Major international credit cards are accepted in Costa Rica. You\'ll also find ATMs throughout the country.

In restaurants the bill includes the 13% sales tax, plus 10% for service so a tip is usually not necessary as it is included in the final price. On the other hand, taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip. If you are satisfied with the service you receive, you can tip tour guides, private drivers, hotel bellhops and chambermaids. The amount is at your discretion..

Other locals such as souvenirs shops and general stores will include the mandatory 13% sales tax.

You can drive on your home country license for three months. It is safe to drive in Costa Rica if you take basic measures such as driving slowly and attentively. Some streets are less than perfect, and in rural areas you may come across obstacles like pedestrians and animals.

Any hotel or place of lodging will have the Yellow Pages, where you can find the numbers of the embassies located in San Jose.

For safety reasons, it is important to carry a copy of your passport at all times. It is also important that you carry along personal identification other than just the copy of your passport.

Should you need a taxi, make sure it\'s an authorized taxi. \"Pirate taxis\" generally charge well above the official rates

Authorized taxis are red with a yellow triangle on its doors. This indicates the registration number of the taxi. Also, it is important that the vehicle have a taximeter or mari­a, as it is known locally. Ask what the rate will be before using the service, as prices can change constantly.

In Costa Rica avenues run through the city east to west and the streets from north to south. All are numbered and there usually is a sign on corner buildings. However, the Ticos do not use the avenue-and-street method to give directions; instead, they use reference points, such as bars, businesses, churches or bridges. Distances are measured in meters, and it is easier to use the popularly accepted method. For example, an address might be given \"from the Church of San Francisco, 500 meters (which means 5 blocks) south and 75 east\"

Stores and businesses are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the majority of restaurants from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m

The official language is Spanish, and it is common to find people who speak English. In the Caribbean region a dialect derived from English is spoken.

The beaches in the Caribbean region are mostly surrounded by jungle. The vegetation is determined by tropical rainforests and clear waters with coral reefs. On the other hand, the Pacific beaches are drier due to the climate. This area has more tourism-related development.

Costa Rica has two international airports, Juan Santamari­a Airport located in Alajuela and 20 minutes from San Jose. The other is Daniel Oduber International Airport, located in Liberia in the Pacific zone.

Costa Rica offers a wide variety of food. The traditional cuisine is based on rice, beans and salads, always accompanied by beef, chicken or fish. This dish is known locally as the casado. However, our country also offers international cuisine with well-known restaurants.

Costa Rica\'s climate is temperate with average temperatures that range between 14 and 22 degrees Celsius (57 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). In the Central Valley, where the main cities are located, the climate is a bit warmer, around 22 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights can be cool, while on the coasts the temperatures can be hotter. The seasons are not very marked; in general each area has a stable climate, without temperature variations, year round. However, there is the Gold Season (summer) and the Green Season (winter).

In case of emergency or any assistance during your stay in Costa Rica, please contact:

Operations Department: (Monday-Sunday, 6 am to 8:30 pm) Ph: (506) 282-4898 Ext: 105, 151, 169, 170, 221, 222, 223 / Fax: (506) 282-2570 Mobile: 384-6286 / eds@swisstravelcr.com info@swisstravelcr.com / www.swisstravelcr.com

The electrical system is 110/60 volts. You can use standard American plugs for your hair dryer, razor, and other things.

Since it is a tropical country Costa Rica can be visited any time of the year. There are two well defined seasons: Green Season (rainy season) that goes from May through October, although it can still rain a bit in November in the Atlantic region. This season is great for activities such as white water rafting, fishing and surfing.

From December through April is the Gold Season (dry season), which is great for visiting volcanoes and national parks, horseback riding, and enjoying canopy tours, different beaches and other tourist areas. Although there are months that are rainier than others, temperatures remain stable all year round. If you want to travel around Christmas or Holy Week you should make reservations ahead of time, as these times are Costa Rica\'s high season.

Costa Rica is a country that offers tourists a wide range of activities. Most of them can be visited within 7 to 15 days.

When traveling to Costa Rica, it\'s important to take into account that climactic conditions vary according to the geographic area, elevation and time of year. It is important to pack: Light, practical clothing, especially short-sleeve shirts and fast-drying cotton pants. For the sun or rain it is advisable to pack waterproof garments. In some national parks it rains nearly year round. Temperatures in Costa Rica don\'t get too low, so travelers can pack light, comfortable clothes and some type of jacket. Additionally, pack comfortable shoes, sun block and insect repellent.

Depending on your nationality, it is possible to enter without a visa. Persons with passports from the United States, Canada and the majority of European countries enjoy this privilege. It is necessary to have a passport to enter the country. You can visit the following internet page to see which countries need a visa to get into Costa Rica (www.migracion.go.cr/residencias/directrices.doc).

Yes, any person can enter the country, regardless of race, religious beliefs or disabilities.

No vaccine is needed to enter the country

All domestic flights allow just 25 pounds of luggage per person.

The departure tax is $26, payable either in dollars, colones or with a credit card.

The water is potable in most of the country, although it is recommended to drink bottled water, especially in areas outside of the Central Valley.