Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Currency: The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is divided into 100 céntimos and is the official currency, although US Dollars are also widely accepted. US Dollars and travelers cheques can be exchanged in banks and many hotels. Banks charge a service fee for cashing travelers cheques and currency other than US$ is difficult to exchange. Using black market exchange options is risky as they have been known to pass on counterfeit bills printed in
Colombia. Banks close anywhere from 3pm to 6pm. Major credit
cards are widely accepted, although
American Express and
Diners Club might be more limited. ATMs are available in major towns throughout the country, but it is advisable to always have some local cash handy.
Time: Local time is GMT -6.
Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Flat two-pin plugs and three-pin (two flat blades with round grounding pin) plugs are in use.
Communications: The international access code for
Costa Rica is +506. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). City codes are not required. Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telecommunications systems in
Latin America. The cheapest way to phone internationally is a direct call using a phone card. Mobile phone operators use GSM 1800 networks. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.
Duty Free: Travelers to Costa Rica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 3 liters of alcohol; 500g of tobacco or 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars. Perfume for personal use is allowed provided it is a reasonable quantity.
Tourist OfficeCosta
Rica Tourism Board,
San Jose: +506 223 1733 or www.visitcostarica.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 911
Embassies
Embassy of Costa Rica,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 234 2945/6.
Embassy of Costa Rica,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7706 8844.
Embassy of Costa Rica,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 562 2855.
Consulate General of Costa Rica,
Sydney, Australia: +61 (0)2 9969 4050.
Honorary
Consulate of Costa Rica,
Johannesburg,
South Africa: +27 (0)11 486 4716.
United States Embassy, San Jose: +506 519 2000.
British Embassy, San Jose: +506 258 2025.
Canadian Embassy, San Jose (also responsible for
Australia): +506 242 4400.
South African Consulate-General, San Jose: +506 222 1470.
Mission of
Ireland to the
UN,
New York, United States: +1 212 421 6934.
