Costa Rica General Information: 

Area - 50,895 square kilometers
Capital - San Jose (pop. 700,000)     
Population - Four million
Language - Spanish
Location - Central American between Nicaragua and Panama
Currency - Colon (Approximately $1 US = about Col520) varies daily.
Religion - More than 90 percent of Costa Ricans are Roman Catholic.

Tourist cards can be obtained in advance from any Costa Rican embassy or consulate and are valid for 30 days.

No visa is necessary for travelers from the U.S., Canada and Western Europe.

If you want to stay longer, a valid passport allows Canadians and Americans to stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of all  countries require a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. You are required to carry your passport or tourist card with you at all times. If you are stopped by officials, a photocopy with your photo, passport number and entry stamp will usually suffice.

Travelers arriving in Costa Rica can bring in 500 cigarettes or 500 grams of tobacco and three liters of wine or spirits. 

Traveling Recommendations:

1. Make a photocopy of your passport and leave the original, your airline ticket and the bulk of your money in your hotel safe.

2. Exchange your money in a major bank branch such as: Banco Nacional or Banco de Costa Rica or BAC SAN JOSE (best). If unable to do so, then second best is at the hotel (never at the airport)  and ask for part of it in small bills. Paying in Costa Rican colones can save you a lot of money.

3.  Always carry your wallet, cash and documents in your front pocket. If possible, do not wear a purse.

4.  If you are carrying a backpack make sure that you carry it in the front.

5. Don't wear anything that you are not willing to let go. Costa Rica's crime is in the rise.

6. If you are taking a taxi, use taxis that are labeled as COOPERATIVA taxis (they usually have the name of the Cooperativa in the top and a yellow triangle printed on the side of the front doors.  Always write down the license plate number before entering! 

7. Don't let valuables sit in your hotel room.

8. If you are driving in the city do not engage in conversations with pedestrians asking for support, money or food. Make sure that after 6pm you drive with your windows rolled up.

9. When going in a day trip, take an extra shirt in case your roads are blocked or traffic delays your arrival back to the hotel.

10. FINALLY and most importantly: Taste our coffee and have fun.