Banks
Banks are open from 9am to 3pm

Commercial offices and stores
Commercial Offices and stores are open from 8am - 6pm

Currency, Credit Cards and Travelers Checks
Credit Cards and Travelers checks are accepted at most places. Most businesses accept U.S. dollars and some smaller business will accept local currency only (Colon). Currency can be exchanged at Banks, Hotels, Airport, and at some businesses. 

Customs: 
Customs; 500 Cigarettes are allowed upon arival. As is three liters of wine or spirits.

Electricity: 
Electricity; 110-volt AC nationwide

Emergency:
In case of emergency.. dial 911

Entry Requirements: 
Entry Requirements; Citizens from Canada, theU.S. andPanama canenter with just a tourist card and one other piece of identification (ex: passport, drivers license, or birth certificate). No passport is required. Citizens of all other countries require valid passport to enter. Visas are needed by certain nationalities (check ahead before traveling)

Events Calendar
Events Calendar, Parades, Events and festivals.

Government
Government offices are open 8am-4pm
Government of Costa Rica is Democratic, elections are held every four years.

Official Holidays
Official Holidays of Costa Rica

Languages Spoken: 
Languages Spoken; Spanish is the official language. English is spoken thoroughout tourist areas in the country.

Population: 
Just over 4 million people, 50% of which live in the Central Valley (Central Valley is 4% of the entire country)

Religion
Predominantly Catholic

Tax: 
There is a Departure Tax to depart by air (average US $26)
13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries, and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels.

Time Zone: 
Costa Rica is in the same time zone as U.S. Central Standard time but does not observe daylight savings time.

Tipping: 
10% tips at restaurants is appropriate, but most restaurants include the tip in your bill so read your bill before paying.

Water: 
The beaches are clean and unpoluted, the water is safe to drink but bottled water is recommended.

What to Wear and Bring
What to wear
Light, Casual resortwear. Cotton fabrics are best in tropical climates. Sundresses, light blouses and trousers are comfortable. good walking shoes or sneakers for exploring, and perhaps sandals for the beach.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Binoculars, Camera (a waterproof camera is a great idea), Lots of film, Insect repellent might come in handy. A lightweight poncho and umbrella (just in case).

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