Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telecommunications systems in Latin America, with telephones and fax machines all over the country, and an increasing number of businesses online. To call or fax Costa Rica, dial the country code 506 before the number. There is also mail service and a wide selection of courier services in San Jose.
Most large hotels in the San Jose area have cable TV, with US and European stations. Newspapers and magazines from North America and several European nations are sold in many shops and hotels in and around the capital.
Despite its size and being an under developed country, Costa Rica has positioned itself among the countries with the highest public healthcare development in Latin America.
The Costa Rican Social Security Service (CCSS) is a public service institution that has accomplished important goals regarding health issues, including pensions and social security. This institution offers coverage and integrated health services through two types of insurance:General coverage insurance, with a service that covers 100% of the country. Contribution coverage insurance, with an 86.80% of the population.
Costa Rica is the country in Latin America with the highest life expectancy rate at 77.75 years old; it is also one of the countries with the lowest infant mortality rate: 10.82%. It is also far advanced in issues regarding prenatal prevention and control.
Costa Rica is praised because of its efforts for investment in public education that different governments have accomplished throughout the years. There are close to 6,147 elementary, middle, and high schools and more than 50 universities in the country.
There is an ample selection of state owned and privately held banks in San Jose, and throughout the country. The official currency of Costa Rica is the colon; however US dollars are widely accepted. US dollars and traveler's checks can be changed in banks and hotels. Most major credit cards are widely accepted, and cash advances can be obtained at banks around the country and a variety of places throughout San Jose.
Government offices are generally open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, while banks close anytime between 3:00 and 6:00 pm, according to the bank and its branch. Most shops are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, while some open at 8:00 am and others close at 7:00 pm; most grocery stores close at 8:00 pm.
Costa Ricans usually have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two coffee breaks. The serving size of each meal is moderate.
North American appliances are compatible with Costa Rica's electrical system (110 volts) and outlets (parallel two-prong). Australian and European appliances require a two-prong adapter and a 220-volt to 110-volt transformer. Most laptops operate equally well on 110 and 220 volts and so require only an adapter, but you should bring a surge protector for your computer. Never use an outlet that specifically warns against using higher-voltage appliances without a transformer. Dual-voltage appliances (which are usually designed especially for travel) need only a two-prong adapter.
Holidays (feriados) are dear to the hearts of most Costa Ricans. Traditional holiday celebrations offer visitors insight into the culture and beliefs of Costa Ricans. Ticos are renowned for their gregarious nature which is quite apparent during the numerous fiestas, horse parades and carnivals celebrated throughout the country.
December is the most festive month of the year as Ticos look forward to eating traditional foods, meeting up with friends and family and, of course, “mucha fiesta”!
Contacts
phone: (506)2235-4656 | (506)8315-1477All rigth Reserved 2008 www.costaricahighlights.com
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