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Custom regulations
No customs duties are charged on personal luggage,
which includes a series of items for personal, professional,
non-commercial use. Costa Rican laws require checked
luggage to be screened and travelers to fill out customs
declarations declaring the value of any item in their
possession, including fruits, vegetables, meat and by-
products, biological products such as vaccinations,
serums, etc. The head of a family may make a joint declaration
for all members residing in the same household and traveling
together to Costa Rica.
Questions
about Costa Rica
How to get to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is allready a well known tourism destination,
especially for nature lovers and people seeking for
uncrowded beaches and wonderful nature. In every Travel
Agency in the world or airline office they will know
hjow to fly to Costa Rica. There are now 2 International
Airports, one located in the center of the country near
the capital San Jose and anotherone located in Liberia,
the north pacific coast Guanacaste and home to some
of the best beaches, national parks and volcanoes there
are in the cuntry. Both are known worldwide. Some of
the airlines that are currently flying into Costa Rica
are
AIR MADRID - DELTA - AMERICAN
AIRLINES- CONTINENTAL - GRUPO TACA - NORTHWEST - TH0MAS
COOK
Tipping
The Tips in service presonell is allready included
in a 10 % Service Tax that the staff receives at the
end of the day. However, usually you can still tip extra
on that. It depends on wether the service was good or
bad. However, the people are not expecting a tip from
you like in other countries.
Electricity
Costa Rica`s electricity is 110 Volts
There a several ways to move around in Costa Rica
Car Rentals - best way to move aropund and save
time
Semi Private and Private Mini - Van - You can
also hire a Private Guide - Driver Mini - Van to travel
around and visit the destinations you want. Also there
is a Semi - Private Mini - Van network connecting almostany
destination in Costa Rica. Here, you will not have the
car at your service, but it is still saver and faster
than the public bus.
Plane - If you want to reach a destination fast,
there are two airlines ( local ) that combine many destinations
in Costa Rica. The important thing is that you will
miss the sightseing you could haveon the ground. Also,
there are some destinations one can only reach by plane
or boat.
Public Buses - There is a large network of public buses
in the country. However, you loose much time by traveling
in public buses. They are safe and connect the whole
country. In almost all the cases, there are direct buses,
so you will have to switch buses from town to town.
How can I pay in Costra Rica
The local coin and currency is the Colon ¢.
The major credit cars are accepted: VISA - MASTER CARD
- AMERICAN EXPRESS. Also, almost in any place you can
still pay in U$ Dollars. Or at the htels, you will be
able to chance curecy. If you do so, we recopmmend you
to not change too many dollares in colones ¢ since
at the end of your trip, you might still have some colones
left and you would have to change them back.
Banks
There are many banks , public and private. The opening
hours are from MONDAY to FRIDAY from 08:30 - 3:00 P.M.
Here you are able to changce dollars, make questions
and make and receive wires..
Food and meals
The costarican cuisine is very simple. However, nowadays
you basically find all kinds of international restaurants
or specialized restaurants from all over the world.
Alos, in the hotels and tourist places, the menu is
very rich, so there is not need of worrying about weather
you are going to like to food or not.
Water
Water in Costa Rica is very clean. Still, we recommend
you to buy bottled water at any store or supermarket
for the lenth of your stay in Costa Rica.
Medical asistance and hospitals
There are many clinics, hospitals and medical center
throuout the country. Most of the staff speaks english,
and the people and medical staff as well as the doctors
are extremely helpful and will take care of you very
good. Also, Costa Rica is a pioneer in medicina among
Latina America, so the medical quality is excelente.
Safety Tips
Here and everywhere, enjoy a safer holiday by following
these simple tips:
" Decide your destination in advance and make a
planned route of travel.
" Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
" If your car is bumped from behind, do not stop
on the roadway or along the roadside. Drive to the nearest
public area and call to 911 in search of police assistance.
If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle while
you stop at a traffic light or sign, sound the car horn.
" Do not pull over for flashing headlights. A police
vehicle and an authorized emergency vehicle are the
only ones authorized the display of flashing, rotating
red or blue lights.
" If you become lost, try to find a public place,
like a service station, in order to read your map or
ask for directions.
" If you are told that something is wrong with
your vehicle, do not stop immediately. Drive to the
nearest service station or to another well lighted public
area.
" Keep doors locked and windows shut up when driving,
and mainly when the vehicle is parked.
" Goods and valuables should be kept in the trunk,
locked glove compartment, or out of sight, whenever
traveling or before leaving the vehicle parked.
" Always park in well-lit areas.
" Check the interior of your vehicle and surrounding
areas before getting into your vehicle.
" Do not pick up hitchhikers.
" If using an automatic cashier, be sure the area
is well lit. Count your money inside your vehicle with
the windows shut down.
" Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or your
car engine running when using an automatic cashier or
public telephone.
" If you suspect that you are being followed, head
immediately to the nearest well lit public area and
call the police.
" If you must carry a purse or bag, hold it in
front of you close to your body. Be sure it is securely
closed.
" When encountering a threatening, hostile individual,
do not put up any resistance. If all that person wants
is your belongings, give them up, they are not worth
your life or any serious injury. In case of emergency
call 911 from any telephone.
" Pay airport taxes only at authorized places.
" Taxes are $ 26 per person.
Things you should bring with you on your trip to Costa
Rica
Cap or Hat
Tevas or tennis Shoes ( Walking
Shoes )
Light cloth
Warm cloth
Camera
Copy of you documents
Extra cloth
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