Costa Rica: Some Interesting Facts

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day  
March 19 Feast of Saint Joseph (San Jose only, not banks)
March 24 -27 Holy Thursday -Easter Sunday
April 11 Anniversary of the Battle of Rivas (not banks)
May 1 Labor Day
May 26 Corpus Christi
July 25 Anniversary of the Annexation of Guanacaste Province
August 15 Assumption/Mothers' Day  
September 15 Independence Day
October 12 Columbus Day/Dia de la Raza  
December 8 Immaculate Conception (not banks)
December 24 Christmas Eve (not banks)
December 25 Christmas Day  
December 28-31 Christmas Holiday

Weekend- Saturday,Sunday

Health & Safety

Health-wise, Costa Rica is a safe country to visit. You’re unlikely to encounter any serious health concern but watch out for mosquitoes, as incidences of mosquito-borne diseases (malaria and dengue) are not uncommon. Tap water is safe in San Jose but avoid it when you are visiting other regions. Health-care facilities are excellent and there are several hospitals all over the country.

Tourist oriented crime is one of the dark sides of Costa Rica. As the flow of tourists increases so does the level of crime. But the level of criminal activity is more oriented towards theft and pick pocketing. Incidences of violent crimes are not common. Women travellers are subject to the usual catcalls and whistling and should not venture out alone at night.

Weights and Measures

The Metric system of measurement is in use in Costa Rica.

Customs & Duties

Personal luggage is exempt from custom duties as long as quantities of items does not indicate commercial objective. Baggage checks are compulsory. All items purchased abroad must be declared including fruits, vaccinations, meat etc. Families need only fill out a single declaration form.

Electricity

110V, 60 Hz is used in the country.

Post & Communications

Postal service is fairly reliable in Costa Rica. Custom duties are high for anything more than a letter. Postal codes are not mandatory. The telecommunications network is widespread and dependable. Costa Rica does not have long distance area codes. It’s preferable to buy phone cards, as they are more convenient. There are two types of cards – Chip and Servicio Colibri. While the former can only be used on the blue coloured phones, the latter can be used on any instrument. It’s more expensive to call from your hotel. There are Internet cafes in most cities.

Tipping

Restaurants, hotels and nightclubs charge a 10% service charge in addition to sales tax (11% - 15%). Tipping is optional and not mandatory.

English Language Media

The Tico Times and Costa Rica today are two weekly English newspapers that will keep you abreast with political news as well as cultural events.