[vc_row parallax_image=”” columns_type=”default” section=”yes” full_screen=”” vertical_centering=”” full_width=”” full_height=”” background=”” bg_color_info=”” img=”128″ parallax=”” parallax_bg_width=”110″ parallax_reverse=”” video=”” bg_type=”” parallax_style=”” bg_image_new=”” layer_image=”” bg_image_repeat=”” bg_image_size=”” bg_cstm_size=”” bg_img_attach=”” parallax_sense=”” bg_image_posiiton=”” animation_direction=”” animation_repeat=”” video_url=”” video_url_2=”” u_video_url=”” video_opts=”” video_poster=”” u_start_time=”” u_stop_time=”” viewport_vdo=”” enable_controls=”” bg_override=”” disable_on_mobile_img_parallax=”” parallax_content=”” parallax_content_sense=”” fadeout_row=”” fadeout_start_effect=”” enable_overlay=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_pattern=”” overlay_pattern_opacity=”” overlay_pattern_size=”” overlay_pattern_attachment=”” multi_color_overlay=”” multi_color_overlay_opacity=”” seperator_enable=”” seperator_type=”” seperator_position=”” seperator_shape_size=”” seperator_svg_height=”” seperator_shape_background=”” seperator_shape_border=”” seperator_shape_border_color=”” seperator_shape_border_width=”” icon_type=”” icon=”” icon_size=”” icon_color=”” icon_style=”” icon_color_bg=”” icon_border_style=”” icon_color_border=”” icon_border_size=”” icon_border_radius=”” icon_border_spacing=”” icon_img=”” img_width=”” ult_hide_row=”” ult_hide_row_large_screen=”” ult_hide_row_desktop=”” ult_hide_row_tablet=”” ult_hide_row_tablet_small=”” ult_hide_row_mobile=”” ult_hide_row_mobile_large=”” el_class=”banner_pages”][vc_column text_color=”” animate=”” animate_delay=”” width=”1/1″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gay Travel Tips Costa Rica” main_heading_color=”#ffffff” heading_tag=”h1″ alignment=”center” spacer=”no_spacer” spacer_position=”top” spacer_img_width=”48″ line_style=”solid” line_height=”1″ line_color=”#333333″ icon_type=”selector” icon_size=”32″ icon_style=”none” icon_color_border=”#333333″ icon_border_size=”1″ icon_border_radius=”500″ icon_border_spacing=”50″ img_width=”48″ line_icon_fixer=”10″ el_class=”title_pages” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:80px;tablet:70px;tablet_portrait:65px;mobile_landscape:50px;mobile:45px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:6%;”]
[/ultimate_heading][vc_separator type=”invisible” size=”big” icon=”” text=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row columns_type=”default” section=”” full_screen=”” vertical_centering=”” full_width=”” full_height=”” parallax_bg_width=”110″ parallax_reverse=”” video=”” video_opts=”” multi_color_overlay=””][vc_column animate=”aft” width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner columns_type=”default”][vc_column_inner text_color=”” animate=”” animate_delay=”” width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Entry Requirements” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left|color:%23ff8c00″ google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Serif%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom_title_font”][vc_column_text]Gay Travel Tips Costa Rica – A valid U.S. passport is required. Officials requesting ID during your stay will usually accept a photocopy of your passport showing photo, passport number, and entry stamp. To enter as a tourist, you do not need a visa; you do, however, need to show proof of when you will be leaving Costa Rica, such as a return ticket or ticket to another country.
If traveling from a country other that the U.S. or Canada, or if you have any other questions, contact the Costa Rican embassy in your country and they will be more than happy to assist you with any information you need.
