Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
south of Parque Central, particularly at night. Be advised that adjacent neighborhoods can
vary greatly in terms of safety; inquire locally before setting out.
Gridlocked traffic, gigantic potholes, noise and smog are unavoidable components of
the San José experience. Most central hotels are subject to street noise, no matter how nice
they are. Be skeptical of touts and taxi drivers who try to sell you tours or tell you that the
hotel you've booked is a crime-infested bordello. Many of these folks will say anything to
steer you to the places that pay them commissions.
EMERGENCY
Fire
( 118)
Red Cross
(Cruz Roja Costariccense;
128, in San José 2542-5000;
www.cruzroja.or.cr
; Av 8
btwn Calles 14 & 16)
Traffic Police
(Policía de Tránsito;
2222-9245, 2222-9330;
www.transito.go.cr
)
MEDICAL SERVICES
www.hospitalcima.com
; Los Laureles)
in San Rafael de Escazú, whose facilities are the most
modern in the greater San José area.
www.clinicabiblica.com
; Av 14 btwn Calles Central & 1)
The top private clinic downtown has a
24-hour emergency room; doctors speak English, French and German.
lupe)
Pricey private clinic geared toward medical-tourism patients from abroad.
Free public hospital open 24 hours; expect long waits.
