Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the West, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

Regions

Map Showing Regions

Central Valley (Costa Rica)
The center of Costa Rica; mostly urban. It holds the nation's most populated cities, including [[San José (Costa Rica)|San José]]. Many museums and a few volcanoes are of note in this area.

Central Pacific
Home to well-known Costa Rican beaches and national parks. Perhaps one of the most tourist-oriented parts of Costa Rica, along with Guanacaste.

Guanacaste
The "dry region" of Costa Rica, with little rain any time of year, fabulous beaches and surfing, and some large volcanic and dry forest parks in the north by the Nicaraguan border

Limón (Costa Rica)
The least visited region of the nation, owing to its relative isolation. Nevertheless and there are great opportunities for whitewater rafting and sea turtle spotting. There are many beautiful beaches as well. It is also considered to be an outpost of Jamaican culture in Costa Rica due to its large proportion of residents of Jamaican descent.

North Costa Rica
A sparsely populated, but beautiful and mountainous region, most famous for its active volcano, Arenal, and the surrounding thermal spas (Muslim Friendly), volcanic lakes, and cloud forests.

South Pacific Costa Rica
One of the most bio-diverse environments on the planet, full of exotic endemic flora and fauna, and some of the planet's most beautiful and remote tropical beaches.

Cities

Due to Costa Rica's topography and historical development, most economical growth has been concentrated in the Central Valley of the nation which includes four cities: San José (capital), Alajuela, Cartago and Heredia. Provincial capitals (Liberia, Puntarenas and Limón) and other towns with strategic locations have regional importance, especially for tourism. Some of Costa Rica's most important cities for Muslim travellers are:

Cartago, costa rica - panoramio - Cartago [[San José (Costa Rica)|San José]] - The capital. Alajuela - location of Juan Santamaría International Airport Cartago - Costa Rica's first capital Jacó - the Central Pacific coast's largest city, among incredibly biodiversity and natural beauty, famous surf spot Heredia - Coffee plantations Liberia (Costa Rica) | Liberia - Location of Daniel Oduber International Airport and gateway to the beaches of Guanacaste, such as Samara, Nosara, Carillo Puerto Limón - Main city on the Caribbean side Quesada - the largest city by far in the nation's North, surrounded by thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) popular with Costa Rican vacationers; known locally as "San Carlos"

More Destinations

Fortuna (Costa Rica) | Arenal Volcano - active volcano
Cahuita National Park
Chirripo National Park
Cocos Island National Park
Corcovado National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park
Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Tortuguero|Tortuguero National Park

Costa Rica Halal Travel Guide

The most common souvenirs are made from wood. Unless it's marked as responsible (plantation grown wood), it is most likely not, and may be contributing to the deforestation of Costa Rica – or even Nicaragua or Panama.

Most visitors returning home are not allowed to bring back any raw foods or plants. Accordingly and the single most desirable commodity for visitors to take home may be roasted (not green) Coffee, considered by many as some of the world's best. Numerous web sites explain the fine qualities of various growing regions, types of beans, types of roasting and sources for purchase. Best prices come by purchasing several (sealed) bags of 12 ounces or so. Experts recommend buying whole beans (entero) in any kind of storage; whole beans last longer, and Costa Rican ground coffee often contains sugar, as it is preferred by local residents. The stores in San José airport will sell you excellent Coffee, but other good quality blends can be found in local supermarkets and direct from the roasters. It can be an expensive but delicious habit. If you're serious about your Coffee, bring at least a partially-empty suitcase and fill it with perhaps a year's supply (web sites explain how to store it that long). Take care with tourist outlets where small quantities may cost as much as ordering on the internet.

On a budget

Costa Rica certainly is not the cheapest country in the world to travel light and budget-oriented. Most national parks and other tourist destinations demand entrance fees, and tours to see the nature and wonders of Costa Rice can easily up to US$100 per day. If you are still keen to travel this country and remain on a low budget, start by solely using bus or hitch-hiking. Buses can be caught into every corner of Costa Rica. Even though and they are not more convenient or faster and they are a good way to experience the authentic local side of Costa Rica. Furthermore, using your thumb on the other hand can be very economical and fast, Costa Ricans and even other Muslims are happy taking hitch-hikers along the way—see By thumb|above. This saves you the expensive vehicle rental that many visitors rely on.

