Travel to Costa Rica

Costa Rica Arrival and transport

How do you get to Costa Rica?

Direct connections from Germany only exist twice a week with Condor from Frankfurt/M. to San José. There are also a few transfer connections in America and Europe. Some airlines that fly to Costa Rica are for example Air Canada www.aircanada.ca, American Airlines www.aa.com, Iberia and Martinair www.martinair.de.

Juan Santamaría Airport in San José is approx. 17 km from the city center.

During the day buses and colectivos, red minibuses and taxis drive into the city.

Travel in the country

Air connections

There are two national airlines. The state-owned Sansa reservations@flysansa.com flies from Juán Santamaría Airport and the private Nature Air reservations-@natureair.com flies from Tobias Bolaños Airport near Pavas, 6km west of San José.

Airport information: 444-2622

Bus

The most common way to travel in Costa Rica is by bus. An excellent bus service connects San José with all districts and major cities in the country. You can reach almost any place in the country. The buses and the stops are signposted with the destination.

There is a city bus system in San José, but it is also easier and cheaper to take one of the many taxis.

Intercity buses

In addition to Costa Rica Interbus, a fleet of minibuses, there are countless local shuttle bus providers that take you to every corner of the country.

International bus connections

Ticabus www.ticabus.com travels across all countries in Central America to just across the southern border from Mexico to Tapachula and to Panama City.

Railway

A railway network in this sense does not and has never existed. Because of an earthquake in 1991, the only train between the two coasts until then no longer runs.

Roads

The roads of Costa Rica are ramified and well signposted – even if they are not always in good condition. However, there are no multi-lane motorways here.

On the main roads that leave San José and on the country roads in the highlands, there are low usage fees.

Unlike other Latin American countries, gasoline is sold in liters. There are “Regular” (simply unleaded), as well as “Super” unleaded and “Diesel.

To calm the traffic, there are the so-called” dormientes “, sleeping police officers, small concrete walls painted yellow.

Emergency numbers

  • National emergency number: 119
  • Police in the cities (Radio Patrullas): 117
  • Police in rural areas (Guardia rural): 127
  • Traffic Police (Policia de Tránsito): 222-9330
  • Fire Brigade (Bomberos): 118
  • Red Cross (Cruz Roja): 128

State Tourism

Board Calle 5/Av. 2 y Av. Central

San José

Tel: 222-1090, 223-1733

Fax: 223-5452

Rental

Cars Rental cars are easily available in San José and other major locations. As a driver, however, you should always have a passport with you on the way. The German driver’s license is valid for the first three months (entry stamp), after which an examination must be taken.

It has proven to be useful to hire a tour guide who all speak English and some even speak German. Through them you can learn a lot about the country and its people, as well as the flora and fauna.

Ferry connections

to the small islands of the country are crossed in small boats from the local agencies.

Traffic rules

Driving in Costa Rica is on the right. In order to avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, one should strictly adhere to the traffic regulations in force in the country. The maximum speeds shown can of course be reduced or increased by traffic signs. Regardless of the information given here, it is advisable to obtain detailed information from the ADAC, the AvD or the traffic clubs in the country concerned.

Maximum speeds

In addition to the general speed limits shown, the speed limits indicated by signs must be strictly observed.

  • Urban: in built-up areas there is a speed limit of 50 km/h
  • Country roads: there is a speed limit of 80-90 km/h on country roads

Drinking alcohol limits It is advisable not to drink alcohol, as the local police can determine the alcohol level at their own discretion.

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, The international license plate of Costa Rica is:

CR

Embassies, consulates and tourist office

Visit Countryaah for a full list of Costa Rica embassies and consulates in each country around the world.

Representations of Costa Rica in Germany

The building of the Embassy of Costa Rica is located near Potsdamer Platz in Dessauer Strasse, which leads into Stresemannstrasse. Not far away are the Berlin House of Representatives and the Martin-Gropius-Bau.

The building is a little special because four embassies have their headquarters here. In addition to Costa Rico, there are also the embassies of Montenegro, Senegal and the Dominican Republic.

Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Berlin

Dessauer Strasse 28/29

10963 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 263 98 990

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 265 57 210

Email: emb@botschaft-costarica.de

Web: www.botschaft-costarica.de

Honorary Consulate General Costa Rica in Hamburg

Meyerhofstraße 8

22609 Hamburg

Tel: 0049 – (0) 40 – 80 13 95

Fax: 0049 – (0) 40 – 80 99 59 43

0049 – (0) 40 – 66 96 19 10

Email: rica @ drab.de

Honorary Consulate Costa Rica in Frankfurt/Main

Niederkirchweg 22

65934 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: 0049 – (0) 69 – 39 04 36 56

Fax: 0049 – (0) 69 – 39 10 26

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Costa Rica in Hanover

Marienstraße 8

30171 Hanover

Tel: 0049 – (0) 511 – 28 11 27

Fax: 0049 – (0) 511 – 28 34 111

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Costa Rica in Leipzig

Lützowstraße 34

04157 Leipzig

Tel: 0049 – (0) 341 – 9 09 67 32

Fax: 0049 – (0) 341 – 9 09 67 33

German representations in Costa Rica

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in San José

Embajada de la República Federal de Alemania

Edificio “Torre La Sabana”, 8 ° piso, 300 mts oeste del ICE

(Apartado 4017-1000)

Sabana Norte, San José

Tel: 00506 – 22 90 90 91

Fax: 00506 – 22 31 64 03

Email: info@san-jose.diplo.de

Web: www.san-jose.diplo.de

Austrian representations in Costa Rica

Embassy

The embassy in Mexico is responsible (see here >>>).

Honorary Consulate General of Austria in San José

Centro Corportaivo la Nunciatura, Rohrmoser, de la Libreria Internacional 100 sur, 1er piso

San José, Costa Rica

Tel: 00506 – 22 91 61 42

Fax: 00506 – 22 91 62 46

Email: consulado.austria@cr4a.com

Representations of Costa Rica in Austria

Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Vienna

Wagramer Straße 23/1/1

1220 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 263 38 24

Fax: 0043 – (0) 1 – 263 38 24-5

Email: embajadaaustria_costa.rica@chello. at

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Costa Rica in Salzburg

Hagenauerstraße 5

5020 Salzburg

Tel: 0043 – (0) 662 – 44 13 86

Fax: 0043 – (0) 662 – 44 14 85

Swiss representations in Costa Rica

Swiss Embassy in San José

Edificio Centro Colón, 10 ° piso, Paseo Colón

San José, Costa Rica

:

Embajada de Suiza

Apartado 895

Centro Colón

1007 San José

Costa Rica

Tel: 00506 – 22 21 48 29

00506 – 22 22 32 29

00506 – 22 21 10 52

Fax: 00506 – 22 55 28 31

Email: sjc.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Web: www.eda.admin.ch/sanjose

The Swiss embassy in Costa Rica is still responsible for Nicaragua and Panama

Representations of Costa Rica in Switzerland

Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Bern

Schwarztorstrasse 11

3007 Bern

Tel: 0041 – (0) 31 – 37 27 887

Fax: 0041 – (0) 31 – 95 26 457

Email: costa.rica@bluewin.ch

Consulates:

Consulate of the Republic of Costa Rica

Chemin de Mornex 38

Case postale 85

1001 Lausanne

Tel: 0041 – (0) 21 – 312 77 64

Fax: 0041 – (0) 21 – 312 33 02

Consulate of the Republic of Costa Rica

Via Curti 2

6900 Lugano

Tel: 0041 – (0) 091 – 922 21 13

Fax: 0041 – (0) 091 – 923 40 56

Tourist office

Costa Rica

Tourist Office Sevarinstr. 10-12

50678 Cologne

Tel.: 0049 – (0) 221-310 18 42

www.fascinationcostarica.com

Entry and exit regulations

Formalities, visas

Germans, Austrians and Swiss can enter Costa Rica for a stay of up to 90 days with a passport that is valid for at least six months, visa-free.

Since many of the flights from Germany to Costa Rica stop in the USA, the entry regulations for the USA must also be observed. However, if a visa is required, it can be obtained from the following address:

Issuing of visas in Germany

Embassy Costa Rica (Visa Department)

Dessauer Strasse 28/29

10963 Berlin

Tel: +49 (30) 263 98 990

Fax: +49 (30) 265 57 210

Issuing of visas in Austria and Switzerland

See under Representations of Costa Rica in Austria and Representations of Costa Rica in Switzerland.

Import and export of foreign currency

The import and export of foreign and national currency is permitted without restriction.

Departure fee

In many countries, a fee must be paid when leaving the country.

When leaving Costa Rica, this fee is e.g. Currently 26 US dollars, as well as a security fee of z. Currently US $ 6 per person. For stays of more than three months, the exit fee is between US $ 47 and US $ 67, depending on the purpose of the stay.

Import and export of goods The import and export of weapons, ammunition or explosives is strictly prohibited.

In addition, the import and export of plants and animals protected under the Washington Species Protection Act is prohibited. Violation can result in severe penalties.

