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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. Because it is between two continents, and two oceans,
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
Tropical, average temperature around 27º C / 80º
F.
Time
GMT / UTC minus 6 hours |
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Language
The most widely spoken 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 Jóse, and resorts throughout
the country have employees who also speak english.
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 April 2004, it is ¢426 colones per dollar.
Credit
Cards
Automated Teller Machines (ATM's), can be easly found in
most populated areas of Costa Rica. Most
international credit cards are accepted throughout the country:
Visa :: Master Card :: American Express :: Diners
Club
Tipping
Most restaurants will include a 10% service charge at the
bill . Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip.
If you are satisfied with the service you receive, hotel maids,
tour guides and drivers would appreciate a tip.
Departure
Tax
As of March 2004 it is $ 26.
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 bring
Pants, Shorts, T-shirts, Hiking Shoes, Socks and extra socks,
Bathing suit, Sandals, Waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses, Light-weight
hat, Day Pack, Light rain jacket, Flashlight, Insect Repellent,
Umbrella, Casual Attire for nights, Binoculars, Camera and
film. |
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