Getting there:

1. How do I plan the perfect trip?

Osa Outdoors is a full service tour operator company - we can coordinate with clients to create detailed and customized itineraries, for individual travelers as well as groups. Please contact us regarding any travel requests and requirements!

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2. What are the entry requirements?

All visitors should have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the dates of the trip. Not all persons wishing to travel to Costa Rica need a visa; this will depend on your nationality, purpose of the visit, country of residence and length of your stay. To find out if you will require a visa, visit: www.costarica-embassy.org

3. What are the customs regulations?

No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes an array of items for personal and professional use, as long as they do not appear in quantities that suggest commercial intent. Costa Rican law requires that baggage be examined and that travelers submit customs declarations listing all articles acquired abroad, including fruit, vegetables, meat, meat products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. In the case of families, one declaration can be filled out by the family head.

4. When is the best time to travel?

The travel industry designates several business seasons during the year: High Season (related to the dry season, from December until April), Peak season (Christmas, New Year and Easter), and the Green Season (also called the Low Season -related to the rainy season, from May until November). If you live in the Northern Climates, you will probably consider winter the only time to visit. However, persons from others areas of North America and Europe find the rest of the year equally pleasant. They also find it quite a bit more affordable. Other vacationers just prefer the country when there are fewer tourists -during the Green Season.


Being prepared:

1. What should I bring?

A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary (although depending on where you are visiting in Costa Rica, many people speak English), a small first aid kit, binoculars, camera, walking shoes, sunscreen, traveler's checks - cash and/or credit cards, swim suits, casual clothes for nightlife and fine dining, insect repellent, copies of your favorite Costa Rica travel guide, sandals, sunglasses and a hat, necessary medications, a rain jacket, your passport, your driver's license. If you are flying domestically, check the luggage restrictions.

2. Is there a good communication system?

Direct-dial telephone service, facsimile, radio and cable television are all available. Bilingual operator assistance for international calls is: 116, local information: 113, long distance information: 124.
Internet cafes are available in most towns and hotels.

3. How much money should I bring?

Your budget depends on what you intend to do, see, buy, etc. But to give you a fair estimate on costs, a typical lunch costs around $7 at an affordable restaurant or "soda" or up to $15 (or more) at a nicer establishment. Beer or mixed drinks can cost about $2 each at a typical bar or restaurant, and up to twice as much at a nicer hotel or high-end eatery. Taxi fares are affordable, the public bus service even more so. Costa Rica can be seen by some as a very affordable destination and expensive by others. There is a dual economy here (local/foreign) and if you wish to make the effort to find bargains they certainly do exist, as do tourist traps that overcharge. Be smart, know the value of the colon vs. your currency and purchase accordingly.

4. How much money should I tip?

Depending on your level of satisfaction with various services, then the amount you tip will vary. A rough guide for services you may encounter, based on local standards, follows: Restaurants: 10% on top of the service charge that is already included in the bill. The 10% charge that is already included is divided between all of the restaurant staff. Private Transfers/Chauffeurs: 15-20% of total trip price. (Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip.) Sport fishing Crew: 15-20% of total cost for the day. You can give this to the boat captain who will share and distribute to the mate(s). Housekeepers: $50-$200 per week / per home Concierge: $100-$300 per week / per home Tour Operators: 15-20% of tour price Executive Chef: 15-20% of your culinary services

5. What taxes must I pay?

Travelers must be at the airport two hours before departure. There is a departure tax of US$26.00. There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries, and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels.



Health & Safety:

1. What are the medical concerns and suggested vaccinations?

We are not doctors and you should always check with your physician first for the most up-to-date advice and a personal consultation, at least a few weeks in advance of your vacation. In Costa Rica the health care is very good and sanitary standards are high. First class private and public hospitals are found throughout San José and some of the other largely populated areas. Since long ago, diseases such as malaria and yellow fever were eradicated in Costa Rica. (If you are traveling to Costa Rica from certain countries in South America and Sub-Sahara Africa you must have an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever.) Hospitals and the Red Cross will provide any medical treatment in case of emergency.

2. Do I need to take any special precautions?

It does not matter where you are in the world; there are always special considerations that one must take in regard to health and safety. Do not leave your luggage unattended at the airport or with a stranger, do not carry any stranger´s luggage through customs or immigration, and always carry your money within an inside pocket or a body pouch, or money belt. Daily spending money could be carried in your bag or front pocket. Credit cards and travelers´ checks are good tools when you travel.
Carry a separate package with the following information: a copy of the identifying pages of your passport and pages which show recent stamps, the number of your credit cards, traveler checks, bank accounts, airplane tickets, and emergency phone numbers.
Valuable items should be left in a safe box – check if your accommodation provides a safe. Avoid crowded or lonely places after dark, and deal with well-known tourism agencies instead of unknown persons. Do not attempt to buy or sell drugs, or engage with sex workers. In other words, take the same precautions you would take when visiting any other country, but do not let that decrease your enjoyment of this experience. For emergency assistance in Costa Rica, dial 911 or the Costa Rican Red Cross 128.

3. Is local water safe to drink?

Costa Rica is a hot country and you can dehydrate quickly, especially if you are doing a lot of active activities. You need to drink lots of fluids. Costa Rican authorities state that the tap water is safe to drink in all areas of the country. However, we suggest you exercise caution, especially in rural areas, as an upset stomach can ruin a vacation. Buy bottled water for drinking. When buying fresh fruits and vegetables, you must always wash them before eating.


Local Information:

1. What is the time zone in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is the same as U.S. Central Standard Time, but does not observe daylight savings time.

2. What are normal business hours?

Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and do not close for lunch. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, Dinners and American Express being the most popular. Government offices are open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Most commercial business open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tour operators are usually open till late. Stores and other businesses at commercial centers are open from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Most restaurants open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Hotels and some restaurants are open 24 hours.

3. Is bus transportation available?

Costa Rica has a public bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation. For many Costa Ricans, taking the bus is the primary means of transportation. As an alternative to taking the public bus, you can check with us about arranging transfers through tourism transportation agencies which provide quality service at reasonable rates.

4. Is driving a good idea?

Car Rentals in Costa Rica are available from the major rental companies. To rent one you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and a major credit card. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Costa Rica and most stations are open 24 hours. Auto insurance is a MUST, but this will be included in your contract with the car rental agency, as most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact your carrier. When the rented car is given to you, the contract will explain the responsibilities of both parties.
If you are involved in a traffic accident: Do not lose your temper, do not leave the place of the accident, do not move the car, cooperate with the legal authorities, do not sign any agreements nor accept any liability, and contact your rental car company immediately.