Modifica di Costa Rica

{{quickbar
| image=[[Immagine:Arenal-Volcano.jpg|noframe|270px]]
| localizzazione=[[Immagine:LocationCostaRica.png|noframe|250px]]
| bandiera=[[Immagine:cs-flag.png|noframe|70px]]
| capitale=[[San Jose]]
| governo=Repubblica parlamentare
| valuta=Colon di Costa Rica (CRC)
| superficie=''totale:'' 51,100 km<sup>2</sup><br />''terra:'' 50,660 km<sup>2</sup><br />''acque:'' 440 km<sup>2</sup>
| abitanti=3,834,934  <small>(stima del 2002)</small>
| lingua=[[Spagnolo]] <small>(Lingua ufficiale)</small>
| religione=Romana Cattolica 76.3%, Evangelica 13.7%, altre chiese protestanti 0.7%, Testimoni di Geova 1.3%, altri 4.8%, atei 3.2%
| elettricità=120 Volts a 60 Hz
| presa=[[Immagine:100px-A plug.jpg|noframe|50px|left]] tipo "A" (piatto)
| prefisso=+506
| tld=.cr
| fuso=CET (GTM -6)
| visitatori=1.088.000 <small>(anno 2000)</small> <br \> 1.453.000 <small>(anno 2004)</small>
| sito=[http://www.visitcostarica.com/ <small>Sito Ufficiale del Turismo Costaricense</small>]
}}
La '''Costa Rica''' è una nazione dell'[[America Centrale]]. Confina a nord con il [[Nicaragua]] e a sud con lo stato del [[Panama|Panamá]]. È bagnata dal Pacifico ad Ovest e dall'Atlantico ad Est.
==Regioni==
*[[Valle centrale (Costa Rica)|San José e la Valle centrale]]
*Il [[Nord (Costa Rica)|Nord]]
*[[Guanacaste]]
*[[Penisola di Nicoya]]
*Il [[Pacifico Centrale (Costa Rica)|Pacifico Centrale]]
*Il [[Sud (Costa Rica)|Sud]] 
*Il [[Limón (provincia)|litorale Caraibico]]
*[[Isola del Coco]] (''[[Isla del Coco]]'') -- Remota isola a metà strada fra le coste del Costa Rica e le isole [[Galapagos]] eretta a parco nazionale ed inserita dall'UNESCO nella lista di siti qualificati come Patrimonio mondiale dell'Umanità
:Dal punto di vista amministrativo il paese è diviso in settori provinciali, suddivise a loro volta in cantoni e distretti

{| border="1" style="border-collapse:collapse; border-color:#F3F3F3; margin-top:1px; margin-bottom:15px; font-size:84%" cellpadding="1" width="80%" align="center"
|- bgcolor="#dfcef2"

! bgcolor="#dfcef2" width="3%"| &nbsp;
! width="14%"| Provincia
! width="14%"| Capitale
! width="8%" | Cantoni
! width="8%" | Distretti
! width="13%"| Superficie (km&sup2;)
! width="13%"| Popolazione*
|-
| align="center" | 1
| [[Alajuela (provincia)|Alajuela]]
| [[Alajuela |Alajuela]]
| 15
| 108
| align="right" | 9.757,53
| align="right" | 716.286
|-
| align="center" | 2
| [[Cartago (provincia)|Cartago]]
| [[Cartago (città)|Cartago]]
| 8
| 48
| align="right" | 3.124,67
| align="right" | 432.395
|-
| align="center" | 3
| [[Guanacaste]]
| [[Liberia (Costa Rica)|Liberia]]
| 11
| 59
| align="right" | 10.140,71
| align="right" | 264.238
|-
| align="center" | 4
| [[Heredia (provincia)|Heredia]]
| [[Heredia (città)|Heredia]]
| 10
| 46
| align="right" | 2.656,98
| align="right" | 354.732
|-
| align="center" | 5
| [[Limón (provincia)|Limón]]
| [[Puerto Limón (città)|Limón]]
| 6
| 27
| align="right" | 9.188,52
| align="right" | 339.295
|-
| align="center" | 6
| [[Puntarenas (provincia)|Puntarenas]]
| [[Puntarenas (città)|Puntarenas]]
| 11
| 57
| align="right" | 11.265,69
| align="right" | 357.483
|-
| align="center" | 7
| [[San José (provincia)|San José]]
| '''[[San José (Costa Rica)|San José]]'''
| 20
| 118
| align="right" | 4.965,90
| align="right" | 1.345.750
|-
| colspan="8" align="right" style="font-size: smaller:" | 
'''*''' Censimento [[2000]]
|}