400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 g tobacco and 3 liters of alcohol are duty-free.

How do you get to Costa Rica?

Direct connections from Germany only exist twice a week with Condor from Frankfurt/M. to San José. There are also a few transfer connections in America and Europe. Some airlines that fly to Costa Rica are for example Air Canada www.aircanada.ca, American Airlines www.aa.com, Iberia and Martinair www.martinair.de.

Juan Santamaría Airport in San José is approx. 17 km from the city center.

During the day buses and colectivos, red minibuses and taxis drive into the city.

Travel in the country

Air connections

There are two national airlines. The state-owned Sansa reservations@flysansa.com flies from Juán Santamaría Airport and the private Nature Air reservations-@natureair.com flies from Tobias Bolaños Airport near Pavas, 6km west of San José.

Airport information: 444-2622

Bus

The most common way to travel in Costa Rica is by bus. An excellent bus service connects San José with all districts and major cities in the country. You can reach almost any place in the country. The buses and the stops are signposted with the destination.

There is a city bus system in San José, but it is also easier and cheaper to take one of the many taxis.

Intercity buses

In addition to Costa Rica Interbus, a fleet of minibuses, there are countless local shuttle bus providers that take you to every corner of the country.

International bus connections

Ticabus www.ticabus.com travels across all countries in Central America to just across the southern border from Mexico to Tapachula and to Panama City.

Railway

A railway network in this sense does not and has never existed. Because of an earthquake in 1991, the only train between the two coasts until then no longer runs.

Roads

The roads of Costa Rica are ramified and well signposted – even if they are not always in good condition. However, there are no multi-lane motorways here.

On the main roads that leave San José and on the country roads in the highlands, there are low usage fees.

Unlike other Latin American countries, gasoline is sold in liters. There are “Regular” (simply unleaded), as well as “Super” unleaded and “Diesel.

To calm the traffic, there are the so-called” dormientes “, sleeping police officers, small concrete walls painted yellow.

Emergency numbers

  • National emergency number: 119
  • Police in the cities (Radio Patrullas): 117
  • Police in rural areas (Guardia rural): 127
  • Traffic Police (Policia de Tránsito): 222-9330
  • Fire Brigade (Bomberos): 118
  • Red Cross (Cruz Roja): 128

State Tourism

Board Calle 5/Av. 2 y Av. Central

San José

Tel: 222-1090, 223-1733

Fax: 223-5452

Rental

Cars Rental cars are easily available in San José and other major locations. As a driver, however, you should always have a passport with you on the way. The German driver’s license is valid for the first three months (entry stamp), after which an examination must be taken.

It has proven to be useful to hire a tour guide who all speak English and some even speak German. Through them you can learn a lot about the country and its people, as well as the flora and fauna.

Ferry connections

to the small islands of the country are crossed in small boats from the local agencies.

Traffic rules

Driving in Costa Rica is on the right. In order to avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, one should strictly adhere to the traffic regulations in force in the country. The maximum speeds shown can of course be reduced or increased by traffic signs. Regardless of the information given here, it is advisable to obtain detailed information from the ADAC, the AvD or the traffic clubs in the country concerned.

Maximum speeds

In addition to the general speed limits shown, the speed limits indicated by signs must be strictly observed.

  • Urban: in built-up areas there is a speed limit of 50 km/h
  • Country roads: there is a speed limit of 80-90 km/h on country roads

Drinking alcohol limits It is advisable not to drink alcohol, as the local police can determine the alcohol level at their own discretion.

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, The international license plate of Costa Rica is:

CR

Costa Rica: Travel Medicine, Vaccinations and Warnings

Infectious Diseases

In Costa Rica, the following infectious diseases are to be expected in Germany or Central and Northern Europe:

  • Malaria, with the exception of San José and the central highlands, there is a year-round risk of infection with malaria. Only about 1% of the infections occur with the very dangerous malaria tropica, the rest with malaria tertiana.
  • Amoebic dysentery
  • Bacterial agitation
  • Chagas disease
  • Cholera, an infection risk only exists for travelers who can come into contact with contaminated water or contaminated food
  • Dengue fever disease
  • Intestinal infections caused by contaminated food or water, including amoebas, lamblia, salmonella, shigella, worm infestation and all kinds of viruses and bacteria
  • Filariasis
  • Hepatitis A and B, an infection with hepatitis B, is only to be expected in people who can come into contact with blood or in those who seek sexual contact
  • Leishmaniasis Disease
  • Polio, polio
  • rabies
  • Typhoid fever, an infection risk only exists for travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food