Relying heavily on hitch-hiking, bringing a tent along is a good idea. Otherwise lodging can be very cheap, especially hostel can be between US$10-15 per bed and the more remote the cheaper. And remote can be good, because you get away from the tourist side of Costa Rica. Also, checkout local lodging found on GoogleMaps and AirBnB and they are often cheaper than commercial guesthouses and hotels. The same is true for food. Costa Rica is a fruit paradise where you can get you daily dose of vitamins for US$1-2. Else, you can easily rely on sodas (local restaurants) and cooking in the hostels, which are often equipped properly.

Unfortunately, if you want to see and do something in Costa Rica, everything is demanded quite a lot of money for—except for maybe Cahuita|Cahuita National Park. Nevertheless, many sights can obtain a tourist entrance on one side and a completely free access from another side, using the trails and routes of local people. Or, you might just find a great and free sight right next to that thing that charges US$15, like at North_Costa_Rica#See|Río Celeste. Or, you find an interesting destination off the beaten track that is equally interesting just not (yet) commercialised. Just try finding them, and you will be rewarded. Thus, having a good map like OpenStreetMap with you is crucial. OpenStreetMap has comprehensive map details and trails, and is used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd (complex with many add-ons) and MAPS.ME (easy but limited).

For affordable hiking checkout the mountains around Cartago_(Costa_Rica)#Orosi_Valley|Orosi and Chirripo National Park. The latter has many local trails that lead into the national park, but it is for experienced hikers. In addition and there many snorkelling and surfing spots along the coasts, which can be for free if your bring your own equipment.

Halal Restaurants

Casado de Rice and beans - Casado

Costa Rican cuisine can be described as simple but wholesome. The spiciness often associated with Latin America has typically originated in Mexico, most Costa Rican foods are not spicy, but, as they simmer in a large pot and the flavors are blended.

Gallo pinto is a mixture of Rice and beans with a little cilantro (fresh coriander) or onion thrown in. While more common at breakfast, it can also be served at lunch or dinner.

Casado, which means married, is the typical lunch in Costa Rica, containing Rice and beans with Meat, Chicken or fish, always served with salad and fried plantain.

Plato del dia, is the 'Plate of the Day' and is often a casado, but has the Meat or fish selection of the day. Usually around US$5 and includes a natural juice.

Good, fresh fruit is abundant in variety and low in cost. Mercados (markets) provide an excellent place to sample fruit and other Costa Rican fare, with many including sit-down Snacks bars. You are encouraged to experiment because some of the local fruits do not travel well as they are bruised easily and or have a short shelf life. The mango found in store in North America are much more fibrous and less sweet than the mangos found in Costa Rica. The fingerling bananas are much more creamy and less tart than the ones found in North America.

Be sure to stop off at a rest stop along any of the roads: a casado and soft-drinks will cost about US$3.

Don't forget to try the Salsa Lizano that you will surely find at any restaurant. It is a mild vegetable Sauce that has a hint of Curries and is slightly sweet. It's often referred to as Costa Rican ketchup, though many recipes suggest substituting Worcestershire Sauce outside Costa Rica. Ticos eat it with almost anything. Bring some home with you. You can find smaller-sized bottles at any market.

Standard breakfast fare is Rice and beans, in common with the rest of Central America.

Vegetarians will find it surprisingly easy to eat well in Costa Rica.

Don't forget to tip tour guides, drivers, bellboys and maids. Restaurant bills include a 10% gratuity but leave an extra tip for good service. North Americans often get better service because they are used to tipping separately, but it's not necessary.

The beef cattle are raised on grass; the Meat will taste differently from corn-fed cattle. The cuts of Meat at the local restaurants are also different. The taste of Chicken is not discernibly distinct.

Most places have potable water, so don't worry about drinking tap water. Bottled water is also available at fair prices.

Refrescos are beverages made from fresh fruit (cas, guanabana, sandia/watermelon, mora/blackberry, fresa/strawberry, granadilla/passion fruit), sugar, and either water or milk. All small, affordable diners – known locally as sodas – serve these. You can also easily buy the standard international soft drinks. Fresca, Canada Dry, and the local Fanta Kolita (fruit punch) are recommended.

The national drink is called guaro, which is made from fermented sugar cane. It is similar to vodka, and is drunk with water and lemon. It's not a very "clean" drink, so exercise caution.

