Entry requirements.

In order to enter Costa Rica as a UK National holding a Great Britain Passport, Costa Rica requires that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport, you do not need to apply for a visa to enter the country as a tourist. Once you have your tourist stamp in your passport you may stay legally within the country for 90 days and can renter the country again after being outside the country for 72 hours. Make sure you make copies of your passport and always carry a copy with you as well as copy of the entry stamp into Costa Rica. For more information please contact the Costa Rican embassy in London:

Embassy of Costa Rica in London, United Kingdom – Flat 1, 14 Lancaster Gate London W2 3LH, United Kingdom. Tel: (44 207) 706 8844. Fax: (44 207) 706 8655.

What should I pack in my suitcase?

Here are some recommendations of what to pack.

- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Light raincoat and/or umbrella
- Sweater/light jacket
- Long Pants: evenings can be chilly
- Clothing comfortable for hiking, touring, etc. (70-90 degree weather)
- Hiking shoes – Day pack (fanny or backpack)
- Your Passport
- Driver’s license
- Credit card or traveler’s checks
- English/Spanish dictionary
- A Costa Rican guidebook (Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, etc.)
- Drugstore items (toothpaste, soap, lotion, razor, etc.)
- Sandals
- Camera and film

What is driving like in Costa Rica?

If you have a driving licence from Europe you are permitted to dive in Costa Rica for 90 days. Driving is not advised in Costa Rica as the style of driving is totally different and so is the condition of the roads. Roads are not generally straight and have numerous bends and have pot holes all over. Doing 60 mph and having to stop because there is holes in the road is never pleasant. If you do decide to drive in Costa Rica please do with care and drive defensively.

Speed limits in Costa Rica are in kilometers per hour and are much slower than back in the UK, usually one can average around 40-60 mph on highways and 15-25 mph on side roads.

When traveling between destinations please leave ample time, especially when catching an international flight. Driving times from San Jose are listed below:

San Jose to Manuel Antonio: 3-4 hours
San Jose to Arenal: 3-4hours
San Jose to Tamarindo: 4-5hours
San Jose to Puerto Viejo: 3-4hours
San Jose to Monteverde: 4 hours
San Jose to Jaco: 1-2hours
San Jose to Golfito: 8 hours

Where can I take domestic flights?

There are 2 companies in Costa Rica flying all over the country and this will usually shorten travel times by some what. The 2 companies are Nature Air and Sansa – Sansa is a single prop aircraft whereas Nature Air is a Dual Turbo prop and has quicker aircraft than Sansa, also they allow you to carry 30lb’s per person rather than Sansa’s 25lb. Flights departing San Jose are listed below, you can fly from to and from these destinations:

Nature Airs destination map is linked below:

http://www.natureair.com/destinations/index.htm

What is the currency and how do exchange money?

The currency in Costa Rica is the Colone and for one british pound it is roughly 900 colones (which will buy you 2 beers). Exchange you money in the UK for Dollars and these can usually be used here in Tourist areas, however please carry some colones which can be changed at any bank.

Using Credit Cards in Costa Rica is advised in tourist areas and cities however normally there is a merchant charge for this and it is cheaper to use cash. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted while other major cards are rarely accepted.

Cashiers Cheques can be used and changed in banks but normally the exchange charge is between 2-5%.

When thinking of how much to bring think first about what you want to do, a normal breakfast will cost £1-5, lunch £2-10 and dinner £4-20, it all depends on how extravagant you want to be, but a normal daily rate for 2 people would be around £30.

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