Info from EF Tours

Passport and visa requirements
Passports are required for all U.S. and Canadian citizens. No visas are required for U.S./Canadian citizens. All Non-U.S./Canadian citizens are advised to contact your appropriate embassy. Travelers under the age of eighteen will require a notarized parental authorization form to enter Costa Rica.

Vaccinations and health precautions
No vaccinations are required for entry. Consult your physician with any questions or concerns.

Climate
The climate in Costa Rica is tropical with two seasons. The wet season begins in May and lasts through November, and the dry season begins in December and lasts through April. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year. Humidity is very high at the lower altitudes.

Packing
It is advisable to bring the following items: a light jacket or windbreaker, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, hat or cap, sunscreen, insect repellent, cotton clothing, binoculars, and a camera. As with most tours,we advise packing as light as possible to ensure that all bags will fit in the storage compartments on your tour bus.

Food and water
Costa Rican food is flavorful but not too spicy. Typical dishes include: rice and beans, plantains,vegetables, beef, chicken, pork or fish, and fresh fruit. Water is chlorinated throughout
the country and safe to drink,however some people can be sensitive to this and may choose to use bottled water.

Transfers
Almost every transfer on your Costa Rica tour may take between two and four hours, depending on road conditions. The country’s topography includes curved roads and many hills. Those prone to motion sickness may consider bringing medication. All buses are modern with air conditioning.

Safety
Costa Rica experiences some of the same socioeconomic issues as many other developing countries. Petty theft and pickpocketing incidents have been known to occur in areas frequented
by tourists. As a precaution, we recommend that you refrain from carrying large amounts of cash or wearing jewelry, and that you keep your valuables in your hotel safe box. Do not
leave your bags, cameras, backpacks, or other belongings unattended. Always inform your guide of and and all plans away from the group. Check with your tour director about any unsafe areas in the cities or towns you are visiting.

Accommodations
While you are in Costa Rica you will stay in tourist class hotels or mountain lodges which are simple, but clean and comfortable. Be aware that tropical conditions in Costa Rica make
insects and other small animals (such as ants, mosquitoes, lizards, spiders, frogs) more prevalent.

Photography
The country’s natural beauty and scenic views make for exquisite photographs, so we encourage you to carry a camera. Film is available at supermarkets, some hotels, and souvenir shops.

Voltage and electricity
The voltage is 110 V. The standard is 2 pin plugs, as in North America.

Tipping
It is customary to tip all service people. It is also customary to tip your tour director and bus driver. We recommend $2-$3 US per person per day for your driver and $4-$5 US per person per day for your tour director, as this is part of their expected earnings.