Connecting Canadians to their tropical dreams since 2005
Tropical Developments S.A. Related FAQís
How secure is a real
estate purchase in Costa Rica?
How can I ensure this is the right investment
for me?
What are Land Taxes on this Property?
Can I view the property before I invest?
In regards to development plans, do they
need to be approved by local municipalities?
Do you have the Public Registry report
on the property?
Who is the lawyer that is doing the title search?
Can we obtain a history of the land parcel to
be purchased?
Who is the cell phone provider?
Is there phone and cable TV in this area?
Who and when would provide high speed Internet?
What will we be doing about the water issues? Pressure?
Drainage? Will this be done for the investorís houses or just the hotel?
As for maintenance of the property, how many
years will this be managed?
How long after the initial buy would the
lands be spilt for separate title?
Costa Rica General
Where is Costa Rica?
Howís the weather?
How is the Rainy Season?
What is the geography of Costa Rica?
What is the population and ethnic makeup?
What type of wildlife can I see in Costa Rica?
How is Costa Rica unique in bio diversity?
Government and Economy
How is the local economy?
Is the government stable?
Food,
Health & Safety
Is Costa Rica dangerous
for tourists?
Crime?
What type of food can I expect when dining out?
Are there modern medical facilities?
Is the sun really intense in Costa Rica?
What do I do in case of emergencies?
Is it safe to eat the local produce?
Are there many mosquitoes?
Do I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Health Information
for Travelers to Central America
Can I drink the water?
Are there dangerous currents for swimmers?
Travel Questions Travel Questions
Identification / Entry Requirements:
What should I pack in my suitcase?
How are the roads?
What are the driving times between destinations?
Where are all the destinations where
I can take domestic flights?
Where can I exchange money?
How much money should I bring?
Whereís The Best Surf?
Where and when is the best fishing in Costa Rica?
What are allowances for baggage on international and
domestic flights?
Is there good golfing in Costa Rica?
Miscellaneous
What time is it there?
Is the electricity standard North American voltage?
How much do I tip waiters and other hired help?
What are normal business hours?
What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find there?
Tropical Developments S.A. Related FAQ’s.
How secure
is a real estate purchase in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s fee simple real estate ownership, similar to that of
the United States and Canada, assures foreign investors that their land
rights are guaranteed.
It is just as safe to buy titled land in Costa Rica as it would be in
the US, Canada, or Europe. The guiding principles of offer and acceptance
and the public registration of ownership, leans and encumbrances are no
different here. Additionally, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership
of real estate in Costa Rica as there are in some other countries such
as Mexico. So, a foreigner has the exact same rights on titled real estate
as does a Costa Rican.
Because of specific laws that govern real estate within 200 meters of
the ocean, there are risks that you must take to own real estate in these
ocean front regions that lie outside of the general statement regarding
titled land. top of page
How can I ensure this is the
right investment for me?
Tropical Developments S.A. provides all pertinent documentation to investors
in order to allow them to make informed investment decisions. This documentation
includes a business plan, National Registry information on the land we
are developing, legal contacts and all other relevant documentation and
contact information requested. You can also feel free to obtain your own
lawyer. The Canadian Embassy in San Jose will provide a list of lawyers.
top of page
What are Land Taxes on this Property?
Less than $100 per year. Land taxes are kept low so that native Costa
Ricans can continue to live in their country while foreign investment
has increased the standard of living to levels that they would otherwise
not be able to afford. top of page
Can I view the property before
I invest?
Should you wish to view the property personally prior to purchasing, we
would be happy to arrange a tour of the property. top of
page
In regards to development plans,
do they need to be approved by local municipalities, health boards, government
housing departments etc? If so when and how long does this take? Before
purchasing the lot should we not conduct some preliminary studies on the
property to make sure there won’t be a problem getting a building
permit?
The development plan does need to be approved. This process is done with
the aid of our lawyer and an architect in Costa Rica. The architect we're
going to use Enrique Chryssopolous, who is Costa Rican and lives in the
area. For a development the size of what we have planned, this is a fairly
simple process, but one that is required none the less. We will need the
appropriate approvals to build (which is plans drawn or certified by a
Costa Rican architect and municipal approval (this will include an insurance
policy for the duration of the job) Costa Rica insurance office INS www.ins.go.cr.
Once the project is ready to open you will have to get all operation permits,
health, and tourism board. top of page
Do you
have the Public Registry report on the property?