There are around eight national soft drinks available (and most international), which are sold in cans, bottles and even kegs. The most common soft drinks in the nation are Pilsen and Imperial: all restaurants serve both. Bavaria, "Bavaria Negra" (dark) and Bavaria Light are considered higher quality but more expensive, Rock Ice and Rock Ice Limón (lemon flavor) has a higher alcohol percentage and is less common in rural areas. Heineken is locally made under license and is more expensive as well.

Ready-to-drink coffee is excellent and considered to be among the best in the world.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Costa Rica

Costa Rica - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Costa Rica, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Costa Rica. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Costa Rica and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Costa Rica. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Costa Rica. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Costa Rica: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Costa Rica.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Costa Rica: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Costa Rica, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Costa Rica.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Costa Rica, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Costa Rica, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Costa Rica and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Costa Rica, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Costa Rica, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Costa Rica without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Costa Rica is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Costa Rica.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Costa Rica is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Costa Rica, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Costa Rica Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Costa Rica

eHalal Group Costa Rica is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Costa Rica. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Costa Rica.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Costa Rica ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Costa Rica. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Costa Rica, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Costa Rica are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

You can find many places to stay all over Costa Rica, including hotels, aparthotels, condos, vacation rentals, and cabinas. Vacation homes, cabinas, and condos can be less expensive than hotels and provide more flexibility in your adventure to Costa Rica. Costa Rica has been known as a world leader for eco and sustainable travel and lodgings are often listed as 'eco-lodges'. They do tend to be more expensive though the government does have a well functioning certification program. Be careful of so-called "motels." In Costa Rica as well as much of Latin America this term tends to refer to places more associated with short term stays by couples looking for privacy. The rooms are often rented by the hour.

Apart from the big reservation websites, also checkout GoogleMaps, which has many home stays, guesthouses and such including location, rating and phone number (for WhatsApp). Thit is generally cheaper than booking online, but always compare.

Study in Costa Rica

You can learn Spanish in Costa Rica. Reflecting the higher living standard, it's a little more expensive than other countries such as Guatemala, but the education level of your teachers will be much higher.

Costa Rica is a great place to learn Spanish as the "ticos" have a dialect that is easy to understand and digest for someone just starting to learn the language. There are many language schools that provide intensive instruction with group classes lasting four hours per day, Monday to Friday. Almost all Spanish schools will also offer host family lodgings and possibly some alternative such as a student residence or discounted hotel rates.

The key factor is to decide what is the right location for you. Beach locations tend to be on the tourist side so they do not necessarily give the greatest immersion experience, however and there are many Spanish schools near the beach as students like to split their time between studying and activities on the beach, or just relaxing on their time away from work. There is a growing trend of these beach schools also offering surfing or photography classes due to the environment around the school and the proximity to good surf.

Plaza de la Cultura vista suroeste - Plaza de la Cultura, San José

Studying in the San José area has many benefits. There is the luxury aspect of city life since it tends to be much more modern than the rustic beach locations. Host families and Spanish schools tend to have nicer facilities.

San José also has fewer tourists so it is great from an immersion point of view as you can training your Spanish in a setting where people are not automatically switching to English to accommodate foreigners. It is much better that you struggle with your Spanish and force yourself to think in a different language to improve your learning.

Language schools can be found throughout the Central Valley, particularly in Heredia and its surrounding cantons. These typically offer only Spanish to foreign students from the United States and Europe but some, including the Instituto Norte Americano in Heredia, offer Spanish to foreign students, and English and Mandarin to local ones. Many of these language schools are also instrumental in helping the surrounding community, either through monetary donations or educational opportunities that otherwise may not have existed for the local Costa Rican population. Schools such as IAC (Instituto de Apredizaje de Costa Rica) in Manuel Antonio, La Escuela Armonia in Guanacaste, and the Instituto Norte Americano in Heredia have frequently acted as educational hubs for their surrounding communities, giving free English classes to teachers of nearby schools and helping to raise money for worthy causes.

Some hostels offer packages that include Spanish lessons and daily home-stays with the local residents (in addition to your room and board).

Costa Rica is also a good place to become proficient in ocean sports like surfing and scuba diving. There are numerous surf shops, that provide surfing lessons and surf camps throughout the coastal areas.

