Welcome to tips on how to enjoy Costa Rica, especially during an epidemic, wherever you are. Since our area is the Central Pacific, Jaco beach-Playa Hermosa and Los Sueños areas:
 

Things to do in your spare time?

 

1. Look for a copy OR go online for 2 Central Pacific Jaco news-ad mags: the newest one is: https://issuu.com/howler/docs/jacoemag-octuber2020 and the other one we love, made in Jaco   https://theswelldealerjaco.com/ .  (Irregular publications during the days of Covid!)

2.  Very Important: Get a copy of  your passport's photo & info page at any of Jaco's local copy stores (libreria's) in Jaco,  our favorite is in Jaco Walk, in front of Banco Bac. 

3.  Walk on the beach, both north end and south end are the best. Check out low tides!!!

4.  North end of Jaco at low tide enables you to visit Monkey Beach or on Jaco's south           end, learn to Surf or paddle board. 

5.      Watch the Sunset from Villa Caletas  

6.      Visit the Turtle Reserve in Playa Hermosa

7.      Check out the tide pools north end of Playa Hermosa

8.      Zipline in any one of the 5 local area companies

9.      Waterfall repelling

10.   Horseback riding

11.   Visit and hire guide for Carara National Park, short trails-lots of birds

12.   Visit the snake-monkey-butterfly farm in Pueblo Nuevo

13.   Take a visit to a tropical island, Isla Tortuga, combined with snorkeling

14.   Take a trip to Manuel Antonio

15.   Go fishing from the Los Suenos Marina, full or half days.

16.   Play golf at the Los Suenos 18 hole Iguana Golf Course

17.   Take the kids to Jaco’s Central Park, Johannes Danker

18.   Take the kids to the Jaco Public Library-Skate board park

19.   Go to Jaco’s Air-Conditioned movie theatre (4plex)

20.   Go on a hike to Miro’s ocean view ruins up from the gas station  

21.   Get a real massage

22.   Get your teeth cleaned from a great dentist in Jaco.

23.   Rent an all terrain vehicle

24.   Visit waterfalls in Bijagual or Ocean Ranch Park, or the secret one down Calle Hermosa!

25.   Take a yoga class, there are many all over the Central Pacific!.

26.   Visit a Gym and work-out

27.   Eat-Shop-Eat-Shop

28.   Watch Jaco's very interesting parade of characters and tourists, from the sidewalk in front of the new Public House (former owner Los Amigos),  Mono Verde, or at our two favorite Gelateria/Ice Cream Parlors: El Barco or Rebelissimo! 
 

29.   Walk around the Los Sueños Marina, checking out the views, the incredible fishing boats and yachts, visit great restaurants and one of Costa Rica's finest bakeries! 

30.  Walk around Jaco and take pictures of all the incredible Artify wall murals!  

31.  Check out the weekend events at Jaco Walk, formerly offering happy hour specials, live music, and outdoor activities. 

32.  Ask questions to an attorney regarding your future in Costa Rica!

33.  Speak to a Costa Rica real estate expert like Jeff Fisher at CR Beach Investment Real Estate, because after 26 years of living here, he is famous for brutally honest advice. Bookmark this website: www.crbeach.com  

 

9 TIPS ON HOW TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR CHILDREN INTERNATIONALLY!

By A.M. Costa Rica staff, Dec. 10, 2018, http://www.amcostarica.com/morenews5.htm

Millions travel for the holidays to spend time with family and friends, many with children. Of those travelers who responded to a recent Travel Leaders Group Travel Trends survey, 61 percent say they will fly to their holiday vacation destination in the coming weeks and 38 percent will drive. When traveling with children, there are a variety of tips that will help smooth the journey, say expert travel advisors at Travel Leaders – one of North America's largest retail travel agency brands with thousands of travel agents across the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

"Domestic and international air travel with children has grown substantially over the past few decades," said Roger E. Block, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Network. "Fortunately, advances in technology, including tablets and mobile phones, are providing greater entertainment options for kids, while on the road.  Our travel advisors spend a significant amount of time advising parents on how to integrate entertainment and activity options and many other tips to travel better with their children to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation."