==Città==
[[Immagine:cs-map.png|frame|250px|right|Mappa della Costa Rica]]
*[[San José (Costa Rica)|San José]] - La capitale
*[[Tamarindo]] - Piccolo "pueblo" nella Nicoya Peninsula famoso per le sue molte spiagge. Una delle più popolari destinazionie turistiche del Costa Rica.
*[[Alajuela]]
*[[Cartago]]
*[[Heredia]]
*[[Jacó]] - Un paradiso per gli amanti del surf e dell'immersione. 
*[[Liberia(Costa Rica)|Liberia]]
*[[Manuel Antonio]] - Sulla costa del Pacifico; Punto di riferimento per quanti intendano visitare il parco nazionale Manuel Antonio.
*[[Pochote]] - On Whale Bay, across the Bay from Puntarenas
*[[Puerto Limon|Puerto Limón]] - Centro principale sul versante caraibico.
*[[Puntarenas]] - Traghetto per Nicoya peninsula
*[[Parismina]] - Villagio e on the Tortuguero Canals
<br clear="all"/>

==Altre destinazioni==
Il richiamo turistico della Costa Rica si fonda sui suoi parchi nazionali. Sono circa 30 sotto il controllo del Ministero dell'Ambiente e dell'Energia [http://www.minae.go.cr]. L'Ente delegato alla loro amministrazione è il SINAC [http://www.sinac.go.cr]
<Br />
Di seguito è fornita una lista esaustiva dei parchi e delle riserve naturali del paese. I primi 11 della lista sono anche i più interessanti. I rimanenti sono elencati in ordine alfabetico

{|
|- bgcolor="7F FF D4"
!width="30%"|
!width="30%"|Parchi Nazionali
!width="30%"|
|-
!colspan="3" align="center"|
|-
[[Image:Image-Costa-rica-colibri-humming-bird.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Costa Rica Colibrì]]
|valign="top"|<!--Parchi Nazionali-->
* 1.  '''[[Arenal]]''' (Vulcano)
* 2.  '''[[Poas (Vulcano)]]''' 
* 3.  '''[[Manuel Antonio]]'''
* 4.  '''[[Irazù (Vulcano)]]'''
* 5.  '''[[Carara]]'''
* 6.  '''[[Corcovado]]'''
* 7.  '''[[Santa Rosa]]'''
* 8.  '''[[Rincon de la Vieja]]'''
* 9.  '''[[Tortuguero]]'''
* 10. '''[[Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste]]'''

|valign="top"|<!--Parchi Nazionali-->

* 11. '''[[Isola del Coco]]'''
* 12. [[Barbilla]]
* 13. [[Barra Honda]]
* 14. [[Braulo Carrillo]]
* 15. [[Cahuita]]
* 16. [[Chirripò]]
* 17. [[Gandoca Manzanillo]]
* 18. [[Guanacaste]]
* 19. [[Internacional La Amistad]]
* 20. [[Juan Castro Blanco]]

|valign="top"|<!--Parchi nazionali-->

* 21. [[Marino Ballena]]
* 22. [[Palo Verde]]
* 23. [[Piedra Blancas]]
* 24. [[Tapanti]]
* 25. [[Tenorio (Vulcano)]]
* 26.  [[Turrialba (Vulcano)]]
*  '''-  ''Riserve Naturali''  -'''
* 1. '''[[Isla del Caño]]'''
* 2. [[Hitoy Cerere]]
* 3. [[Lomas de Barbudal]]
|-
!colspan="3" align="center"|
|}

==Da sapere==
===Storia===
Costa Rica è riuscita ad evitare la violenza che ha flagellato per decenni gli altri paesi [[America Centrale|centro americani]]. Nel 1949  José Figueres Ferrer abolì l'esercito.
Tra gli ultimi presidenti della Costa Rica, emerge la figura di Osar Arias Sánchez. Durante il suo primo mandato (1986-1990) formulò un piano di pace che venne accolto da tutti i paesi dell'[[America Centrale]]. Per questa sua azione venne insignito con il premio Nobel per la Pace. Egli è stato rieletto presidente 20 anni più tardi il 5 febbraio 2006

==Arrivare==

===In aereo===
*L''''Areoporto internazionale Juan Santamaría''' (SJO) serve la capitale San José e le città di Alajuela e Heredia.

