Difference between revisions of "Costa Rica"
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{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}} | {{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}} | ||
| − | = | + | =Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike= |
| − | Correct as of: February 2010 | + | '''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">February 2010</span>''' |
==Required Paperwork== | ==Required Paperwork== | ||
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==Process at border== | ==Process at border== | ||
| + | <!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. --> | ||
| + | {{visa_country}} | ||
* As you drive over the border you will pass through fumigation (free) and be given a receipt. | * As you drive over the border you will pass through fumigation (free) and be given a receipt. | ||
* The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration (''migración''), including a stamp in their Passport. A copy of this new stamp is required. | * The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration (''migración''), including a stamp in their Passport. A copy of this new stamp is required. | ||
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* The registered owner presents the temporary import paper to customs, where it is cancelled. | * The registered owner presents the temporary import paper to customs, where it is cancelled. | ||
| − | = | + | =Driving in {{PAGENAME}}= |
| − | + | ==Insurance requirements== | |
| − | + | ||
Insurance is mandatory in Costa Rica and you will be forced to buy it at the border before you are allowed to enter. There are always agents at the border to buy from. | Insurance is mandatory in Costa Rica and you will be forced to buy it at the border before you are allowed to enter. There are always agents at the border to buy from. | ||
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None. | None. | ||
| − | ==Bribery== | + | ==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}== |
Police bribery is not common in Costa Rica, but it certainly does happen.<br /> | Police bribery is not common in Costa Rica, but it certainly does happen.<br /> | ||
See the [[bribery tips]] page for advice. | See the [[bribery tips]] page for advice. | ||
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''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.'' | ''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.'' | ||
| − | = | + | =Gas and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}= |
| − | Last updated: | + | '''Last updated: <span style="color:red">February 2010</span>'''<br /> |
| − | + | ||
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. --> | <!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. --> | ||
{{pricecontrols_unit_country}} | {{pricecontrols_unit_country}} | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| + | * Price Information: [http://gasoline-germany.com/international.phtml?land=39 gasoline-germany.com - International Gas / Petrol / Diesel prices - Costa Rica] (not updated since 2007) | ||
| − | == | + | ==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency== |
Gasoline shortages in Costa Rica are not a problem.<br /> | Gasoline shortages in Costa Rica are not a problem.<br /> | ||
Typically gas stations are not more than 100 - 200km apart. | Typically gas stations are not more than 100 - 200km apart. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Gas and Diesel Quality== |
Accepted to be good quality.<br /> | Accepted to be good quality.<br /> | ||
Sulfur content of diesel is unknown. | Sulfur content of diesel is unknown. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=Safety and Security Considerations= | =Safety and Security Considerations= | ||
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{{Security_advisories_country}} | {{Security_advisories_country}} | ||
| − | =Camping= | + | =Camping in {{PAGENAME}}= |
Camping is popular in Costa Rica, both with backpackers and locals. Virtually all beachside towns have multiple sites to choose from for around <price cost="3" currency="USD" /> to <price cost="5" currency="USD" /> per person, per night.<br /> | Camping is popular in Costa Rica, both with backpackers and locals. Virtually all beachside towns have multiple sites to choose from for around <price cost="3" currency="USD" /> to <price cost="5" currency="USD" /> per person, per night.<br /> | ||
Being far away from major roads is preferable for wild camping. | Being far away from major roads is preferable for wild camping. | ||
| Line 152: | Line 151: | ||
Purchase maps before arriving in Costa Rica. | Purchase maps before arriving in Costa Rica. | ||
| − | ==GPS== | + | ==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}== |
* Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.<ref>[http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=10.09&lon=-84.07&zoom=8&layers=M OpenStreetMap Costa Rica]</ref> | * Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.<ref>[http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=10.09&lon=-84.07&zoom=8&layers=M OpenStreetMap Costa Rica]</ref> | ||
