GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
The airline Avianca (AV) flies via El Salvador or Bogota from the USA (Los Angeles, New York), from Cuba (Havana) and from Ecuador (Quito, Guayaquil) to Costa Rica. Direct flights from Europe with Condor (DE) and Iberia (JK). Condor flies from Berlin / Tegel, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Zurich, among others.
United Airlines (UA) flies from Zurich and Geneva via Washington-Dulles to San José.
Departure fee
US $ 29 airport tax on departure. In addition, a security fee of US $ 6 may apply. Both fees can also be paid in colones.
Transit passengers are excluded if they leave Costa Rica within 12 hours.
Arrival by car
The Panamericana runs from La Cruz on the border with Nicaragua to San José and on to Canoas on the border with Panama. Long- distance bus: Ticabus buses (Internet: www.ticabus.com/ingles.php) connect Costa Rica with Panamá, Nicaragua and El Salvador.
Arrival by ship
International ports: Limón, Moin, Puerto Caldera, Puntarenas, Golfito, Quepos. Cruise lines calling at ports in Costa Rica include: Costa, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Wind Star, Carnival, Sun, NCL, Crystal, Silversea, Royal Olympic, Regal, Seabourn, Cunard, Radisson, Hapag Lloyd and dolphin cruises.
ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
The national airline SANSA (RZ) (Internet: www.flysansa.com) connects San José with the provincial cities and villages. A shuttle bus runs between the airline’s office in San José and the airport. Several small airlines also offer domestic flights. Bookings can only be made in Costa Rica.
On the way by car / bus
The road network has a total length of 35,583 km, of which around 6500 km are asphalted, including the 653 km of the Pan-American Highway. Well-developed roads connect San José with all major cities. Long-distance bus: Almost all localities are connected to the bus network. Buses are often overcrowded, seat reservations are recommended. Numerous round trips are offered. Most of the travel guides also speak English, i. A. You will be picked up from the hotel. Information from the Tourist Office in Costa Rica (see addresses). Taxi: There are plenty of inexpensive red taxis in San José. The orange taxis only go to the airport. You should definitely agree on the fare beforehand. Rental cars: At Europcar, Hertz, Rentacar SAand local companies in San José. Documentation: international driver’s license. Minimum age: 23 years.
Speed limits:
on main roads: 88 km / h;
on secondary roads: 60 km / h.
in built-up areas: 40 km / h.
Traveling in the city
In San José there are private bus companies with two fare zones.
On the way by ship
River trips are possible on the Reventazón inland, the San Carlos, Rio Frio, San Juan, Sarapiqui, Grande de Térraba and on the Sierpe.
MONEY
Currency
1 Costa Rican Colón = 100 Céntimos. Currency abbreviation: CRC (ISO code). According to youremailverifier, there are banknotes in denominations of 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 CRC; Coins are in circulation with denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 CRC. US dollars are also accepted.
Credit cards
MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club are generally accepted, American Express less frequently. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. Attention: The acceptance of credit cards varies from region to region. Only Visa credit cards are accepted in some areas of Costa Rica. Occasionally, the query about the liquidity is disturbed, which is why payment by credit card fails. Bringing US dollars in cash is recommended in these cases.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
There are plenty of ATMs in urban areas. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted in Europe and worldwide. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted by some ATMs in Costa Rica (e.g. branches of the Banco de Costa Rica BCR), but not in shops. The maximum amount of money for a single withdrawal is currently limited to 200,000 CRC per day. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey. Paying with Maestro cards does not always work.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m. – 3 p.m. (deviations are possible).
Foreign exchange regulations
National and foreign currencies can be imported without restriction. The import and export of national and foreign currencies must be declared for amounts equivalent to US $ 10,000 or more.
Currency Exchange
Casas de Cambio (exchange offices) are widespread and offer the cheapest exchange rates. You can change euros in all major cities. Bringing US dollars in cash is recommended.
