Daily Life

Time Zone

Most of the year the time is the same as U.S. Central Standard Time. However, Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Costa Rica is one hour behind Central Standard Time during Daylight Savings Time. Check the Central America Time Zone Map.

Weather

The following are average temperatures, not the extremes. As in the United States, weather patterns can vary frequently. We recommend checking weather websites for Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season extends from May to November, with the most rain in September and October. It rains frequently with average highs in the mid to upper 70s. During the dry season, the months of December through April, there is little or no rain. In Costa Rica, the average temperature range is from 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. November, December, and January are the coolest months of the year. March through May are the hottest months of the year.

Money

Most participants find $200-$250 to be sufficient spending money for a two-week program in Costa Rica. Of course, your personal spending habits dictate how much you should bring. For current information on exchange rates, visit http://www.xe.com.

It is helpful to have some cash in small U.S. dollar bills. Bring new bills, as businesses and banks may refuse to accept bills that are worn, written upon, or torn. CGEE strongly encourages you to use a money belt.

Plan to bring mostly cash. ATMs can be found, but access to international networks is limited. If you bring an ATM card, make sure it has the PLUS and/or CIRRUS logos. A Visa or MasterCard may be used for cash advances in local currency at Credomatic offices as well as some banks.

Credit cards are accepted in many shops and restaurants.

Important: It is a good idea to call your credit card company to let them know that you will be using your card outside of the United States during a set time period. Some people encounter trouble using a credit card abroad because the credit card company assumes that it is a fraudulent charge.