Travel advice for Costa Rica .

Here you will find important tips and useful information for Costa Rica .

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

  • For ATM cash withdrawals

  • For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in US Dollars (USD)

    Local currency / ISO Code

    Costa-Rica-Colón CRC

    Further Information

    Credit cards

     

    • Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

    ATM Search

    Find out more about Travel

    Useful tips from our experts:

    Transfer money worldwide with Send.

    Send is the convenient and reliable money transfer service: you can send money quickly and securely to your relatives and friends abroad using your smartphone.

    More about Send

    Practical Information:

    Time difference with Switzerland

    - 7 h / - 8 h during our summer time

    National language

    Official language

    Spanish

    Language capabilities

    English

    Capital

    San José

    Country code for calling Switzerland

    00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

    Voltage

    110/220 volt / adapter required

    Travel documents for Swiss citizens

    Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

    Swiss Embassy / Consulate

    San José, Edificio Centro Colón, 10° piso, Paseo Colón
    Tel. +506 2221 48 29

    Opening hours

    Banks

    8.30 - 15.00 h (Mon - Fri)

    Stores

    8.00 - 18.00 h (Mon - Sat)

    Driving
    • Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals if obtained at least 1 year previously, varies by rental company.

    • International driver's licence recommended.

    • Minimum age for car rentals: 21 (varies by rental company).

    • CH sticker, first-aid kit, bright signal jacket, fire extinguisher and breakdown triangle mandatory.

    • Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰.

    Health situation
    • Do not drink tap water.

    • Mosquito protection advised.

    • Risk of dengue fever.

    • Risk of malaria in certain areas.

    • Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

    Other information

    This country is in an active earthquake zone.

    Security

    • High crime rate.

    • Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

    • Beware of purse snatching, pick pocketing and auto break-ins.

    • Nighttime driving not advised due to high hold-up rate.

    Special legal regulations

    Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

    Ideal for your journey: the Travel card.

    Travel is the secure prepaid card for use away from home – without any annual fees. In the event of loss, the card including the balance will be replaced worldwide.

    Find out more about Travel

    Important

    While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

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