We can look up the property for the history and all the details. Go to
http://196.40.22.13/
and click on the “Bienes Inmuebles - Por Número de Finca”
section and enter Provincia 6-Puntarenas and the Finca number <<not
available at this time>>.
Title study (not available at this time)
rights. top of page
Who is the lawyer that is doing the title
search?
Name: RAFAEL ALBERTO LOPEZ CAMPOS
Número de Identificación Costarricense: 2-395-609
Estado Civil: CASADO UNA VEZ
Ocupación: ABOGADO
Dirección Del Representante: ATENAS, ALAJUELA, FRENTE AL TEMPLO
CATÓLICO
Tele & fax: TEL. 446-6675 FAX 446-6917
top of page
Can we obtain a history of the land
parcel to be purchased?
It would beneficial to find out what the land has been used for in the
past if anything. Also, who owned it, where they are at now; do they have
any claims to it? Before purchasing the lot should you not conduct some
preliminary studies on the property to make sure there won’t be a
problem getting a building permit?
We shouldn't have any problems, but that being said, we won't close on
anything (i.e. we won't transfer any money) until our lawyer ensures that
our development plans will be approved, and we have the documentation.
top of page
Who is the cell phone provider?
Alcatel, a European company based out of Paris developed the new GSM.
The service is offered by ICE. Any additional information can be reviewed
at www.grupoice.com,
or www.ice.go.cr.
top of page
Is there phone and
cable TV in this area?
There are a few cable companies in the country, Cable Mundo, Cable Tica...
Most people are using a type of direct TV or satellite. Remember for all
these communications questions that recently a large project to install
fiber optic and addition room for cabling was recently completed along
the coastal hwy. More information about this project and communications
can be found in the archive section of www.ticotimes.net
or www.nacion.com
top of page
Who and when would provide high
speed Internet?
The new highway has the conduit for fibre optic cable and more. All that's
required is to pull whatever material that is needed through. Right now,
the high speed in Dominical is IDSN. The whole country is moving to DSL
and Sean is estimating that our property will have high-speed in 12-16
months.
There are a couple of options GPRS. GSM Phone technology is available
but we won’t know yet if this lot would have coverage – our
contact in the area will test. ISDN is available in Dominical but has
not made it south yet. Once again, this new project will involve high
speed internet. Another option is satellite internet offered privately
or through RACSA check it out at www.racsa.co.cr(
this page also has a bunch of info on other Costa Rican sites that are
quite helpful). top of page
What will we be doing about the water
issues? Pressure? Drainage? Will this be done for the investor’s
houses or just the hotel?
Water is always a critical thing and in this case it is recommended that
we develop a well, but for the time being the current source can be improved.
Wells can cost around $120-$150/mt depth. Depending on the demand, we
will have to play with the depth but for a local property of an acquaintance
a couple hundred meters to the north, they went 74m deep and it returns
3 litres per second for 14 users. All this works.
top of
page
As for maintenance of the property,
how many years will this be managed and directed by the hotel, if no rental
income were to come in from the property?
The maintenance of the properties will be the responsibility of the hotel
management. A minimum fee will be charged for minimum maintenance to the
road, landscape and building structure. Higher levels of maintenance can
be negotiated. top of page
How long after the initial buy
would the lands be spilt for separate title?
We will split the land title as soon as we take title to the main property.
It could literally be the next day. There will be a maximum of 3 homes
developed and priority to lot location will be given on a first to invest
basis. top of page
Costa
Rica General
Where is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is located in Central America with Nicaragua bordering to the
North and Panama to the South. It is bordered on the East and West by
water. The East coast is the Atlantic Ocean and the West coast is Pacific
Ocean. Costa Rica is situated very near the equator at just 8 degrees
latitude. top of page
How’s the weather?
Costa Rica's year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes
cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands
and the mountains are warm by day and brisk at night, giving an "eternal
spring" feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C
(89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland. The rainy, or
‘green season’ lasts from approximately May to December with
noticeably drier days during the rest of the year. For a current forecast,
check out this link: http://www.weather.com/weather/local/CSXX0009.
top of page
How
is the Rainy Season?
Many people ask what the general time periods of high and low season are.
While every hotel defines this slightly differently, it usually corresponds
with the dry / green season months. The dry season usually begins in mid-November
and continues through mid-May. The rains here begin in late April and
grow heavy in September and October. During these months you can count
on rain in the afternoons, though it is usually still beautiful from 7am
to 2pm. Green season mornings are breathtaking.
