GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Costa Rica.
Capital
San Jose.
Geography
As a country located in North America according to constructmaterials, Costa Rica borders Nicaragua in the north, Panama in the south, the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Caribbean in the east. The land is 119-282 km wide and mountainous. A mountain range of volcanic origin runs from north to south. The Chirripó Grande is the highest point at 3820 m. More than half of the population lives in the Meseta Central, a plateau with a moderate climate. In the southeast of the plateau are the Cordilleras, in the southwest the capital San José. The Caribbean coastal region is densely forested and swampy. On the southern Pacific coast, the savannas also turn into swamps.
Government
Presidential republic since 1949. Constitution of 1949. Parliament: The 57 members of the legislative assembly are elected for four years. Direct election of the head of state (4 years term of office). Independent since 1838 (formerly part of the Central American Federation).
Head of state
Luis Guillermo Solís, since May 2014.
Head of government
Luis Guillermo Solís, since May 2014.
Electricity
110 V, 60 Hz. American plugs are standard.
Time zone
Central Standard Time: CET -7
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Local business people are conservative. Courtesy and punctuality are expected. Many business people speak English, but knowledge of Spanish is an asset. November and December are great for business visits. The last week in September (end of the tax year) should be avoided.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Economy
Cámara de Comercio e Industria Costariccense-Alemana (German-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Postal address: Apartado 10746-1000 San José
Street address: Sabana Sur, Condominio Miracruz No.1, CR-San José
Tel: 290 76 21.
Internet: www. ahkzakk.com/costarica
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 79 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica (Chamber of Commerce)
Apartado 1114-1000, CR-1000 San José
Tel: 221 00 05.
Internet: www.camara-comercio.com
Cámara de Industrias de Costa Rica(Chamber of Industry)
Apartado 10.003-1000, CR-1000-San José
Tel: 281 00 06.
Internet: www.cicr.com
Promotora de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (Promotion Society for Foreign Trade)
Edificio Centro de Comercio Exterior, Avenida 3a. Calle 40, CR-San José
Apartado Postal 1278-1007 Paseo Colón, CR-San José
Tel: 299 47 00.
Internet: www.procomer.com
Business contacts
Cámara de Comercio e Industria Costariccense-Alemana (German-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Postal address: Apartado 10746-1000 San José
Street address: Sabana Sur, Condominio Miracruz No.1, CR-San José
Tel: 290 76 21.
Internet: www. ahkzakk.com/costarica
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 79 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica (Chamber of Commerce)
Apartado 1114-1000, CR-1000 San José
Tel: 221 00 05.
Internet: www.camara-comercio.com
Cámara de Industrias de Costa Rica(Chamber of Industry)
Apartado 10.003-1000, CR-1000-San José
Tel: 281 00 06.
Internet: www.cicr.com
Promotora de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (Promotion Society for Foreign Trade)
Edificio Centro de Comercio Exterior, Avenida 3a. Calle 40, CR-San José
Apartado Postal 1278-1007 Paseo Colón, CR-San José
Tel: 299 47 00.
Internet: www.procomer.com
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing.
Cellphone
There is an AMPS network that is incompatible with GSM. The main network operator is Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) (Internet: www.grupoice.com). Cell phones can be rented on site, but this can be time consuming and cumbersome.
Internet
Radiografica Costarricense SA (Internet: www.racsa.co.cr/english_version/index.html), Internet cafés and some hotels offer Internet access.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes 6-10 days.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Rocking chairs made of wood and leather, which can be taken apart for transport, are typical. You can find many nice souvenirs in the markets, but the prices are slightly higher than in other Latin American countries. Popular souvenirs are wooden objects, ceramics, jewelry, leather articles and various handicrafts.
Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 9 am-6pm / 7pm.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are night clubs, theaters, and cinemas in San José. Folklore evenings are also organized.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
The number of accommodations is constantly increasing. There are hotels in all price ranges in San José, and several good hotels are located near the airport. A sales tax of 3% and 3% tourist tax are calculated on hotel prices. Almost all hotel owners speak English. The major international hotels have swimming pools and other sports facilities; Hotel restaurants are good and inexpensive. The hotels outside of the capital are cheaper, the standard partially lower. There is also a wide range of hotels, lodges and cabins in the mountains and forests (Mountain and Jungle Lodges). There are also holiday villas.
Categories:Hotels are marked with A, B, C and D. The category depends on the facilities and prices, so 20% of the hotels are classified with A and B, 30% with C and D. Further information is available from the Costa Rica Chamber of Hotels (Internet: www.costaricanhotels.com).
Camping
There are campsites in San Antonio de Belén, about 8 km from San José. Another campsite is near Aureola. In almost all national parks (see vacation spots & excursions) camping is allowed at marked spots.
CULTURE
Religion
76.3% Catholics, 13.7% Evangelicals, other Christians and Baha’i minority.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: Shake hands to greet you. The form of address is very important, men are addressed with “Don” and women with “Doña”. Thank you for invitations with a small gift.
Clothing: Casual clothing is accepted, swimwear belongs on the beach.
Tipping: Taxi drivers do not expect tips. According to the law, 10% service tax and 3% tourist tax must be added to hotel bills. Restaurants charge 10% service. Hotel staff, porters and waiters expect a tip.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Up to 600 m above sea level d. M. hot and humid climate. Inland plateau: Between 800 and 1600 m above sea level. d. M. subtropical with pleasant temperatures. High mountains: Rather cool in regions over 1600 m above sea level. The average temperature in the central region is 23 ° C, on the coasts it is significantly warmer. Rainy season May – November. The rains, which usually occur in the afternoon, can be quite heavy and are usually stronger on the Caribbean coast than on the Pacific coast. Dry season December to May, hardly any temperature differences between summer and winter. Generally high humidity.
COUNTRY DATA
Code +506 Area (sq km) 51 100 population 4,814,144 Population density (per sq km) 94 population in 2015 a member of the EU No main emergency number 911