* Garmin: Apparently no map of Costa Rica. | * Garmin: Apparently no map of Costa Rica. | ||
* TomTom: No map of Costa Rica. <ref>[http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9885/ TomTom Map availability]</ref> | * TomTom: No map of Costa Rica. <ref>[http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9885/ TomTom Map availability]</ref> | ||
| − | == | + | ==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}== |
*[http://www.dare2go.com/campingCA.html#CostaRica Camping Sites: CostaRica] - Detailed list of campsites and propane filling with description, directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free. | *[http://www.dare2go.com/campingCA.html#CostaRica Camping Sites: CostaRica] - Detailed list of campsites and propane filling with description, directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free. | ||
*[http://www.questconnect.org/ca_camping.htm Central America Camping Locations] - List of campsites, with basic directions and GPS co-ordinates. Mostly free sites. | *[http://www.questconnect.org/ca_camping.htm Central America Camping Locations] - List of campsites, with basic directions and GPS co-ordinates. Mostly free sites. | ||
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* [http://www.whiteacorn.com/theamericas/camping/camping.php#log White Acorn camping log page] - GPS co-ordinates and excellent description of campsites] | * [http://www.whiteacorn.com/theamericas/camping/camping.php#log White Acorn camping log page] - GPS co-ordinates and excellent description of campsites] | ||
| − | =Overland Travel | + | =Special Overland Travel interests= |
| − | + | None. | |
| − | ==Guide Books== | + | ==Travel Guide Books== |
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. --> | <!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. --> | ||
{{guide_books_country}} | {{guide_books_country}} | ||
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''Add known good mechanics here.'' | ''Add known good mechanics here.'' | ||
| − | = | + | =Buy or sell a car or motorbike in {{PAGENAME}}= |
| − | + | '''Buy'''<br/> | |
Unknown.<br/> | Unknown.<br/> | ||
''Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.'' | ''Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.'' | ||
''List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.'' | ''List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.'' | ||
| − | + | '''Sell'''<br/> | |
Unknown.<br/> | Unknown.<br/> | ||
''Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.' | ''Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.' | ||
Revision as of 17:03, 22 January 2012
Currency to display:
Contents
- 1 Entering Costa Rica with a Car or Motorbike
- 2 Driving in Costa Rica
- 3 Gas and Diesel price in Costa Rica
- 4 Safety and Security Considerations
- 5 Camping in Costa Rica
- 6 Navigation
- 7 Special Overland Travel interests
- 8 Vehicle Maintenance
- 9 Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Costa Rica
- 10 References
- 11 Helpful External links
Entering Costa Rica with a Car or Motorbike
Correct as of: February 2010
Required Paperwork
- Passport of registered owner (original and 1 copy).
- Drivers license of registered owner (original and 1 copy).
- Vehicle registration (original and 1 copy).
- Vehicle insurance (original and 1 copy). (see below)
Process at border
(To check if you need a travel Visa for Costa Rica, application instructions and fees see: Costa Rica Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)
- As you drive over the border you will pass through fumigation (free) and be given a receipt.
- The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration (migración), including a stamp in their Passport. A copy of this new stamp is required.
- Insurance for the vehicle must be purchased. (see below)
- The owner must show the new Passport stamp (including a copy), Drivers license, the original Vehicle registration, vehicle insurance and the fumigation reciept to customs (aduana).
- The owner is issued a temporary import permit for the vehicle.
NOTE: You may encounter locals offering to help you with paperwork to get across the border. See Border Crossing Helpers for advice.
Cost of entry
Free.
Permitted length of stay
90 days.
Extension of stay
Unknown.
Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.
Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country
(unknown)
Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.
Exiting with a vehicle
- The registered owner is stamped out of Costa Rica at immigration.
- The registered owner presents the temporary import paper to customs, where it is cancelled.
Driving in Costa Rica
Insurance requirements
Insurance is mandatory in Costa Rica and you will be forced to buy it at the border before you are allowed to enter. There are always agents at the border to buy from.
Cost of insurance
$15.00 USD for 3 months for a 4x4.
Where to purchase insurance
Right at the border. The customs guys will tell you exactly where to go.
Driving license
Technically an International Driving Permit is required.
