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Location
Costa Rica is one of the small nations that together comprise the isthmus of Central America. The country's borders are defined by Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the South. This convergence of land and water makes the region a great bottleneck, rich in ecological diversity.
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Area
51,100 sq km (19,929 square miles)
Geographic Division
Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces (States) which are: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, & San José (Capital City)
Climate
Average temperature around 27º C / 80º F.
Time
GMT / UTC minus 6 hours |
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Language
The official language in Costa Rica is Spanish (97% of the population); although there are other native languages used mostly within the indigenous reserves. Many businesses, in and around San Jose and resorts throughout the country have employees who also speak English. There is a large English-speaking population in the province of Limon, as well.
Electricity
110V, 60 Hz
Currency & Exchange rate
The Colón (¢1,00) is the national currency of Costa Rica.
The exchange rate against the US dollar can vary day by day, but as of Aug 31st, 2007 it is ¢519.24 colones per dollar.
Credit Cards
Mostly international credit cards, such as Visa / Master Card / American Express / Dinners Club are accepted throughout the country. Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are easly found in the most populated areas of Costa Rica.
Tipping
Most restaurants will include a 10% service charge at the bill . Taxi drivers generally do not receive tips.
If you are satisfied with the service you've received, hotel maids, tour guides and drivers would appreciate a tip.
Departure Tax
US $26.00 since March 2004.
Visa Requirements
Visitors from the following countries are allowed to stay for 90 days without a visa:
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States and all European countries except from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Czech Republics, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Visitors from these countries are allowed to stay for 30 days without a visa:
Australia, Belice, China, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, The Philippines and Venezuela.
Suggested items to take with you
Pants, shorts, T-shirts, hiking shoes, socks, bathing suit, sandals, waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses, travel dictionary, light-weight hat, day pack, light rain jacket, flashlight, insect repellent, umbrella, casual attire for evenings, binoculars, camera and film.
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