When calling from the U.S. it is necessary to dial 011 (the country code for Costa Rica) then the number. All calls within Costa Rica are considered local calls. Within Costa Rica you need only to dial the 7 digit phone number.

You should make a copy of your passport and other important documents. The passport copy and your drivers license should be carried with you at all times. Follow common sense procedures and please do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you at any time.

Costa Rica is not what we would classify as a third world country. If you forget things of necessity you will most likely be able to purchase them there. The weather in Costa Rica varies greatly depending on your exact location. In Atenas, the night time temperatures usually drop into the sixties, with the daytime temperatures near 80, normally with low humidity. What is considered the dry season is from December through May with very little rain in most areas, except maybe the highlands where you may experience a shower, fog, or a light mist in the air, and the temperatures may dip as low as the fifties. The coastal areas of Costa Rica are hot and more humid as would be expected. Bringing proper sunscreen would be a wise decision as would a long sleeve shirt for extra protection. Electricity in Costa Rica is 110 volts AC (60 cycles). You may need a two to three pronged adapter as most outlets are two pronged. Toilet paper should be placed in waste paper cans rather than flushed in many restrooms. The water is safe to drink in most locations, but bottled water is readily available if you should choose. The food is not spicy as you may have suspected, but is very good everywhere. You owe it to yourself to be adventurous and try the local dishes.

An international driver's license is not required, but you must keep a valid driver's license and passport (or copy of your passport) with you at all times. Please do not drink and drive. Motorcycles and all damages to such are the responsibility of the motorcycle driver. All motorcycles have insurance and are registered and licensed as per Costa Rican law. You will be told where the vehicle documents are kept.

• Although improving, the roads in Costa Rica are in fairly poor shape. There are many potholes and unforeseen obstacles in the most unexpected places. Riding at night is definitely not recommended.
• When attempting to pass a vehicle always check behind and beside you first, you may be being passed by a truck or a bus at the same moment.
• Use common sense when driving, allowing for an extra margin or error. Costa Rican drivers are considered aggressive and things happen quickly.
• Pay particular attention to blind curves. Large transit buses usually take more than their share of the road and will meet you in a turn when least expected. Decreasing radius turns are a common occurrence and will sneak upon you quickly so brake well before entering unknown turns.
• To say you may see anything at anytime on the roads of Costa Rica would be an understatement. Cows, horses, dogs, stranded cars, mudslides, huge potholes keep things interesting. If you happen to see tree branches or rocks in the road ahead it normally means slow down, there is a problem. These are most often used as caution signs in the event of an accident or stalled vehicle.