9 easy-to-follow tips that will help vacationers travel better this holiday season when children are along for the journey.
Pack with a plan: Overhead space will be at a premium during the holiday travel season, especially as people bring gifts for friends and family or return home with presents they've received for their children. So, when preparing to pack your bags, it's crucial to check in advance whether your luggage meets the airline's size and weight restrictions for checked baggage and carry-ons, as well as to remember to save space for the extra items that will come home with you.

Children's liquids are an exception to the 3-ounce rule:
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows each passenger one quart-size bag of liquids and gels, including toothpaste, gel deodorant, and lotions. Each item must be 3.4 ounces or less, with medications and certain items for children being the exception. Infant formula, breast milk and juices for infants or toddlers, as well as ice packs to keep them cool, are permitted in higher, yet reasonable quantities through the security checkpoint. However, keep them separate from the items in your one-quart bag. Label medications and carry a copy of the prescription.

Bring multiple copies of important travel documents:
It's a good idea to have color photocopies and digital copies of all important identification documents, including your passport, front and back of credit cards and health insurance information for you and the children. If you're traveling internationally, consider bringing a copy of your child's immunizations. Also have extra ID photos cropped to passport size in case you have to order a replacement at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Also pack all paper copies or flash drives in a separate location for extra safe-keeping.

TSA PreCheck is free for children 12 and younger:
When traveling having expedited clearance such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry usually means you can skip the long lines at security checkpoints and not have to remove outer layers of clothing. Although Children ages 12 and under never have to remove their shoes or lightweight jackets, they also do not need their own TSA Precheck boarding pass since they can go through the TSA Precheck checkpoint with any qualifying adult with whom they are traveling. If traveling internationally, children under 18 do need to apply for their own Global Entry or Nexus status with a consenting parent or legal guardian.

Ease flight wait times:
Dress young children in comfortable clothing, even consider footie pajamas and no shoes. If your child is young enough, give your child a ride to the checkpoint and gate in a stroller. Though they will have to walk through or be carried through security, the stroller ride there helps to keep them in tow, and your stress low. You'll also save money as you can check the stroller or car seat at the gate, often bypassing the fees you'd pay at the ticket counter.

Work with a travel advisor if planning to visit a theme park:
Winter, especially the days surrounding Christmas week, is a busy time to visit any park. Bear in mind that lines are shorter first thing in the morning or late at night.

Hit the high seas for family adventure:
A cruise is a great way to vacation with family and friends without the stress of holiday meal prep, clean up and entertaining.  To feel relaxed without overexerting yourself, skip an excursion at a port or two.  If you take time to enjoy the ship while fewer people are onboard, you will avoid some of the hustle and bustle. When you do take a shore excursion, consider opting for the children to stay with the childcare service for one of your experiences. But don't leave the children out of all excursions. They will also enjoy the adventure and culture of other lands and the bonding time with Mom or Dad.

Relax at an all-inclusive resort:
Escaping the cold weather by traveling with the family to someplace warm and tropical can be a relaxing way to spend the holidays, especially when it is spent at a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort. Whether you land, the convenience and value that comes without always pulling out your wallet can make winter travel less stressful.  There are many excellent choices and a travel advisor can help you select the one that best suits your family, such as ones that offer features ranging from kids' clubs, water parks and family-themed entertainment to spas for the adults.

Road Trips with Kids:
Long road trips with children allow for many options, as well as the ubiquitous "Are we there yet?" refrain. Pack a kiddie bag that can stay within arms reach of young children who may want to grab their favorite book, electronic device, sippy cup or snack pack. Remember to also pack wet wipes and paper towels for easy clean up. Play music over the car radio that the child can enjoy as a family sing-along in addition to an option of personal music time with their own headphones or video player. Children also love the attention if a parent climbs into the back seat with them occasionally, if space allows. I Spy and tic tac toe are classic games children will enjoy. Finally, be sure to build in time to take breaks to enjoy scenic overlooks or small towns or other attractions you may pass along the way. 
 

