COSTA RICA, “THE JEWEL OF CENTRAL AMERICA”

By Clay Larroy

 

Across the America many couples are having wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a honeymoon to rest and recuperate.  Vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Customs in Costa Rica

Costa Ricans are conservative when it comes to family values, and roles between male and female are expected to be traditional. 'Machismo' is a key characteristic of Costa Rica culture, although women are quickly becoming more empowered in Tico society. The population is largely middle-class, Catholic and ethnically homogenous.

Duty Free in Costa Rica

Travelers to Costa Rica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 3 liters of alcohol; 500g of tobacco or 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars. Perfume for personal use is allowed provided it is a reasonable quantity.

Doing Business in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a formal business environment, where men and women wear conservative suits, appointments are made and meetings begin on time. Business projects can be slow, however, as Costa Ricans are conservative in their approach to new ideas and keen to avoid risk. Spanish is the main language, but most business people speak English.

However, it is polite to have business cards as well as other promotional material printed in both English and Spanish. A lot of women have high profile jobs, although the business world, like the society in general, is still male dominated. Visiting businesswomen will be treated with respect once their ability and authority is clearly established. Hours of business are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday with a two-hour lunch break from
12pm.

Communication in Costa Rica

The international access code for Costa Rica is +506. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telecommunications systems in Latin America. The cheapest way to phone internationally is a direct call using a phone card. Mobile phone operators use GSM 1800 networks. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

Tipping in Costa Rica

Hotels add a 10 percent service charge plus a three percent tourist tax to their bills by law. In tourist and upmarket restaurants, a tip of 10 percent is usual. However, some establishments already include a 17 percent sale and service tax in the bill. Taxi drivers are not normally tipped but you can use discretion if it's been a long trip or there was intense traffic. People will often round off the fare to the nearest Costa Rican Colón or US Dollar. Tour guides, on the other hand, are normally tipped. In general, if service has been particularly good, staff appreciate a five to 10percent tip.

Passport/Visa Note

All foreign passengers to Costa Rica must have return/onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Extensions of stay for those who are visa-exempt can be arranged on arrival. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Costa Rica within six days of leaving or transiting through any yellow fever risk areas. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!