ENTRY & EXIT
US and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens of most European and Latin
American countries do not need visas for a stay of less than 90 days.
It is advisable to confirm your return flight 72 hours ahead of your departure
date.
Get to the airport 2 hours before departure time.
Tourists pay a departure tax of about US$17 (as of April, 1997) at the airport
at check in.
HOLIDAYS
These are the official State holidays in Costa Rica. Other occasions are
celebrated with parties and carnivals or family get-togethers--the "festejo"
that each town has to honor its patron saint; various produce fairs; arts and
crafts festivals; Valentine's Day; Halloween, etc. Costa Ricans can always
find a reason for a good party!
January 1 - New Year's Day
April 11 - Juan Santamarķa Day
May 1 International Day of the Worker
July 25 - Anexation of Guanacaste
August 2 - Virgen of Los Angeles (Costa Rica's Patron)
August 12 - Mother's Day
September 15 - Independence Day
October 12 - Day of the Cultures (Columbus Day)
December 25 - Christmas
Easter - The week before Easter Sunday is an unofficial vacation time. Much of
the country shuts down. Thursday and Friday of this week only essential
services function; even many of the public bus routes cease operation.
UTILITIES
A modern system of hydroelectric generating plants provides abundant
electricity.
In 1994 the first geothermal generating station came on line providing an
additional 22 megawatts of low cost energy.
Electrical service is the same as in the US: 120V, 60Hz and use the same type
of wall plug.
Water supplies are chlorinated and the quality is controlled by the State.
Water is safe to drink in all cities.
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