TRAVEL AND LIVING

Costa Rica by Air

Some 1.6 million travelled to Costa Rica last year, and a majority of them arrived by way of the two international airports, Juan Santamaria in San Jose and Danuel Oduber in Liberia.  Prices vary depending on season and departure city, but generally tickets can be acquired for anywhere from $400 to $700 from U.S. and Canadian cities.  Flight schedules vary, so check and reserve well in advance to guarantee space and preferential pricing. From the international airports you can now connect with an assortment of smaller airports where you can take small puddle jumper planes to destinations around the country.  Contact your representative at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate to assist with your flight plans for your visit to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica by Sea

Costa Rica is a popular cruise port of call.  Port facilities are improving and seaside Costa Rican towns are trying to become better equipped for visiting ships and yachts.  Contact your representative at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate if you are interested in Costa Rica resort marinas and marina facilities. Over 200 large cruise ships carrying more than 300,000 passengers docked in Costa Rica last year.  About two thirds of them came ashore in Puerto Limon on the Caribbean side and the others landed in Puntarenas. These larger cruise ships usually stop in Costa Rica as a part of a larger tour with most passengers spending a day sightseeing and then heading on to other Central American ports of call. Both Limon and Puntarenas have cruise terminals with banking, phones, Internet, information centers and craft markets for tourists to visit. Contact your representative at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate for more information on cruises that visit Costa Rica.

Costa Rica by Land

The overland route to Costa Rica from the U.S. or Canada takes you through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.  It's a long haul and the road conditions can be poor and security a concern, but the scenery and the experience are one-of-a-kind.  Anyone considering going it alone, especially women, should consider the risks and definitely try to travel with a companion if possible.  Don't drive after dark and make sure that your automobile is in good working condition at all stops.  Like you, your vehicle gets a three month visa upon entering Costa Rica.  Import duties vary depending on the year and make of your car, and if you decide to nationalize the car upon entry.  Regardless, when driving here you will need documentation for all drivers and the original title and registration documents for the car.  Our staff has taken the drive so we can discuss any and all concerns and offer advice if you are thinking about driving here.  There are definitely many things to consider, so contact your representative at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate for more information about driving to Costa Rica. 

Costa Rica Travel Docs & Immigration

Citizens of all countries require a passport to enter Costa Rica.  Children must have their own passports; they may not enter on their parents' documents.  No visas are required of citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel and South Africa.  They are allowed to stay 90 days as a tourist. In Central America, only Nicaraguans need visas to enter Costa Rica. Panamanians may stay 90 days.  All other Isthmus citizens receive initial 30-day admittances.  Your passport should have at least one month remaining validity.  That's an official requirement so be sure to verify yours prior to departure.  Computer systems at most international airports flag clients travelling to Costa Rica and require a return ticket and may very well require you to purchase one prior to departure. The much practiced perpetual tourist routine stay of 90 days and leaving for 72 hours carries risks - so beware.   In addition, a new immigration law stiffens penalties for those who violate immigration laws.  It is best to consult your representative at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate for more information about travelling and living here.

Costa Rica Residency

Regardless of the reason you are going to Costa Rica - be it retirement, business, investment or family - you can now apply for resident status while you still reside in your home country.  Since December 2005, the Government of Costa Rica has made several important changes to its immigration and residency laws. Additional changes are currently pending before the Costa Rican Assemblea Nacional. As a result of the changes brought about by the new Costa Rican Immigration Reform Law, effective August 12, 2006, when you are applying to become a legal resident of Costa Rica under the Pensionado, Rentista or Inversionista programs, you must now submit your application for residency (and supporting documentation) to the local Costa Rican consulate in your country of origin.  Although some of the filing requirements have changed, the complexity and time-consuming paperwork requirements built into the residency application process still remain in effect.  It is for that reason that it is best to consult an experienced immigration attorney if you want to apply for residency in Costa Rica.  For a list of immigration attorneys, contact your representative at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate.

