- 7 h / - 8 h during our summer time

San José

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English

• 120 volts
• A travel plug adapter for Type A and B sockets is required.
• A voltage converter is also required.

Banks

8.30 a.m.–3.00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)

Shops

9.00 a.m.–6.00/7.00 p.m. (Mon–Sat)

• 1 January – New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)
• 11 April – Juan Santamaría Day (Día de Juan Santamaría)
• Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) – date varies
• Good Friday (Viernes Santo) – date varies (March or April)
• 1 May – Labour Day (Día del Trabajador)
• 25 July – Annexation of Guanacaste (Anexión del Partido de Nicoya)
• 15 August – Assumption of Mary and Mother’s Day (Virgen de los Ángeles y Día de la Madre)
• 15 September – Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)
• 12 October – Day of the Encounter of Cultures (Día del Encuentro de las Culturas)
• 25 December – Christmas Day (Navidad)

The following documents are required to enter Costa Rica:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
• A visa is not required for tourist stays of up to 180 days.
• Travellers must present a return ticket and proof of sufficient financial means.
• Minors: a travel consent form is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: June 2024

Costa Rica’s climate is defined by the dry season, from December to April, and the rainy season, from May to November.

There are notable regional differences in climate:

• Pacific coast: the climate is generally hotter and drier, particularly during the dry season.
• Caribbean coast: this region has a more humid climate, with rainfall distributed more evenly throughout the year.
• Central highlands, including the Central Valley and mountainous regions: these areas have a more temperate climate, influenced by cooler temperatures and frequent mist.

The ideal time for your trip to Costa Rica:

Beach holidays:

• Pacific coast: from December to April, during the dry season, when the weather is sunny and warm, with temperatures often ranging between 28°C and 35°C.
• Caribbean coast: from September to October, when there is less rainfall than during the other months of the rainy season, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 32°C.

City trips:
Ideal throughout the year: cities such as San José in the Central Valley offer pleasant temperatures all year round, typically ranging between 18°C and 24°C.

Nature and ecotourism:

• Dry season, from December to April: ideal for hiking and exploring the national parks. Temperatures range between 25°C and 32°C in lower-lying areas and between 15°C and 22°C at higher elevations.
• Rainy season, from May to November: perfect for nature lovers who wish to experience the lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. Waterfalls are particularly impressive during this period. Temperatures vary depending on the region but are generally milder.

Surfing holidays:

• Pacific coast: from May to November, when the waves are at their highest and conditions are ideal for experienced surfers. Water and air temperatures are around 28°C.
• Caribbean coast: from December to March, when wave conditions are also optimal and temperatures are similar to those on the Pacific coast.

• Using a mobile phone in Costa Rica incurs roaming charges. It is advisable to check the applicable roaming fees before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a special roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels, public places and on public transport.
• For a more stable and reliable Internet connection in Costa Rica, we recommend purchasing a prepaid SIM card from a local provider such as ICE or Movistar. SIM cards are available in supermarkets, mobile phone shops and at airports.

• Manuel Antonio National Park – Famous for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife, including sloths and capuchin monkeys.
• Arenal Volcano – A majestic volcano surrounded by hot springs and numerous hiking trails.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – An ecotourism paradise known for its lush cloud forests and suspension bridges.
• Tortuguero National Park – Often referred to as the “little Amazon of Costa Rica”, it is an excellent place to observe sea turtles.
• Corcovado National Park – Offers some of the best ecotourism adventures in Latin America, with pristine rainforests and impressive biodiversity.
• Poás Volcano – Famous for its active crater lake and the surrounding cloud forests.
• Playa Conchal – Known for its white sand, which consists of millions of crushed seashell fragments.
• Santa Teresa – A popular surfing destination with a relaxed atmosphere and magnificent sunsets.
• Rincón de la Vieja National Park – Home to geysers, hot springs and diverse wildlife.
• San José – The capital of Costa Rica, known for its museums, historic buildings and vibrant cultural scene.

Travel inspiration:

Be inspired by our blog articles and discover Costa Rica’s most fascinating destinations:

• Costa Rica: attractions and the best time for adventures and discovering nature

Costa Rica is known for its simple yet hearty and flavoursome cuisine, which reflects a deep appreciation for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Influenced by the tropical climate and a rich agricultural tradition, Costa Rican cuisine offers a wide range of authentic flavours, from traditional home-style dishes to modern culinary creations.

• Gallo Pinto: a staple of the daily diet, this dish made with rice and beans is often served for breakfast with eggs, tortillas or ripe plantain.
• Casado: another traditional dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantain and meat or fish, reflecting the hearty character of the local cuisine.
• Ceviche: fresh fish marinated in lemon juice with onions and coriander, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients Costa Rica has to offer.
• Coffee: as one of the world’s leading coffee exporters, Costa Rica produces coffee of exceptional quality, grown in the country’s mountainous regions.
• Fruit: the wide variety of tropical fruits, such as mangoes, pineapples and papayas, is used in both desserts and fresh juices.
• Tamales: a festive dish prepared for special occasions, filled with meat, rice, beans and sometimes vegetables, and wrapped in banana leaves.
• Salsa Lizano: a distinctive seasoning sauce found in almost every Costa Rican household, adding a characteristic flavour to many dishes.

