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- Costa Rican currency is the ‘colon’. One US dollar equals about 493 colones (February 2008)
- Costa Rica doesn’t use daylight savings time so from April to Octuber, local time is one hour ahead of Central Standard Time in the USA. The rest of the year local time is the same as CST.
- Restaurants: 10% gratuity is pre-added to most checks in addition to the 13% sales tax. Most Ticos do not often leave an additional tip, but if your service was good, an additional 5%-10% is always appreciated.
- Taxis: Stick to official taxis, which are bright red with a triangular yellow icon. Fares are determined by a meter called a "maría", make sure the maría is turned on. You do not tip taxi drivers, but it is normal to tip private transfers. Keep small bills for taxis, as many drivers will not have change to break your 10,000 colones.
- It is also customary to tip bell boys, porters, hairdresser, masseuses, car attendants and maids.
- Use your noggin’, it is amazing the level of service, local information and friendliness to be found after saying “Gracias” for services done well.
- Always keep a copy of your passport's photo page and entry stamp page on you. For Americans, these are accepted as an equivalent to the original when you are in the country. We advise making photocopies to carry as opposed to your original.
- Many places accept credit cards but there are those that do not. Keep some cash on you for the ‘just in case’ places. Remote destinations such as the Nicoya Peninsula do not always have reliable ATM service, so bring enough cash for your trip in advance, or you'll be limited to places that accept credit card.
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- This page was last modified 16:58, 6 March 2008.
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