Travel Information

Some helpful tips when in and around the city

Travel Information

Some helpful tips when in and around the city

Entry Requirements

  • Though traveling to Costa Rica is generally straight-forward, we encourage all participants to verify the requirements to enter the country.
    Learn more about Entry Requirements here.

Airport Transfers

  • If you are staying at the Marriott Hacienda hotel, you will be able to benefit from the complimentary airport shuttle service. The hotel is located a mere 5km from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).

    Departures from the airport:
    every 2 hours starting at 5:30am until 9:30pm (excluding 1:30pm)

    The shuttle’s designated pick-up area is located after you exit customs, on your right, in front of the Malinche restaurant. The transportation van is identified with the hotel’s logo.

    It is also possible to arrange for a mini van pick-up for up to 7 guests at a cost of $31 USD.
    A reservation is required.

    Taxi and Uber are other available options.

Banks

  • These are the best known banks in Costa Rica: BAC San José, Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, Davivienda, Scotiabank, and Banco Popular.

  • It is recommended to use ATMs through these bank branches or from a major airport.

  • Banco Nacional offers free ATM withdrawals with a daily withdrawal limit of ₡200,000 (£310) ADD USD

Currency

  • The Costa Rican Colon (CRC) is the currency of Costa Rica. The name of Colon is derived from Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus.

  • Bills come in denominations of ¢1,000, ¢2,000, ¢5,000, ¢10,000, and ¢20,000, ¢50,000 with coins of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 Colones. You might also notice that the bills are different sizes. That is actually a unique feature that helps people who are blind differentiate between each bill.

  • Most restaurants and shops will accept credit and debit cards. Check with your bank about any possible fees associated with using your card internationally.

Sales Tax – VAT

  • The standard rate for VAT is 13%.

Tipping

  • Tipping is entirely optional, but appreciated. A 10% service charge would be the standard. Note that many restaurants in Costa Rica may automatically add 10% gratuity to the bill in addition to the 13% tax.

Climate

  • The average temperatures are between 20°C to 23°C. November also marks the tail-end of Costa Rica’s rain season, but expect showers as it is still early in the month, so be sure to bring a rain jacket!

Electricity

  • Costa Rica uses 120V AC electricity and the frequency is 60 Hz. Power outlets will most likely feature two-pronged flat sockets (type A or B).

Health Insurance

  • Health Insurance: It’s always recommended to invest in travel insurance at least two weeks prior to your trip

Hospital

Hospital Clínica Bíblica

Vaccination

  • Travelers to Costa Rica should check their local travel guidance including any vaccine recommendations.

Languages

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. However, many Costa Ricans in major cities like San José understand and speak English. Areas central to tourism in Costa Rica will likely offer literature in both Spanish and English, if not, many locals working in that industry can communicate effectively in both.

English

 

 Spanish

 
Yes Sí
No No
Hello Hola (oh-la)
Goodbye Adiós
Please Por favor
Thank you Gracias
Good morning Buenos días
Good afternoon Buenas tardes
Good evening Buenas noches
Do you speak English? Habla inglés?
My name is… Me llamo…
Where is the bathroom? Dónde está el baño?
I’m lost. Could you please help me? Estoy perdida. Me podría ayudar, por favor?