Tourism Doesn't Come Cheap but Costa Rica Comes Awfully Close  DUE TO COVID-19 MANY EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED!

 

 

 

 

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  Introduction :: COSTA RICA
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  People and Society :: COSTA RICA
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• Population:This entry gives an estimate from the US Bureau of the Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital statistics registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past and on assumptions about future trends. The total population presents one overall measure of the potential impact of the country on the world and within its region. Note: Starting with the 1993 Factbook, demographic estimates for some countries (mostly African) have explicitly taken into account t . . . more
  
  5,097,988 (July 2020 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 123
  Nationality:This entry provides the identifying terms for citizens - noun and adjective.
  
  noun: Costa Rican(s)

  adjective: Costa Rican
  Ethnic groups:This entry provides an ordered listing of ethnic groups starting with the largest and normally includes the percent of total population.
  
  white or mestizo 83.6%, mulatto 6.7%, indigenous 2.4%, black of African descent 1.1%, other 1.1%, none 2.9%, unspecified 2.2% (2011 est.)
  Languages:This entry provides a listing of languages spoken in each country and specifies any that are official national or regional languages. When data is available, the languages spoken in each country are broken down according to the percent of the total population speaking each language as a first language. For those countries without available data, languages are listed in rank order based on prevalence, starting with the most-spoken language.
  
  Spanish (official), English
  Religions:This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza Husayn-Ali (known as Baha'u'llah) in Iran in 1852, Baha'i faith emphasizes monotheism and believes in one eternal transcendent God. Its guiding focus is to encourage the unity of all peoples on the earth so that justice and peace m . . . more
  
  Roman Catholic 71.8%, Evangelical and Pentecostal 12.3%, other Protestant 2.6%, Jehovah's Witness 0.5%, other 2.4%, none 10.4% (2016 est.)
  Demographic profile:This entry describes a country’s key demographic features and trends and how they vary among regional, ethnic, and socioeconomic sub-populations. Some of the topics addressed are population age structure, fertility, health, mortality, poverty, education, and migration.
  

  Costa Rica's political stability, high standard of living, and well-developed social benefits system set it apart from its Central American neighbors. Through the government's sustained social spending - almost 20% of GDP annually - Costa Rica has made tremendous progress toward achieving its goal of providing universal access to education, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and electricity. Since the 1970s, expansion of these services has led to a rapid decline in infant mortality, an increase in life expectancy at birth, and a sharp decrease in the birth rate. The average number of children born per women has fallen from about 7 in the 1960s to 3.5 in the early 1980s to below replacement level today. Costa Rica's poverty rate is lower than in most Latin American countries, but it has stalled at around 20% for almost two decades.

  Costa Rica is a popular regional immigration destination because of its job opportunities and social programs. Almost 9% of the population is foreign-born, with Nicaraguans comprising nearly three-quarters of the foreign population. Many Nicaraguans who perform unskilled seasonal labor enter Costa Rica illegally or overstay their visas, which continues to be a source of tension. Less than 3% of Costa Rica's population lives abroad. The overwhelming majority of expatriates have settled in the United States after completing a university degree or in order to work in a highly skilled field.

  Age structure:This entry provides the distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group as follows: 0-14 years (children), 15-24 years (early working age), 25-54 years (prime working age), 55-64 years (mature working age), 65 years and over (elderly). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older population . . . more
  
  0-14 years: 22.08% (male 575,731/female 549,802)

  15-24 years: 15.19% (male 395,202/female 379,277)

  25-54 years: 43.98% (male 1,130,387/female 1,111,791)

  55-64 years: 9.99% (male 247,267/female 261,847)

  65 years and over: 8.76% (male 205,463/female 241,221) (2020 est.)

