Costa Rica
Business meetings and customs tend to be conservative. Unlike the protocol in some neighboring countries, a business suit is appropriate for most business meetings Advance appointments, courtesy and punctuality are appreciated. It is necessary to have some knowledge of Spanish, although many locals speak English. Costa Rican business executives place great importance on personal contacts with foreign suppliers. Appointments should take place in the hosts' facilities instead of a hotel room, unless a special room has been arranged for the meeting.
Typical working hours are from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The Costa Rican government has a continuous working schedule from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Most banks open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Crime is increasing, and tourists as well as the local populace are frequent victims. Most crimes are non-violent, including pickpocketing and house and car break-ins, but criminals have shown a greater willingness to use violence in recent years. Travelers should ensure that they purchase an adequate level of locally valid theft insurance when renting vehicles. Never leave valuables in the vehicle, and park in paid lots whenever possible. Criminals have reportedly used skeleton keys to break into cars, particularly rental cars.
Carjackings have occurred in recent years, and motorists have been confronted at gunpoint while stopped at traffic lights or upon arrival at their homes. The women were found with gunshot wounds in the head. In addition, a number of women have been victims of sexual assaults at beach resorts on both coasts and in San Jose. There have been several attempted sexual assaults, including one rape, by taxi drivers. Travelers should be careful to use taxis that have working door handles, locks, and meters (called "marias"), and not ride in the front seat with the driver.
There have been several kidnappings, including those of foreigners, in recent years. Incidents of crime commonly occur in downtown San Jose, at beaches, at the airport, and at national parks and other tourist attractions. There were assaults on tourist buses in recent years. Travelers who keep valuables out of sight, who do not wear jewelry, and who travel in groups during daylight hours lessen their risk. Local law enforcement agencies have limited capabilities. Money exchangers on the street pass off counterfeit U.S. dollars and local currency. Credit card fraud is growing.
Some trails in national parks have been closed because of low numbers of visitors and reported robberies of hikers in the area. Tourists should check with park rangers for current park conditions.
There is a good range of reasonably priced hotel accommodation. Most proprietors speak English. San José has many hotels, from the extravagant to the smaller, family-run hotels in the less fashionable districts. There are several good hotels out of town near the airport. Larger hotels have swimming pools and other sports facilities. The majority of the hotels have their own restaurants that are generally good and reasonably priced. Traditional business services are available in larger hotels (e.g., phone, fax, conference rooms, computer equipment, audiovisual equipment, etc.). Outside the capital, charges and the standard of comfort are lower.
Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 506. Outgoing international code: 00. Costa Rica enjoys an advanced telecommunications network, although some 67,000 Costa Ricans are waiting for telephone service. Telephone service, in general, is reliable. The country also enjoys both public cellular services and data transmission services. Fax facilities are available in San José at the Radiografica Costarricense SA (opening hours: 0700-2200).
An additional digit (2) will be added to the beginning of all
landline numbers as at 21/03/08 and an additional digit (8) will be added required for all mobile numbers.
Electricity is 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. 2-pin plugs are standard.
110 volts AC, 60Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard.
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Restaurants in towns and cities serve a variety of foods including Chinese, French, Italian, Mexican and North American. Food is satisfactory, from the most expensive to the cheapest eating places (which are generally found west of the city center). Food sodas (small restaurants) serve local food. National specialties:
• Casado (rice, beans, stewed beef, fried plantain, salad and cabbage).
• Olla de carne (soup of beef, plantain, corn, yuca, nampi and chayote).
• Sopa negra (black beans with a poached egg).
• Picadillo (meat and vegetable stew).
• Gallos (filled tortillas).
• Tortas (containing meat and vegetables).
• Arreglados (bread filled with same).
• Pan de yuca (specialty from stalls in San José). National drinks:
There are many types of cold drinks made from fresh fruit, milk or cereal flour, for example:
• Cebada (barley flour).
• Pinolillo (roasted corn).
• Horchata (corn meal with cinnamon).
Imported alcoholic and soft drinks are widely available. Coffee is good value and has an excellent flavor. Tipping
: Tipping is not necessary but is accepted if the service was particularly outstanding. Restaurants add a 23 per cent service charge to the bill. Nightlife
San José especially has many nightclubs, venues with folk music and dance, theaters and cinemas.
