Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this blog overs a range of topics, including visa requirements, the official language spoken in Costa Rica, and important holidays celebrated throughout the year.
Whether you are planning a vacation, looking to relocate, or simply curious about the culture and lifestyle in Costa Rica, our blog provides the essential information you need.
Entrance (visa)
Germans, Austrians and Swiss can enter Costa Rica visa-free for tourist purposes for up to 90 days with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.
The Costa Rican Embassy in Berlin states that temporary passports are not accepted at this time.
German children’s passports are recognized for entry into Costa Rica, but travelers must provide a photo. Since many flights from Germany to Costa Rica connect through the USA, travelers must also follow US entry requirements.
The US Embassy in Berlin provides detailed information on these requirements. Travelers should check the embassy’s website at http://www.usembassy.de for updates. It is important to comply with all visa and travel regulations for both the USA and Costa Rica. Failing to meet these requirements could result in denied entry or travel delays. Passengers should verify their documents before traveling to avoid issues. The embassy recommends reviewing entry policies well in advance of travel dates. Travelers should stay informed about any changes to entry rules. They must carry all necessary documents, including visas if required. The embassy advises checking the latest travel advisories regularly. Following these guidelines ensures a smooth journey to Costa Rica.
Additional Information:
German citizens
Swiss nationals
Austrian citizens
Note: Tierra Verde assumes no liability for the currency or completeness of the entry requirements listed above. Only the responsible embassies and consulates of the respective countries can provide final and binding information on entry regulations.
Vaccinations
Travelers older than 9 months must have a valid yellow fever vaccination when entering from a yellow fever area, such as South America. They must carry an international vaccination certificate to prove their vaccination. The vaccination is a mandatory requirement for entry. Travelers should obtain the vaccine well before their trip to ensure compliance. Authorities will check the vaccination certificate upon entry. Failure to provide proof may result in denied entry or mandatory vaccination. The vaccination helps prevent the spread of yellow fever. Travelers should verify their vaccination status before departure.
It is advisable to carry the certificate at all times during travel. The vaccination requirement applies to all travelers coming from yellow fever regions. Following this rule helps ensure a smooth entry process into the country. Vaccine protection begins ten days after the yellow fever vaccination. Failure to comply may result in an entry ban.
Otherwise, no vaccinations are required for entry, including COVID-19 vaccinations. Tetanus and polio protections are also not mandatory. Under certain conditions, malaria prophylaxis may be recommended for travelers. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before travel. They can provide guidance based on the travel destination and health status.
Travelers should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. Following health recommendations helps prevent illness during the trip. The entry process remains straightforward without additional vaccination requirements. Travelers should stay informed about any changing health advisories before departure. Costa Rica is classified as “Zone A” with low and seasonal malaria risk by the World Health Organization.
Please ask the responsible tropical institute, your family doctor or visit the following websites:
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de, http://www.fit-for-travel.de or http://www.reisemed.at
Time Zone
GMT -6 hours. The time difference to Central European Time [CET] is minus -7 hours; European summer time [CEST]: minus -8 hours, as Costa Rica has not introduced summer time regulations.
National language
The national language is Spanish. However, English is also spoken in the tourist centers, many hotels and shops.
Nevertheless, every local is happy if the guest even tries to communicate with them in Spanish. You will be surprised at how much more helpful and friendly you are with them! Making an effort to speak the language can greatly enhance interactions and create a more positive experience during your visit. Locals appreciate the effort and are often more willing to assist and engage warmly. Learning a few basic phrases in Spanish can go a long way in fostering friendliness and connection. Embracing the local language shows respect for the culture and can lead to more memorable and enjoyable interactions.
Climate
In principle, Costa Rica can be visited all year round, with a few restrictions. There are two main seasons: the so-called rainy season (or “winter”) from May to November and the dry season (“summer”) from December to April. Even during the dry season, depending on the region you are visiting, it can rain for an hour or even for a whole day. During the rainy season you experience strong “tropical downpours” for around 2 – 3 hours in the afternoon; the rest of the day is usually sunny.
