GOOD LIFE TOURS
F.A.Q.s (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
¡Pura Vida!
We look forward to welcoming you to Costa Rica, and think this page will answer most of your questions. If there’s something we haven’t covered, please call or email, and we’ll give you the answer.
1-I only have time for a short visit. How much of Costa Rica can I see?
You can see a great deal in a short period of time. Costa Rica is a small country--just 51,100 square kilometers (19,929 square miles). Visitors can cross from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic in less than four hours. We are happy to assist you in planning an itinerary that will give you the opportunity to see the most of Costa Rica.
2-Where should I begin my trip?
The overwhelming majority of international visitors arrive by plane at San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport. Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, 217 km (135 miles) northwest of San José, and near the beaches of Guanacaste, now operates as a much smaller international airport.
3-What time zone are you in?
All of Costa Rica is in the U.S. Central Time Zone (GMT-6:00). Daylight savings time is not observed here.
4-What’s the climate like in Zona Norte and throughout Costa Rica?
You can count on rain—especially in the north. The “dry season” (aka the “green season”) runs from December through April, but you can expect heavy rains at any time in the Northern, Coastal and Caribbean zones.
You’re in the tropics, and many visitors from temperate zones find that the heat and humidity found in some parts of Costa Rica require adjustment. Remember to drink enough water and to protect yourself from the strong tropical sun. Depending on where in Costa Rica your visit, you’ll experience a variety of microclimates. Most beach areas have hot and humid climates, except for northwestern Guanacaste, where it is dry and breezy.
5-What “essentials” should I pack?
That depends upon your travel plans, but don’t forget:
- Rain gear (hat, poncho or jacket, small folding umbrella)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water resistant sandals
- Binoculars
- Camera with plenty of films and extra batteries
- Small first aid kit
- Small flashlight
- Plastic bags to protect your camera and small electronics, and to store dirty clothing
- Prescription medications in their original bottles or packages
- Photocopies of your passport and return plane ticket, and copies of your credit card numbers and the toll-free customer service numbers (in case of loss), copies of traveler’s check numbers
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Travel alarm clock
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
6-Do I need a passport or visa to enter Costa Rica?
U.S. and Canadian citizens need a passport or a birth certificate and photo ID (such as a driver’s license or identification card) to enter Costa Rica for up to 90 days. When you pass through Immigration your passport will be stamped with a 90-day tourist visa.
Citizens of the US, Canada, Argentina, Israel, Japan, Panama, Romania, South Korea, Uruguay, UK and most Western European countries do not need a visa for a 90-day stay.
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Eire, France, Sweden and most of Eastern Europe and Latin America can stay 30 days without a visa. If you do need a visa, they cost U.S. $20, and are available from Costa Rican consulates.
7-What’s the electrical current?
Outlets are 110v, with standard U.S. style two-prong plugs.
8-Does Costa Rica use the metric system?
Yes. Gasoline and liquids are sold by the liter; distances are measured in meters and kilometers.
9-Are credit cards widely accepted?
Most major credit cards are accepted, with VISA by far the most widely accepted. In some very small towns, only cash is accepted. Most Costa Rican merchants accept U.S. dollars as well as their own currency.
10-Can I use my ATM card in Costa Rica?
It can be used in most banks. Banks linked to the PLUS system predominate in Costa Rica. Fees vary with the bank and the size of the transaction.
11-What happens if I get sick?
The “Seguro Social”, Costa Rica’s national healthcare system, operates clinics and hospitals throughout the country. Tourists are treated for a minimal fee. Most prescription drugs (except some antibiotics and psychotropics) are available at pharmacies (“farmacias”) without a prescription. Generally, only generic equivalents are available.
12-I don’t know any Spanish…will that be a problem?
In most medium to larger cities, you’ll find people who speak English, especially those working in the tourism industry. Mastering a few simple Spanish phrases is helpful, as well carrying a small pocket English-Spanish dictionary.
13-Do stores and restaurants accept foreign currency?
Most stores and restaurants will accept U.S. dollars as well as colones and major credit cards. Other foreign currencies are not accepted. If you plan to use traveler’s checks, make sure they are in U.S. dollars!
14-Should I tip waiters, housekeepers, tour guides?
All full-service restaurants include a 13% sales tax plus a 10% gratuity in your bill, so most Ticos rarely leave an additional tip. Airport and hotel porters are usually tipped around U.S. $1.50 per bag, and bellmen and maids U.S. $0.30-$2 per day. If your tour guide has done an exceptionally good job, a tip of U.S. $3-10 is appropriate.
15-Should I be concerned about my personal safety?
San José is a big city, so when there, use common sense to protect yourself and your possessions. You can avoid problems there - and throughout Costa Rica - by:
- Keeping a photocopy of your passport with you. Leave the original, your airline ticket, and a copy of your credit card numbers and the bulk of your cash in your hotel safe.
- Changing money in your hotel, in banks or via authorized moneychangers. Ask for some of your money in smaller bills—they’re easier to deal with.
- Carrying backpacks in front of you—especially if they contain valuable cameras, binoculars, CD players, wallets, etc.
- Never changing money in the street or flash large amounts of money.
- Leaving expensive jewelry and watches at home. An inexpensive, water resistant watch is your best bet for Costa Rica.
- Using taxis when you go out at night. Don’t walk in unfamiliar areas at night.
- Using hotel safes for the safekeeping of any valuables, and only carrying what you need.
16-Will I be able to access my email?
Most towns have Internet “cafes” that offer computer access for tourists. Rates begin at around U.S. $1.50-$2 per hour.
17-Is my home driver’s license acceptable for renting a car?
You can rent and drive a car in Costa Rica as long as you hold a valid home driver’s license and a passport with valid entry stamps.
18-Should I get any shots before coming there?
No immunizations are required for entering Costa Rica. However, it is always wise to keep current with basic shots such as tetanus and diphtheria. Risk of contracting malaria is minimal, but if your itinerary includes the Caribbean lowlands, check with your doctor about anti-malarial medications.
19-Can I drink the water?
The tap water is drinkable throughout 98% of Costa Rica. Bottled water is available for sale almost everywhere.
20-I’m a vegan/vegetarian. Will I be able to find meals?
You should experience little or no problems. Even in small towns, you’ll find wide varieties of tropical fruits and vegetables, local cheeses and dairy products and baked goods.
21-Do I have to pay a departure tax when I leave Costa Rica?
All departing airport visitors are charged a tax of around U.S. $ 26. There is no charge if you depart via sea or land.
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