When departing, you should be at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight. There is a departure tax of U.S. $26.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner text_color=”” animate=”” animate_delay=”” width=”1/2″][vc_simple_slider ids=”201,204,233,223″ arrows=”hover” nav=”none” transition=”fade” auto_rotation=”yes” fullscreen=”” stretch=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row parallax_image=”” columns_type=”default” section=”” full_screen=”” vertical_centering=”” full_width=”” full_height=”” background=”” bg_color_info=”” img=”” parallax=”” parallax_bg_width=”110″ parallax_reverse=”” video=”” bg_type=”” parallax_style=”” bg_image_new=”” layer_image=”” bg_image_repeat=”” bg_image_size=”” bg_cstm_size=”” bg_img_attach=”” parallax_sense=”” bg_image_posiiton=”” animation_direction=”” animation_repeat=”” video_url=”” video_url_2=”” u_video_url=”” video_opts=”” video_poster=”” u_start_time=”” u_stop_time=”” viewport_vdo=”” enable_controls=”” bg_override=”” disable_on_mobile_img_parallax=”” parallax_content=”” parallax_content_sense=”” fadeout_row=”” fadeout_start_effect=”” enable_overlay=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_pattern=”” overlay_pattern_opacity=”” overlay_pattern_size=”” overlay_pattern_attachment=”” multi_color_overlay=”” multi_color_overlay_opacity=”” seperator_enable=”” seperator_type=”” seperator_position=”” seperator_shape_size=”” seperator_svg_height=”” seperator_shape_background=”” seperator_shape_border=”” seperator_shape_border_color=”” seperator_shape_border_width=”” icon_type=”” icon=”” icon_size=”” icon_color=”” icon_style=”” icon_color_bg=”” icon_border_style=”” icon_color_border=”” icon_border_size=”” icon_border_radius=”” icon_border_spacing=”” icon_img=”” img_width=”” ult_hide_row=”” ult_hide_row_large_screen=”” ult_hide_row_desktop=”” ult_hide_row_tablet=”” ult_hide_row_tablet_small=”” ult_hide_row_mobile=”” ult_hide_row_mobile_large=””][vc_column text_color=”” animate=”” animate_delay=”” width=”1/1″][vc_separator type=”invisible”][vc_row_inner columns_type=”default”][vc_column_inner animate=”aft” width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Best time to come” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left|color:%23ff8c00″ google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Serif%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom_title_font”][vc_column_text]Costa Rica is an excellent vacation destination the whole year round! Costa Rica has two basic seasons:
- The Dry or High Season:
This season starts in late November and lasts through April. Days are usually dry and sunny. Because this is the most popular season, reservations need to be made well in advance and prices are usually more expensive.
- The Wet or Low Season:
This season runs usually from May to November. Though rain may come daily during the afternoon, mornings are usually sunny and evenings are peaceful and good times for activities. Bargain-conscious travelers usually pick this season because prices are lower and many items and services are discounted.
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”What to bring” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left|color:%23ff8c00″ google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Serif%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom_title_font”][vc_column_text]Costa Rica has a pretty constant range of temperatures because of its geographic location in the tropics. However, because of the presence of so many climate zones, it is suggested that you dress not only for hot and humid weather, but also for the cool breeziness of higher altitudes. The following is a list of suggestions of what to bring:
A couple of bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts or tank tops, loose-fitting cotton and lightweight long-sleeved shirt, rubber sandals, hats, lightweight hiking boots with good tread, athletic shoes for walks, light sweater and/or jacket, light cotton pants, jeans (for horseback riding), extra socks, sunglasses, insect repellent (75 % DEET recommended), waterproof sunblock lotion (SPF 29-40), towels, folding sturdy umbrella, rain jacket or poncho, day pack, camera, binoculars, and medications[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”More bits of information” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ff8c00″ google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Serif%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom_title_font”][vc_column_text]
The capital of San José is located at a higher elevation, so it can be cool and breezy during the evening. Dress in Costa Rica is typically casual, but, traditionally, shorts are not worn to nice restaurants or parties.
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Health issues” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left|color:%23ff8c00″ google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Serif%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom_title_font”][vc_column_text]Costa Rica has excellent heath care, and sanitary standards are high. Hospitals and private clinics are similar in quality to those in the United States, but not as expensive.
Costa Rica’s socialized medicine and public education have served to effectively control those illnesses and diseases that typically affect tropical countries. The standard of health is quite high.