Heavier rainfall can be expected in September and October. On the Atlantic side the situation is roughly the opposite: June to October and January to March are relatively dry; In principle, the annual average precipitation in the Atlantic area of influence is significantly higher than in the Pacific area of influence. However, there are numerous exceptions to this rule, which means that a binding forecast for certain regions and seasons is not possible.
The mountainous topography and different vegetation characteristics have created numerous micro-climate zones. The cloud forest region of Monteverde, for example, is situated on the climate divide between the Atlantic and Pacific, along the Cordillera Tilaran. It is influenced by both climate zones as well as other factors such as wind and local weather patterns. This unique positioning contributes to the area’s diverse and often unpredictable weather, making it a fascinating and dynamic environment for visitors and researchers alike. Due to this complexity and variability, a definitive weather forecast cannot be provided for any specific region visited. Travelers should be prepared for changing conditions and flexible plans when exploring this area. It is advisable to check local weather updates closer to the time of travel for the most accurate information.
Means of payment and price level
Costa Rica is a relatively expensive travel destination compared to other Latin American countries, but it offers a wealth of attractions and benefits. The country’s high standard of living, social security, quality education system, excellent medical care, well-developed infrastructure, and strong environmental protection policies reflect the higher cost. These factors create a comfortable and sustainable travel experience, making Costa Rica a worthwhile destination for those seeking natural beauty, safety, and quality services. These factors contribute to a comfortable and sustainable travel experience, making Costa Rica a worthwhile destination for those seeking natural beauty, safety, and quality services. The currency is the colon. Cash can be exchanged at all banks and in many hotels.
Credit Cards
Common credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners) as well as US$ traveler’s checks are also accepted. However, many hotels charge a service fee when paying with a credit card! It is possible to withdraw cash in Colones at any time using standard international credit cards. Cash withdrawals with EC cards are possible at all ATMs marked with the “Cirrus” or “Maestro” logo. These can now be found almost everywhere in Costa Rica.
In shops and hotels, EURO cash and EURO checks are usually NOT accepted. Exchanging EURO in banks also usually involves very high commissions, and long waiting times must also be expected here.
In larger shops and in hotels and lodges you can usually also pay with US$. Please note, however, that US$100 and US$50 banknotes are often not accepted. Change is almost exclusively given in colones.
When picking up a rental car, a security deposit must be paid using a blank credit card voucher. It is NOT possible to deposit the guaranteed amount in cash or traveler’s checks; only international CREDIT cards are accepted, no DEBIT cards!
Current exchange rate (August 2023): 1 EURO corresponds to approximately 590 colones.
Voltage
The voltage is 110V; Plugs for European electrical devices only fit with an adapter (e.g. common adapters for the USA, which can be bought in many specialist shops and department stores). In remote areas, power fluctuations and outages may occur frequently.
Make a phone call
Area code for long distance calls to Costa Rica: +506 or 00506. Area code from Costa Rica to Germany: 00-49. The telephone network in Costa Rica is one of the most developed in Latin American countries; direct dialing to Germany is possible. Fax and email connections are often available in the more remote parts of the country, especially in hotels.
Mobile phones:
The Costa Rican telephone company ICE currently has roaming contracts with the following providers from German-speaking Europe: Germany: E-Plus, O2, Vodafone D2, T-Mobile; Austria: Mobilkom Austria.
Please check with your respective provider for details and rates.
Our rental car partners offer rental cell phones that can be reserved as an additional service when renting a car.
ICE sales points now offer prepaid SIM cards as “Kölbi” cards, which you can obtain by presenting the (original) passport, or you can pre-order them through Tierra Verde—details are available upon request.
Many supermarkets and other stores sell prepaid phone cards in various denominations that you can use to make calls from public phones, including abroad. These are either the so-called “Colibri” cards, where a numerical code must first be “scratched” free.
You then call a free service number, enter this code using the telephone keypad and then dial the desired number. Chip cards and telephones are also available, but the network of public card telephones is not very dense.