The beginning and end of the green season are, in our opinion, some of
the best months to travel to Costa Rica. Prices are lower the foliage
is green and there are fewer tourists. The Guapil area is as green as
you could ever imagine. top of page
What is the geography of Costa Rica?
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, they range
from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea
level). The Cordillera de Guanacaste, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera
de Talamanca are the principal mountain ranges extending the length of
the country. There are several active volcanoes (Volcán Arenal,
Volcán Irazú, Volcán Rincón de la Vieja and
Volcán Turrialba) and the country's highest mountain (Cerro Chirripó),
which reaches a height of 3,819m (12,530 ft) – relatively close to
our property.The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract
expert kayakers and rafters. Costa Rica’s land mass is 51,100 square
kilometers. top of page
What is the population and
ethnic makeup?
Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are a fairly mixed bunch. Though
the majority of the country's 3.3 million inhabitants are the descendants
of Spanish immigrants, many families originated from other parts of Europe,
Asia, Africa and, of course, Central America. You may be surprised by
the number of fair-skinned people you'll see in the country, especially
in the Central Valley. In the lowlands, more people are mestizo: a mixture
of European and Indigenous blood, whereas the majority along the Caribbean
coast are of African lineage, and much of the Talamanca Mountain Range
is inhabited by full-blooded Indians of various tribes. top
of page
What type of wildlife can I see in Costa
Rica?
Costa Rica has long been a destination of choice for birding enthusiasts,
biology scholars, and nature lovers of all types. Nearly all of the National
Parks in Costa Rica are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including
those types mentioned above and more. Manuel Antonio National Park is
famous for its semi-tame monkeys and is about 60 km's north of our property.
The first time I set foot on our property, there was a group of monkeys
and hundreds of birds and butterflies. You can also see fantastic jungle
creatures on the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero and other more remote areas.
The tour guides at the National Parks are usually incredibly knowledgeable
and can point out things you may not notice otherwise. Scarlet macaws,
marine turtles, hummingbirds, sloth, leaf-cuter ants, quetzals, toads,
frogs, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, bats, iguanas – the list of
wildlife one can see here seems endless. Costa Rica is considered to be
one of the most “biologically intense” places on earth, particularly
the Osa Peninsula – very close to Guapil. Due to Costa Rica’s
unique position at the continental divide there are a plethora of exotic
creatures, flowers and trees. top of page
How is Costa Rica unique in bio diversity?
Monkeys - white throated capuchin, howler and spider monkeys all reside
in the Costa Rican rainforest.
Sloth - tough to spot, two-toed and three-toed sloth move slowly through
the canopy in many parts of Costa Rica's jungles.
Frogs and Toads - some of the most amazingly brilliant colored creatures
in Costa Rica are its many frogs and toads.
Lizards - you will no doubt see iguanas if you hit any of Costa Rica's
beaches. Less common are the Jesus lizard and the skink.
Birds - over 850 species of birds (more than all of Mexico and the U.S.
combined) reside in or visit Costa Rica. Scarlet macaws, parakeets, quetzals,
toucans, pelicans, hawks, egrets, hummingbirds, owls, cuckoos are but
a few.
Butterflies - 1,239 species are present in Costa Rica. The most notable
is the morpho, known for its brilliant blue color.
Flowers - more popular than insects with most folks, 800 ferns, 1,200
orchids and 2,000 trees give nature lovers plenty to observe.
Volcanoes and Waterfalls - The prehistoric feel to the landscape has been
used as a backdrop for such movies as "Congo" (which I hope
you missed) and "Jurassic Park II" and "Outbreak".
Several active volcanoes, gigantic waterfalls and panoramic greenery are
breathtaking and often a totally new experience for many visitors. top
of page
Government
and Economy
How is the local economy?
You don't have to drive very far in Costa Rica, past the coffee, pastures,
bananas and other crops, to realize that agriculture is the basis of its
economy. Coffee has historically been the country's most important crop,
and Costa Rica continues to produce some of the finest coffee in the world.
Bananas are the second most important export crop, with vast plantations
covering parts of the Caribbean lowlands, there is also significant land
dedicated to the cultivation of pineapples, sugar, oranges, rice, hardwoods
and ornamental plants, as well as raising cattle for beef and dairy products.
The number one export is Tourism. top of page
Is the government stable?
