Costa Rica

The land of “pura vida”, for those keen to observe tropical flora and fauna

Les Essentials

Costa Rica in detail

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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.