Overview
Costa Rica is a land of gorgeous jungle terrain, pristine white beaches and more activities in different environments than most countries have put together! Costa Rica, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to her east, below Nicaragua and above Panama, offering visitors lush beauty that makes it easy to understand why it’s one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

Costa Rica’s main source of income is tourism, so this tiny country knows how to lay out the red carpet and show international visitors a great time. Whether you want to go deep-sea fishing or snorkeling with dolphins, Costa Rica has something for you. Check out the volcanoes and stroll her miles of white, warm beaches. Dine in elegant restaurants or enjoy a beach BBQ. With nearly 2 million visitors a year, Costa Rica is experienced in offering anyone a good time.

Costa Rica Basics

• Currency: Costa Rican colón
• Language: Spanish
• Climate: With two seasons (dry or wet) temperatures average around 80°, though in the mountains, temperatures can fall into the 50s. Most of the year, mild subtropical weather conditions are enjoyed along the coastline, while temperatures are cooler as elevation increases. The rainy season in Costa Rica lasts between May and November along the Caribbean side of the country, with dryer weather conditions prevalent from February to April.
• Capital: San José

Electrical
110 volts, with two-pronged plugs, without grounding prong.

Visa Requirements
Travelers from the U.S. and Canada need a valid passport that won’t expire for a minimum of 30 to 180 days following arrival with proof of purchase of a round-trip ticket, required for boarding. If you arrive without a round-trip ticket, you may be asked to provide financial proof that you have available between $400 and $1,000 to pay for a one-way ticket out of the country. A visa is not required if stay is limited to under 90 days.

Be aware that citizens from surrounding South American countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela and Peru may be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccinations before they’re allowed entry.

Citizens from other countries such as Australia, Belgium and Japan don’t need visas, as long as their stay is limited to 90 days. Citizens from countries such as Afghanistan must obtain a tourist visa.

Money
A variety of businesses and ATMs throughout Costa Rica take credit cards, the most common of which include American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

Airlines Serving Costa Rica
Two major airports in Costa Rica are San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR).

Specific airlines include:

• American Airlines – US Airways, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Jet Blue, Northwest, Spirit, United Airlines
• Air Canada
• Copa Airlines
• Grupo Taca
• Iberia
• Mexicana

Costa Rica Country Dialing Code
Country code [506] + 8-digit phone number

Embassies in Costa Rica

British Embassy
Tom Kennedy – Ambassador
P.O. Box/Apdo.815-1007 Edificio Centro Colón, Fl. 11
Tel: (506) 258-2025
San José, Costa Rica
Fax: (506) 233-9938
Website: http://ukincostarica.fco.gov.uk/en/
Consular enquiries: [email protected]
General enquiries: [email protected]

Canadian Embassy(also provides support for Australians)
Address:
The Canadian Embassy is located in Sabana Sur behind the “Contraloría” in the
Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana
Building 5, Third floor
Postal address:
Canadian Embassy
PO Box: 351-1007, Centro Colón
San José, Costa Rica
Telephone:
(506) 2242-4400
Fax:
(506) 2242-4410 – Administration, Assistance to Canadians (Consular), Public Affairs
(506) 2242-4411 – Political Affairs
(506) 2242-4415 – Commercial Affairs
E-mail:
General: [email protected]

Embassy of Spain
Calle 32 (entre Paseo Colón y Avenida Segunda)
10150-1000 San Jose, Costa Rica
+506-2225745
Victor Ibáñez-Martin P.O. box /Apdo. 64-1007 Centro Colón, Tel: (506) 258-0330
– Ambassador San José, Costa Rica Fax: (506) 222-4180
Email: [email protected]

Embassy of the USA
Ambassador – Anne Slaughter Andrew
Address: Intersection of Avenida Central and Calle 120 – Pavas Section of Jan José
Mailing address: 920-1200 San José, DPO AA 34020
Commercial Department Tel: (506) 220-3939
Fax: (506) 220-2305 or 220-3128
Email: [email protected]
You may also send email to [email protected]
For emergency call (506) 2519-2000 or (506) 2519-2280

French Embassy
Norbert Carrasco-Saulnier P.O. box /Apdo. 10177-1000 Tel: (506) 234-4167
– Ambassador San José, Costa Rica Fax: (506) 234-4195
En Curridabat Del Indoor Club, 200 Sur 50 Oeste
PO Box 10177 San José, San José, Costa Rica, 1000
Email: [email protected]
Website of French Embassy – www.ambafrance-cr.org

German Embassy
Dr. Helmut Guckel P.O. box /Apdo. 4017-1000 Tel: (506) 232-5533
– Ambassador San José, Costa Rica Fax: (506) 231-6403
Email: [email protected]
Website – www.embajada-alemana-costarica.org

Italian Embassy
Ambassador: Leonardo Sampoli
Address: 5a Entrada del Barrio Los Yoses, SP.Do.P. 1729 1000 San José
Telephone 00506 2246574
Fax: 00506 225-8200
Website: www.ambsanjose.esteri.it
Email: [email protected]

10 Fun Things to do in Costa Rica

• Visit the Arenal Volcano
• Stroll the ‘protected cloud forest’ – the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
• Go fishing in Turtugeuro National Park
• Go surfing on the Nicoya Peninsula
• Go whale watching in winter at the Nicoya Peninsula
• Take a dip at the Tabacon Hot Springs
• Try white water rafting on the Costa River
• Go sunbathing on Tortuga Island
• Go deep sea fishing in the Caribbean
• Snorkel in coves that line the eastern seaboard

Conclusion
A visit to Costa Rica will literally take your breath away. Extraordinary things to see and experience keep travelers coming back to this country to explore the many landmarks, scenic views and activities it has to offer. From climbing volcanoes to watching crocodiles in the wild to sipping drinks on a beach at sunset, Costa Rica lives up to its nickname – Pure Living!