About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most popular adventure destinations in the world and means "rich coast" in Spanish. As such, Costa Rica is the perfect paradise for sport fishermen, surfers, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone in search of the good life, or "pura vida!"
Costa Rica, is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicauragua to the North and Panama to the east and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the Carribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica is a democratic republic with a strong constitution and was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army and therefore Costa Rica has enjoyed greater peace and more consistent political stability compared with many of its fellow Latin American nations. The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish.
Come and visit Costa Rica. You may just stay awhile!
Below you will find helpful hints for planning your trip to Costa Rica
- Time Zone - Costa Rica is one of the countries that does not observe Daylight Saving Time! This means that from March through October, during U.S. Daylight Saving Time, Costa Rica's time zone is equivalent to Mountain Standard Time. November through March, Costa Rica's time zone is equivalent to Central Standard Time.
- Electricity - Most appliances are compatible with Costa Rica's electrical system, which is standard at 110 volts. If you bring 3-pronged appliances to Costa Rica, make sure to bring a converter, as many of Costa Rica's outlets are only 2-pronged. Surf Inn Hermosa has three prong outlets.
- Drinking Water - Unless there is a specific label "no potable", you can drink Costa Rica's water. This means that you don't have to worry about fruit or vegetable salads, fruit drinks, or any other food item made with water that has not been boiled.
- Shots & Inoculations - You do not need any shots or inoculations to come to Costa Rica, despite what people may tell you. However, it is always wise to make sure you're up-to-date on your tetanus shot.
- Mosquitoes & Dengue Fever - Dengue fever is a type of viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes and it can sometimes be found throughout Latin America. Though not a major problem in Costa Rica, it is known to affect people in isolated pockets of the country.Dengue causes severe flu-like symptoms, lethargy, nausea, joint pains and a rash. There is no treatment for Dengue other than rest and re-hydration. Symptoms can last anywhere from one to three weeks. Prevention is key. Bring lots of bug repellent (or buy some here), and wear long-sleeved shirts on buggy evenings.
- Driving and Directions - Driving on Costa Rica's roads requires alertness and caution; especially at night. Stay alert and leave plenty of time when planning road trips. One never knows what kind of roadblock one could stumble upon. Costa Ricans give addresses and directions by referencing a landmark, and can be a little tricky to understand at first. It is best to map out a specific route for roadtrips. Click here for driving directions to Surf Inn Hermosa
- Credit Cards - Credit cards are widely accepted in heavily touristed spots, but you can't use them in some of the more rural areas. Hotels and restaurants will generally accept credit cards and dollars. Some businesses will ask for cash payment in colones, the local currency. ATMs are scattered throughout the country, and usually offer good exchange rates.
- Tipping - Restaurant bills will almost always include tax and tip. Before you buy, look for I.V.I. on both the menu and bill which means that a 13% sales tax and 10% tip have already been added. Note: 10% can seem like a stingy tip, but in Costa Rica, it's perfectly acceptable. If service is exceptional, feel free to round up or add a small additional tip. At hotels and the airport, $1/bag is an appropriate tip for the concierge or baggage handlers. On the street, you'll often find area guards willing to watch your car until you return. For their services, a $1 tip is appropriate. Tip tour guides $5-$20 per person, depending on the guide's knowledge and the cost of the tour. Don't tip the taxi driver, unless you want to round the fare up a bit.
- Toilets - Most Costa Rican sewer systems cannot process toilet paper. If there is a trash can placed strategically close to the toilet, discard your paper there.
- Prostitution - Prostitution is legal in Costa Rica. Surf Inn Hermosa is a family oriented establishment that does not cater to this activity.
- Leaving Costa Rica - When leaving Costa Rica, one will have to pay an exit tax, payable with cash or credit card at the international airport. If you're traveling with an underage child without his/her second parent, you will need extensive paperwork to be allowed out of the country. Don't come without it.
