Here are a few random thoughts that I think you might find helpful

TIPPING It is not usual to tip in Costa Rica. Most restaurants include a service charge. If you really get extra good service and want to leave an additional 50 cents it will be appreciated. But don’t go overboard.

ELECTRICITY is the same as in the U.S. and Canada and the plugs are the same too.

TAP WATER is drinkable all over Costa Rica. The water is clean and pure.

HYGIENE I don’t know why but Costa Ricans wash their hands far more than Americans. Don’t worry about hygiene. The restaurants are clean everywhere.

RADIO AND TELEVISION. As far as I know there are no English language radio stations but there is cable with dozens of American stations as well as European channels. There are about five radio stations offering beautiful Spanish Music interspersed with some American oldies.

PHONES There are no area codes. A call anywhere in the country is free on a private line although some hotels do charge. Also there is no charge for calls on cell phones in Costa Rica. You just pay your monthly rental. Calls to the U.S. run (I think it’s about 30cents). Calls from the U.S. are as low as 19cents per minute.

HEALTH SPAS. There are several excellent ones. Ask me for details and suggestions.

MORE ? Tell me what you need to know. I’ll answer and probably add it to this list. Obviously I don’t know everything but what you’ll find on this web page is far more than I was ever able to find out. That’s why I wrote it. Questions of a personal nature will, needless to say, be kept personal and confidential.

Pura Vida to you. It means Pure Life and that’s the motto of Costa Rica.