Travel Costa Rica

Costa Rica News - Check out the latest news and information that you need to know.

Snapshot

Entry Requirements (for U.S. citizens): a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after your departure date from Costa Rica
Currency: Colon. U.S. dollars and major credit cards widely accepted
Electric Current: 110 volts, standard U.S. two-prong plug
Departure Tax: $26, can be paid in U.S. dollars, colones, or credit card
Time zone: Central Time (Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Saving Time)

When should we visit Costa Rica? We have three seasons in Costa Rica: dry (December through April); mildly rainy (afternoon showers May through August) and heavy rains (September and October). Because of our mild weather, we have visitors all year long. September and October are the months when you will receive the best rates on vacation packages for you stay in Costa Rica.

We have various micro-climates and you will notice a difference in each area. Some areas will be cool and rainy, others warm and dry, or at the beach, more humid and hot. Generally higher elevations are cooler and lower elevations are warmer and more humid.

You can expect 70 to 90 degrees during the day, all year around, depending on where you are. Being near the equator means the sun rises at 5:45 A.M. and sets at 6:00 P.M. every day, all year.

What if I don’t speak Spanish? English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

What are the Costa Rica entry requirements? All foreigners are required to carry a valid passport to enter the country and citizens of some countries may require a visa. For official entry requirements, visit:
www.traveldocs.com/cr. We advise that once you arrive, you stow passports in a secure place, such as a safe, and carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

What is the closest airport? We recommend that you fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near the capital city of San José. From there, it is a scenic two-hour drive. We are happy to assist you with car rental reservations and private airport transfers. One can fly from San Jose to Quepos on commercial flights that depart from the airfield next to the international airport. Charter flights are inexpensive and can be arranged to land in Jaco, Esterrilos, Quepos and at other airstrips in the Central Pacific Coast area. We are happy to arrange commercial flights within Costa Rica as well as helicopter transportation and charter aircraft on your behalf.

Is it necessary to rent a car? Some people may find it intimidating to drive in a foreign country, and Costa Rican drivers are often more aggressive than North Americans. However, the roads in the Central Pacific Coast are generally less congested and in better condition than in other parts of the country. We are happy to make car rental reservations for our clients. You may drive on your foreign license provided that you carry your passport (or a photocopy of it) with you. If you choose not to rent a vehicle, we can arrange for airport transfers via a private, air-conditioned van. Taxi service is available in most parts of the Central Pacific Coast.

What do I need to know about car rentals? You have to be very clear about two main issues: First, the price. You need to understand what it does and does not include. Secondly, make certain that the rental company voucher you signed is closed satisfactorily when you return the car. This way you will be sure that no extra damage charges are added to your voucher. Not being clear on these issues may result in extra charges that may easily double your rate. When you book through Mead Brown, this will not happen.

What should I bring? We recommend that you bring comfortable, sturdy shoes if you plan to hike or participate in any adventure tours. Be sure to bring sunglasses, a hat, plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellant (particularly if you will be visiting the rainforest), swimsuits, golf shoes and anything you’d need for a specific activity.

Where is your office located? We are located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, five miles north of Jacó on the Costanera (coastal highway) at the intersection of the road to the Los Sueños Resort and the St. Regis. We are in the shopping center known as Plaza Herradura, on the second floor, right under the giant lighthouse.

Where do I go for groceries? Auto Mercado, an upscale grocer similar to Ralph’s or Harris Teeter, is located at Plaza Herradura. There are grocery stores in the nearby beach town of Jaco as well as pharmacies, video and DVD rental, a hardware store and boutiques. Mead Brown is at your service; we are happy to provision the pantry, bar and refrigerator for you.

What if I have a medical emergency? Emergency clinics are located throughout the area and there is a hospital in Quepos. For serious cases, a clinic will arrange transfer service via modern ambulance or airlift to the renowned CIMA Hospital in San José, which is affiliated with Baylor Medical University of Texas.

We are considering Tamarindo or other places along the Northern Pacific Coast, in the Guanacaste Province. Do you have rental properties there? While the beaches there are beautiful, we elected not to do business in that part of Costa Rica for several reasons. Basic infrastructure is profoundly inadequate. Raw sewage is regularly dumped into the Pacific Ocean at Tamarindo, resulting in what the government calls “unacceptably high levels of fecal coliform contamination and Esichericha coli bacteria, commonly known as E. coli.” In the dry season–December through April–water is rationed in Guanacaste. We’d prefer that our guests not have to swim in a toilet. And if they do, they ought to have clean and plentiful, pure water for a shower afterward!

Can I purchase travel insurance? To learn more about purchasing travel insurance and various coverage options and benefits, please check out our CSA Travel Protection information.

Which currency should I use? While colones are the official unit of currency in Costa Rica, U.S. dollars are widely accepted and most merchants adhere to the official exchange rates published daily in the local newspapers. There are ATMs at Plaza Herradura and several in Jacó, all of which accept Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus. Most dispense both colones and dollars. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica.

Is the water safe to drink? The national water supply is generally considered potable and safe. Popular local brands of bottled water include Cristal and Alpina. Evian and Pellegrino are available at some restaurants and grocery stores. We recommend that you purchase bottled water.

What about my personal safety? Costa Rica is widely considered to be the safest country in Latin America. The crime rate here is lower than for most U.S. cities. As a precaution, we recommend that you avoid bringing jewelry. We strongly recommend that you remove all valuables from your vehicle when it is left unattended.

Are properties for sale in the area? There are a number of condominiums, villas and lots for sale. We are happy to make arrangements for you to tour these properties with a qualified real estate agent.

I hear that prostitution is legal in Costa Rica. Can I bring such guests to my rental? Although prostitution is not illegal in Costa Rica, it is not well tolerated within our communities. If you choose to engage in this activity, you must do so within the confines of your vacation rental. Prostitutes may not use any of the community amenities, such as swimming pools, beach clubs, Jacuzzis or other shared space. Our guests must conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of other guests.