  population pyramid: 
  Dependency ratios:Dependency ratios are a measure of the age structure of a population. They relate the number of individuals that are likely to be economically "dependent" on the support of others. Dependency ratios contrast the ratio of youths (ages 0-14) and the elderly (ages 65+) to the number of those in the working-age group (ages 15-64). Changes in the dependency ratio provide an indication of potential social support requirements resulting from changes in population age structures. As fertility leve . . . more
  
  total dependency ratio: 45.1

  youth dependency ratio: 30.2

  elderly dependency ratio: 14.9

  potential support ratio: 6.7 (2020 est.)
  Median age:This entry is the age that divides a population into two numerically equal groups; that is, half the people are younger than this age and half are older. It is a single index that summarizes the age distribution of a population. Currently, the median age ranges from a low of about 15 in Niger and Uganda to 40 or more in several European countries and Japan. See the entry for "Age structure" for the importance of a young versus an older age structure and, by implication, a low versus a high . . . more
  
  total: 32.6 years

  male: 32.1 years

  female: 33.1 years (2020 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 109
  Population growth rate:The average annual percent change in the population, resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative. The growth rate is a factor in determining how great a burden would be imposed on a country by the changing needs of its people for infrastructure (e.g., schools, hospitals, housing, roads), resources (e.g., food, water, electricity), and jobs. Rapid population growth can be seen as . . . more
  
  1.08% (2020 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 99
  Birth rate:This entry gives the average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 persons in the population at midyear; also known as crude birth rate. The birth rate is usually the dominant factor in determining the rate of population growth. It depends on both the level of fertility and the age structure of the population.
  
  14.8 births/1,000 population (2020 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 122
  Death rate:This entry gives the average annual number of deaths during a year per 1,000 population at midyear; also known as crude death rate. The death rate, while only a rough indicator of the mortality situation in a country, accurately indicates the current mortality impact on population growth. This indicator is significantly affected by age distribution, and most countries will eventually show a rise in the overall death rate, in spite of continued decline in mortality at all ages, as declining . . . more
  
  4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2020 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 198
  Net migration rate:This entry includes the figure for the difference between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering the country is referred to as net immigration (e.g., 3.56 migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country as net emigration (e.g., -9.26 migrants/1,000 population). The net migration rate indicates the contribution of migration to the overall level of population chan . . . more
  
  0.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2020 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 63
  Population distribution:This entry provides a summary description of the population dispersion within a country. While it may suggest population density, it does not provide density figures.
  
  roughly half of the nation's population resides in urban areas; the capital of San Jose is the largest city and home to approximately one-fifth of the population
  Urbanization:This entry provides two measures of the degree of urbanization of a population. The first, urban population, describes the percentage of the total population living in urban areas, as defined by the country. The second, rate of urbanization, describes the projected average rate of change of the size of the urban population over the given period of time. It is possible for a country with a 100% urban population to still display a change in the rate of urbanization (up or down). For example . . . more
  
  urban population: 80.8% of total population (2020)

  rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
  Major urban areas - population:This entry provides the population of the capital and up to six major cities defined as urban agglomerations with populations of at least 750,000 people. An urban agglomeration is defined as comprising the city or town proper and also the suburban fringe or thickly settled territory lying outside of, but adjacent to, the boundaries of the city. For smaller countries, lacking urban centers of 750,000 or more, only the population of the capital is presented.
  
  1.400 million SAN JOSE (capital) (2020)
  Sex ratio:This entry includes the number of males for each female in five age groups - at birth, under 15 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over, and for the total population. Sex ratio at birth has recently emerged as an indicator of certain kinds of sex discrimination in some countries. For instance, high sex ratios at birth in some Asian countries are now attributed to sex-selective abortion and infanticide due to a strong preference for sons. This will affect future marriage patterns and fertilit . . . more
  
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

  0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

  15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

  25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

  55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

  65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2020 est.)
  Maternal mortality rate:The maternal mortality rate (MMR) is the annual number of female deaths per 100,000 live births from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management (excluding accidental or incidental causes). The MMR includes deaths during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, for a specified year.
  
