{"id":560,"date":"2018-04-26T20:38:58","date_gmt":"2018-04-26T20:38:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/?page_id=560"},"modified":"2018-04-26T20:49:05","modified_gmt":"2018-04-26T20:49:05","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/index.php\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFrequently Asked Questions About Costa Rica\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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1. Are there any visa and\/or passport requirements to travel to Costa Rica?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Every visitor must present a valid passport to enter Costa Rica and visas are needed by
\nindividuals of certain nationalities so check with your local Costa Rican consulate before
\ntraveling.<\/div>\n
No visa is necessary for citizens of the USA , Canada , or Western Europe. When traveling
\nwith a passport, US, Canadian and most Latin American and European citizens may remain
\nin Costa Rica for a total period of 90 continuous days.<\/div>\n

2. When is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Any time except the week of Good Friday (Easter weekend) or Christmas week. These
\nare major holidays for Ticos, so everything is crowded, transportation is hectic, and many
\nshops and restaurants are closed.<\/div>\n

3. When is rainy season?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Rainy season, euphemistically called \"Green Season by the travel industry, usually starts in
\nMay and lasts through November. October and November witness the real downfalls, but
\nMay and June are sometimes quite pleasant, and air fare and beach resorts are cheaper. June
\noften sees veranito, a \"little summer\" of several weeks with little or no rain.<\/div>\n
Even when it does rain, you can usually manage to schedule your day the typical afternoon
\nshowers. Rain forest, cloud forest and white water rafting tours live up to their names in
\nrainy season.<\/div>\n

4. How safe is Costa Rica?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Costa Rica has a democratic tradition and extensive tourist facilities. Like any destination,
\nhowever, Costa Rica has its share of crime, especially in the larger cities.<\/div>\n
Pickpocketing is a particular concern for travelers, especially in crowded airports and
\nvisitor sites. Be aware of your valuables and avoid carrying large amounts of cash, jewelry
\nor other expensive items. Check out the US State Department travel advisories for the latest
\ninformation at: Costa Rica Country Specific Information<\/div>\n

5. What time zone is Costa Rica?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Costa Rica is six hours behind GMT (same as CST). They do not observe daylight-savings
\ntime so during these months (April-October), Costa Rica is on MST.<\/p>\n

6. What is the local currency, exchange rate, etc.?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The local currency is the colon. Most restaurants, markets, and other service providers
\nreadily accept US dollars as long as they don't have any rips. They will generally give you
\nchange in local currency.<\/p>\n

7. Should I bring cash or Traveler's checks? Are ATMs available? Can I use<\/strong><\/em>
\ncredit cards?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Most travelers bring a small amount of US cash with them and withdraw from ATMs as
\nthey need it along they way. ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities.
\nTravelers can withdraw US dollars or local currency at fair exchange rates. Traveler's
\nchecks are fine, but they can be more difficult to exchange and you will usually receive a
\npoorer rate or be charged an additional fee.<\/p>\n

Visa and Master Card are the most common credit cards in Costa Rica, accepted at
\nmost hotels, gas stations, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Asides from the convenience
\nand safety, you will get a better exchange rate with the use of your credit card. We do
\nrecommend bringing cash in small denomination bills for tips and other light expenses.
\nYou can exchange dollars to colones at any hotel, bank, or at the airport. Traveler checks
\nare also widely accepted.<\/p>\n

8. What type of food is typical of Costa Rica?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Rice, beans, tortillas, chicken, beef, fish, tropical fruit, and fresh vegetables are some of
\nthe standard foods that travelers can expect in Costa Rica. International specialties are also
\nwidely available.<\/p>\n

9. Is the water safe to drink?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The tap water is generally safe to drink in San Jose and other major towns. To be sure, ask
\nyour tour leader or the hotel\/ restaurant staff. Bottled water is readily available as well and
\nshould be used in remote rural areas.<\/p>\n

