The medical care and hygienic conditions in San José are good. Bottlenecks can occur in rural areas. It is recommended to take out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Check indexdotcom for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over the age of 12 months who enter within 12 hours of staying in or transiting through a WHO-designated yellow fever endemic area. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but the risk of infection exists primarily in the provinces of Limón and San José. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [3] Typhoid occurs, poliomyelitis does not. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [4] Malaria protection is required year-round in the intermediate-risk regions of Matina (Limon province), Talamanca (Limon province), and Los Chiles (Alajuela province). There is a lower risk in the rural areas of the other parts of the country. The central highlands and San José are considered malaria-free. The less dangerous form Plasmodium vivax (malaria tertiana) predominates. Plasmodium falciparum (tropical malaria) accounts for less than 1% of cases. The risk of infection is significantly reduced by malaria prophylaxis in the form of long-sleeved clothing, sprays, creams, lotions and mosquito nets. Medicinal protection should only be considered in the medium-risk regions (see above). [5] The drinking water is heavily chlorinated and may cause mild stomach upset. Bottled water is recommended during the first few days of vacation. Drinking water outside of large cities is not always sterile and should be sterilized or purchased prepackaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk, dairy products, meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables are safe to consume. Depending on the season (spring in Costa Rica), red algae can multiply. Eating sea creatures at this time can lead to symptoms of poisoning. It is therefore strongly discouraged to eat fish and shellfish.
Other risks
Chagas diseases are caused by assassin bugs, which are mainly found in the central parts of the country, in the north-west and south-east. For overnight stays in simple huts and outdoors, insect protection with mosquito nets is recommended. Chikungunya diseases are increasing. The chikungunya virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Travelers are advised to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. There is an increased risk of infection. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly mosquitoes, occurs in isolated cases. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Rabies occurs nationwide. The main carriers are dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis. The infection often goes unnoticed or only has mild symptoms. The isolated deaths documented so far were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women against non-essential travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended. isolated deaths were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women against non-essential travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended. isolated deaths were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women against non-essential travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended. because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended. because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended.
Health certificate
For longer stays, a health certificate and a negative HIV test are required. Details from the consular representations (see addresses).
Money
Currency
1 Costa Rican colón = 100 centimos. Currency code: CRC (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 CRC; Coins are in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 CRC. US dollars are mainly accepted in larger towns and tourist centers.
Credit cards
All major credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa and Diners Club are generally accepted, American Express less frequently. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card. Carrying US dollars in cash is recommended as an alternative money supply.
ATMs
Bank cards The Girocard (formerly EC card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. Since cash withdrawals from ATMs using a bank card with the Maestro symbol in Costa Rica only work at Scotia Bank, travelers should have an alternative supply of money, such as a credit card or cash, in addition to their bank customer card. The maximum amount of money for a one-time withdrawal is currently limited to 200,000 CRC per day. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money, should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before they travel. Payment with Maestro cards does not always work.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Traveller’s checks are accepted by banks and bureaux de change in major cities in Costa Rica. Traveller’s checks should be made out in US dollars.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (deviations are possible).
Foreign exchange regulations
National and foreign currency may be imported without restriction. The import and export of national and foreign currencies in cash is subject to declaration from an amount equivalent to US$ 10,000 and in the form of securities from an equivalent value to US$ 50,000.
Currency Exchange
Casas de cambio (exchange offices) are widespread and offer the most favorable exchange rates. Euros can be exchanged in all major cities. US dollars in cash are recommended.
