Know Before You Go COSTA RICA
Introduction The anticipation of your holiday should give you enormous pleasure. In order to ensure you are fully prepared for your next trip we have put together this document which contains essential information about the country you are soon to visit. We know that visa requirements and electrical currents are not the most scintillating of topics but we also know that being forewarned is forearmed and we would hate for you to come back from your holiday, thinking “if only Steppes had told me that!” Travelling should be inspirational but above anything else it should be fun. We hope this information takes care of the more mundane matters of planning a trip so that you can then focus on building up excitement levels pre-travel, safe in the knowledge you’ve got everything covered.
DID YOU KNOW? “There are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active. Poas Volcano has the second widest crater in the world.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long are the flights to Costa Rica? Anyone wishing to visit Costa Rica will need to fly via the US, or via Madrid. The flight to San Jose from London takes approximately 14.5 hours. Flights via the US can take a little longer allowing for immigration formalities.
What is the time Zone in Costa Rica? Costa Rica is 6 hours behind of GMT and does not observe daylight-saving time.
What is the International dialling code for Costa Rica? + 00 506.
Can I use my mobile phone in Costa Rica? Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies and coverage is generally good. We suggest checking with your network provider before travel. Please consider other guests when using your mobile phone and when in poorer areas. Phones are available at all hotels and most if not all restaurants and with calls being relatively cheap you may find local calls are complimentary.
When is the rainy season in Costa Rica? Being mainly rainforest you can expect rain at any time of the year. The green season is June to October and the months of September and October receive a great deal of rain.
Can I hire a car in Costa Rica and is this recommended? Being relatively compact travel it is easy to get around with self-drive being popular as roads are generally good and English is widely spoken.
What can I expect travelling in Costa Rica? Travelling is relatively relaxed in Costa Rica with ‘Pura Vida’ being their main focus on life. With unspoilt nature, beaches and a wealth of wildlife you can expect just that. Great care is taken over the environment in this incredible country and a good deal can be learned from them.
What clothing should I take to Costa Rica? It is always best to pack light and while casual dress has become more acceptable in recent years, Latin Americans tend to devote great care to their clothes and appearance. A laundry service is available at most if not all hotels, but when you are on the move there is not always the time for laundry and you pay a premium for same day delivery. We find that a good lightweight waterproof jacket, fleece, lightweight breathable tops and zip-off trousers work well for the different climes in the country. Aside from clothing a high factor suncream, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, photocopy of your passport and swimming costume are good things to include.
What about the altitude in Costa Rica? Costa Rica being predominantly rainforest or beach, is low altitude with the exception if you visit Poas Volcano at 2,700 metres. Arenal is set at just 1,670 metres and is presently dormant. Cerro Chirripo is the highest point in the country at 3,831 metres in a chain of mountains not usually visited by tourists.
What is the typical food and drink in Costa Rica? Costa Rica’s staples are black beans, rice, coffee, palm hearts and tamales. Seafood features highly on any menu with both oceans to choose from. Guaro is the national liquor produced from sugar cane and similar to rum.
Are there any festivals I can see during my trip, or spend time with ‘real’ locals? We should have discussed this with you and if this is of particular interest then do ask and your travel consultant can arrange this for you. Costa Rica is devoutly Catholic but you will see a variety of events during each festival from fireworks to amateurish bullfights and of course the annual oxcart festival.
Are there too many tourists, will I feel like a sheep? Tourism in Costa Rica is one of the fastest growing economic sectors so it can get busy in the main areas such as Arenal and Manuel Antonio, especially over Christmas/New Year and at peak times. However, there are many places to head off the beaten track like the Osa Peninsula or Maquenque in the north of the country and our guides will enable you to get the most out of your trip by visiting less popular places and keeping away from the crowds. Being so close to the US you can expect significant contingent of Americans also on holidays.
How much luggage can I take? International airlines mostly work on an allowance of 23kg for checked bags and 1 piece of hand luggage. We tend to suggest flights with Nature Air where possible internally as they have a better luggage allowance of 18kg plus 4kg of hand luggage. Flights with Sansa are just one piece (soft bag) up to 14kg with 4kg hand luggage. In some exceptions, excess luggage can remain in the hotel or go ahead by road at an additional cost.
Do I need any immunisations or malaria tablets? Again, the best person to speak to is your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as the advice can change and we are not medically qualified to advise. Generally the standard immunisations are required and do note that Dengue fever is also on the increase and we suggest taking the relevant precautions as this is not presently treatable.
