Until very recently, Costa Rica did not have a traditional address system. Instead, locals used directions from landmarks to explain location. Directions to a friend’s house might be explained as “100 meters north of the supermarket, 100 meters east and 25 meters west, the blue house on the left.” (100 meters = 1 block) In 2010, the country began implementing an address system in San Jose – and there are plans to expand throughout the Central Valley. 

Costa Rica has a huge variety of options, from modern cities and suburbs to laid-back beach towns and mountain communities. Cost is also key – some areas, like the upscale suburb of Escazu or the developed north Pacific coast beaches, cater more to upper class residents and may not be affordable for everyone. 

Tipping is not customary in Costa Rica, but in the tourism industry tipping for professional services is universal. It is considered polite to tip guides and drivers for performance and services rendered. While largely a personal decision, a tour guide may be tipped $2-$10, depending on the size of your group. Note that all restaurant bills include a mandatory 10% tip, and leaving extra is uncommon.

Yes, but the exchange rate is not favorable. Try and exchange currency at a local bank. If you must get colones at the airport, exchange the bare minimum and then head to a bank to exchange larger denominations. Airport taxi drivers will accept U.S. dollars.