At a Glance

Capital: San José

Population: 5.1 million

Currency: Costa Rican colón

Money: ATMs common but cash more common than credit; tourist prices in USD

Language: Spanish

Country Code: 506

Emergencies: 911

Driving: On the right

Electricity: 120v/60 cycles; plugs are U.S. standard two- and three-prong

Time: Two hours behind New York during U.S. daylight savings; one hour behind otherwise

Documents: Up to 90 days with valid passport

Mobile Phones: GSM (850 and 1800 bands)

Major Mobile Companies: Kölbi (ICE), Movistar, Claro