10. What should I bring? What clothes should I pack?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Pack light! Baggage carts are scarce at airports, and luggage restrictions are tight. Bring<\/p>\n

comfortable, hand-washable clothing. T-shirts and shorts are acceptable during the day.
\nAt least one pair of slacks and dress shoes for dinnertime is highly recommended since
\nsome restaurants won't admit you in shorts or sandals. Loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts and
\npants are recommended if you take any day trips out to smaller towns, where immodest
\nattire may be frowned upon. Bring a large hat to block the sun from your face and neck.
\nPack a light sweater or jacket for San Jos\u00e9's cool nights and early mornings and for trips
\nto volcanoes. Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are essential if you plan to do a lot of
\nsightseeing and hiking. Waterproof hiking sandals or other footwear that lets your feet
\nbreathe are good for strolling about town, beach walking, fording streams, and navigating
\nthe myriad mud spots you'll find on rain and cloud forest trails.<\/p>\n

Baggage Weight Limits: There is a limit of 27-30 pounds per person for in-country local
\nflights. This maximum weight allowance includes photographic\/video equipment and carry-
\non bags so please pack lightly. You must also keep in mind that the luggage compartments
\nare not pressurized. We highly recommend using duffel bags rather than hard suit cases.
\nYou must arrive no later than 45 minutes before the scheduled departure.<\/p>\n

11. Do I need to speak Spanish?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, as long as you stick to the main hotels and resorts. However, a little Spanish goes a
\nlong way.<\/p>\n

12. Safety tips for the streets<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Do not wander around alone at night in San Jose. Even brightly lit streets can be dangerous.
\nKeep your wallet in a front pocket. Don't take more cash with you than you plan to spend
\n(use your hotel safe).<\/p>\n

Leave your Rolex or Movado at home. Bring a cheap watch, or buy one on the street. Make
\na photocopy of your passport and carry it with you<\/p>\n

In outdoor cafes, do not leave bags or purses draped over a railing near the street, nor on the
\nfloor near a door. Don't leave anything of value unguarded on a beach.<\/p>\n

Never leave your car unguarded when it contains anything of value, especially to take a few
\nquick pictures or run into a store for a bottle of water. Break-in thefts abound in tourists
\nareas, even outside the nicest hotels<\/p>\n

13. Do I need an international drivers license to drive a car in Costa Rica?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No. An International license is not required. You are allowed to drive with your normal
\ndrivers license for whatever is the term of your visa.<\/p>\n

14. What is the difference between the rain forest and the cloud forest?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Mainly the altitude and the temperature. The rain forests are very hot and humid while the
\ncloud forest are humid and moist. The species of flora and fauna are significantly different.<\/p>\n

15. What kind of inoculations do I have to take to Costa Rica?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No vaccines are required to enter Costa Rica. No matter where you travel though, a tetanus
\nshot (or booster) is always a good idea.<\/p>\n

16. Is there and exit or departure tax in Costa Rica? If so, how much is it?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Departure tax is $28, can be paid in US Dollars, colones or with a Visa card. You are able<\/p>\n

to pay this departure tax upon your arrival into Costa Rica by CASH or VISA only. They
\nwill provide you with a form and receipt that is good for your length of stay. By paying
\nyour departure tax upon arrival you could potentially save a lot of time and hassle waiting
\nin long lines the day of your departure.<\/p>\n

17. What number should I dial in case of emergency?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Dial 911. Do not expect the operator to speak English.<\/p>\n

Dial 133. This is a Telephone Directory. Do not expect the operator to speak English.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1. Are there any visa and\/or passport requirements to travel to Costa Rica? Every visitor must present a valid passport to enter Costa Rica and visas are needed by individuals of certain nationalities so check with your local Costa Rican consulate before traveling. No visa is necessary for citizens of the USA , Canada , READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/page_fullwidth.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-560","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/560","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=560"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/560\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":569,"href":"https:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/560\/revisions\/569"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jacotoursportfishing.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}