General Information About Costa Rica

Costa Rica stretches majestically from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea in just 200 miles. Its portion of earth fills just twenty thousand square miles.

Costa Rica‘s political division includes seven provinces: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón. Together they offer endless types of landscapes and climates, converting Costa Rica into an attractive tourist destination with just about endless possibilities. 

Costa Rica is known for its impressive scenic beauty, consolidated system of protected areas, social and political stability, high level of education and efficient, high-quality services.

Heritage and Culture
Costa Rica‘s culture is reflected in the racial mixtures that coexist throughout the country. The main influence is European, which is seen in aspects such as our official language -Spanish- and the architecture of our churches and other historic buildings. Indigenous influence is less visible, but present, for instance, in tortillas, which are part of our traditional cuisine, and in the ceramic handicrafts that are sold along the highways.

More recently, influence has come from the United States, which can be seen everywhere from billboards for movies in San Jose to the fast-food chains that have sprung up in cities. One important aspect of Costa Rica‘s cultural heritage is its love for peace and democracy. The Costa Ricans strive to make their country stand out as the exception in Latin America. For decades the political system has been run by democracy, not dictatorships.

Costa Ricans are proud to have over a century of democratic tradition and more than 50 years without an army, which was abolished in 1948. The money the country saves by not having armed forces is invested in improving the Costa Rican‘s standard of living, thus contributing to social peace.

The People
The “Ticos”, as Costa Ricans are affectionately known, are famous for their hospitality. They are hard workers and most posses a high level of education. Ticos love to offer a smile and a helping hand to others. It is often said that the Ticos are Costa Rica‘s biggest asset. Once you have experienced their friendship and spontaneity, you won‘t have any doubts about it.

Even though the majority of Costa Rica‘s four million inhabitants are descendents of Spanish immigrants, many families come from different parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and of course Central America. You‘ll be surprised to see so many light-skinned people, mainly in the Central Valley. In other areas, the majority of people are mestizo, which is a mix of European and indigenous blood. Also, a significant part of people on the Caribbean coast are of African descent, and in the Talamanca area many different indigenous groups exist.

Geography
There are high areas in the country with elevations from 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level (3,300 to 6,600 feet). The Guanacaste, Central and Talamanca mountain ranges are the main mountainous areas. There are also several volcanoes (Arenal, Irazú, Rincón de la Vieja, Poás and Turrialba), and the highest point is Cerro Chirripó, at 3,819 meters (12,526 feet) above sea level. Costa Rica has long coasts on the Caribbean and Pacific, as well as a wide range of rivers that attract specialists in kayaking and whitewater rafting from around the world.

Climate
Costa Rica‘s climate is pleasant year round. The hottest areas are the coasts. Temperatures in mountainous areas aren‘t too cold, especially during the day, giving a sensation of “eternal springtime“. The average annual temperature is 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast and 16.7° C (62° F) in the interior areas. The rainy (or green) season is from May to November and from December to April, there are few showers.

Communications
Costa Rica is connected via satellite with other Central American countries, the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America, Asia and Africa. In addition to offering direct-dial, fax and telex facilities, there is also an efficient system of post and courier services.

Transportation
It is easy to travel throughout Costa Rica. Additionally, public transportation is fairly inexpensive. Nearly every city and town has a bus system. The buses that travel to main tourist areas are high-quality coaches. Taxis are common and inexpensive. The fastest way to travel between two points is by air. There are several airlines that offer daily domestic flights to main tourist attractions. There are also many car rental companies, most of which offer four-wheel-drive options.

Government
Costa Rica‘s system of government is very similar to the United States‘ or that of many countries in Western Europe and South America. There are three powers in the republic, which are: the Executive, with one president, two vice presidents and ministers; the Legislative, with the Legislative Assembly that seats 57 deputies elected by popular vote; and the Judicial, with civil, criminal, appeal and constitutional courts.

The president and members of the Legislative Assembly are elected to four-year terms, and an ex-president can be reelected.

Health and Education
For a long time, the government of Costa Rica has dedicated an important part of its budget to improving the minds and bodies of its citizens. This policy has increased the number of educated, healthy people. The country has achieved literacy and life expectancy rates similar to Western Europe and North America. Costa Rica boasts a comprehensive social security system, as well as hospitals, schools and universities around the country.

This means that visitors deal with educated people and don‘t have to worry about many of the diseases and epidemics typical to many tropical countries.

The water is potable nearly anywhere in the country, although it is recommended to drink bottled water in rural areas. If a tourist gets sick while in Costa Rica, there are clinics and hospitals in San José with the same level of care as those in their home country, but with a substantially lower price tag.

Banking and Money
There are many state and private banks in San José and all sizeable cities and towns have at least one branch. The official currency is the colón. Also, US dollars are accepted in nearly all hotels and restaurants. Dollars and traveler‘s checks can be changed in banks and hotels. Major credit cards are also widely accepted.

Business Hours
Government offices generally are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, while banks close between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. (some at 9:00 p.m.). Stores are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (generally in shopping centers). Some businesses also close for an hour during lunch.

Economy
Costa Rica‘s economy is based mainly on tourism, technology and agriculture (bananas, coffee and sugarcane).

Coffee has historically been the most important source of income for the country, and Costa Rica produces one of the world‘s best coffees. However, in recent years so-called “non-traditionalldquo; products have taken hold and have shown strong growth. The second traditional product is the banana, of which there are enormous farms, chiefly in the Atlantic area of the country. Pineapple, sugar, oranges, rice and ornamental plants are also important crops.

The tourism sector has become the most powerful activity for the Costa Rican economy, creating new jobs and encouraging protecting the biodiversity that tourists want to see.

Festivities
Although government offices and banks essentially close on national holidays, this is not inconvenient for travelers. They can exchange money and traveler‘s checks in their hotel. It is not recommended to change money in the street.
However, there are days in which nearly all businesses are closed, such as Christmas, New Year‘s Day, the last two or three days of the year, and Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

Some festivals are attractive to visitors, like the week between Christmas and New Year‘s. During the week of the Annexation of Guanacaste (July 25th), the province of Guanacaste comes alive in parties and folklore. The Caribbean city of Limon‘s colorful Carnival is celebrated the week of October 12.

Language
Costa Rica‘s official language is Spanish. On the Caribbean coast, a minority group of Jamaican descendants speak a local version of English. The majority of Costa Ricans understands and speaks a bit of English.

Time
Costa Rica is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.

Emergencies
Call 911 to report emergencies. Incidents that are not in progress can be reported in person at the nearest police station. In the event of a traffic accident, vehicles should not be moved until the Transit Police and investigator from the National Insurance Institute arrive on scene.

Emergency telephone numbers:

  • Emergencies: 911
  • Fire Department: 118
  • Transit Police. 2222-9330 / 2222-9245
  • Police: 117
  • Rural Police: 127
  • Red Cross: 128

Airport telephone numbers:

  • Juan Santamaría International Airport: 2437-2400
  • Limón Airport:  7258-1379
  • Tobías Bolaños Airport: 2232-2820
  • Daniel Oduber International Airport (Liberia) 2668-1010 / 2668-1032

Entrance Requirements
The majority of foreigners are given a visa that allows them to remain on Costa Rica soil for 90 days. The visa is conferred only with a valid passport and proof of onward travel. Some countries need a visa to enter.