A valid passport is necessary. Citizens of some countries require a visa, so check ahead before traveling. (U.S. Canada, Central America and citizens of the European Community just need a passport).

Costa Rica has many different climates, geographical variations and weather conditions. T-shirts, walking shorts, comfortable shoes and bathing suits are a must. As are, insect repellent, sun screen, hat, binoculars, flashlight, camera and sun glasses. If you plan to go to the highlands or mountainous regions we suggest you bring: hiking boots, a sweater or jacket, long pants, raincoat and an umbrella.

If you plan to participate in some of the many activities available in the Manuel Antonio area we recommend the following:
Jeans or long pants for horseback riding and ATV tours.
Closed shoes for horseback riding and hiking in the rainforest
Sandals that strap on are recommended over flip flops especially for river rafting and jet skiing

If you take prescription medication, we recommend that you bring sufficient quantities to last you during your stay in Costa Rica. We also recommend that you bring your prescription. Costa Rican Pharmacists are very knowledgeable and will usually be able to fill your prescription, often at a lower cost than at home.

Road conditions in Costa Rica have improved considerably over the past few years. However, extreme caution is required in rural areas and through the mountain passes especially during the rainy season and at night. The maximum speed limit in Costa Rica is 80 kilometers (48 miles) per hour. In school zones the speed limit is reduced to 40 kilometers (24 miles) per hour. We recommend you take full coverage insurance through the rental company should you decide to rent a car in Costa Rica.

To make your stay in Quepos and Manuel Antonio as safe and enjoyable as possible we recommend the following:
• Do not carry large quantities of cash or wear very expensive jewelry.
• We highly recommend that you photocopy important documents (identification, passport, drivers license, plane tickets, credit cards). Keep originals in the safety deposit box at the hotel where you are staying.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport, which you will need for bank transactions, and only one credit card.
• When in restaurants, markets, public areas or swimming, do not leave your valuables unattended.
• Do not leave baggage or valuables in a parked car and always lock the doors.
• When walking at night, carry a flashlight and wear bright or reflective clothing.

You might find feeding the monkeys (and other wild animals) to be a thrilling experience, but you are not doing the monkeys a favor. In fact, you are actually harming them. Here´s why:

• Monkeys are highly susceptible to diseases from human hands. They can die from bacteria transferred off your hand that has no ill effect on you.
• Migration to human-populated areas to be fed increases the risk of dog attacks and road accidents.
• Irregular feeding leads to aggressive behavior towards humans and other species.
• Contrary to the stereotype, bananas are not the preferred food of monkeys in the wild. Bananas, especially those containing pesticides, can be upsetting to the monkeys´ delicate digestive system and cause serious dental problems that can lead to eventual death.
• Feeding creates a dangerous dependency on humans that diminishes the monkeys´ survival abilities.
• Feeding interferes with the monkeys´ natural habits and upsets the balance of their lifestyle centered on eating wild fruits, seeds, small animals, and insects.
• Contact with humans facilitates poaching and the trade in illegal wildlife.

The official Costa Rican currency is the Colón. Most businesses in Costa Rica accept U.S. Dollars, and dollars can be exchanged at the banks and at most of the hotels.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, However, it is always wise to carry some colones for taxis and purchases at small restaurants and stores.

Taxes

• Sales Tax: 13%
• Tourism Tax (ICT): 3%
• Airport Departure Tax for Tourists and Nationals: $26.00
• Airport Departure Tax for Residents: $46.00

Conversions

• 1 Kilometer = about .6214 miles
• 1 meter = 3.28 feet
• 1 Kilogram = about 2.2 pounds
• 1 hectare = 2.47 acres
• 1 Liter = 1.056 quarts
• Celsius to Farenheit: multiply by 9/5 & add 32