Essential Information About Costa Rica

Visa Requirements Indians need a visa to travel to Costa Rica. Before travelling, you must obtain a visa from the Costa Rican consulate in your country. Tourist visas allow visitors to stay for 30 or 90 days. Visit your local embassy or consulate well in advance so that it can be processed in time.

Flight Details Seven airlines connect India to Costa Rica - Lufthansa, Swiss, Air Canada, Air France, Emirates, KLM, and Air India. The most popular route is from New Delhi to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José. The flights aren’t very frequent, so keep a tab on the schedules.

Language Spanish is Costa Rica's official language, spoken by nearly 98% of the population. Other languages spoken are English, Creole, and indigenous languages like Mekatelyu, Bribri, and Patois.

Currency Costa Rican currency is called a Colón. It is equivalent to 0.17 Indian Rupees. In Costa Rica's cities, merchants will usually accept credit and debit cards. However, the more you venture into the countryside, the more you’ll have to depend on cash payments. Bring some of your currency and get it converted into colones.

SIM Cards The three major phone companies in Costa Rica are Kolbi, Liberty, and Claro. You can buy a SIM card from these companies for 1000-2500 colones at the Airport or any retail store. Since prepaid SIMs aren’t too expensive, you should get a local SIM for a better network.

Tips For Travellers Visiting Costa Rica

Book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit Costa Rica during peak times such as Christmas and New Year. While cards are accepted in most places, carry cash as well. Watch out for pickpockets in busy areas, and steer clear of poorly lit areas. Although climbing the dormant Arenal Volcano is tempting, it is illegal, and you can be fined. Pack clothes according to all climates, as the weather conditions are unpredictable. Try not to get bug bites. Mosquitoes can carry diseases like Dengue and Zika. Costa Rica is a brilliant place for surfing, but avoid going alone or without lifeguards present. Waves can get tricky to navigate sometimes.