Public holidays (official holidays, banks and authorities closed)
- New Year’s Day January 1st
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- (Easter Monday is a normal working day)
- Remembrance Day of the Battle of Rivas – National Hero Juan Santamaria: April 11th
- Labor Day May 1st
- Day of the annexation of Guanacaste July 25th
- Feast of the Virgin of Los Angeles, the patron saint of Costa Rica, August 2nd
- Independence Day September 15th
- Day of the Discovery of America (formerly Columbus Day, today: Día de las Culturas) October 12th
- Christmas Day December 25th
Opening hours
Banks – Mon to Fri approx. 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; State banks in exceptional cases also on Saturdays. Offices usually Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Shops Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., supermarkets Mon to Sun 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
However, there are numerous exceptions to this rule; numerous supermarkets and other shops also open on Sundays and on public holidays.
Clothing
Easily washable, breathable summer clothing is sufficient all year round; Also light woolen clothes for the evenings. For the cooler months of December, January and February in the higher altitudes of the country, it is also advisable to take light transitional clothing with you.
Local cuisine – food and drink
Lunch is the main meal of the day in many Costa Rican households. Rice and beans serve as staple components that appear in various forms. A traditional breakfast dish, “Gallo Pinto,” features rice and beans, while a hearty “Casado” combines rice, beans, and meat, fish, or chicken for lunch.
Fish and steak as main dishes are also an important part of Costa Rican cuisine in all parts of the country. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available all year round.
The dishes are surprisingly mildly seasoned – even for European tastes. In many simpler restaurants you can order whole (entero) or half portions (medio) of some dishes such as “Casado” or “Arroz con Pollo”. In the menus, the tax is often not included in the price but must be added to the price mentioned The price must be added to the price.
Taxes
Currently, restaurants apply a 13% sales tax and a 10% service surcharge, which essentially include a tip in the price. If you are very satisfied with the service and food, leave a small extra tip—about 10% of the bill.
You can find numerous restaurants with international specialties in all tourist centers and the capital San Jose. From “Italian” to “Lebanese”, the entire spectrum of international cuisine is represented. Inevitably and unmistakably, fast food culture has also taken hold in recent years. In addition to the relevant international hamburger chains, organized pizza bakers and chicken roasters, there are also local variants such as Rosti-Pollos, Domino Pizza and much more.
Small Chinese restaurants are common in all parts of the country, where you can often eat good and inexpensive rice and noodle dishes.
Tasty fish dishes are often offered not only in the beach towns. In addition to many types of sea fish and seafood, there are also tasty freshwater fish such as tilapia (a type of bass).
Ice-cold (tap water) is usually served free of charge with meals. If you prefer to be careful, it is better to order bottled water “Agua embotellada”. Currently, restaurants include a 13% sales tax and a 10% service surcharge in the bill, which essentially covers the tip. If you are very satisfied with the service and food, leave a small additional tip—around 10% of the bill.
Some of the most popular flavors are: Pineapple, Mango, Watermelon, Cás, Papaya, Mora.
People
Costa Rica is a country known for its open-minded culture, where residents are warm and helpful. With patience and tolerance, it’s possible to achieve your goals more easily, and understanding the local conditions can help you find a sense of well-being during your stay here.
Crime
Crime in Costa Rica is no worse than anywhere else in the world; However, your own demeanor – especially in larger cities – should be a little more modest.
Valuables should only be carried to the extent absolutely necessary and jewelry should be avoided completely, as should belt bags that are visibly worn.
In the tourist centers, on the tourist routes and in San José there are numerous pickpockets and also organized gangs who immediately take advantage of any carelessness. Luggage should never be left unattended and loaded vehicles should only be parked in well-fenced and guarded parking spaces.
Even in daylight and when they are only a short distance from the driver, thieves do not shy away from breaking into cars – especially rental cars – within seconds and stealing luggage.
Bus travelers should keep in mind that transport companies generally do not provide compensation for lost or stolen luggage. Whenever possible, carry your luggage on the bus and keep it within sight.
Orientation in the city
Costa Rican cities are structured in a checkerboard pattern, as is common in Latin America. Avenidas run from west to east, calles (streets) from north to south. Starting from the center, there are even-numbered calls to the west and odd-numbered ones to the east. Starting from Avenida Central, there are odd-numbered avenues in the north and even-numbered ones in the south. The Avenida Central is also called “Paseo Colón” in San José. Of course, there are numerous exceptions to the rule, diagonal streets and many one-way streets. Nevertheless, orientation in San José is relatively easy.
