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Visitor Information
Getting Around
The majority of Costa Ricans do not own cars, so public transportation is quite well developed, although transport
to towns other than San José is limited. Most multi-destination trips will require backtracking into San
José and then catching another bus outward again.
The buses are not that comfortable and to the uninitiated and faint-of-heart the system can seem incredibly chaotic,
but ask any Costa Rican for advice and they'll point you in the right direction. The good news is that the fares
are generally cheap - no destination is more than 9.00 away. There are three major bus terminals in San José:
the Coca-Cola terminal is about a 20-minute walk east from the city centre, down Avenida 1; there's the understated
Atlántico Norte terminal; and the Caribe, terminal north of Avenida 13 on Calle Central.
Taxis are considered a viable form of public transportation for long journeys, and can be hired by the day, half-day
or hour. Cars and motorcycles can also be rented in San José.
Rental Cars
Daily rates range from US$25 to around US$100, depending on class of vehicle. Most agencies have weekly rates,
as well.
Agencies in Costa Rica generally do not recognize credit card insurance and will require you to buy theirs at a
cost of US$12 to US$20 per day.
Driving
Your regular license, along with your passport or Tourist Card, are all that you need to drive in the country.
Water
The water is potable in most of the country. We recommend using bottled water, specially in areas around the coast.
Credit Cards
Almost all hotels and tourist establishments take at least one type of credit card. The most widely accepted are
Visa and Mastercard. American Express is nearly as widely accepted. Most tourist oriented businesses will also
cash travelers checks. You will also find ATM machines distributed throughout the country.
Electricity
Outlets are 110 V, with standard US two prong plugs. Electricity is available in all but the most remote areas.
Many remote places not serviced by the utility company have local generators.
Health
No immunizations are required for visitors. Costa Rica is well known for providing world-class healthcare and beauty
services.
Communications
Costa Rica has satellite connections with all the Central American countries, the United States, Europe, Canada,
Mexico, South America, Asia and Africa. Apart from direct dialing, fax and telex communications to most of the
countries in the world, it has an efficient mailing system and offers several courier services.
Tourism and Embassy Contacts
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