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Is it safe to travel in and around the area?
Casa de KaPa will be located in a secure gated community with 24 hour security. Travel by car or on foot will present few problems as long as you remember the basics of safety the same as you would at home - don't pick up hitchhikers, don't travel with a large amount of money on your person and don't carry valuables such as large pieces of visible jewelry. Avoid large crowds as well as dark and lonely places, and deal with well-known tourism agencies instead of unknown persons. In other words, take the same precautions you would have when visiting any other country, but do not let that decrease your enjoyment of this experience.
What is the currency of Costa Rica?
Costa Rica currency is called Colones and the exchange varies similar to that of the U.S. /Canadian dollar. The *current rate is approximately 500 Colones to one U.S. dollar. *March 2007
How much can I expect to spend for meals in restaurants?
Similar to home, meals & prices will vary from restaurant to restaurant. In one of the many restaurants located only 10 minutes from Casa de KaPa, a full course steak dinner for two, including wine may run $30-40 per couple, whereas a more "casual" dinner, such as fish & chips, or burgers & fries could cost $8-10 per couple! Dinner on the beach at one of the beautiful picturesque restaurants enjoying a spectacular sunset is a delightful experience that you should not miss during your stay at Casa de KaPa!
How much should I tip?
A 10% tip in a restaurant is appropriate but most restaurants will add it to your bill so read your bill before paying a tip. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip. If you are satisfied with the service you receive, private drivers, tourist guides, maids and bell boys would be glad to receive a tip. The amount would be totally up to you.
What are the entry requirements?
All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the dates of the trip.
Visitors from the following countries are allowed to stay for 90 days without a visa:
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States and all European countries except from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Czech Republics, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Visitors from these countries are allowed to stay for 30 days without a visa:
Australia, Belice, China, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, The Philippines and Venezuela
What is the time zone in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is the same as U.S. Central Standard Time (Dallas, Texas) but does not observe daylight savings
What are the regular business hours in Costa Rica?
Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and do not close for lunch. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, Dinners and American Express being the most popular. Government offices are open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Most commercial business open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses at commercial centers from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Most restaurants open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Is there a good communication system in Costa Rica?
Direct-dial telephone service, facsimile, telex, radio and cable television are all available. Bilingual operator assistance for international calls is: 116, local information: 113, long distance information: 124. Internet cafes are available in most towns and hotels.
What taxes should I pay?
Travelers must be at the airport two hours before departure. There is a departure tax of US$26.00. There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries, and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels.
Is renting a car a good idea?
Many people love driving and visiting the country at their own pace. Car Rentals are available from the major rental companies. To rent one you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and a major credit card. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Costa Rica, most are open 24 hours. You can also arrange in advance to have the rental company meet you at the airport with your vehicle as the drive to Casa de KaPa is only a short 20 minutes away! Arrangements can be made for long term vehicle rentals at a reduced rate. Auto insurance is a MUST, which is included in your contract with the car rental because most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact your carrier. When the rented car is given to you, the contract will explain both parts responsibilities. If you are involved in a traffic accident: Do not loose your temper, do not leave the place of the accident, do not move the car, cooperate with the legal authorities, do not sign any agreements nor accept any liability, and contact your rental car company immediately.
What are the medical concerns and suggested vaccines?
Health care in Costa Rica is very good and sanitary standards are high. First class hospitals are found throughout San José and some of the other largely populated areas. Since long ago, diseases such as malaria, paludismo, and yellow fever were eradicated in Costa Rica. There are no plagues like in other countries, and no special vaccine recommendations for travelers more than the influenza and the tetanus vaccines. Hospitals and the Red Cross will provide any medical treatment in case of emergency. Many of the medical personnel in Costa Rica such as doctors & nurses hail from the United States and/or Canada!
Do I need to have any special precautions?
Please consider the following precautions during your trip, that are the same wherever you travel around the world>>>>>
Do not leave your luggage unattended at the airport or with a stranger, do not carry any stranger's luggage through customs or immigration, and always carry your money within an inside pocket or a body pouch, or money belt.
Daily spending money could be carried in your bag or front pocket. Credit cards and travelers checks are good tools when you travel. Carry a separate package with the following information: a copy of the identifying pages of your passport, the number of your credit cards, traveler checks, bank accounts, airplane tickets, and emergency phone numbers. Valuable items should be left in a safe box.
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