Electric Power - 110 volts. Nationwide Service.
Water - Pure and suitable for drinking throughout most of the country.
Telephone Network - This is one of the most efficient services in Latin America. International calls can be dialed direct from any point in the country. There are public telephones throughout the entire country and when these are not available, operator assisted telephones.
Postal System - National network of offices. Central Post and Telegraph Office.
Road Network - The country has a good network of paved roads and highways, which makes for easy traveling throughout the country and links Costa Rica with other Central American countries. There is also an extensive secondary road.
Public Transport - The country has a large fleet of taxis, easily identified by their red color. In rural areas the taxis are four-wheel drive models for travel off-the-beaten track. Orange colored taxis provide service to and from the Juan Santa Maria International Airport. Bus services are available, both within and between provinces, as well as internationally. A river ferry provides regular service across the Tempisque River and seagoing ferry services (Salinero) departs from Puntarenas to cross the Golf of Nicoya.
Banking & Currency - Local and international services are available at both state and private banking institutions. Banking hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (without a break). Evening banking services are also available from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The official currency is the "Colon" and the exchange rate against the dollar can vary. Dollars can be changed at any one of the National Banking System banks. International credit cards are accepted in most establishments throughout the country.
Office Hours - These vary according to the company or institution. Most government offices are open to the public from 8:00 a.m. up until 4:00 p.m. Private companies open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shops and business open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in most cases. Others keep a 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. working day. In the Capital, there are supermarkets which are open right round the clock.
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