  27 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 116
  Infant mortality rate:This entry gives the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country.
  
  total: 7.5 deaths/1,000 live births

  male: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births

  female: 6.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2020 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 153
  Life expectancy at birth:This entry contains the average number of years to be lived by a group of people born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future. Life expectancy at birth is also a measure of overall quality of life in a country and summarizes the mortality at all ages. It can also be thought of as indicating the potential return on investment in human capital and is necessary for the calculation of various actuarial measures.
  
  total population: 79.2 years

  male: 76.5 years

  female: 82 years (2020 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 58
  Total fertility rate:This entry gives a figure for the average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age. The total fertility rate (TFR) is a more direct measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential for population change in the country. A rate of two children per woman is considered the replaceme . . . more
  
  1.87 children born/woman (2020 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 136
  Contraceptive prevalence rate:This field gives the percent of women of reproductive age (15-49) who are married or in union and are using, or whose sexual partner is using, a method of contraception according to the date of the most recent available data. The contraceptive prevalence rate is an indicator of health services, development, and women’s empowerment. It is also useful in understanding, past, present, and future fertility trends, especially in developing countries.
  
  77.8% (2015)
  Drinking water source:This entry provides information about access to improved or unimproved drinking water sources available to segments of the population of a country. Improved drinking water - use of any of the following sources: piped water into dwelling, yard, or plot; public tap or standpipe; tubewell or borehole; protected dug well; protected spring; or rainwater collection. Unimproved drinking water - use of any of the following sources: unprotected dug well; unprotected spring; cart with small tank or . . . more
  
  improved:

  urban: 99.6% of population

  rural: 91.9% of population

  total: 97.8% of population

  unimproved:

  urban: 0.4% of population

  rural: 8.1% of population

  total: 2.2% of population (2015 est.)
  Current Health Expenditure:Current Health Expenditure (CHE) describes the share of spending on health in each country relative to the size of its economy.  It includes expenditures corresponding to the final consumption of health care goods and services and excludes investment, exports, and intermediate consumption.  CHE shows the importance of the health sector in the economy and indicates the priority given to health in monetary terms.  Note: Current Health Expenditure replaces the former Health Expenditures field . . . more
  
  7.3% (2017)
  Physicians density:This entry gives the number of medical doctors (physicians), including generalist and specialist medical practitioners, per 1,000 of the population. Medical doctors are defined as doctors that study, diagnose, treat, and prevent illness, disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans through the application of modern medicine. They also plan, supervise, and evaluate care and treatment plans by other health care providers. The World Health Organization estimates that f . . . more
  
  1.15 physicians/1,000 population (2013)
  Hospital bed density:This entry provides the number of hospital beds per 1,000 people; it serves as a general measure of inpatient service availability. Hospital beds include inpatient beds available in public, private, general, and specialized hospitals and rehabilitation centers. In most cases, beds for both acute and chronic care are included. Because the level of inpatient services required for individual countries depends on several factors - such as demographic issues and the burden of disease - there is . . . more
  
  1.1 beds/1,000 population (2014)
  Sanitation facility access:This entry provides information about access to improved or unimproved sanitation facilities available to segments of the population of a country. Improved sanitation - use of any of the following facilities: flush or pour-flush to a piped sewer system, septic tank or pit latrine; ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrine; pit latrine with slab; or a composting toilet. Unimproved sanitation - use of any of the following facilities: flush or pour-flush not piped to a sewer system, septic tank . . . more
  
  improved:

  urban: 95.2% of population (2015 est.)

  rural: 92.3% of population (2015 est.)

  total: 94.5% of population (2015 est.)

  unimproved:

  urban: 4.8% of population (2015 est.)

  rural: 7.7% of population (2015 est.)

  total: 5.5% of population (2015 est.)
  HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:This entry gives an estimate of the percentage of adults (aged 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS. The adult prevalence rate is calculated by dividing the estimated number of adults living with HIV/AIDS at yearend by the total adult population at yearend.
  
