Costa Rica Travel
Identification /
Entry Requirements:
A valid passport is required. Upon entry, each tourist is issued a
90-day tourist visa. If you plan to stay beyond the 90 days, make
sure you leave the country for 72 hours and then re-enter for a
new 90 day visa or receive special permission / work visa before
you arrive. It's also a good idea to have several copies of the
picture page of your passport with you when you travel.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your
Costa Rican embassy regarding travel requirements as travelers
from some countries (China, for example) need to have a visa to
enter prior to arrival in addition to their passport.
Where can I
exchange money?
Dollars - Carry US dollars with you
when you arrive to Costa Rica. As the local currency is on a
fixed devaluation schedule with the US dollar, you will most
always get the best rate of exchange.
Credit Cards - Most vendors give discounts for using cash, as
credit card merchant companies charge high percentages on
transactions here. Some vendors do not accept credit cards, while
many only take VISA.
Travelers Checks - Although accepted by most establishments, you
will usually be charged an exchange commission fee between 2-5%.
Exchange - When you arrive, you may exchange your money at any
local bank or most of the upscale hotels (if you are one of their
guests). Note that you will get a better exchange rate at banks.
You may also get foreign currency by using your ATM card. However,
it's important that you know the exchange rate before you do this.
Currently, the rate is about 350 colones to the dollar. In a
pinch, dollars are pretty widely accepted, but you'll probably
receive your change in colones.
Is the electricity
standard North American voltage?
YES! You can plug any normal electric-powered device (hair
dryers, shaver, laptop computer, etc.) into an electrical wall
outlet in Costa Rica.
Do I
need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Although nothing is required for entry into Costa Rica, there are
recommendations for precautions when traveling to remote areas. If
you decide to take precautions in this regard, it's best to do so
2 to 3 weeks before your departure. Many passengers ask about
Malaria pills. Although we are not doctors, we do not recommend
taking Malaria pills unless you are planning on being in a remote
or high-risk area. Please consult your physician as well as the
CDC's website for the latest updates when planning your trip to
Costa Rica.
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm
<< Back To
Costa Rica Information Index
|
