Easy Costa Rica

Political Background & Safety
Since abolishing its army in 1948, Costa Rica has enjoyed years of peaceful democracy. The stable core at the heart of Central America, the country has come to represent a powerful symbol of Latin American stability, winning its leader the Nobel Peace Prize. Consequently, the country is completely safe for travel, with virtually no violent crime. Theft is the only concern for visitors, and certain areas definitely experience this in epic proportions. Most notable is San Jose, followed by certain beach areas. The importance of watching your possessions at the beach cannot be stressed enough. Extra precautions should be taken on Christmas and Easter vacations, when as the locals put it, all the thieves of San Jose come to the beaches, following in the wake of city holiday seekers.

Travel Documents
Passports are the only requirement for citizens of North American, Commonwealth, EC, and most Latin countries. Visits up to 90 days are permitted without visas.

Money
Currency is the colon, comprising 100 centimos. Tourists should carry money in traveler's checks, which can easily be exchanged at all banks. Be prepared to wait a while. The exchange process is a laborious exercise in officialdom. Credit cards are also widely accepted. Banks have normal weekday hours and are in all main towns. Exchanging money with black marketeers at the airport (typically cab drivers) is standard procedure.

Travel Costs
Travel costs in Costa Rica are higher than in many Latin American countries. With its higher standard of living and well-developed tourism industry, the country can't really be considered a budget destination, although there are some ways to keep costs down. Accommodations and the probable need of a rental car for some of your visit will be your highest costs. Most rooms cost about what you would pay for a night in an American motel. Staying a week or longer should give you a better rate. Figure on having to rent a car while visiting the national parks and preserves, most of which are located somewhat off the beaten path. Camping in the parks will help cut costs. Food bought in local shops and markets is inexpensive, as is dining out at small, local restaurants. Public transportation on buses is also fairly low cost.

Language
Spanish is the official language. The large number of expatriate North American and Europeans who have settled here, coupled with the abundant tourism, have helped English to become widely used as a second language. Some knowledge of Spanish, however, is always useful and welcomed in the countryside.

Health
Costa Rica has few health concerns. Food and water are almost always safe, although you might experience some stomach upsets at the beginning of your trip as your system adjusts. Fresh produce should be carefully washed to remove pesticides. With the recent arrival of a few cases of cholera in the country, people are being urged to boil unchlorinated water, and peel or cook all produce. Malaria pills should be taken if visiting the Caribbean coast. Use chloroquine, beginning one week before and continuing two weeks after your visit. Chloroquine is reputedly safe for pregnant women and children.

Food
Like so much about Costa Rica, food runs the gamut from traditional fare to modern fast food, from rice and beans to hamburgers and french fries. Just about everything you might want can be found in main towns, including natural foods like peanut butter, granola, whole wheat bread, and fruit juice. Tortillas are sold packaged and make a good bread substitute. Fresh produce is excellent and sold at markets in large towns or produce shops in smaller villages. Variety is good, including a broad range of tropical fruits. Food shops are easy to find, with at least two or three even in the smaller towns. For an inexpensive meal out, find a small restaurant frequented by locals. Gallos (tortilla style sandwiches) and gallo pinto (the national rice and bean dish) are both excellent, affordable, and filling.

Clothes
Only lightweight clothing is needed throughout the country with the exception of something warmer for a visit to the cloud forest and higher elevations. Bring lightweight rain gear during the rainy season. During the dry season, temperatures get very hot, particularly during March and April. Coastal areas can be steamy at this time. Include plenty of bathing gear, light cotton clothing, and a sun hat for everyone. This is serious tropical weather, where even the ocean feels hot. Clothes can be bought in Costa Rica, but aren't terribly alluring.

Laundry & Bathing
Most people do their own laundry or hire someone. Finding a woman to do your washing is easy and economical. Hotels often offer a service, but this tends to be pricey. It's much better to ask around town and find the local home service. Negotiate a price first and expect it to take two days for your laundry to be done. Clothes will come back impeccably clean. Good bathing facilities are always provided at any type of hotel. Water is usually hot, although you'll probably find yourself using the cold just to cool off. This is one climate where you won't have any trouble convincing your children that a cool shower is more fun than a warm one.

Baby Needs
Costa Rica is an easy place to travel with a baby. All baby foods are available (many sweetened). Try substituting instant oatmeal, mashed fruit, or whatever regular foods your child likes. Bring plenty of sun protection (hat, sunscreen, cotton clothing). Leave the stroller at home unless you don't mind struggling over dirt and gravel roads. Include a child carrier instead for hikes around the countryside or through the parks. There are no bugs or health hazards to worry about, other than malaria on the east coast. Chloroquine is reputedly safe for babies. Give your baby plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration from tropical heat.

© Article copyright Menasha Ridge Press. All rights reserved.