Vaccinations are not required, nor are they considered necessary. Be sure to bring with you a medical history if you have any health condition that would require special attention or consideration in the event of illness or accident. Costa Rica does use a 911 emergency call system that uses bilingual operators.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Some health tips” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left|color:%23ff8c00″ google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Serif%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom_title_font”][vc_column_text]
When participating in outdoor activities, avoid using fragrant shampoos or perfumes, as these will act as mosquito magnets! Also, don’t try getting your suntan all in one day! The Costa Rican sun is tropical, and you need to pace yourself with appropriate sunscreens. Bring bottled water with you on your outdoor excursions and keep yourself hydrated throughout your activities.
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”The Water” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left|color:%23ff8c00″ google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Serif%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom_title_font”][vc_column_text]Unlike most Latin American countries, Costa Rica has a reputation for having good, clean water. In the cities, it is safe for drinking and brushing teeth. Salads in restaurants are safe because crops are grown with clean, irrigated water.
Even though the water quality is good, as an extra precaution in rural or remote areas, you may want to stick to the readily available and relatively inexpensive bottled water.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner animate=”aft” width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Security” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left|color:%23ff8c00″ google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Serif%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom_title_font”][vc_column_text]Seasoned travelers know that, whether you are at home or abroad, there are always precautions you can take to insure your safety and well-being during your trip. Here are some tips:
- Always be alert to what is going on around you.
- If your vehicle is bumped from behind, do not stop on the street or side road; proceed to the nearest public area and call for police assistance.
- If you are lost, find the closest public place, like a service station to ask directions or seek assistance in reading a map.
- Always keep your doors and windows closed and locked, especially while parked.
- Keep your things locked away, out of sight, in the trunk or glove compartment, especially when leaving the car parked.
- Always park in well-lit areas.
- Check under and inside your vehicle before getting in.
- Do not pick up hitchhikers.
- Do not count your money until you are in a safe place.
- Never leave your keys in the car, even for a moment.
- If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest public place and call the police.
- If you carry a purse or backpack, keep it close and secured to your body, e.g., tucked under your arm. Never carry a wallet in your back pocket.
- Leave your suitcases in your hotel. Take only what you need when you go out, and keep a close eye on your possessions.
- Ticos (CR nationals) are considered among the friendliest people in the world. The crime rate here is very low.
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- You need a valid American or international driver’s license in order to drive in Costa Rica. US drivers’ licenses are valid up to 90 days.
- You should always carry your license and passport with you while driving.
- Costa Rica has very tough drunk driving laws.
- Speeding tickets run about U.S. $150.
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- Currency Exchange
- Costa Rica’s unit of currency is known as the colon.
- As of July 2016, $1 US Dollar = ¢562 Costa Rican colons.
- Although you don’t need to, if you want to exchange currency, it is recommended that you do it in Costa Rica, rather than your country of origin, because you will get a much better exchange rate. Do however, stay away from “street” exchanges because, not only are they illegal, but you are likely to be ripped off.
- To exchange money you must show your passport or a certificated photocopy. There is a fee for exchanging dollars in a private bank.
- Keep in mind that most stores and establishments accept dollars and you will get the best exchange rate automatically. You will receive your change in colones.
- Credit Cards & ATMS
ATM’s are available in major cities with some accepting Visa, others MasterCard and some accepting both. Amex is also fairly well accepted. AMEX, VISA and Master Card credit/debit cards are widely accepted in retail establishments, restaurants, hotels and gas stations etc. - When using credit cards, you don’t need to worry about the exchange rate; you will get the rate of the day. However, before coming to CR, you should check with your credit card company(ies) and ask if they charge an international transaction fee. Many do not.
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The legal age of consent in Costa Rica is 18. Since bar patrons must show ID in order to enter, you can assume that they are of age. It is not recommended to pick up boys on the streets, unless they show you ID. Prostitution is illegal and punishable; if that is what you are seeking, Costa Rica is not your best destination.
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