AIRPORT INFORMATION
International flights arrive at San José's
Juan Santamaria International airport, and Daniel Oduber
International Airport in Liberia, 217km (135mi) northwest
of San José, and near the beaches in Guanacaste,
now operates as a second-string international airport.
There are good connections to US, Canadian cities and
several European and South American countries. There
is a departure tax of around US$17 on international
flights.
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AIR CONNECTIONS
The most convenient way to reach Costa Rica is by air
Commercial international flights to Costa Rica
currently land either at the Juan Santamaría
International Airport, located ten miles from downtown
San José, or at the Daniel Oduber International
airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. Costa Rica is serviced
by numerous major carriers, with service originating
from various points in Europe, the United States, Canada,
the Caribbean and South America. Airlines with direct
flights to Costa Rica include Continental, American,
Delta, United, Iberia, KLM, British Airways, Grupo Taca,
Copa, Cubana, Avianca, and Mexicana.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Argentina, Israel, Japan,
Panama, Romania, South Korea, Uruguay, the UK and most
Western European countries do not need a visa for a
90-day stay. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Eire,
France, Sweden and most of Eastern Europe and Latin
America, can stay 30 days without a visa. If you do
need a visa, it will cost US$20 from a Costa Rican consulate.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Citizens holding valid passports from
the following countries are permitted to stay in Costa
Rica for 90 days without a visa:
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark,
Finland, France and Germany dependencies, Greece, Holland
and dependencies, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal,
Puerto Rico, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States
of America, Czech Republic and Uruguay.
Citizens holding valid passports from the following
countries are exempt from all visa requirements for
stays of 30 days in Costa Rica, though once inside the
country, they can apply for extension from the Immigration
office, for an authorized period of stay of 90 days:
Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados,
Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador,
Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland,
Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia,
Saint Kitts/Nevis, San Marino, St. Lucia, St. Vincent,
Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan,
Turkey, The Vatican, Venezuela, Estonia and Monaco.
Citizens of all countries not listed above are required
a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before
traveling.
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CUSTOM
REGULATIONS
No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which
includes a series of items for personal, professional,
non-commercial use. Costa Rican laws require checked
luggage to be screened and travelers to fill out customs
declarations declaring the value of any item in their
possession, including fruits, vegetables, meat and by-
products, biological products such as vaccinations,
serums, etc. The head of a family may make a joint declaration
for all members residing in the same household and traveling
together to Costa Rica.
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SAFETY TIPS
Here and everywhere, enjoy a safer holiday by
following these simple tips:
» |
Decide your
destination in advance and make a planned route
of travel. |
» |
Always be alert and aware
of your surroundings. |
» |
If your car is bumped from
behind, do not stop on the roadway or along
the roadside. Drive to the nearest public area
and call to 911 in search of police assistance.
If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle
while you stop at a traffic light or sign, sound
the car horn. |
» |
Do not pull over for flashing
headlights. A police vehicle and an authorized
emergency vehicle are the only ones authorized
the display of flashing, rotating red or blue
lights. |
» |
If you become lost, try
to find a public place, like a service station,
in order to read your map or ask for directions.
|
» |
If you are told that something
is wrong with your vehicle, do not stop immediately.
Drive to the nearest service station or to another
well lighted public area. |
» |
Keep doors locked and windows
shut up when driving, and mainly when the vehicle
is parked. |
» |
Goods and valuables should
be kept in the trunk, locked glove compartment,
or out of sight, whenever traveling or before
leaving the vehicle parked. |
» |
Always park in well-lit
areas. |
» |
Check the interior of your
vehicle and surrounding areas before getting
into your vehicle. |
» |
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
|
» |
If using an automatic cashier,
be sure the area is well lit. Count your money
inside your vehicle with the windows shut down.
|
» |
Do not leave the keys in
your vehicle or your car engine running when
using an automatic cashier or public telephone.
|
» |
If you suspect that you
are being followed, head immediately to the
nearest well lit public area and call the police.
|
» |
If you must carry a purse
or bag, hold it in front of you close to your
body. Be sure it is securely closed. |
» |
When encountering a threatening,
hostile individual, do not put up any resistance.
If all that person wants is your belongings,
give them up, they are not worth your life or
any serious injury. In case of emergency call
911 from any telephone. |
» |
Pay airport taxes only
at authorized places. |
» |
Taxes are $ 26 per person.
|
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HERITAGE AND CULTURE
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection
of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has
long been European, which is reflected in everything
from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture
of the country's churches and other historic buildings.
The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be
found in everything from the tortillas that make part
of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics
sold at roadside stands.
An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy
is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like
to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin
America, where military dictatorships have long dominated
politics.
They take pride in having more than one hundred years
of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without
an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money
the country saves by not expending in military issues
is invested in improving the Costa Ricans' standard
of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace
that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.
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THE TICOS
The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known,
are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy
to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated
and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake
and a smile. They are well aware of the special land
they have, and most likely they will help foreigners
when they get lost, even explaining things that might
seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as
enjoyable as possible.
People say the Ticos are their nation's greatest asset,
and once you've experienced their friendliness and spontaneity,
you'll have no doubt to that regard.
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