| Visiting Costa Rica can be an exhilarating, | | | | not exempt from this fact, crime rates are |
| memorable experience but before traveling to | | | | notably lower here than anywhere else in Latin |
| any foreign country it is imperative to fully | | | | America. However, do keep all of your valuables |
| prepare yourself and be as knowledgeable as | | | | out of sight and never leave them in your vehicle. |
| possible about what to expect and how to best | | | | Wallets should be in front pockets and ask a local |
| plan for your adventures. | | | | if you are unsure of a particular area and its |
| Getting Around Costa Rica | | | | safety, especially while walking after dark. |
| Driving in Costa Rica is often a memorable | | | | Emergency services are available throughout the |
| experience. It's not uncommon to see a pothole | | | | country by dialing 911 and if you plan on |
| the size of a small crater, and while on the move, | | | | swimming either the near Pacific side or the |
| keep in mind that stop signs in this country are | | | | Atlantic or Caribbean side, keep in mind that |
| treated like yield signs in North America. | | | | sharks make their homes in these waters, |
| Roadways are often narrow and it's rare to see a | | | | especially all around the country's small islands. |
| guard rail. | | | | Another word of caution in regards to swimming |
| If you plan on renting an automobile in Costa Rica, | | | | off the coast while visiting its beautiful beaches |
| agencies are strict about things like dents or | | | | pertains to riptides. If you ever find yourself |
| scratches so take of the car as you would your | | | | caught in a riptide, first don't panic and start |
| own back home. If you prefer taking a taxi, be | | | | swimming parallel to the shoreline until you no |
| aware that several unofficial "taxi services" in | | | | longer feel the pull of the current. |
| Costa Rica do not use the taxi's meter, so make | | | | When to Visit Costa Rica |
| sure you agree upon a price if this is the case | | | | Costa Rica claims two seasons, dry and wet, the |
| beforehand. | | | | former lasting from December to April and the |
| Hotels, resorts and even many bed and | | | | latter from May to November. But, because the |
| breakfast's have their own transportation service | | | | country is situated near the equator, be sure to |
| using taxis to places like the airport or the beach, | | | | take along plenty of sunscreen whatever time of |
| so use these rates as a gauge if you're unsure of | | | | the year you visit while staying amply hydrated. |
| a fair price. | | | | Wet, or green season as it's often called, is when |
| Fortunately, the locals of Costa Rica are a friendly | | | | you will find the biggest discounts for hotels as |
| people and more than willing to help a foreigner | | | | the crowds are at a minimum. |
| find their way around and English is widely spoken | | | | Of course it is often a matter of personal |
| in the country, but most especially in tourist areas | | | | preference as to the very best time for visiting |
| and the larger cities. | | | | this beautiful country, taking into consideration the |
| Safety in Costa Rica | | | | activities and sights you're interested in before |
| While it's true that violent crimes exist in every | | | | planning your vacation, suffice it say you will have |
| society and in every country and Costa Rica is | | | | a memorable time whenever you choose to visit. |