The land of “pura vida”, for those keen to observe tropical flora and fauna
Les Essentials
Costa Rica in detail
Click on regions to see related articles.
Capital :
San José
Area :
51 100 km²
Population :
5 millions
Currency :
Colon | 1,50€ = 1000 CRC
Language :
Spainish
Time difference :
-8h in summer | -7h in winter (Paris)
Best seasons :
December to April
Costa Rica
Practical info
Gastronomy
Costa Rican coffee is considered one of the best in the world! Fruit juices are excellent. You can also find lagers.
Embassy
https://www.embassypages.com/costarica
Crafts
L’artisanat costaricien est réputé pour ses masques traditionnels, ses objets en bois peint et ses bijoux en pierres naturelles. Les souvenirs populaires incluent les « carretas », des chariots miniatures décorés à la main.
Credit cards
International credit cards are generally accepted, especially VISA. It is possible to withdraw money from ATMs, but you need to be careful.
Route selection
Climate
Tropical climate with a drier season from December to April and a rainy season in the other months. It is warmer on the coasts than in the highlands. The capital San José, at an altitude of 1,200 meters, enjoys spring-like temperatures.
Electricity
The electrical current is 120 volts with American-style outlets (flat prongs). Bring an adapter for your European devices.
Public holidays
Opening hours
Costa Rica is in the GMT-6 time zone and does not observe daylight saving time. This results in a -7 hour difference with Central Europe in winter and -8 hours in summer.
Internet
Costa Rica offers excellent Internet coverage, especially in urban and tourist areas. Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes provide free Wi-Fi access.
Language
The official language is Spanish. But English is spoken in many places, especially hotels. If the service is included, it is advisable to leave a tip as a thank you for the service. Otherwise, a tip of around 10% of the value of the drinks should be left.
Money & Change
The official currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), but the US dollar is widely accepted. You can exchange your currency at banks and exchange offices or withdraw colons directly from ATMs.
Clothes
Sportswear for visits with good shoes. Bring light clothing and warmer clothes to cover up in case of cooler temperatures on higher ground. Bring a light raincoat.
Recommendations: hat, sunglasses, sun cream and mosquito repellent.
Taxis
Choose official red taxis with meters. Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare before getting in.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink in most major cities, but it’s better to drink bottled water in rural areas. Bring mosquito repellent, especially in humid areas, and consult a doctor before traveling for recommended vaccinations or treatments. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Security
No safety problems. You need to respect basic safety rules and be more vigilant in San José.