Al momento l'areoporto è in fase di ristrutturazione. Le sue scarse strutture si limitano a qualche duty-free shops e a servizi di ristorazione scadenti e con prezzi super salati (Church's Chicken, Burger King and a fast-food pizza joint).<br> L'areoporto è servito dalle Compagnie American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, Iberia, Taca, [http://www.airmadrid.com/ Air Madrid] [http://www.martinair.nl/ Martinair] e Copa Airlines. 

*L''''areoporto Daniel Oduber Quirós''' (LIR) è vicino Liberia nella province Guanacaste sulla costa Nord Ovest del Pacifico. L'areoporto è servito dalle compagnie aeree Delta, American e Continental.

===In auto===
La ''Interamericana'' ([[autostrada Panamericana]]) attraversa il Costa Rica e costituisce il punto d'accesso principale per gli automobilisti (ed autolinee). Il posto di frontiera con il [[Nicaragua]] si chiama [[Penas Blancas|Peñas Blancas]] quello a sud al confine con il [[Panama]] si chiama [[Paso Canoas]]. 
<!--
Virtually all travel out of the capital (except to the Carribean side) will involve travelling this road.  There are many speed traps along this major artery, as well as some random police checks for seat belts and, especially near the borders, for valid travel documents.  The highway speed is 80km/h, but since the Interamericana (a.k.a. Highway #1) passes through innumerable small towns the speed frequently drops to 50 or even 30 km/h as you suddenly find yourself in a school zone.  Most of the highway is not divided.  A common indicator that a police checkpoint is ahead is that oncoming cars flick their lights at you.  Drivers also appear to flick their lights sometimes when someone has overtaken them.  A speeding ticket is approximately 40,000 Colons (US $80), and although the police are generally congenial, foreign drivers are occasionally illegally offered an "on the spot" fine that is half that or less.

Many Costa Rican roads are in terrible shape, and short distances can take a very long time.  Even the only road in and out of popular tourist destinations are riddled with major potholes.  To avoid potholes, drivers will often snake through the left and right lanes, usually returning to the right when oncoming traffic approaches.  While this may seem erratic to North American drivers, one becomes quickly accustomed to it.  Driving at night is *highly* inadvisable due to the unpredicatability of road conditions and lack of safety features such as guard rails on the many hairpin turns in the hills.

Many roads are unpaved, and even the paved roads have lots of unpaved sections and washed out or unfinished bridges. Bridges are often only wide enough for one vehicle: one direction usually has priority.  Do not expect to get anywhere quickly, supposed 3 hour journeys can turn into 5 or more hours easily: there are always slow cars/buses/trucks on the road. This causes a lot of crazy driving, which you begin to emulate if you are in-country for more than a day. The government does not seem to be fixing the infrastructure well (or at all!) 50km/hr is good over unpaved roads, you hit a resonance frequency where the damping factor of the suspension matches the undulations of the road and you have a smooth ride.

Navigation can prove challenging: road signs are relatively few, and those that do exist can be inaccurate.  It is suggested that you have a good road map with the small towns listed, since road signs will often only indicate the next town, not the direction of the next major city.  Towns generally do not have town-limit signs; you are best to look at the names on the roadside food stores and restaurants to determine the place you are passing.

There are no formal street addresses in Costa Rica, but two informal systems exist.  The first (often used in tourist information) indicates the road on which the establishment is located (e.g. "6th Avenue") together with the crossroad interval (e.g. "between 21st and 23rd Streets").  In practice, street signs are virtually non-existent, and locals do not even know the name of the street they are on.  The second system, which is much more reliable and understood by locals, is known as the "Tico address", usually involving an oriented distance (e.g. "100 meters south, 50 meters east") from a landmark (e.g. "the catherdal").  

It is worth noting the particular road naming system in San Jose: avenues run East-West and streets run North-South.  The numbering is less straighforward: starting at Central Avenue going South are 2nd, 4th, 6th Avenue, etc. while going North are 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc..  Streets use even numbers going West, and odd numbers going East.  This means that if you are at 7th Avenue and 4th Street, and looking for 6th Avenue and 5th Street, you are on the wrong side of town. 

