To make your stay in Costa Rica the most enjoyable experience, take into account these personal traveling tips:

1. Take along a photocopy of your passport. Make sure a photograph of you is easily seen, your personal data and the date you entered the country may all be in it too.

2. Deposit your valuable belongings (money, passport, plane tickets, and traveler’s checks) in your hotel’s safety box.

3. Keep a list of all the numbers and serial numbers of your personal documents.

4. If you stay in popular multiple-use cabins, find out about the security of maintaining your valuables within your room.

5. It’s best not to carry jewelry with you.

6. Avoid changing money on the street. Use banks or well-known exchanging offices. Check in your hotel for recommendations on the subject. Try to take only the amount of money you will use during the day.

7. Don’t leave unattended objects such as cameras and video cameras. Keep your wallet in an inconspicuous place.

8. Make sure you know the address where you are going. Tell the people at your hotel about your destination.

9. Used cabs whose identifications are exhibited on the door. The license plates must have red numbers, and the cars must be red too. As boarding, a cab sees that the meters show zeros, or negotiates with the cabby the price of your trip before starting the trip.

10. When driving, does not give rides to people you don’t know. Try not to park in dark or deserted spots. Use parking lots. These places are legally responsible for your car and anything left in it. Tell the administrator about anything you want to leave in your car.

11. The emergency number is 911. They speak English.

12. Always find out whether the 13% sales tax is included in the goods price you are purchasing. In restaurants and bars, an additional 10% tax is charged. Tipping is optional there.

13. Light clothes are recommended, but it may be wise to carry a sweater or jacket since nights tend to be cool. At sea level, shorts are good enough. If you plan to walk in the forest, long sleeve shirts, jeans, boots, and a hat are more appropriate. Be sure your clothes are made of cotton. Don’t forget mosquito repellent, sunglasses, and suntan lotion or cream. During the rainy season (May through November) a jacket and an umbrella are a must.

14. Telephones, faxes, cellular phones, the Internet, as well as audiovisual equipment are always at hand

15. Most establishments work from Monday to Sunday and are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some private places close at noon. Bars and other recreation businesses are open till late at night. Government offices are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Banks are open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Some banks have offices that remain open until 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm.

16. To rent a car, a current driver’s license is necessary, along with a credit card. The drivers must be over 21 years old, and a deposit should be paid. You drive on the right-side lane, and the international signs are used on streets and roads.

17. Regarding electricity, there is 110 or 220 volts of power all over the country. Check with the people in your place before connecting any electrical apparatus on to the line.