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Welcome to Costa Rica!
Costa Rica is located in Central America, an isthmus that creates a biological corridor for an amazing array of vegetation and wildlife between the North and South American lands. Although the small size of the country with only 51,100 square kilometers or 19,700 square miles, Costa Rica is home to a variety of landscapes from lush Jungles and mystical Cloud Forests to Active Volcanoes and paradisiacal sun-drenched beaches that caress the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country that since 1948, has decided to abolish its army and invest those resources in the infrastructure of schools, colleges and to strengthen its health system. Tourism has played a significant role being one of the country’s principal economic drivers. Here, visitors enjoy the wonders of nature, grand adventures, a scintillating culture, and relaxing and peaceful destinations – all the necessary components of an ideal getaway.
No wonder thousands have made Costa Rica their top travel choice! The vast majority of tourist destinations are close to one population center, where friendly people are always ready to welcome you with a smile and a Pura Vida greeting. In addition, visitors will be able to find public schools, clinics or hospitals, and national police stations, as well as banks, to exchange USD $ or EUR €, Cash Machines, stores, supermarkets, and restaurants, which can be visited quietly. The next step is to become Costa Rica, one of the firsts carbon-neutral countries by eradicating the use of fossil fuels, using only renewable energies, and with this, contributing to mitigating the effects of climate change.
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Local Currency – Credit Cards – VAT & Tipping
Local Currency – Credit Cards – VAT & TippingThe local currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (plural colones) (¢). It was named after Christopher Columbus, known as Cristóbal Colón in Spanish. The colon is equivalent to USD 1.00: ¢630.00 or EUR 1.00: ¢745.00. The exchange rate fluctuates in small increments daily. Banknotes are very attractive, featuring wildlife and nature with denominations of ¢1,000.00, ¢2,000.00, ¢5,000.00, ¢10,000.00 and ¢20,000.00, Coins are available in denominations of ¢5.00, ¢10.00, ¢20.00, ¢25.00, ¢50.00, ¢100.00 and ¢500.00 Credit cards are accepted in most commercial businesses, including hotels, restaurants, markets, and stores. Contactless payments have become increasingly accepted.
VAT is 13% and it is included in the bill of any product and services, however, some Tourist Services have a reduced tax of 4% during 2021 and 8% during 2022. A 10% mandatory service charge is included in the restaurant’s bills for waiters and bartenders. For bellhops, hotel cleaners, drivers, and guides and if service was particularly good, it is recommended an extra tip that varies from $1.00 to $10.00.
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