CANSO LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE DECEMBER 2016, COSTA RICA
PRACTICAL INFORMATION GUIDE
Area
Getting around
Costa Rica is a small country located between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America. It comprises 19,653 square miles or 50,900 km making it slightly smaller than West Virginia. The population of Costa Rica is approximately six million people.
The CANSO Latin America and Caribbean Conference will take place at the Real Intercontinental at Multiplaza Mall. This is approximately a 40 minute ride from the airport (or longer during rush hour) and costs between USD 40 – 60.
Language Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. Many Costa Ricans that work in tourism, whether as a guide, receptionist, or waiter, typically speak at least some English and can help you with your enquiries.
Currency The currency in Costa Rica is the colón (CRC). The current exchange rate is: 1 EURO = 590 CRC and 1 USD = 540 CRC. US dollars are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica at a fair rate. Larger bills such as 50s and 100s are typically not accepted in stores so it is best to bring $20 bills or less. Travellers cheques in US dollars are also accepted at many of the hotels and lodgings and most banks. You will need your passport to exchange US dollars or travellers cheques at a bank and also when paying with travellers cheques. No other currency is widely accepted. ATMs (cash machines) accept major credit cards and are available in the cities and larger towns. Be sure to have your credit card pin number available for cash advances. The airport departure tax of USD 29 (see below) must be paid in cash, either in US dollars or colones.
Taxis are readily available but sometimes expensive. It is advisable to confirm your price with the driver before you set off and to write it down. If traveling by taxi within a city, make sure that the meter in the taxi is on so there is no question about the price. If you take a taxi from the airport to your hotel or lodgings you should purchase your ticket at the airport taxi booth (located just after leaving customs and before entering the arrivals hall). Their taxis are orange and safe, reliable, and competitively priced. Buses are inexpensive but can be inconvenient. Local buses can often take much longer to reach your destination compared to taxis. Direct buses are available in designated areas at set times, typically between the larger cities, and are comfortable to travel in. You will often need a taxi to get to and from these stations however. Recommended transport company is Costa Rica Vision. A transfer can be booked through the Intercontinental concierge at salesinter@gocostaricavision.com.
Climate December is characterised by quite high temperatures, with daily highs around 27°C and some light rain. Humidity typically ranges from mildly humid to very humid in December. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, light clothes and comfortable shoes.
Electricity
Health issues
Electrical outlets are the same as USA plugs, although three prong outlets are not as prevalent. Voltage is also the same as the US, 110 Voltage AC at 60 Hertz.
Costa Rica has one of the highest standards of health care and hygiene in Latin America and the vast majority of people visiting Costa Rica do not experience any problems.
Roads and driving Road conditions in Costa Rica can be of varying quality and sometimes poorly marked. The driving can be described as aggressive and confusing at times and the rules of the road are frequently not followed.
Airport departure tax Depending on which airline you fly with you may have to pay airport departure tax ($29 USD, or the equivalent in colones). Some credit cards can also be used for this payment. If you do need to pay this because your airline does not include it in your ticket price, you will need to pay it before you check in at your airline counter. To find the airport tax collection counter, enter the departures section of the airport and turn to the right and at the far right end you will find it on your right, opposite the airline check-in counters. Be sure to first check with your airline to see if it is necessary.
There are no vaccination requirements in order to enter Costa Rica and malaria is an extremely low risk disease. It is however recommended that you discuss vaccinations and medication requirements with your doctor, including the current risk of exposure to the zika virus. Insect repellents containing Deet are recommended. The local pharmacies (farmacia) can supply medicine if required during your stay.
Safety and security Always ensure valuables are safely locked away or hidden from view and keep an eye on your luggage in exposed areas such as at the airport. Many hotels provide a lockable safe in the room or at the front desk but it is advised to carry your important documents and money with you.
Water Most accommodation providers have safe tap water you can drink but it is advised to confirm this. Bottled water is readily available throughout Costa Rica.
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