  0.4% (2018 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 76
  HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:This entry gives an estimate of all people (adults and children) alive at yearend with HIV infection, whether or not they have developed symptoms of AIDS.
  
  15,000 (2018 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 90
  HIV/AIDS - deaths:This entry gives an estimate of the number of adults and children who died of AIDS during a given calendar year.
  
  <500 (2018 est.)
  Major infectious diseases:This entry lists major infectious diseases likely to be encountered in countries where the risk of such diseases is assessed to be very high as compared to the United States. These infectious diseases represent risks to US government personnel traveling to the specified country for a period of less than three years. The degree of risk is assessed by considering the foreign nature of these infectious diseases, their severity, and the probability of being affected by the diseases present. Th . . . more
  
  degree of risk: intermediate (2020)

  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
  Obesity - adult prevalence rate:This entry gives the percent of a country's population considered to be obese. Obesity is defined as an adult having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater to or equal to 30.0. BMI is calculated by taking a person's weight in kg and dividing it by the person's squared height in meters.
  
  25.7% (2016)

  country comparison to the world: 48
  Children under the age of 5 years underweight:This entry gives the percent of children under five considered to be underweight. Underweight means weight-for-age is approximately 2 kg below for standard at age one, 3 kg below standard for ages two and three, and 4 kg below standard for ages four and five. This statistic is an indicator of the nutritional status of a community. Children who suffer from growth retardation as a result of poor diets and/or recurrent infections tend to have a greater risk of suffering illness and death.
  
   
  Education expenditures:This entry provides the public expenditure on education as a percent of GDP.
  
  7.4% of GDP (2017)

  country comparison to the world: 10
  Literacy:This entry includes a definition of literacy and UNESCO's percentage estimates for populations aged 15 years and over, including total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of the Factbook. Info . . . more
  
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write

  total population: 97.9%

  male: 97.8%

  female: 97.9% (2018)
  School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):School life expectancy (SLE) is the total number of years of schooling (primary to tertiary) that a child can expect to receive, assuming that the probability of his or her being enrolled in school at any particular future age is equal to the current enrollment ratio at that age. Caution must be maintained when utilizing this indicator in international comparisons. For example, a year or grade completed in one country is not necessarily the same in terms of educational content or qualit . . . more
  
  total: 15 years

  male: 15 years

  female: 16 years (2016)
  Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:This entry gives the percent of the total labor force ages 15-24 unemployed during a specified year.
  
  total: 20.6%

  male: 17.6%

  female: 25.9% (2017 est.)

  country comparison to the world: 63

US Money’s Practical Check-off List for Overseas Home Purchases

The Costa Rican currency is called Colon, however the plural (colones) is usually used and pronounced "co-LO-ness"
1000 colones equals about $1.70

CENTRAL BANK Reference Rate JULY 21, 2020 BUY ₡ 573 $586 TO BUY $   Sept. 25th, 2020 BUY colones:  594c BUY u.s.d. $   606c

This means 1000 colones equals $1.68 U.S. in most banks.
or multiply the colones amount by 2 and drop the 000
thus 10,000 colones is about $20 - minus 15% when it's over 550 colones, 
so about $18  or exactly $17.45.  However today its higher than its been in years!

To convert Colones to Dollars, you lose on the exchange rate, usually by 12-13 colones, so it will cost 606 colones to exchange into 1 US dollar             

 

You will always need to bring your passport to the bank to convert U.S. dollars into Colones, even $5.

Don't even bother trying to argue, it won't do any good.

 

US dollars are accepted in most tourist places only, if $20 or less but $100 bills are not easy to cash thanks to counterfeiting.

 

Major credit cards are widely accepted, mostly VISA, then Mastercard, occasionally American Express. 

 

Alternatively, many simply use their bank debit cards. If your card says "PLUS" or "CIRRUS" on the back, your card should work fine with many of the automatic tellers in the country.