In reality, showing a license from anywhere in the world seems to be good enough.
Driving side of road
Right.
Right hand drive vehicles are permitted without problem.
Mandatory items in vehicle
None.
Roads
General Road quality
Roads in Costa Rica are generally of good quality, except in some of the smaller towns where the pavement is cracked and broken. Lesser roads are gravel and vary greatly from very good, to extremely rutted and dusty to mud pits. Any gravel road on either coast will be horrendous in the rainy season.
Road signs
Road signs are mostly common and clear.
Toll roads
None.
Bribery in Costa Rica
Police bribery is not common in Costa Rica, but it certainly does happen.
See the bribery tips page for advice.
Checkpoints
Police checkpoints are not common in Costa Rica, though you may encounter them. You'll be asked to show your Passport, Vehicle registration, drivers license, vehicle insurance and the temporary import permit you were issued at the border. For the most part, Police will not bother foreigners too much.
Traveling with pets
Unknown.
List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.
Gas and Diesel price in Costa Rica
Last updated: February 2010
Currency and unit to display:
| Gasoline Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| Regular | ?? |
| Super (90) | ?? |
| Premium (95) | ?? |
| Ultra (97) | ?? |
| Normal Diesel | $0.99 USD per Liter[1] |
| Diesel (low sulfur) | ?? |
- Price Information: gasoline-germany.com - International Gas / Petrol / Diesel prices - Costa Rica (not updated since 2007)
Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency
Gasoline shortages in Costa Rica are not a problem.
Typically gas stations are not more than 100 - 200km apart.
Gas and Diesel Quality
Accepted to be good quality.
Sulfur content of diesel is unknown.
Safety and Security Considerations
Driving at night
Driving at night is not considered a huge problem in Costa Rica, though it's not recommended due to safety concerns and road hazards that can not be seen in the dark.
Vehicle parking
Parking vehicles on the street in smaller towns during the day is typically OK. Find a secure parking lot in big cities and at night. Secure parking will be around $2.00 USD per night.
Special driving considerations
None.
Security advisories and information
- Country Specific Information - U.S. Department of State
- Travel Reports and Warnings - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- Travel advice by country - Foreign and Commonwealth office (U.K.)
- Travel Advice for Costa Rica - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Camping in Costa Rica
Camping is popular in Costa Rica, both with backpackers and locals. Virtually all beachside towns have multiple sites to choose from for around $3.00 USD to $5.00 USD per person, per night.
Being far away from major roads is preferable for wild camping.
Camping guide books
No specific book exists, though the usual backpacker guide books mention a campground in virtually every town and city.
Drinking water
Tap water in Costa Rica is not safe to drink. Every corner store sells 1 and 2 liter bottles, and 20 liter bottles can be bought at most large grocery stores.
Paper maps
Purchase maps before arriving in Costa Rica.
GPS Maps of Costa Rica
- Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.[2]
- Garmin: Apparently no map of Costa Rica.
- TomTom: No map of Costa Rica. [3]
GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Costa Rica
- Camping Sites: CostaRica - Detailed list of campsites and propane filling with description, directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free.
- Central America Camping Locations - List of campsites, with basic directions and GPS co-ordinates. Mostly free sites.
- Camping Log 1: Central America - List of campsites, shopping, fuel, propane and border crossings with excellent descriptions and GPS co-ordinates.
- White Acorn camping log page - GPS co-ordinates and excellent description of campsites]
Special Overland Travel interests
None.
Travel Guide Books
Vehicle Maintenance
Dealers
4x4s / Trucks
- Toyota Global Dealer Locator
- Land Rover International Dealer Locator
- Mercedes Benz International (select country on bottom right)
- Jeep International site locator
Motorbikes
Local Garages
Add known good mechanics here.
Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Costa Rica
Buy
Unknown.
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.
List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.
Sell
Unknown.
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'
References
Helpful External links
- Costa Rica: Visa and Passport requirements | World Travel Guide
- Health Information for Travelers to Costa Rica - Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Costa Rica travel guides at wikivoyage
- Costa Rica - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