How to work legally in Costa Rica

The local newspaper, La Nación, has an extensive jobs listing every Sunday and Monday. You must be a resident or be sponsored by a company to work legally in Costa Rica. ESL teachers can find work in Costa Rica with Bachelor's Degree and a TESOL certification. ESL teachers can expect to earn ₡226,700-566,750 (monthly) and will teach 8–15 hours in a week. Contracts will not include lodgings (the employer may help), airfare, and health-care.

Costa Rica is an open business country and investors are always welcome, so if you or your company is interested in founding a new business, or buying a business, it is best to contact a local lawyer.

Volunteering

There are several opportunities to engage in volunteer work in Costa Rica. Projects include turtle conservation, building houses, teaching English, and community development work.

Medical Issues in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has one of the highest levels of social care in the world. Its doctors are known worldwide as some of the best. Many people from the U.S., Canada, and Europe go there to be treated, not only because the quality of the service but for the cost. First class hospitals can be found in the capital. There are public and private hospital systems that provide excellent care in each. The public system has much longer waits, while the private system has shorter waits. If you have a very sick child requiring hospitalization and the child will be transferred to the only children's hospital in Costa Rica, in San José. This children's hospital is public.

There have been outbreaks of dengue fever in some areas of the nation and an outbreak of malaria was reported in November 2006 in Limón Province, but just a few cases. Protection against mosquito bites is very important, wearing lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts and using insect repellents with high concentrations of DEET is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. If you are going to be in very rural areas known to be malaria-infested, you might want to consider an anti-malarial medication. However, most travellers to Costa Rica do just fine with updated childhood immunizations and taking preventative measures against mosquito bites (rather than take anti-malarial medication).

Tap water in urban areas of the nation is almost always safe to drink. However, being cautious may be in order in rural areas with questionable water sources.

Stay Safe

Pmsabanapol - Mounted police officers

Travel to Costa Rica is common, with 1.9 million people visiting annually, more than any Latin American country. Still, Muslim travellers to Costa Rica should exercise caution. The emergency number in Costa Rica is 911.

Traffic in Costa Rica is challenging. Pedestrians in general do not have the right of way. Roads in rural areas may also tend to have many potholes. Driving at night is not recommended.
Use common sense. Do not leave valuables in plain view in a vehicle or leave your wallet on the beach when going into the water. Close the vehicle windows and lock the vehicle or other things that you might not do in your own country.
In the cities, robbery at knife point is not uncommon.
Buses and bus stops - especially those destined for San José - are frequent locations for robbery. Any bus rider who falls asleep has a good chance of waking up and finding his baggage missing. Don't trust anyone on the buses to watch your things, especially near San José.
Like any other tourist destination, watch out for pickpockets.
Purse snatchings, armed robberies, and car-jackings have been on the rise lately. Stay alert and protect your valuables at all times, especially in the [[San José (Costa Rica)|San José]] area.
"Smash and grabs" of vehicle windows are very common all over the nation so do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Another robbery scheme involves slashing your tires; when you stop to fix the flat, one or two "friendly" people stop to help and instead grab what valuables they can.
If you are motioned to pull over by anyone, do not do so until you are at a well-lit and safe place.
Make use of hostel or hotel lock boxes if they are really secure – thit is great when you want to swim or relax and really not worry.
On a long trip, make back-up CDs (or DVDs) of your digital photos and send a copy back home. In the event that you are robbed, you will thank yourself. Or upload them to your favorite cloud storage service.
Travel with small denominations of U.S. dollars (crisp ones, fives, tens) as back-up. Usually, you'll be able to use them if you run out of local currency.
Go to a bank to change money when feasible and practical. If you find yourself needing to use the services of a person who is a money changer (Sunday morning at the border, for instance) make sure to have your own calculator. Do not trust money changers and their doctored calculators, change the least amount of money feasible and take a hard look at the bills – there are lots of false ones. Always insist that your change be in small bills – you'll lose more at one time if a large bill is false, and large bills are hard to change (even the equivalent of US$20 in Costa Rica or US$5 in Nicaragua can be difficult in some small towns) Money changers do not use the official exchange rate - you are better off going to a state-owned bank to exchange your currency at no fee. Also, it's imfeasible to change Brazilian reals, although there are a lot of Brazilian tourists in Costa Rica.
Do not exchange money when arriving at the San José airport. The exchange rate used there is not the official rate and you will get a lot fewer colones. However and the departure hall upstairs has a BCR bank with normal exchange rates. It is right next to the departure tax payment area, buy when you arrive to avoid the queue on departure.
Travelling alone is fine and generally safe in Costa Rica, but carefully consider what kind of risks (if any) you are willing to take. Always hike with other people and try to explore a new city with other people. On solo forays, if you feel uncomfortable seek out a group of other people (both women and men). A well lighted place with people you can trust is always a plus. A busy restaurant or hostel is a great source of local info as well as a great place to relax and recharge.