 

Major banks such as Scotiabank, Interfin, Banco Uno and others have tellers available.

 

Also, the country is dotted with "ATH" cash machines (stands for A Toda Hora or "at all hours").

 

Some people bring Travelers Checks as a protection against theft. DON'T!

Be aware, some small establishments do not accept travelers checks, so it would be wise to change them at your hotel or a bank before you go to remote places in Costa Rica.

They will charge you 1% - 3% for cashing your travelers checks.

Yes, you can drink the water in most areas of Costa Rica, and wash your produce with it, however, ITS ALWAYS A BETTER  IDEA TO BUY BOTTLED WATER.

PLEASE NOTE: Jaco's municipal water is excellent, and is continually tested, by scientists, and by yours truly, monthly.
Bottled water has similar prices to the U.S. but many people do drink the ice-tea and the fruit concentrate "naturales" that's served here, without problems.  

Final thoughts: Pure and suitable water for drinking does exist throughout Costa Rica, but don't be a cheapskate and risk jeopardizing your vacation.
Buy the bottles!

No vaccines are required to enter Costa Rica.

Among the great things about Costa Rica are the many pharmacies that do not require a prescription for most medicines.  And they will sell you a couple of pills instead of having to buy an entire box.  Some pharmacies will even give you shots. The idea is that the pharmacists are very well-trained and this service helps to take pressure off the overextended socialized Costa Rican medical system.

Yes you can buy those little blue pills without a prescription, ahem, (I've been told!)

Pets

Important health requirements for dogs and cats 

Dogs and cats entering Costa Rica must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, and endorsed by a Veterinary Service (VS) veterinarian.

The examination for the certificate must be conducted within the two weeks prior to travel to Costa Rica.

Health Certificate Statements

• The dog/cat was examined and found to be healthy and free of any clinical signs of infectious disease.
• The animal was vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus.

Vaccination Requirements

1. distemper
2. hepatitis
3. leptospirosis
4. parvovirus.
5. rabies – for animals 4 months or older

Requirements

• The examination for the certificate must be conducted within the two weeks prior to travel to Costa Rica.

• Please use a State of Federal  US Interstate and International Certificate for Small Animals.

• Enclose rabies vaccination certificate.

NOTE

• The Health Certificate does NOT need to be signed by a Notary Public, nor does it have to be authenticated by the Consulate of Costa Rica.

• Animals exported in commercial lot numbers must be accompanied by an import permit.

• Goldfish are not required to have health certificates.

GOOGLE FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFO, PLEASE!

 

Miscellaneous Tips:

These days most banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm, ALTHOUGH in some tourist areas, banks will stay open till 6:00pm, such as Banco BAC. 

Some are open on Saturdays 9-1. 

Government offices are open from 8:00am - 4:00pm

Most commercial businesses open from 9:00am until 6:00pm. Stores and other businesses at commercial centers from 10:00am to 8:00pm.

Most restaurants open from 10:00am to 11:00 pm but closed between 3-5. However most Costa Ricans eat dinner after 7:00.   Hotels and some restaurants are open 24 hours.

There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries.
ADVICE: CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR RESTAURANT CHECK ALREADY INCLUDES 13% TAX + 10% TIP (SERVICE CHARGE) ADDED (99.9% OF THEM WILL). 

MANY NEW CREDIT CARD CHARGES HAVE A LINE CALLED "PROPINA" BEFORE THE SIGNATURE SPACE. THIS IS A SNEAKY WAY TO GET FOREIGNERS TO DOUBLE TIP!  I DON'T APPRECIATE THIS AT ALL, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SERVICE IS LESS THAN SATISFACTORY..

I ALSO URGE YOU TO BE GENEROUS IN TIPPING BECAUSE MOST WORKERS ONLY EARN $1 AN HOUR, $400 A MONTH WITH TIPS.  WHENEVER YOU GET A GREAT SERVER DO TIP WELL, AND BE SURE TO TELL THEM THAT THEIR EXCELLENT SERVICE IS THE REASON.