Gas stations are full service and the guys there are very cool at taking dollars or Colón(es). The interesting thing is that CR is small so you do not burn a lot of gas getting places even though it seems like forever.   Costa Rica is also land of the traffice cirlces so people from europe should have no problem but North Americans should make sure they know how to navigate a large traffic circle.-->

===In autobus===
Servizi di autobus internazionali per i paesi confinanti di [[Panamà|Panamá]], [[Nicaragua]], oltre che per [[Honduras]], [[El Salvador]] e [[Guatemala]]. I prezzi sono ragionevoli ed il viaggio confortevole. Fra le migliori autolinee è "Ticabus" http://www.ticabus.com. Un viaggio da [[San José (Costa Rica)|San José]] a città del Panamà costa 50$ A/R. Il viaggio dura 8 ore

===In nave===
<!--
There are some boat transfers available into Costa Rica from Bocas del Toro in [[Panama|Panamá]].--> 

==Uscita==
Remember there is a US $26 exit fee at the Juan Santamaría Airport.  This must be paid in cash, or by Visa (in which case it will be processed as a cash advance). 
Alcuni hotel offrono la possibilità di pagare la tassa al momento del check out, ad evitare le lunghe file che per questa ragione potrebbero crearsi in aeroporto. Il servizio ha un costo aggiuntivo di 4-5 dollari.

==Come spostarsi==
<!--Keep in mind the pet peeve most tourists have with tico kindness: often times when a tico has no idea where a certain destination you may have had in mind is, he or she will simply direct you to a random location. Often times simply incomprehensible, these directions are a reflection on the cultural approach to kindness many Costa Ricans adopt.-->
===In aereo===
Due sono le compagnie che effettuano voli domestici:
[http://www.flysansa.com/ Sansa] e [http://www.natureair.com Nature Air]

===Autobus===
La maggior parte delle più importanti destinazioni turistiche in Costa Rica sono servite da almeno due autobus giornalieri da e per San Jose. I vantaggi del trasporto pubblico e la Costa Rica sono che i biglietti sono a basso costo (poco più di 7 US $ per persona), e coprono la maggior parte delle città in tutto il paese. Per orari e informazioni vedere [http://www.horariodebuses.com www.horariodebuses.com].

===Noleggio auto===
Per una somma variabile dai 350 ai 700 $ si può noleggiare una jeep a 4 ruote motrici per una settimana, una buona soluzione se si desidera visitare luoghi remoti durante la stagione delle piogge, epoca in cui la condizione delle strade non è delle migliori. Il prezzo include l'assicurazione, molto alta che nella Costa Rica. Una jeep è comunque utile anche nella stagione secca soprattutto se si vogliono visitare le spiagge della penisola di Nicoya.

===Taxi===
<!--Another easy way to get around Costa Rica is to use the services of mini-vans. At most of the hotels, the receptionist is able to assist travelers who want to travel across the country by arranging for the services of a driver. Rates are reasonable (US$20 per person, for example, to get from San Jose to Tamarindo in August, 2005) The drivers know the roads well; the vans are clean and comfortable; and they take you from door to door.

-->

==Farsi capire==
<!--Spanish is the main language in Costa Rica.  All major newspapers and official business are conducted in Spanish.  English is used widely in areas populated by international tourists, and information for tourists is often bilingual or exclusively in English.  A number of businesses operated by European proprietors can accommodate guests in Spanish, English and their native languages.
Alcune espressioni del Costa Rica:
-
*''Mae'', used akin to the English word "dude", although literally meaning something more like "idiot".  Generally spoken among friends.

*''Pura vida,'' literally translated as "pure life," is an expression endemic to Costa Rica.  It can be used in several contexts, as an expression of enthusiasm, agreement, or salutation.

A prevalent version of slang in Costa Rica, and other regions of Latin America, is called "pachuco" or "pachuquismo," and is used by across social classes and understood as a "friendly" way of speaking.

The "tu" form is not commonly used in Costa Rica (or in Central America generally). Some people use the alternate informal "vos" but others consider it impolite and simply always use the "usted" form even with close friends.
-->

==Da vedere==
<!--One of the most wonderful activities for people who love nature is bird watching. You can enjoy bird watching in Southern Costa Rica.
Due to the great diversity of climates, temperatures and forest types in the Southern area of Costa Rica, there is a wonderful variety of birds. Your experience will be greatly enhanced by having on hand the book "Birds of Costa Rica" by Alexander Schultz. You can find this book at certain bookstores in San José. Most hotels, as well as tourist information centers, will provide bird watching guides, maps and other essentials for bird watching. Do not forget to bring a hat, umbrella, boots, binoculars and camera.
-->
==Attività ricreative==
<!--
*Wind surfing in the [[Tilarán]] area is some of the best in the world. 