If you have read any of the many guidebooks on Costa Rica, then you are
probably aware that Costa Rica is a diplomatic, peaceful country with
NO standing military. The current President is Abel Pacheco, who was elected
in a runoff in April of 2002. Costa Rica has been fortunate to have never
had a single war or major political turmoil. It is considered by many
political experts to be the most stable country in Central America and
among the elite of Latin America. An impressive public healthcare system
and strong emphasis on education (Costa Rica is the most literate of all
Latino countries) have resulted in a happy, affluent culture. Like in
most developing nations, there is a degree of unrest with the political
corruption and shortage of strict law enforcement, but by and large Costa
Rica is a country whose people seem quite content with their political
leadership. top of page
Food,
Health & Safety
Is Costa Rica dangerous for
tourists?
Costa Rica remains a very safe, stable country. Violent crime against
tourists is a rarity here and in most cases, avoidable. Do NOT do anything
in Costa Rica that you would not do in your home country. Do NOT buy drugs,
party late with strangers, walk alone late at night in San Jose, flaunt
cash or wear fancy jewelry. The most common crimes against tourists are
pick-pocketing and breaking into rental cars. Be careful, use good judgment
and you will most likely come and go without a hitch.
Health wise, Costa Rica is very safe. Tap water in the Central Valley
and at the beach is drinkable, there is no malaria, and hospitals are
of a high standard, equal to that of Canada. The main hazard that you
are likely to face is sunburn on the beach! Be careful of the tropical
sun, and never under-estimate it's power. For fun I'll put some links
in here for how to take care of a sun burn. Others have been known to
nurse their sunburns with extra strong Pina Coladas! top
of page
Crime?
Extremely low crime rates makes Costa Rica one of the safest
countries in the world to live. Costa Rica has an overall crime rate of
870 per hundred thousand people. In New York, as a comparison, you can
try vainly to avoid the whooping 1,950 crimes per hundred thousand. More
than twice as high! Most crime is petty theft. Hardly any violent crimes.
The key is to remember that while you may be in paradise, you still have
to lock your door and you still cannot leave your camera on the beach
unattended while you swim. top of page
What type of food can I expect when dining
out?
Costa Rican local cuisine consists mostly of chicken, beef or fish accompanied
with rice and beans. The typical lunch menu is called a “casado”
and includes one of the first three items, rice and beans and a small
salad. The greater San Jose area has a wide variety of dining due to a
high concentration of foreign residents and locals of mixed ethnic backgrounds.
Dining options are more limited in the beach towns, although Manuel Antonio
offers a pretty impressive variety of restaurants. If you like seafood,
you can’t go wrong ordering Dorado (Mahi Mahi) or Yellow fin tuna.
top of page
Are there modern medical facilities?
YES! Health care in Costa Rica is excellent and there are several ultra-modern
hospitals with English speaking Doctors (some are North Americans) in
the greater San Jose area. For emergency assistance in Costa Rica, dial
911. top of page
Is the sun really intense in Costa Rica?
Being in a tropical climate, it's not difficult to get sunburned or dehydrated.
A bad sunburn & dehydration are two ways to put a major kink in any
vacation. Make sure you use plenty of sunscreen (remember, we’re
just 8 degrees above the equator!) and drink plenty of liquids so as to
avoid such problems. top of page
What do I do in case of emergencies?
In Costa Rica, the 911 Emergency System is in place, however it's sometimes
faster to call the Costa Rican Red Cross (128). Rich Davis will also be
a good acquaintance to leave a copy of your itinerary with if need be.
top of page
Is it safe to eat the local produce?
The food (fruits and vegetables) in Costa Rica is safe to eat. However,
if you are susceptible to upset stomachs when traveling abroad make sure
that you only eat peeled fruit and well cooked foods. The water in cities
and beaches is safe to drink. top of page
Are there many mosquitoes?
There are surprisingly few mosquitoes on the popular tourist beaches.
There are more in the rainforest and along the rivers. If you intend to
take a river rafting tour or hike the jungle, bring insect repellent.
top of page
Do I need to take malaria pills or
vaccinations?
In ten years of travel, including two years full-time, I never had any
problems with malaria or anything else you may think you need a vaccination
for. Although nothing is required for entry into Costa Rica, there are
recommendations for precautions when traveling to remote areas. If you
decide to take precautions in this regard, it's best to do so 2 to 3 weeks
before your departure. Many passengers ask about Malaria pills. Although
we are not doctors, we do not recommend taking Malaria pills unless you
are planning on being in a remote or high-risk area. top
of page
For Health Information for Travelers
to Central America
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm
top of page
Can I drink the water?
The drinking water in Costa Rica is perfectly potable. Costa Rica is by
NO means Mexico (where Montezuma’s revenge has become the stuff of
tourist legends). If you prefer, in-expensive bottled water is available
throughout the country. top of page
Are there dangerous currents
for swimmers?
