Costa Rica

What to wear in Costa Rica

Bring loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing. T-shirts and shorts should be reserved for beaches and tourist centers. Long sleeve shirts and pants are good as protection against sun and mosquitoes, and in smaller towns where immodest attire is frowned upon. Bring a hat and pack a light jacket for occasional cool nights and early mornings, as well as for volcano trips. Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are essential, as are sunscreen, bugspray, sunglasses, and an umbrella. Sun products can be difficult to find in outlying areas, so pack sufficient supplies for your trip.

Spoken language in Costa Rica

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the tourist centers.

Electricity in Costa Rica

The standard in Costa Rica is the same as in the US, 110 volts AC/60 cycles. Three-pronged outlets, however, can be scarce, so it's helpful to bring along an adapter.

Customs information for Costa Rica visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry

As of December 1, 2002 the Costa Rican authorities are anticipating significant changes in their entrance requirements as they seek to enhance their security standards without significantly impacting the tourist trade. As a result, the following admission regulations have been instituted, although we strongly advise that you check and recheck non-passport admission policies and, at this stage, secure a passport for travel to Costa Rica even before the cut-off date of May 1, 2003.

For Costa Rican arrivals before May 1, 2003, natural born United States citizens must have a US passport valid for at least six months past the date of entrance into Costa Rica or an original or certified copy of their birth certificate plus a State Department of Motor Vehicles photo ID card. (A fee-based tourist card must be purchased upon arrival if the visitor does not have a passport.) Due to some experienced "gray areas" of interpretation by the airlines, travelers should seriously consider no longer traveling to Costa Rica without a US passport.

For Costa Rican arrivals after May 1, 2003, United States citizens must have a US passport valid for at least six months past the date of entrance into Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Customs

Visitors entering Costa Rica may bring .02 ounces (500 milligrams) of tobacco, 6.4 pints (3 liters) of wine or spirits, 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) of sweets and chocolates and the equivalent of US$100 worth of merchandise. Two cameras, six rolls of film, binoculars and electrical items, for personal use only, are also allowed.

US Customs

Upon return to the US, visitors may bring in $600 worth of merchandise without paying duty. The next $1,000 worth of merchandise is charged at 10%. Gifts of up to $50 may be sent home duty free. One quart of alcoholic beverage may be brought in duty free, as well as five cartons of cigarettes.

US Embassy

Embassy of the United States, Apartado 920-1200 Pavas, San José, Costa Rica, phone 506-220-3939, fax 506-232-7944, email hdssjo@pd.state.gov.

Advising for Costa Rica visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Sunburn and Heatstroke

The sun can be harsh, especially in summer, so sun block and a hat are essential. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

Animal Products

International laws prohibit trade in endangered wildlife, so visitors to Costa Rica should not buy any wildlife or plants. Avoid sales of any kind of sea turtle product (including jewelry), wild birds, lizards, snakes or cat skins, corals, or orchids (except those grown commercially).

Currency Exchange

Street corner foreign exchange transactions are technically illegal and risky. They are known for shortchanging people and passing counterfeit bills.

Water

Drinking water is pure and suitable for drinking throughout most of the country. However, bottled water is recommended.

Inoculation

Inoculation for yellow fever is recommended. Malaria has been eradicated but there is evidence of a resurgence, so consider bringing malaria pills for extensive stays in lowland areas.