*Rafting, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, and boating are all available. 
-->
===Surf===
<!--
Costa Rica has many surfing hotspots.

The Pacific coast, particularly in central [[Puntarenas]] and [[Guanacaste]], is littered with great places to surf. [[Tamarindo]], [[Moctesuma]], [[Hermosa]] and many, many others are worth a look. It is recommendable, however, to ask a travel agent inside Costa Rica, as directions are not always easy to follow.                        
 
[[Samara]], [[Coco]], and Grande are good but popular beaches.

On the Carribean side, there are beautiful beaches but limited surfing prospects.

The southern Costa Rica area has two very good spots for surf: [[Dominical]] and [[Pavones Beach]].
-->
==Valuta e banche==
<!--
The local currency is Colón(es) named after Columbus (Spanish: Colón). 
The rate of change is about 510 Colones for 1 US Dollar (May 2006), but note that there is a growing inflation. Also note that the use of US Dollars is quite common, in fact, in the tourist setting, almost everything is priced in Dollars.

You can find ATMs in most places. They normally dispense US Dollars and Colones.

The most common souvenirs are made from wood.

You might get a discount (usually around 10%) when paying in cash.

When paying with Travelers checks, unless for hotel nights, change them first at a bank.
Expect long delays with Travelers checks at the bank, lots of stamping, the higher up the official at the bank the more stamps they have. Dollars are easier.

In Golfito there is the "Deposito Comercial de Golfito", a duty free area where you can buy mostly electrical appliances, home furnishings, perfumes, cloths, etc at the best price.
-->
==Cibi==
<!--
Costa Rican cuisine can be described as simple but wholesome.  The spiciness often associated with Central American food is mostly absent.
--->
*'''Gallo pinto''' -- il piatto nazionale costaricense. Si ottiene facendo saltare cipolle finemente tritate e coriandolo cui si aggiungono i fagioli e quindi si mescola il tutto con il riso.
*'''Casado''', che letteralmente significa "accasato", ovvero "sposato" è un piatto tipico del pranzo di Mezzogiorno, costituito dai soliti fagioli e riso mescolati con carne (anche di pollo) o pesce accompagnati da insalata.
In Costa Rica abbonda la frutta tropicale: I mercati sono pieni di mamones, cas, banane,  zapote, mango, guayaba, grandilla e tamarindo solo per ricordarne alcuni.

<!---
Be sure to stop off at a Soda along any of the roads: a casado and beer will cost ~$3.

Don't forget to try the '''Lizano Salsa''' that you will surely find at any restaurant. It is a mild salsa that has a hint of curry and is slightly sweet. It tastes good on just about anything!

Also as per usual in Central America standard breakfast fare is a ham sandwhich, so people adverse to eating pork might be advised to check out a grocery market for something else.
-->

==Bevande==
<!--
Refrescos are beverages made from fresh fruit (cas, guanabana, sandia/watermelon, mora/blackberry, fresa/strawberry, granadilla/passion fruit), sugar and either water or milk. All sodas (mom and pop diners) serve these.  You can also easily buy the standard international soda pops.  'Fresca' and 'canada Dry' are recommended.

The national drink is called ''guaro'', which is made from fermented sugar cane.  It is similar to vodka, and is usually drunk with water and lemon.

The most popular beers in the country are Pilsen and Imperial: all bars and restaurants serve both. Bavaria, "Bavaria Negra" (dark) and Rock Ice are more expensive and therefore less common.
-->

==Apprendere==
<!--
You can learn Spanish in Costa Rica.  Reflecting the higher living standard, it's a little more expensive compared to other countries such as Guatamala but then again, the education level of your teachers will be much higher.

A good and really complete institution is [http://www.amistadinstitute.net AICR]. With packages that include Spanish lessons, homestays (all inclusive), Cultural Training, and Volunteer opportunities. 

Some [http://www.montanalinda.com hostels] offer packages that include Spanish lessons and daily home-stays with the locals (in addition to your room and board). 

After Colombia, the Spanish spoken by the Costa Ricans is one of the clearest in the region.
-->
==Lavorare==
Il quotidiano La Nacion pubblica ogni domenica e lunedì pagine di piccoli annunci con offerte e richieste di lavoro.