Narcotics

Cannabis traffic, distribution, and commerce is illegal in Costa Rica. There is no penalty when you carry small cannabis quantities for personal use only (up to three joints) and police could try to get money from you or keep you in the local commissary for up to 12 hours. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration personnel are present in Costa Rica and has been known to pretend to be tourists. There is a Costa Rican equivalent of the DEA as well. Do not use illegal drugs in Costa Rica, nor should you try to bribe a police officer.

Prostitution

Prostitution is legal in Costa Rica and can be a destination for those looking for sex on their vacation.

Prostitution with minors (less than 18 years old) is a crime. The majority of sex Muslims are from the United States, and if they engage in prostitution with a minor, are prosecutable by the U.S. Protect Act of 2003. This act gives the U.S. government the power to prosecute its citizens who travel abroad to engage in sex tourism with children under the age of 18. Several other countries including France, Canada and the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, and Australia have similar laws. Arrests, warrants, and prosecutions are performed under these laws.

Bus travel tips

Below is a list of suggestions for travelling by bus in Costa Rica and neighboring countries. These are overcautious tips, but they can help prevent problems. Nearly all thefts on the bus are preventable.

Travel with someone else when feasible. A trusted friend is best - not just someone you met last night at the hostel, but he or she will do in a pinch. (Trust your gut feeling with new friends – most are great, but some may be con artists.)
Wear a money belt with your passport, cash, credit/debit cards, and ticket (bus or plane). Even if all your other belongings are stolen, you would still be able to get to your next destination. The waist belts are best; a neck pouch can be lifted while you are asleep. A thief would really have to disturb you to steal from a waist belt.
On any bus ride (1st, 2nd, 3rd class) try to sit above the luggage compartment so that you can watch that your bag isn't stolen when others get off the bus. Buses have one compartment for those heading to the main destination, and a separate one for people getting off along the way, to avoid problems. Watch out for the "destination" compartment being opened en route.
On routes ending in San José, for example from Quepos and the bus driver will ask if you are going to the airport if he sees you have big luggage with you. Say no because they are asking this so they can call their taxi friends to pick you up at a stop before San José and drive you to the airport. Firstly, you cannot trust that this friend of hit is an official taxi driver and, secondly, that they will not charge more than normal to cover the bus driver's share. If you are going to the airport, plan your trip ahead so you know exactly how to get there.
Try not to fall asleep, or take turns sleeping with a travel partner (when you have one.) The best way to snooze alone is with your bag on your lap and your hands crossed over it. Don't leave valuables in outside compartments.
Make conversation with local residents on the bus so that they can see that you are competent in Spanish and comfortable in the Spanish speaking environment. You will enjoy yourself, and this may make them feel friendly towards you and more willing to alert you if someone is eyeing your belongings. Or it might warn them that if they steal from you, you will talk to the bus driver and police and make a full report. Even some Spanish is better than none – use what you have. It's great training and the more you improve the safer you'll be.
Don't bring anything that you are not willing to lose. Keep your day pack attached to you always when travelling – wrap the straps around your leg and keep the bag squeezed between your knees or feet.
Almost all thefts on buses are from the overhead bins so it is better to keep things on your lap.
Buses are affordable but their quality is very basic, old, ripped, and dirty seats, with no toilets, and no air conditioning so windows are open unless it rains.