Do most hotels have hair dryers? Most hotels supply these in the rooms, or you can ask for a ‘secadora de pelo’ at reception.
Can I use my credit card? Yes, most hotels and restaurants will accept credit cards for purchases. It is also wise to carry some cash for staff gratuities, US Dollars are gratefully received (crisp notes) in larger cities. ATM’s are in most cities.
Where can I find updates on the weather before my trip? Worldwide weather information is available: www.onlineweather.com or www.bbc.co.uk/weather
LANGUAGE We feel that it is important to try to learn the local language, even if it is only the words for hello and goodbye, not forgetting thank you. The official language is Spanish, however English is the first foreign language and Bribri is spoken by the indigenous communities and Maketelyu, creole language is spoken in Limon.
ENGLISH
SPANISH
Hello (formally to one man/woman) Good afternoon Good evening Hello (to a group or informally) How are you? Fine, thanks Very well Goodbye Please Thank you (very much) Yes/No Can I take a photo? How much is it? Do you speak English? I (don’t)understand Excuse me
Buenos dias Buenos tardes Buenos noches Hola ¿Cómo está? Bien, gracias Muy bien Adios Por favor (Muchas) Gracias Si/No ¿Puedo sacar una foto? ¿Cuánto cuesta/cuánto es? ¿Usted habla inglés? (No) entiendo Permiso
FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE In association with the 'Know Before You Go’ campaign Steppes Travel are working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Please visit the Foreign Office website for any updates: www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
VISA REQUIREMENTS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Visas are not required for British Nationals to Costa Rica for a stay up to 90 days. Entry may be refused if you are unable to prove evidence of onward, or return travel (our itinerary will be sufficient). For flights via the US you will need an ESTA visa waiver.
For your safety and peace of mind, comprehensive travel insurance is required when travelling with Steppes Travel. We suggest the specialist travel insurance brokers Campbell Irvine. To arrange cover you can speak to our specialists or call Campbell Irvine on 020 7938 1734.
Other nationals please check with the respective embassies or representatives. Please note that it remains your responsibility to organise visas when required (unless otherwise specified by your consultant) although we are more than happy to advise, help and provide the relevant supporting documentation where necessary.
If you already have travel insurance then we require confirmation that your policy provides adequate cover for the duration of your trip, covers the full value of your invoice, is sufficient for the destination(s) you are visiting and includes medical, evacuation and repatriation cover. Please send your travel consultant the insurers name, policy number and emergency contact number.
VACCINATIONS
HEALTH & SAFETY
A Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries at risk. Prophylactics are generally not suggested for those visiting Costa Rica with the exception of the area surrounding Puerto Limon. We advise you to either check online at the Fit for Travel website www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or with your local GP/ travel clinic regarding ‘boosters’ for standard immunisations such as Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Travelling with Steppes Travel is a wonderful chance to experience a stunning array of cultures, landscapes, ecosystems and activities. At the heart of this experience are the differences between our respective ways of life. You should understand that this means that standards of health and safety will not be the same as in the UK and may often be lower. Please refer to our full health and safety information on our website under Travellers Code.
Pre-existing conditions If you have specific medical requirements, please consult your doctor prior to departure to obtain adequate supplies of any necessary medication that may be required whilst on holiday. Please carry personal medication with you in your hand luggage (in line with current airline regulations), remembering to keep a copy of your prescription or the usage guidelines with you as well.
AIRPORT & FLIGHT INFORMATION • • • •
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While travelling, please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months. Have appropriate visa for your destination and transit points. Please note the date, time of your flight and also the time to arrive at the airport. Please be on time. Please advise If you have a special meal requests (fasting, vegetarian, medical, Muslim, baby food, etc…), while booking your flight or buying your ticket. Food items are not allowed to be carried in the cabin or inside the hand baggage. Please affix your name and address label on the baggage. It is also recommended to put the label in side of your checked in baggage to help us identify the bag in case the baggage tag/label attached outside is detached & lost. Please do not put valuable items such as money, jewellery, cameras and other expensive electronic items in your check-in baggage. If hand baggage is collected at the check-in counter or at the gate due to its size being above the allowed limit, the airline will not be liable for the damage and loss of valuable items in the baggage. Do not carry liquids or gels of over 100ml, toy or replica guns, razor blades, household cutlery, knives, scissors, knitting needles etc. in your hand baggage. For your own and the flight's safety and security, please do not accept any item from anyone as you will be held responsible & accountable for the contents of any of the items found in your custody.
