{"id":3778,"date":"2018-03-19T17:08:26","date_gmt":"2018-03-19T21:08:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.explorica.ca\/blog\/?p=3778"},"modified":"2018-04-16T13:28:26","modified_gmt":"2018-04-16T17:28:26","slug":"costa-rica-destination-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.explorica.ca\/blog\/costa-rica-destination-tips","title":{"rendered":"What to know before you go: Costa Rica"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re planning on travelling to beautiful Costa Rica, you\u2019re in for a real treat: The climate is tropical, the people are friendly to tourists, and it makes for an excellent getaway.<\/span><\/p>\n

In order to truly make the most of your trip, though, it\u2019s best to be prepared. Knowing what to expect in Costa Rica can help you avoid some of the little stresses that go along with travel and spend more time on what you came for: life-changing experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are more tips for making sure you\u2019re ready for your trip to Costa Rica:<\/span><\/p>\n

What do I need to know about Costa Rica? <\/b><\/h3>\n

Official name: <\/b>Republic of Costa Rica<\/span><\/p>\n

Capital: <\/b>San Jos\u00e9<\/span><\/p>\n

Languages:<\/b> Spanish, Limonese Creole<\/span><\/p>\n

Religion:<\/b> 70.5% Roman Catholic<\/span><\/p>\n

President:<\/b> Luis Guillermo Sol\u00eds Rivera<\/span><\/p>\n

Time zone: <\/b>Central Standard Time<\/span><\/p>\n

What do I need to know about Costa Rican culture?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Language: <\/b>In terms of a language barrier, Costa Rica is a win for all travellers: If you speak Spanish or are learning it, you\u2019ll have plenty of opportunity to practice. However, if you don\u2019t know the language at all, you\u2019ll get by using English in popular tourist destinations. Of course, it never hurts to know a few simple Spanish <\/span>phrases<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Etiquette: <\/b>Pura vida \u2014 meaning \u201cpure life\u201d \u2014 is a phrase to know in Costa Rica: It\u2019s used as a greeting and is a way of life for locals, who are friendly, casual, and non-confrontational. Casual dress is expected, though be mindful if you visit a church. A kiss on the cheek is a common form of greeting, while a handshake is used in more formal situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Holidays: <\/b>If your trip happens to fall during a holiday, this can be an excellent way to interact with locals during your free time, though it may affect business hours for shops and sites. Check out a<\/span> calendar of Costa Rican holidays<\/span><\/a> to see if any of them overlap with your trip dates.<\/span><\/p>\n

What about health and safety?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Safety: <\/b>As of this post, the Government of Canada has <\/span>listed<\/span><\/a> Costa Rica as a country where you should “exercise a high degree of caution.” Be sure to keep an eye on your luggage and wallet, and stay with your group if you\u2019re with a tour.<\/span><\/p>\n

Health:<\/b> You do not need to have any vaccines to travel to Costa Rica, and the tap water is safe to drink. Remember to bring sunscreen and bug repellant. <\/span><\/p>\n

Weather: <\/b>Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so it can be warm and rainy. Check out the <\/span>weather<\/span><\/a> before you go, and prepare with clothes for warmer weather and rain, and clothes that you don\u2019t mind getting dirty for activities like hikes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Food: <\/b>Costa Rican food is heavy on rice and beans, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Potatoes and corn are also staples, with pork and beef the most common meats. Vegetarians will not have much difficulty finding something to eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I use my phone in Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h3>\n

International calling and WiFi: <\/b>The number to call for emergency services is 911, same as Canada. To call Canada from Costa Rica, dial 001 and then the number, starting with the area code. Most hotels will offer WiFi, but many areas, like beaches and jungles, do not have the internet access you might be used to at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

For information on how international calling works for your cellular provider, contact them directly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adaptors: <\/b>Costa Rica uses the same plugs as Canada, so you do NOT need to bring a travel adaptor.<\/span><\/p>\n

What do I need to get in, out, and around Costa Rica? <\/b><\/h3>\n

Passport and visa: <\/b>Your passport must be <\/span>valid<\/span><\/a> for the length of your stay in Costa Rica. Visas are not required if you are staying for less than 90 days. There is an exit fee of $29 to leave the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

Customs: <\/b>Don\u2019t try to bring any raw beans, or fruits or vegetables back into Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n

Money: <\/b>Costa Rica uses the col\u00f3n, though U.S. dollars are generally accepted throughout the country. For smaller vendors, however, colones may be necessary. <\/span><\/p>\n

Check out the <\/span>exchange rate<\/span><\/a> for Canadian dollars to colones before you go, and if you decide to change money, make sure the rate is favourable. Usually, the airport currency exchange will not offer you the best rate, and you\u2019re best off using a debit card at an ATM or using Canadian currency during your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Packing essentials for Costa Rica<\/b><\/h3>\n