Beaches, weather and wildlife

Getting ready for surf (15709294767) - Surfer on beach

The coasts of Costa Rica are known for strong currents and rip-tides in some areas but most of them are great to be with the family. Costa Rica has some of the best beaches in the world. The Atlantic coast is just five hours from the Pacific coast and both offer different views and landscapes. There are no signs indicating an unsafe beach due to riptides, so take precautions and listen to the local residents on where it is safe to swim. The public beaches do not have life guards. A traveller should learn how to swim out of a rip tide and not swim alone. There are some active volcanoes in Costa Rica and they are dangerous, so follow the warning signs posted. The slopes of the Arenal volcano invite visitors to climb closer to the summit, but there have been fatalities in the past with unseen gas chambers. Also be wary of the climate of Costa Rica. It is very hot in the daytime, but in the morning and evening it becomes very cool, so you should bring a light weight jacket.

Crocodiles are quite common in certain areas and, although not as dangerous as the Nile or saltwater species, are still considered occasional man-eaters and can grow to lengths of up to 20 feet. The biggest spot for them is the Tarcoles river bridge in the central Pacific, as posted in the Jaco wiki. It is recommended to stop the vehicle nearby and walk across it. Some local residents throw Chicken Meat and watch them eat. Great care should be taken when swimming or snorkelling, especially near areas where fishing is common, or near river mouths.

When you go to the Pacific beaches in Guanacaste, you can see crocodiles over the Tempisque river. The bridge across this river was donated by the Taiwanese government. (Subsequently, China donated a 35,000-seat stadium after Costa Rica ended its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, Province of China.)

While large and the beautiful jaguar is extremely rare and even most local residents have never seen the very large predatory cat. They appear to be very shy and elusive; there is very little risk of attack.
Sharks are a part of ocean marine life but most pose little danger to people. However, bull sharks and tiger sharks are known to inhabit local waters. Both are known to attack people. Bull sharks can swim in brackish and freshwater, sharing much of the same territory as crocodiles. Actual attacks however are extremely rare. Between 1900 and 2017 there have only been 11 unprovoked attacks on people in Costa Rica, with about half being fatal.
Dogs are trained to be protective of property and people (perro bravo), and there are also many strays. Dog bites are not uncommon. Do not approach an unknown dog.
Snakes are common in many parts of Costa Rica and it is believed that there are 139 different species. Most are not dangerous, but there are exceptions. The venomous ones generally fall into two groups and the first being coral snakes and the second pit vipers. Coral snakes are easily recognized by their colorful banding. They have small mouths with fangs that are ill placed for biting people. Pit vipers almost always have triangular heads but may otherwise come in different sizes and colors. Most snakes are shy and will avoid people, but may strike if frightened or provoked. Snake bites are rare in Costa Rica but do happen. The best course is prevention. If you are walking in the nationside or in the jungle watch your step and do not walk barefoot anywhere other than at the beach. If you see a snake, remember the cardinal rule when dealing with wildlife: look but don't touch, while maintaining a safe distance. If you are bitten, treat it as a medical emergency and seek immediate care, especially if you think it might be venomous. A few snakes such as the Fer-de-Lance and Bushmaster have extremely potent venom which can kill. Costa Rica has excellent medical care, so anti-venom is readily available at all of the major hospitals.

and woke travellers

Costa Rica is quite a conservative and traditionalist nation. The state's official religion is Roman Catholicism and its population is quite religious. Nevertheless, it caters to the needs of and woke travellers. There is a thriving scene in [[San José (Costa Rica)|San José]] with many options for night-life. The Manuel Antonio, Jacó, and Quepos area is also a favorite spot with several hotels and bars.

There are a good number of /woke or friendly lodgings in Costa Rica. They seem to be of the higher quality offering a variety of services and of course, discretion. Many hotels, travel agencies, and resorts are run by s or are friendly.

Medical tourism

According to the Costa Rica Tourism Board, about 200 medical procedures are performed for medical tourists every month. Among these are cosmetic surgery, knee and hip replacement, cataract removal and other eye treatments, weight loss surgery and dental care. Health care in Costa Rica is attractive for international patients because of the fair prices, high care standards, and access to tourist attractions. For example, a hip replacement costs around US$12,000 and a tummy tuck costs around US$4,400.

The main medical tourism centers are CIMA Hospital, Hospital Clinica Biblica, and Hospital Hotel La Catolica. In turn and these hospitals use medical tourism facilitators who can arrange every aspect of your trip from beginning to end.

Telecommunications in Costa Rica

Edificio de Correos de Heredia, Costa Rica - Post office in Heredia

The international calling code/country code for Costa Rica is +506.