Recommended vaccinations

when traveling to Costa Rica, the following vaccinations recommended:

  • Cholera, but only among travelers who can come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food
  • Diphtheria, a vaccination against diphtheria should always exist in your home country
  • Yellow fever
  • Hepatitis A and B, vaccination against hepatitis A and B should always exist, also in the home country
  • Polio, polio, a vaccination against polio should always exist, also in the home country
  • Tetanus, a vaccination against tetanus should always exist in the home country
  • Rabies, but only in high-risk travelers who can come into contact with the vector animals
  • Typhoid, but only in travelers who may come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food

Vaccination requirements There are no vaccination requirements when entering or staying in the country.

Malaria prophylaxis

When traveling in the country it is advisable to undergo malaria prophylaxis. If the side effects seem questionable to you, you should at least have a “stand-by product” with you.

Who pays for vaccinations in Germany?

Most children in Germany are vaccinated against a number of infectious diseases at an early age. However, the vaccination protection only lasts up to 10 years, in some cases even shorter. Therefore, before traveling abroad, you should carefully consider against which infectious diseases a vaccination is necessary or useful in the country concerned and whether the vaccination protection, if applicable, was not too long ago.

Most statutory health insurances have been reimbursing the costs for the following vaccinations since June 2007.

There is even no 10 € practice fee – but the insured usually have to pay the statutory additional payment, which is 10% of the vaccine price – that is at least 5 € and a maximum of 10 €. Under these conditions, the following vaccinations are free of charge:

  • cholera
  • diphtheria
  • Early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE)
  • Yellow fever
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Meningococcal meningitis
  • Pneumococci
  • Polyo (polio)
  • Tetanus (tetanus)
  • rabies
  • typhus

Some health insurance companies also reimburse the cost of malaria prophylaxis.

As a rule, private health insurance companies (inquire beforehand) also cover the costs mentioned.

Current warnings

Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany

Citizens’ Service

Telephone: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 2000

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 51000

Costa Rica: Currency, Shopping, and Exchange Rate

The currency of Costa Rica is the Colón = 100 Centavos

The following banknotes are valid and in circulation in the country:

  • 50
  • 100
  • 500
  • 1000
  • 2000
  • 5000
  • 10,000 Colón

Exchange rate

With the help of the following currency converter you can get the current exchange rate to the euro and other currencies:

www.forium.de

Note

It should be noted, however, that the course mentioned is not the one that you actually receive. It differs, for example, depending on whether you are exchanging in your home country or in the country you are traveling, whether you are exchanging cash or withdrawing money from the machine. In addition, the rate differs when exchanging for the foreign currency and for exchanging back.

Bank opening hours

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Shop

Shop opening times

  • Monday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a 1 to 2 hour lunch break.

Large supermarket and store chains are open longer and continuously.

Inexpensive or country-specific goods, souvenirs

As in many Latin American countries, it is also a lot of fun to stroll through the markets in Costa Rica. There is a very lively market in San José, which offers a colorful selection of foods and handicrafts from the local cooperatives. The north of the country is known for its leather work, such as cowboy boots and ornately decorated saddles. The traditional Indian pottery is made in Nicoya. In the Meseta Central you can find beautiful ceramic goods.

You can also buy high-quality gold jewelry, hammocks, weaving and batik cloths. Not to be forgotten is the world-famous coffee from Costa Rica, which you can buy bottled in pretty, colorful bags directly in the coffee plantations.

Embassies, consulates and tourist office

Representations of Costa Rica in Germany

The building of the Embassy of Costa Rica is located near Potsdamer Platz in Dessauer Strasse, which leads into Stresemannstrasse. Not far away are the Berlin House of Representatives and the Martin-Gropius-Bau.

The building is a little special because four embassies have their headquarters here. In addition to Costa Rico, there are also the embassies of Montenegro, Senegal and the Dominican Republic.

Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Berlin

Dessauer Strasse 28/29

10963 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 263 98 990

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 265 57 210

Email: emb@botschaft-costarica.de

Web: www.botschaft-costarica.de

Honorary Consulate General Costa Rica in Hamburg

Meyerhofstraße 8

22609 Hamburg

Tel: 0049 – (0) 40 – 80 13 95

Fax: 0049 – (0) 40 – 80 99 59 43

0049 – (0) 40 – 66 96 19 10

Email: rica @ drab.de

Honorary Consulate Costa Rica in Frankfurt/Main

Niederkirchweg 22

65934 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: 0049 – (0) 69 – 39 04 36 56

Fax: 0049 – (0) 69 – 39 10 26

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Costa Rica in Hanover

Marienstraße 8

30171 Hanover

Tel: 0049 – (0) 511 – 28 11 27

Fax: 0049 – (0) 511 – 28 34 111

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Costa Rica in Leipzig

Lützowstraße 34

04157 Leipzig

Tel: 0049 – (0) 341 – 9 09 67 32

Fax: 0049 – (0) 341 – 9 09 67 33

German representations in Costa Rica

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in San José

Embajada de la República Federal de Alemania

Edificio “Torre La Sabana”, 8 ° piso, 300 mts oeste del ICE

(Apartado 4017-1000)

Sabana Norte, San José

Tel: 00506 – 22 90 90 91

Fax: 00506 – 22 31 64 03

Email: info@san-jose.diplo.de

Web: www.san-jose.diplo.de

Austrian representations in Costa Rica

Embassy

The embassy in Mexico is responsible (see here >>>).

Honorary Consulate General of Austria in San José

Centro Corportaivo la Nunciatura, Rohrmoser, de la Libreria Internacional 100 sur, 1er piso

San José, Costa Rica

Tel: 00506 – 22 91 61 42

Fax: 00506 – 22 91 62 46

Email: consulado.austria@cr4a.com

Representations of Costa Rica in Austria

Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Vienna

Wagramer Straße 23/1/1

1220 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 263 38 24

Fax: 0043 – (0) 1 – 263 38 24-5

Email: embajadaaustria_costa.rica@chello. at

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Costa Rica in Salzburg

Hagenauerstraße 5

5020 Salzburg

Tel: 0043 – (0) 662 – 44 13 86

Fax: 0043 – (0) 662 – 44 14 85

Swiss representations in Costa Rica

Swiss Embassy in San José

Edificio Centro Colón, 10 ° piso, Paseo Colón

San José, Costa Rica

:

Embajada de Suiza

Apartado 895

Centro Colón

1007 San José

Costa Rica

Tel: 00506 – 22 21 48 29

00506 – 22 22 32 29

00506 – 22 21 10 52

Fax: 00506 – 22 55 28 31

Email: sjc.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Web: www.eda.admin.ch/sanjose

The Swiss embassy in Costa Rica is still responsible for Nicaragua and Panama

Representations of Costa Rica in Switzerland

Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Bern

Schwarztorstrasse 11

3007 Bern

Tel: 0041 – (0) 31 – 37 27 887

Fax: 0041 – (0) 31 – 95 26 457

Email: costa.rica@bluewin.ch

Consulates:

Consulate of the Republic of Costa Rica

Chemin de Mornex 38

Case postale 85

1001 Lausanne

Tel: 0041 – (0) 21 – 312 77 64

Fax: 0041 – (0) 21 – 312 33 02

Consulate of the Republic of Costa Rica

Via Curti 2

6900 Lugano

Tel: 0041 – (0) 091 – 922 21 13

Fax: 0041 – (0) 091 – 923 40 56

Tourist office

Costa Rica

Tourist Office Sevarinstr. 10-12

50678 Cologne

Tel.: 0049 – (0) 221-310 18 42

www.fascinationcostarica.com

Entry and exit regulations

Formalities, visas

Germans, Austrians and Swiss can enter Costa Rica for a stay of up to 90 days with a passport that is valid for at least six months, visa-free.

Since many of the flights from Germany to Costa Rica stop in the USA, the entry regulations for the USA must also be observed. However, if a visa is required, it can be obtained from the following address:

Issuing of visas in Germany

Embassy Costa Rica (Visa Department)

Dessauer Strasse 28/29

10963 Berlin

Tel: +49 (30) 263 98 990

Fax: +49 (30) 265 57 210

Issuing of visas in Austria and Switzerland

See under Representations of Costa Rica in Austria and Representations of Costa Rica in Switzerland.

Import and export of foreign currency

The import and export of foreign and national currency is permitted without restriction.

Departure fee

In many countries, a fee must be paid when leaving the country.

When leaving Costa Rica, this fee is e.g. Currently 26 US dollars, as well as a security fee of z. Currently US $ 6 per person. For stays of more than three months, the exit fee is between US $ 47 and US $ 67, depending on the purpose of the stay.

Import and export of goods The import and export of weapons, ammunition or explosives is strictly prohibited.

In addition, the import and export of plants and animals protected under the Washington Species Protection Act is prohibited. Violation can result in severe penalties.

400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 g tobacco and 3 liters of alcohol are duty-free.

Travel to Costa Rica