Markets and culinary festivals celebrate the abundance and diversity of local produce and provide an insight into the country’s food culture. Authentic Costa Rican cuisine can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere at “sodas”, small family-run restaurants. These culinary experiences reflect the warm hospitality of the Costa Rican people and their pride in their gastronomic traditions.

• Greeting: a friendly “Hola” and a handshake are customary. Among friends, light hugs or cheek-to-cheek greetings are common.
• Saying please and thank you: “Por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you) should be used regularly as a sign of respect.
• Clothing: casual but neat clothing is the norm. Appropriate attire should be worn when visiting religious sites or attending formal occasions.
• Dining etiquette: it is customary to say “buen provecho” before a meal. Food is generally eaten with cutlery unless it is an informal snack.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in public buildings and on public transport. Ask whether there is a designated smoking area.
• Tipping: a 10% service charge is often already included in restaurant bills. An additional tip for good service is nevertheless appreciated. Taxi drivers do not usually expect a tip, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

• Drinking water quality: in Costa Rica, it is advisable to drink water only from safe sources and to avoid tap water. A good way to ensure that a bottle has not previously been opened is to purchase bottled sparkling water. You should also be cautious with ice cubes and avoid raw or unpeeled fruit and vegetables that may have been washed with tap water.
• Vaccinations: no specific vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica. However, travellers are advised to keep their routine vaccinations up to date, including tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, measles and poliomyelitis. It is also advisable to obtain information about additional recommended vaccinations, depending on the planned activities and the regions to be visited in Costa Rica.

• In Costa Rica, medical care may be limited outside the capital, San José. Hospitals generally require a financial guarantee before providing treatment, either by credit card or advance payment.
• If you depend on certain medication, it is important to carry an adequate supply in your travel medical kit. Please note that special regulations may apply to carrying medication containing controlled substances and medicines used to treat mental health conditions.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Crime levels in Costa Rica vary by region. Urban areas and tourist hotspots are associated with a higher risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and fraud.
• Travellers should pay particular attention to their valuables and exercise caution, especially after dark, in less busy areas or places considered unsafe.
• Although Costa Rica is regarded as relatively safe compared with other Latin American countries, travellers should remain vigilant and cautious to minimise potential risks.
• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: June 2024

• For car rentals, a Swiss driving licence is recognised provided that, depending on the rental company, it was obtained at least one year previously.
• An international driving permit is recommended.
• Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have held a driving licence for at least one year. Drivers under the age of 25 often have to pay a young driver surcharge. Some car rental companies impose a maximum age limit of 75.
• A first-aid kit, high-visibility vest, fire extinguisher and warning triangle are mandatory.
• In the event of an accident, vehicles should normally not be moved until authorised by the police, as doing so may be interpreted as an admission of liability.
• Although distances in Costa Rica may appear short, overland journeys often take a considerable amount of time, and traffic congestion can occur at any time. Roads are generally in very poor condition.
• Be prepared for risky and unpredictable driving by other road users.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰.

• Long-distance and regional trains: Costa Rica has a limited railway network, operated mainly by INCOFER, with connections between major cities such as San José and Heredia.
• Buses: buses in Costa Rica are operated by various private companies rather than by the government or a single operator. Each company determines its own routes, fares, stops and timetables. There is no central bus station shared by all operators. Each company has its own terminal, so travellers should check carefully in advance where their bus departs from. Some of the better-known bus companies include Tralapa, Tracopa, Alfaro, MEPE, Pulmitan de Liberia, Transmonteverde, Transportes San Carlos and Transportes Jaco. The term “Empresa” in company names indicates that they are private operators.
• Underground: Costa Rica currently has no underground or metro system.
• Tickets: bus tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or at dedicated ticket counters in larger bus terminals. Train tickets are available at railway stations.
• Transport apps: apps such as Moovit or the official INCOFER app are useful for navigation and route planning. They provide timetable and route information and, in some cases, real-time updates on traffic conditions and delays.

• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San José: direct flights from Zurich with SWISS.

Other important airports in Costa Rica without direct flights from Switzerland include:

• Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), Liberia
• Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ), San José
• Limón International Airport (LIO), Limón

The main airlines operating in Costa Rica are Sansa Airlines, Aerobell Airlines and Costa Rica Green Airways. They offer an extensive range of domestic flights, connecting the capital with other regions of the country.

00 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• Single emergency number: 911

Edificio Centro Colón
10th floor, Paseo Colón
San José
Tel. +506 22 21 48 29
Email: sanjose@eda.admin.ch

• Always carry your passport with you so that you can identify yourself during frequent security checks.
• Foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in political events such as demonstrations. Violations may result in imprisonment or deportation.
• Hurricane season in Costa Rica runs from May to November. During this period, heavy rainfall may cause flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure. Travel and transport services may therefore be temporarily disrupted.
• Whenever possible, use official taxis, which can be recognised by their red colour and the triangular sign on the roof.