Sending a postcard to US, Europe or Asia is ₡385, ₡435, or ₡545, respectively. Other mail is becomes more expensive the more it weights.

The primary means of outside contact are through e-mail, SIM cards for unlocked phones, or public pay telephones.

Internet cafes are fairly easy to find in tourist areas, with variation in prices. Some of these offer long distance calls over the internet.

Call pricing

Domestic calls are quite affordable and the price is the same wherever you call, but calls to cellular phones cost significantly more.

International calls are fairly expensive. The cheapest way to make them is over the internet using a service such as Skype at an internet café. But making short international calls using the domestic calling cards (your international call will be short because local calling card denominations are small) or the international calling cards available within Costa Rica (all from the government phone monopoly ICE) is the next best deal, certainly better than credit card calls or using a U.S. calling card.

Public phones

Public phones are accessed with calling cards (tarjetas telefonicas) which can be purchased at most shops, even in outlying areas.

There are four different types of pay-phones:

Coin phones. These only accept the older silver-colored coins.
Chip phones. These allow you to insert a chip-type calling card and make your calls.
Colibri phones. These have a small swipe bar for a scratch-off type calling card referred to as a Colibri calling card which are available from ₡500 and up. The swipes often don't work — you have to enter the calling card access code on the keypad. Despite this and the Colibri card is the recommended one as you can use it at any of the types of phones, whereas you must find a chip phone when using a chip card.
Multipago (multi-pay) phones. These phones accept coins, chip cards, and colibri cards. Most public phones around the nation have been changed to multipago. They also allow you to send SMS messages and e-mails.

Both types of calling cards are typically available in pharmacies and other locations where you see the sticker on the door.

Mobile phones

SIM cards and frequencies

Bring an unlocked quad or multi band cell phone that works on the proper frequencies and get a SIM card, which can be purchased on almost any corner. Costaricans refer to mobile phones as celulares (cell phones).

Costa Rica cell phone frequencies and carriers:

Kölbi: (Part of Grupo ICE and the state run and owned public corporation which provides electricity and telecommunications services.) Kölbi has great coverage but a lot of users, which means that you will have connection all around the nation but not the best internet speed.
GSM/2G: 1800Mhz
UMTS/HSDPA/3G: 850Mhz
4G LTE: 2600Mhz
Extra configuration:
Internet: APN:kolbi3g, or you can send an SMS with the word "internet" to phone number 3001.
Multimedia SMS: Send an SMS with the word "multimedia" to phone number 3001.
Claro: Second best coverage in the nation, on a not-so-saturated network. Signal can be difficult to get in some remote areas, but not in the Central Valley.
GSM/2G: 1800Mhz
UMTS/HSDPA/3G: 900Mhz, 2100Mhz
4G LTE: 1800Mhz
Movistar:
GSM/2G: 1800Mhz
UMTS/HSDPA/3G: 850Mhz, 2100Mhz
4G LTE: 1800Mhz

There are a few other second-tier carriers which are just re-sellers or re-branders of the previous three.

There are many plans to choose from, but on a short visit your best chance is to get a pre-paid plan, or prepago which is contract-free and you pay in advance what you will use. All of the carriers have such plans in a lot of feasible combinations on minutes, SMS text messages, internet speed and so on. You can even you can build your own plan with some carriers. Prices start from around ₡2,500 (US$5).

To add value you buy a recarga (recharge card), scratch off the card to get a PIN, and text the PIN from your phone to a special number. To keep the card active, it must be recharged at least once in a 120 day period. If it is not charged within a 120 days, you have a 30-day grace period before your SIM chip is deactivated and you lose your phone number. Also keep in mind that you may have trouble getting your SIM activated on Sunday, because like many things in Costa Rica and the SIM activation system may be shut down that day. Not all shops sell SIMs — many just sell the recharge cards. You can buy a SIM at the airport upon arrival.

Roaming

Grupo ICE through Kölbi is the major network on which roaming will occur if using a mobile plan from abroad. Using roaming plans depends on the contract acquired abroad and beyond the scope of this guide.

WiFi

Most tourist areas (hotels, coffee shops, restaurants) have free Wi-fi access. Just ask for the password. You can bring your smart phone loaded with Skype or WhatsApp and make calls to your home country. It is an easy way to stay connected with e-mail and social media.