SHELF IMPROVEMENT
ETIQUETTE & CULTURE
We have put together a small list of books that are set around Costa Rica. Both fiction and non-fiction, they will help you establish an understanding and feel for the country.
The capital San Jose adopts a more formal dress code than the surrounding countryside in Costa Rica and people tend not to wear shorts away from the beach wearing shoes rather than trainers, which are kept solely for sports.
Author
Outdoor adventure wear is perfectly acceptable but for churches you should show and dress respectfully by covering shoulders and knees. Roman Catholicism is the most popular religion in Costa Rica.
Larry Habegger and Natanya Pearlman Stephen Benz John and Harriet Halkyard Patrick Marnham Peter Moore Footprint Handbooks Les Beletsky Stiles, Gary, Skulch & Alexander Dr Alexander Skutch John Kricher
Adrian Hepworth
Title Traveler’s Tales Central America Green Dreams: Travels in Central America Ninety-Nine Days to Panama So Far from God: A Journey to Central America The Full Montezuma Costa Rica Handbook – Footprint guide Costa Rica Wildlife Guides A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica A Naturalist in Costa Rica A Neotropical Companion: An Introduction to the Animals, Plants and Ecosystems of the New World Tropics Wild Costa Rica
ELECTRICITY Electric current in Costa Rica is 120V and most four and five-star hotels provide this. Electrical outlets offer the Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades and the American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin are found.
‘Pura Vida’ is a typically Costa Rican phrase used in many scenarios and Sundays is very much a family day so practically everything closes on a Sunday. Airports, military, police and defence establishments should not be photographed and some churches and museums forbid photography. As with everywhere permission should be obtained to photograph local people. Please be aware that you are travelling in a country where services and transport structures are very different from our own western viewpoints.
CLIMATE
FOOD & DRINK
It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially when at altitude. Dehydration is also quite common and bottled water is available throughout Costa Rica. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration and this also applies when at altitude.
Costa Rica’s climate is temperate and marked by two seasons with the main rainy season being May to November and the dry the remainder of the year. The highlands are warm during the day and can be quite cool at night especially on the continental divide where the pacific winds meet the Caribbean. The Caribbean coast is slightly harder to define but it tends to rain less between March and September and the best time to visit is between December and April. Both September and October are very wet months.
We want your holiday to be unspoilt by food and drink related health problems, please… • • • •
Avoid buffets in warm climates, and stick to dishes that have been freshly cooked and served, and not left hanging around in the warm. Do not buy food from roadside stalls unless you have seen it cooked in front of you. Stick to bottled water and make sure the seal is unbroken. Make sure that all fruit and vegetables eaten raw, are washed in boiled or bottled water before eating.
MONEY The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (₡) and divide up into 100 Centimos. US Dollars are also widely accepted in most commercial establishments. ATM’s are relatively commonplace in the main cities within Costa Rica. To find the present, up to date currency rate of conversion for where you are travelling to, log on to: www.xe.com/ucc or use the XE app.
Credit cards International Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted followed by American Express. Diners Club are less commonly accepted. Before you leave home advise your credit card company that you will be heading abroad.
Tipping Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, below is a brief guideline to assist you. Restaurants Bars Hotels
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Tour guides Taxi drivers Transfer driver/guides
10% tip is customary wherever a service charge of 13% is included in the bill. Tips are generally only expected US$1 per day for cleaning staff and $0.50-$1 per bag for porters, 10% for room service if the service charge has not been added. US$8-15 per person for a day of guiding, depending upon length of tour, type of guiding etc. Tips are not generally expected unless they carry your bags, wherein $1 per person should be sufficient. US$10-15 per person per day (guides who also do the driving) plus private drivers the same – a long journey with only 1-2 passengers would warrant the higher tip.
Giving money Whilst the giving of money is a matter of personal preference or conscience, Steppes Travel feels that it is best to give a donation to a proper charitable entity, as opposed to freely giving cash to individuals.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Just because we believe travel should be of benefit to both traveller and the host country, that doesn’t mean having fun is frowned upon. On the contrary, it is positively encouraged and because you’ll feel like you’re giving something back to the local people, wildlife and environment, you’ll have even more to smile about. Our policy is that we endeavour: • •
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To work with privately owned companies and hotels rather than state owned or foreign companies in the countries that you visit. To support a number of charities which promote a wide range of education programmes together with environmental and community projects in the countries we visit. When possible, we encourage you to visit these initiatives. To encourage travellers to visit unspoilt areas of the world where low impact tourism can have a hugely beneficial effect. To take you beyond the ordinary, to local markets or community craft schemes rather than large corporation tourist shops so that your money benefits those who need it most.