==Sicurezza personale==
<!--
Traffic in Costa Rica is dangerous, so be careful. Roads tend to have many of potholes. Like any other tourist destination, watch for [[pickpockets]]. The coasts of Costa Rica are known for strong currents and rip-tides. There are no signs indicating an unsafe beach due to riptides, so take precaution and listen to the locals on where it is safe to swim. There are some active volcanoes in Costa Rica and they ''are'' dangerous, so follow the warning signs posted. The slopes of the Arenal volacno invite visitors to climb closer to the summit, but there have been accidents in the past with unseen gas chambers. Also be wary of the climate of Costa Rica. It is very hot in the daytime, but in the morning and evening it becomes very cool, so you should bring a heavy jacket.
-->
==Viaggiatori Gay==
<!--
Costa Rica is widely known as the most tolerant of Latin American countries for Gay and Lesbian travelers but caution should still be exercised. There is a thriving gay scene in [[San Jose (Costa Rica)|San Jose]] with many gay and lesbian options for nightlife. The [[Manuel Antonio|Manuel Antonio]] and Quepos area is also a favorite spot with several gay hotels, a gay bar and a nude mostly gay beach, Playita.
-->
==Comunicazioni==
===MEDIA===
{|
|- bgcolor="FF D7 00"
!width="30%"|Stampa
!width="30%"|Stazioni radiofoniche
!width="30%"|Canali tv
|-
!colspan="3" align="center"|
|-

|valign="top"|<!--Stampa-->
* 1.  [http://www.aldia.co.cr Al Dia]
* 2.  [http://www.nacion.com La Nacion] 
* 3.  [http://www.prensalibre.co.cr/ Prensa libre]
* 4.  [http://www.larepublica.net/ La Republica]
* 5.  [http://www.ticotimes.net/ Tico Times]] ''(in [[inglese]])''


|valign="top"|<!--Stazioni radiofoniche-->

* 1. [http://www.radioreloj.co.cr/ radio reloj]
* 2. [http://www.columbia.co.cr/ radio columbia]
* 3. [http://www.monumental.co.cr/ radio monumental]
* 4. [http://www.turadio.net/ radio uno]
* 5. [http://www.radioeco.com/ radio eco]
* 6. [http://www.radios.co.cr/ radios de costa rica]

|valign="top"|<!--Canali tv-->

* 1. [http://www.teletica.com/ Canale 7 (''Privato'')]
* 2. [http://www.repretel.com/ Repretel (''Privato'')]
|-
!colspan="3" align="center"|
|}
<br />
<!--
The international calling code/country code for Costa Rica is 506.<br>
A postage stamp to Europe is 125 Colones.

The primary means of outside contact are through email and public pay telephones. 

Internet cafes are fairly easy to find in tourist areas, with prices all over the place. Some of these offer long distance calls over the internet.

Public phones are accessed with calling cards (tarjetas telefonicas) which can be purchased at most shops, even in outlying areas. 

There are three different types of pay-phones:
* Coin phones. Note that these only accept the older silver-colored coins.
* Chip phones. These phones allow you to insert a chip-type calling card into them and make your calls. 
* Colibri phones. These phones have a small swipe bar for a scratch off type calling card refered to as a Colibri calling card which are available from 500 colones and up. Note that I've never encountered a swipe that actually works--you always have to enter the calling card access code on the keypad. Despite this, the Colibri calling card is the recommended one to buy as you can use it any of the types of phones whereas with a chip card you must search for a chip phone. 

Both types of calling cards are typically available in pharmacies and other locations where you see the sticker on the door. 

Domestic calls are quite cheap but vary with distance. Calls to cellular phones are charged significantly more though.

International calls are fairly expensive. The cheapest way to make them is over the internet using a service such as Skype at an Internet café. But making short calls using the domestic calling cards (you can make international calls using these but the denominations of the calling cards are quite small so your call with be short!) or the international calling cards available within Costa Rica (all from the government phone monopoly ICE) is the next best deal. Certainly better than credit card calls or using a US calling card generally. 

Mobile phone service in Costa Rica is provided by [http://www.grupoice.com/ Grupo I.C.E.] using GSM technology at 1800 MHz.  See [http://www.ice.go.cr/swf/mapa_cobertura_gsm/mapa_cober_GSM.swf map] for coverage.  Roaming is possilbe with a GSM handset but can be expensive.  Note that the GSM phone systems in the United States and Canada use different frequencies and that travelers from there will need a "world" handset.  You should check with your provider beforehand. 
Prepaid [[Telephone_service_for_travel#Pre-paid_SIM_Cards|Sim cards]] are not available in Costa Rica.
-->



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