I pay?

Travelers must be at the airport two hours before departure. There is a departure tax of US$26.00. There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries, and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels.

Is driving a good idea?

Many people love driving and visiting the country at their own pace. Car Rentals are available from the major rental companies. To rent one you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and a major credit card. Auto insurance is a MUST, which is included in your contract with the car rental because most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Costa Rica, most are open 24 hours. When the rented car is given to you, the contract will explain both parts responsibilities.

Do I need to have any special precautions?

During your trip take the same precutions wherever you travel around the world:
Do not leave your luggage unattended at the airport or with a stranger, do not carry any stranger's luggage through customs or immigration, and always carry your money within an inside pocket or a body pouch, or money belt.

Daily spending money could be carried in your bag or front pocket. Credit cards and travelers checks are good tools when you travel. Carry a separate package with the following information: a copy of the identifying pages of your passport, the number of your credit cards, traveler checks, bank accounts, airplane tickets, and emergency phone numbers. Valuable items should be left in a safe box.

Avoid crowds as well as dark and lonely places, and deal with well-known tourism agencies instead of unknown persons.

Take the same precautions you would have when visiting any other country.

What would be the best way to plan a perfect trip?

Find a Local Expert that knows the country. We are leaders in tourism in Costa Rica and Central America since 1977 due to our professionalism and outstanding quality in our services. A complete tour operator and destination management company, affiliated to Gray Line Worldwide, the most recognized international network of sightseeing and destination management companies worldwide. Our own modern fleet of buses provide tours as well as scheduled daily shuttle services almost everywhere in the country. Our experienced well-trained staff with a positive SERVICE BEST attitude are one of the many elements to guarantee that our full range of services, are always the best value and the best quality. From all inclusive packages, hotel reservations, sightseeing tours, airline tickets, land transfers, car rentals to tailor made itineraries.