TimeLocal time is GMT -6. ElectricityElectrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Flat two-pin
plugs and three-pin (two flat blades with round grounding pin)
plugs are in use. LanguageSpanish is the official language, but English is widely
spoken. HealthThere are no vaccination requirements for Costa Rica. There
is a risk of malaria in some areas all year round and advice should
be taken on precautions. Water in cities is generally safe but it
is advisable to buy bottled water, especially outside the main
towns where there is a risk of contamination. Dengue fever is one
of a number of diseases carried by insects that also occur in this
region, especially during the rainy season; protection against
insect bites is the best prevention. Medical services are reliable
in cities and the standard of hygiene and treatment is very
high. TippingHotels add a 10% service charge plus a 3% tourist tax to
their bills by law. In tourist and upmarket restaurants a tip of
10% is usual, however some establishments already include a 17%
sales and service tax in the bill. Taxi drivers are not normally
tipped, but tour guides are. In general if service has been
particularly good service staff appreciate a 5 to 10%
tip. SafetyThere is no history of terrorism in Costa Rica, however
there are incidents of violent crime, occasionally targeting
tourists. There has been an increase in attacks on tourists leaving
the airport in hired cars in San Jose. Belongings should be watched
carefully at all times and in all places, particularly in bus
stations and on public transport. Theft of, and from, cars is
common. Do not wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash and
avoid street moneychangers. Strikes, protests and blockades have
recently taken place without warning and further demonstrations
could disrupt travel on main roads, particularly those connecting
San Jose with the coast. CustomsCosta Ricans are conservative when it comes to family
values, and roles between male and female are expected to be
traditional. Machismo is the main characteristic of Costa Rica
culture, although women are quickly becoming more significant. The
population is largely middle-class, Catholic and ethnically
homegenous. BusinessCosta 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. Alot of women have high profile jobs, alto Machismo
exists. 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. CoummnicationThe 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.
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