Guapil is a great place to relax and surf or swim in the Ocean, however
you still need to be very aware of rip tides and undertows. While there
is a full time lifeguard on the beach Hotel Mañana will be offering
15 minute orientation sessions for new visitor which will include information
on how to swim safe. The main thing to remember is that if you don’t
panic, most of these tides will pull you out but not under. To escape
a rip tide, swim parallel to shore until you find a place where the current
subsides, then swim to shore. Do NOT fight the current directly. top
of page
Travel
Questions
What are the Identification
& Entry Requirements:
A valid passport is required. Upon entry, each tourist is issued a 90-day
tourist visa. If you plan to stay beyond the 90 days, make sure you leave
the country for 72 hours and then re-enter for a new 90 day visa or receive
special permission / work visa before you arrive. It's also a good idea
to have several copies of the picture page of your passport with you when
you travel. top of page
What should I pack in my suitcase?
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Light raincoat and/or umbrella
- Sweater/light jacket
- Long Pants: evenings can be chilly
- Clothing comfortable for hiking, touring, etc. (70-90 degree weather)
- Hiking shoes - Day pack (fanny or backpack)
- Your Passport or Birth Certificate and 3 copies of whichever you bring
- Driver's license
- Credit card or traveler's checks
- English/Spanish dictionary
- A Costa Rican guidebook (Fodor's, Lonely Planet, etc.)
- Drugstore items (toothpaste, soap, lotion, razor, etc.)
- Sandals
- Camera and film
top of page
How are the roads?
If you do any driving in Costa Rica, you will almost certainly do some
traveling on the Pan-American Highway. This is the main artery of Costa
Rican travel and is heavily used. The road is windy and somewhat dangerous
driving in parts. However, the main highways are constantly improving
in quality and in general are not unpleasant to drive. The roads to the
more popular beaches are fairly well kept and the new paved beach road
running underneath the property is excellent. top of page
What are the driving times between
destinations?
It is very difficult to estimate accurate driving times as road conditions,
traffic, time of day, and weather greatly affect how long it can take.
These are very rough estimates. Typically one can average around 65-75
kilometers per hour on highways and 30-50 on side roads. Be careful to
not allow yourself enough time between destinations. Driving in Costa
Rica is much more fun if you are not in a hurry. top of
page
San Jose to Guapil to San Jose: 3.5 hours
San Jose to Manuel Antonio: 3 hours
San Jose to Arenal: 4 hours
San Jose to Tamarindo: 5 hours
San Jose to Monteverde: 5 hours
San Jose to Puerto Viejo: 3.75 hours
San Jose to Golfito: 5 hours
Where are all the destinations
where I can take domestic flights?
The local national airline (SANSA) offers regular flights to/from popular
destinations. All flights depart from San Jose. top of
page
Palmar Sur (airport 15 minutes from property)
Golfito
Liberia
Nosara
Barra del Colorado
Puerto Jimenez
Punta Islita
Quepos
Samara
Tamarindo
Tambor
Tortuguero
Where can I exchange money?
Dollars - Carry US dollars with you when you arrive to Costa Rica. As
the local currency is on a fixed devaluation schedule with the US dollar,
you will most always get the best rate of exchange.
Credit Cards - Most vendors give discounts for using cash, as credit card
merchant companies charge high percentages on transactions here. Some
vendors do not accept credit cards, while many only take VISA.
Travelers Checks - Although accepted by most establishments, you will
usually be charged an exchange commission fee between 2-5%.
Exchange - When you arrive, you may exchange your money at any local bank
or most of the upscale hotels (if you are one of their guests). Note that
you will get a better exchange rate at banks. You may also get foreign
currency by using your ATM card. However, it's important that you know
the exchange rate before you do this. Currently, the rate is about 407
colones to the US dollar. In a pinch, dollars are pretty widely accepted,
but you'll probably receive your change in colones. top
of page
How much money should I bring?
That really depends on what you intend to do, see, buy, etc. But to give
you a fair estimate on costs, a typical lunch costs around $5 at an affordable
restaurant or “soda” or up to $15 at a nicer establishment.
Beer or mixed drinks run about $1.25 each at a typical bar or restaurant,
and up to twice as much at a nicer hotel or high-end eatery. Taxi fares
are very affordable compared to Canadian cities. A short trip (2-3km)
within San Jose or at a beach town where taxis are prevalent (such as
Quepos) costs around $2. Costa Rica is seen by some as a very affordable
destination by some and expensive by others. There is a dual economy here
(local/foreign) and if you wish to make the effort to find bargains they
certainly do exist, as do tourist traps which overcharge. Be smart, know
the value of the colon vs. your currency and purchase accordingly. top
of page
Where’s The Best Surf?
