Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Directory A-Z
PRACTICALITIES
Emergency
The local tourism board,
Instituto Costarricense de Turismo
, is located in
San José and distributes a helpful brochure with up-to-date emergency numbers for
every region. Dialing 911 will contact emergency services and an English-speaking op-
erator, though response time is slow.
DVDs
DVDs in Costa Rica are region 4.
Weights and measures
Costa Ricans use the metric system for weights, distances
and measures.
Electricity
While Costa Rica uses a 110V/60Hz power system that is compatible with
North American devices, power surges and fluctuation are frequent.
Accommodations
Accommodations come at every price and comfort level: from luxurious ecolodges and
sparkling all-inclusive resorts to backpacker palaces and spartan rooms with little more
than a bed and four cinderblock walls. The variety and number of rooms on offer means
that advance booking is not usually mandatory.
Rates provided are for the high (dry) season, generally between December and April.
Many lodges lower their prices during the low (rainy) season, from May to November.
Prices change quickly, so view prices as approximations. Expect to pay a premium during
Christmas, New Year and Easter week (Semana Santa). Prices are inclusive of tax and giv-
en in US dollars, which is the preferred currency for listing rates in Costa Rica. However,
colones are accepted everywhere and are usually exchanged at current rates without an
additional fee.
Paying with a credit card sometimes incurs additional fees. Note that many hotels charge
per person rather than per room - read rates carefully.
The term
cabina
(cabin) is a catch-all that can define a wide range of prices and amenit-
ies - from very rustic to very expensive.