Our ‘responsible policy’ is not just limited to the destinations in which we operate. Responsible practice is exercised in our office with various measures put in place aimed at reducing, re-using and recycling resources where possible.
In return we ask you: • • • •
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To be sympathetic to local customs, traditions and idiosyncrasies, which to us might seem strange. To be aware of local resources, particularly water and its purity, and treat them with care. To be generous in relation to local monetary values, but do not over tip To give money where it is needed and not to hordes of children. Handing out gifts creates an air of expectancy and exacerbates the problem. Far better to give items such as pens to teachers. To not buy goods that will have a detrimental effect on either wildlife or the environment however beautiful or plentiful they may seem. It only encourages others. You are encouraged to report back on your experience and on the behaviour and awareness of our agents and local guides on your return. Only in this way can we improve and ensure our demands are being met.
We are committed to developing our Policy of Responsible Practice even further in the future. Our aim is to continually incorporate new responsible practices into our business at all levels and encourage our suppliers to do the same.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
British High Commission British Embassy Costa Rica Edificio Centro Colon, Paseo Colon and Streets 38 and 40, San Jose Costa Rica
00506 2233 9938
ukin.costatica@fco.gov.uk
0845 8502829
www.malariahotspots.co.uk www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
The Visa Service
0870 8900185
www.cibtvisas.co.uk
Identity and Passport Service
0870 210410
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office
Heathrow Airport
0870 0002468
www.heathrowairport.com
Gatwick Airport
0870 0002468
www.gatwickairport.com
Health and Vaccinations Malaria Hotspots Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice Fit for travel
Passport and Visa requirements
Airports
Flights Airline information
www.airlinequality.com
Currency Currency converter
www.xe.com/ucc/
WHAT TO PACK You will have your own ideas from past experiences regarding your personal list of ‘utterly indispensables’ and favourite items, so the following are our suggestions to supplement your own packing list.
Important Stuff
Essentials •
Soft bag between 45-70 litres
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20-litre daypack, for keeping everyday items handy
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Field Guides/pocket language guide
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Passport and photocopy (keep photocopies separate)
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Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarised
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Itinerary & Airline reference number
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Camera, memory cards, cleaning materials, spare batteries
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Copy of insurance policy
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Diary, note pad, pens, reading material
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Credit cards/cash
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Torch with spare batteries and bulb
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Emergency contact numbers
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Waterbottle – 1 ltr
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International vaccination card where relevant (i.e Yellow Fever Certificate)
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Camera Bag
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Wash-kit
*Please keep your photocopies separate from your originals.
Clothing • • • • • • • • • •
Base-layer: T-shirts and vests Outer-layer: wind/waterproof jacket/ Mid-layer: Fleece or sweatshirt Comfortable walking boots or trainers Long trousers suitable for walking. Pockets helpful 2/3 Long-sleeved shirts Wide-brimmed sun hat Small spare towel Socks / underwear Mid –layer: Fleece or jumper Walking sandals
Medical equipment • • • • • • •
Personal medical travel kit Personal prescription medicines Insect repellent Lip salve Spare prescription glasses Contact lens & cleaners Sunscreen
USEFUL TRAVEL APPS
XE Currency Know how much you’re spending with live updates.
Google translate Translates between 64 languages, with audio too.
Evernote Food Document recipes you love as you travel.
Map My Walk Calculate your duration, distance, pace and speed.
Weather Pro
Pin Drop
Weather reports for up to two million locations.
Pin on a map to record locations you’ve discovered.
Flight Track
Travel Smart
Follow detailed paths of thousands of flights.
Access to emergency services & health advice.
Prizmo
Trip Journal
A pocket scanner for all your important documents.
Tipulator Nifty tip calculator, also helps to split bills easily.
Flashlight Simple gadget, always handy for travelling.
Virtual scrapbook, geotagging pictures & videos.
WhatsApp Messenger Free to send pictures, videos & sound clips over wifi
Viber International calls and messaging for free.
Packing Pro
Triposo
Packing suggestions based on your destination.
Pocket Wikitravel, internet connection not required.
THE STEPPES TRAVEL GROUP 51 CASTLE STREET CIRENCESTER GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL7 1QD
T +44 (0)1285 880 980 F +44 (0)1285 885 888 ENQUIRY@STEPPESTRAVEL.COM WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL.COM