These facts set it apart as an especially attractive destination for foreign tourists who, not incidentally, make far more than a million visits a year.

Costa Rica is a tropical and mountainous country located on the narrow Central American isthmus, it is situated between 8 and 11 degrees above the equator, with Nicaragua to the North and Panamá to the South. To the East and West are the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, respectively.

Costa Rica has an area of roughly 51,100 square kilometers (31,682 square miles). Even so, it is internationally famous and recognized for the diversity and density of its natural resources and for the fabled kindness of its inhabitants.
These facts set it apart as an especially attractive destination for foreign tourists who, not incidentally, make far more than a million and a half visits a year.

BANKING

Banks are open from 9 am to 3 pm and do not close for lunch. Some private banks are open until 7 pm.

BUSINESS HOURS

Government offices are open from 8 am to 4 pm. Commercial offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm. Stores and other businesses from 8 am to 6 pm.

CHURCHES

Predominantly Catholic, but other denominations are found throughout the country.

CLIMATE

Costa Rica has only two seasons: dry and green. The dry season with very little rain is generally between late December and April and the green or wet season lasts the rest of the year - May through November, and still offers an average of about 5 hours of daily sunshine. The Caribbean coast stays green all year round due to the humidity. The Central Mountainous Region is more temperate.

Temperatures vary little between seasons. The main influence on temperature is altitude. San José at 1150m (3772ft) has a climate which the locals refer to as the "Eternal Spring". It has simply delightful weather all year around! Average temperature ranges in San Jose are from 57°F to 75°F (14°C to 24°C). The coasts are much hotter, with the Caribbean averaging 70°F (21°C) at night and over 86°F (30°C) during the day. The Pacific side is a few degrees warmer still, but due to a lower humidity it tends to be more comfortable.

The following is a table with the temperatures and the rainfall average all year around from San Jose, Tortuguero (Caribbean Coast) and Jaco (Pacific Coast)

Temperature (hi/lo in °F) and Rainfall (in)

Temperature (hi/lo in C°) and Rainfall (cm)

CLOTHING

Pack light for your travels. The highland areas can be very 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 sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for the beach.

COMMUNICATIONS

Direct - dial telephone service, facsimile, telex, radio, internet service and cable television are all available around the entire country.
Bilingual operator assistance for international calls is 116, Local telephone information 113 and long distance information is 124.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Handshaking is common and forms of address are important. Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home and gifts are appreciated as a token of thanks, especially if invited for a meal. For most occasions casual wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach.

CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELERS CHECKS

Most major credit cards accepted by businesses and in tourist areas throughout the country are: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club. Checks can be easily cashed but some banks will only accept Visa or Amex. Banks also usually require your passport in order to cash these checks.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

The official currency is the Colón and is easier to use than american dollars, although US Dollars are accepted throughout the country. Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels and airport (safer). Also some hotels and banks are accepting euros but the exchange rate is less.

DEPARTURE TAX

The rate is US $26.00 to depart by air. Land and sea exits are not charged.

EDUCATION

Costa Rica enjoy a high level of education and one of the highest literacy rates in the world.

ELECTRICITY

110 volt AC is found nationwide. A few outlying areas use their own power source so check ahead before traveling.

GOVERNMENT

Costa Rica is a democratic republic. Elections are held every four years.

HOSPITALS

Health care in Costa Rica is very good and sanitary standards are high. First class hospitals are found throughout San José and some of the other largely populated areas.

LANGUAGE

Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas throughout the country.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Ticos, as are very friendly, educated and happy people who will make the visitor feel just like at home. Religion, politics and soccer are an important part of the Tico life. The Costa Rican culture has a predominant Spanish influence.

POPULATION

Costa Rica has a population around 4 million persons.

TAXES

There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries and an additional 3.69% 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

Tipping is not necessary in restaurants, where a 10% service charge is always added to your bill (along with a 13% tax). If service was particularly good, you can leave a little at your own discretion, but it is not mandatory. Porters and bellhops get around 75¢ per bag. You don't need to tip a taxi driver unless the service has been superior, a tip is not usually expected.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Just a tourist tasted are varied, so are the tourist attractions that Costa Rica offers in the form of natural beauty, sun and sea, hospitality, history, adventure and fun. All these attractions are concentrated in a small area where distance does not present a problem.

WATER

The majority of cities in the country have drinkable water, although in the more remote areas it is recommended that you drink bottled water.