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 Currency
The Colon (internationally referred
to as the Costa Rican Colon - CRC) is the currency of Costa
Rica. However, US dollars are commonly traded in tourist areas
where most goods are priced in US dollars as well. At writing
(July 30,2003), the colon was valued at 402 colons to 1 US
dollar. The value of the colon decreases every month at a
rate of approximately 3 colons to the dollar. Common colon
denominations are 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500
(this denomination is being phased out as a bill and replaced
with a coin). Coin denominations are 500, 100, 50, 25, 20,
10, 5, and on rare occasions, you may receive a 1 colon coin.
(Generally, clerks round prices down to the nearest 5 colons.)
- Credit Cards and Travelers
Checks
Most
major credit cards are accepted throughout the country. It
is easier to cash small denominations of Travelers Checks
and a passport ID is required. Some of the smaller business
will only accept cash.CommunicationsDirect-dial telephone
phone service, facsimile, Internet service and cable television
are all available. For bilingual operator assistance for international
calls, dial 116. For local information dial 113 and long distance
international information dial 124.Time ZoneCosta Rica is
on the same time as the US Central Standard Time but does
not follow daylight savings time.
Casual
is the style of Costa Rica. Pack light and bring your very
best SMILE
Departure tax is $ 26 and is
paid inside the airport terminal prior to checking in at airline
counter.
Electricity is 110-volt
AC, the same as the US.
Health
care is excellent in Costa Rica. The CIMA Hospital is a branch
of the Bailer University of Texas Hospital. Most doctors speak
English.
 National
Emblems
The Costa Rican flag consists of 5 horizontal stripes, blue,
white, red (double width), white, and blue. The Costa Rican
coat of arms on a white circular background is pictured on
the red stripe to the hoist side. The national seal of Costa
Rica is its coat of arms. The foreground of the coat of arms
shows a ship sailing on a blue sea in front of green land
with three brown volcanoes. Another ship sails in the background
with the sun rising in the horizon. Seven stars shine above.
The stars represent the seven provinces of Costa Rica and
the volcanoes represent the country's mountain ranges.Almost
as visible as the Costa Rican flag, is the red T-shirt of
the Costa Rican National soccer team.
On September
15, 1821, Costa Rica gained their independence from Spain.
January 1st - New Year's
Day
April 11th - Juan Santamaria's Day (National
hero)
Good Thursday and Good Friday
May 1st - International Labor Day
September 15th - Independence Day
December 25th - Christmas
Valid Passport
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