Costa Rica Currency, Banks & Credit Cards

The currency in Costa Rica is called the Colon.  The Colon currency is available in bills of ¢1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000. Foreign banks have increased their hold in Costa Rica over the past few years.  Most of them have ATM machines.  Check with your home bank and make sure you have all passwords and PINs before you arrive to make sure you can use your card while you are here.  You can exchange U.S. dollars at most of the banks as it's definitely advisable to use Colones when possible. Most areas take credit cards; VISA is definitely preferred and the most widely accepted.  You'll find that many folks don't like to accept American Express and at times it's a bit difficult to get travelers checks cashed unless you are at the bank. For any questions about what you need and things to consider with currency and banking, contact your representative at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate for more information.

Costa Rica Buses & Taxis

Bus service in Costa Rica is inexpensive and quite good.  Fares are usually posted in the front window of the bus or inside right by the driver's head. The fares are very economical, but schedules may vary and/or change at any time so it is best to check in advance and verify them before you plan on travelling. In Costa Rica, taxis are red and can be found on just about every corner.  You should ask how much the fare will be prior to leaving and carry small bills because many taxis don't carry much change.  When travelling by bus and/or taxi in Costa Rica, always keep your belongings in close watch just to be safe.

Costa Rica Food & Drink

Costa Rican food is a simple but quite flavorful fusion cuisine. It combines elements of culinary traditions from Africa, Italy, France, China and Spain, flavored by traditional grains, roots, spices, oils, sauces, fresh fruit and vegetables.  Costa Rican food is mild to slightly seasoned. The most common dishes are gallo pinto, casados, ceviche, olla de carne, arroz con pollo, gallos and the fabulous dessert tres leches. Gallo pinto consists of rice and beans seasoned with coriander, onions and Worcestershire sauce usually served for breakfast with scrambled or fried eggs and a cup of agua de pipa or café con leche. Natilla is a popular accompaniment to gallo pinto. A casado, which means "marriage", consists of white rice, black or red beans served with pork, steak or chicken, a small portion of cabbage/lettuce & tomato salad and fried plantains. All is served in one dish for lunch or dinner with a fresh fruit drink or coffee. There is also a wide selection of natural refreshments from juice blends like tamarindo and mango to naturales and others like horchata and rompope. When it comes to drinking, you can try one of the national beers, Imperial, Pilsen or Bavaria.  Or if you are in the mood for something stronger try Cacique or Guaro the country's spirit.  In the countryside you'll find some homemade concoctions like Vino Coyol and Contrabando. If you have any questions about drinking, we are here to help.  We'd be more than happy to do so over a cold aguilla!  Just give us a shout at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate and we can set up a time for a drink.

Costa Rica Time & Directions

Many visitors to Costa Rica get a bit frustrated with things never starting exactly on schedule or people not arriving at an agreed upon time.  Just be patient and get in the rhythm.  You are in Costa Rica and that means Tico Time!  In Costa Rica there are no physical street addresses so if you are sending a package, you should inquire beforehand.  In addition, if you need directions they will be given with north - south type of orientations and with distances and according to popular landmarks.  This is just another thing that takes a bit of getting used to but, in time, you'll be accustomed to it.  It is advisable to consult your representative at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate for directions and/or help getting around.

Costa Rica Music

Music is an integral part of most Latin American cultures and Costa Rica is no exception. Costa Ricans enjoy Latin, American and British contemporary rock, and have a special affinity for tunes from the 70's and 80's. However, when it comes to dancing, most prefer the traditional Latin rhythms of salsa, merengue, cumbia, lambada and soca. On the weekends, discos and dance halls are packed, as the typically conservative Costa Ricans let loose and flirt wildly while dancing the night away. Costa Ricans like their Karaoke and you'll find it's a staple social activity in many rural areas.

Costa Rica Pets & Pet Culture

Pets are very welcome in Costa Rica unlike in many other counties. The procedures for bringing in pets into Costa Rica are much simpler and very well-defined. They are not very demanding except for some patience, a minimal fee and a little paperwork.

