TIME

GMT / UTC minus 6 hours

LANGUAGE

The official 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 José and resorts throughout the country have employees who also speak English. There is a large English-speaking population in the province of Limón, as well.

ELECTRICITY

110V, 60 Hz

CURRENCY & EXCHANGE RATE

The Colon (¢1.00) is the national currency of Costa Rica. The exchange rate with the US dollar can vary from day to day, but as of January 2016 the rate is ¢550.40 colones per dollar. The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere.

CREDIT CARDS

Most international credit cards, such as Visa / MasterCard / American Express / Diners Club are accepted throughout the country. Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s) are easily found in the most populated areas of Costa Rica.

TIPPING

Most restaurants include a 10% service charge on the bill. Taxi drivers generally do not receive tips. If you are satisfied with the service you’ve received, hotel maids, tour guides and drivers would appreciate a tip.

LOCATION

Costa Rica is one of the several small nations that make up Central America. The country’s borders are defined by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. This convergence of land and water makes the region a bottleneck, rich in ecological diversity.

AREA

51,100 sq. km. (19,929 sq. m.)

GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISION

Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas and San José (also the capital city).

CLIMATE

Average temperature is approximately 27º C / 80º F.

DEPARTURE TAX

US $29.00 since January 2016.