Surfers were among the first travelers to frequent Costa Rica. While there
are no mythical Hawaii-size breaks, Costa Rica is a popular surfing destination
for its warm water and year-round waves. Dominical, Pavones, Jaco, Quepos,
Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo are all big surf spots. Some surfers bring
their own surfboards; others rent or buy and sell boards while here. top
of page
Where and when is the best
fishing in Costa Rica?
Bahia Ballena is situated right in a natural marina and so has some of
the best fishing in the country! Sport fishing in Costa Rica is excellent
on both coasts and there are game fish to be caught during all months
of the year. Fishing is of the ‘catch and release’ variety (although
a small number are kept for trophies or for eating) and prices vary greatly
in price depending on the boat, outfitter and region. Several world record
fish have been caught off the coasts of Costa Rica. Other spots on the
Pacific Coast include, Ocotal/Coco, Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos and the Osa
Peninsula. On the Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero and Barra Colorado are popular.
The slowest fishing months are September through November on the Pacific
and June and July on the Caribbean, though this varies from region to
region. Marlin, Roosterfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Tarpon and
Snook (on the Caribbean) as well as Yellow fin Tuna are the prime targets.
top of page
What is the normal allowance for baggage
on international and domestic flights
In country flight baggage restrictions vary from carrier to carrier. However,
most flights only allow a 25-pound baggage limit per person. In fact,
before some flights, they will actually weigh you and your luggage to
make sure. For International flights, 2 bags to check and 1 to carry is
the
standard (usually with a 75 pound limit for each bag). top
of page
Is there good golfing in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is not yet a world-class golf destination, but this is changing
rapidly. The Melia hotel chain offers two courses, one near the San Jose
airport at the Melia Cariari ($40 greens fees), the other on the beach
at the Paradisus (Melia) Playa Conchal ($100, includes cart). You have
to be a member or a guest of their hotel to play the Cariari course. Also
close to the airport is the Parque Valle del Sol 18-hole course. The newest
major golf resort is the Los Suenos Marriott in Playa Herradura (near
Jaco). Greens fees run around $100 for guests and $150 for the general
public. Royal Pacific Golf & Country Club, a Ron Garl designed course,
is a short drive from the Melia Conchal is an 18-hole course. Hacienda
Pinilla, located on Costa Rica's North Pacific Coast is just a short drive
from Paradisus (Melia) Playa Conchal's Garra de León Golf Course.
This newly created 18-hole championship links style layout was completed
in February of 2001. Mike Young designed the course on what used to be
a working cattle ranch and is now part of a 5,000 acre mega-development.
The entire project is still in the early stages of development, but the
course already boasts the finest greens in Costa Rica. top
of page
Miscellaneous
What time is it there?
Costa Rica is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, which is equivalent
to Central Standard Time (CST) in North America. Costa Rica does not change
clocks ahead for daylight savings time, so from April through December
local time is one hour ahead of CST. top of page
Is the electricity standard North American
voltage?
YES! You can plug any normal electric-powered device (hair dryers, shaver,
laptop computer, etc.) into an electrical wall outlet in Costa Rica. top
of page
How much do I tip waiters and other hired
help?
Although tipping is not very common in Costa Rica (because it's usually
included), a general rule of thumb is to tip like you would in your own
country. In most restaurants a 10% service charge is already added to
your bill. If you receive exceptional service, we recommend leaving an
additional 10%. For porters, 150 colones (about 50 cents) per bag is a
fair gratuity. Tipping taxi drivers is almost unheard of but if you feel
the urge, it will be well received! For tour guides, follow the guidelines
for each company or again, tip like you would in your own country for
similar services. top of page
What are normal business hours?
Government offices are generally open from 8 am to 4 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. Some
shops also close for lunch, between noon and 1:00 or 2:00 pm. top
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What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I
find there?
There are some really neat locally made products that make great souvenirs
or gifts. Costa Rican coffee is among the best in the world and makes
a great, affordable gift. Other popular items are hot sauces, hand made
wood and ceramic crafts, hammocks, leather rocking chairs and jewelry.
The artisan town of Sarchi is a popular tourist stop where gifts can be
purchased direct from the craftsmen. There are also plenty of tourist
shops in downtown San Jose. top
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