As a first step in the entire procedure, it is absolutely essential for your pet to have a physiology test to check for internal and external parasites which is normally done and confirmed by a veterinarian in the pet's hometown. It is obligatory to have your pet vaccinated against all infectious and contagious diseases like rabies (within the past year), leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus for dogs and cats; or one needs to verify what disease your pet might be vulnerable to, and make sure that it gets a bill of immaculate health from the vet. The examination report should specify the identification of your animal according to its name, breed, species, color, sex, plus the owner's name and address. You are required to send certified documents to the consulate of Costa Rica in your hometown who will arrange Certificate #10-SC, which has a validity of ten days and needs renewal. While flying it is recommended that you notify the flying authorities or the airline staff about your pet. Also make sure that your pet, if it is a dog or a cat, has an airline permitted kennel or resting place, because there are strict rules regarding the proportion of the kennel in respect to your pet. Another inspection will be conducted in the Costa Rican airport where you pet will be examined visually.  You will be charged U.S. $1 for this inspection.

If you want to bring in exotic animals like lizards, parakeets, macaws, etc. you will need specific permits from the Convention of International Species in Danger of Extinction and the Natural Resources Ministry of Costa Rica. The paperwork is a little more complicated. You need consent from Agriculture Ministry's Animal Sanitation Department of Costa Rica to have livestock enter the country. If you get to Costa Rica with all your paperwork in order, you should have no problem getting your animal accepted by the authorities.

Though the Costa Ricans adore their pets, they conceive them differently than North Americans do. Dogs are esteemed as protectors of property and people, and are not allowed inside the house. Most public transport will not allow pets, though it is expected by law that they allow pets. Some hotels do accept pets, but not all of them. There are abundant vets around Costa Rica, and those in the rural areas are more likely to specialize in livestock.

If you are taking your pets out of Costa Rica, they need an exit permit. Almost the same course of action needs to be followed, but this time it might be a little more complicated getting your pet out of the country. Upon leaving Costa Rica, you will have to fill out a form issued by the Department of Health, Costa Rica. The stricter rules should be considered seriously before one leaves for Costa Rica. The form needs much of the information that was used for bringing the pets into the country. The requirements are mentioned in the form, though the form is available only in Spanish and you cannot choose any other language. The most important point you need to remember is to enquire about the current rules and regulations regarding bringing in pets to Costa Rica, because they keep changing.

Costa Rica Calling & Communication

To dial to Costa Rica from the U.S. or Canada you need to dial 011 and then the number you are trying to reach.  When you are in Costa Rica and you want to dial the U.S. or Canada you need to dial 001 and then the number you are trying to reach.  Although many folks advertise fax machines, they are few and far between and often difficult to connect to.  While visiting you may find that your cell phone works depending on your carrier, but you can also purchase a phone card that you can use to call anywhere in the world.  They are available in most supermarkets.  If you are doing research and/or are on the Internet emailing folks in Costa Rica, you may find that you might not get a response; many folks may advertise an email address, but do not check it on a regular basis.  So it is best to follow up with a phone call or have your Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate representative help with coordinating things here in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Emergency Contacts

.       For emergencies dial 911

.       For an ambulance dial 2233-7033

.       For information dial 113

.       For the US Embassy dial 2220-3127

.       For the Canadian Embassy dial 2242-4400

.       For Police go by the local Police Station in your area

.       For Auto Accidents call the Transit Police at 800-872-6748

If you find yourself in a difficult situation, please contact us at Coldwell Banker Peninsula Trading Company Costa Rica Real Estate and we'd be more than happy to assist you.

Costa Rica Living

Living in Costa Rica, whether full or part time, is an exciting and wonderful experience. National Geographic describes Costa Rica as "the most biologically intense place on Earth." The scenery and wildlife here is simply unparalleled.

Costa Rica is the oldest and most stable democracy in Latin America, which makes living abroad in Costa Rica safe. Above you will find information regarding Costa Rica immigration and residency requirements.

If you have additional questions about residency in Costa Rica, please let us know.