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Student Guide

GETTING AROUND AND TRANSPORTATION

GETTING TO KNOW SAN JOSE

Located in the Meseta Central, San José, is Costa Rica’s largest city and its capital. It has a population of over a million people. Withing its bosom, it houses an amazing cultural diversity, museums, pollution, architecture, food, poverty, and other elements that promise to assuage your senses.

Many of its views vary in degree or are different from the rest of the country, as it has been exposed to the rapid evolution of technology and its offspring; while those places outside of San José and, even more so, outside of the Meseta Central show a slower metamorphosis and still present blatant evidence of the "old" Costa Rica. Examples of these differences can be perceived in the dress, language, food, and in general attitudes, making a very intriguing view for a newcomer.

If you look on a map, the street system in San José is laid out in a street-avenue format. Odd numbered calles (streets) are east of the Calle Central and even numbered ones are west. Odd numbered avenidas (avenues) are north of Avenida Central and even numbered ones are south. For example, if the Teatro Melico Salazar’s address is Ave.2, Calle Central/2, it means the theatre is pretty much in the middle of the city, facing Avenue 2 and between Calle Central and Calle 2.

This system, though, is not the one used everyday by Ticos. Directions are given with respect to notable landmarks near the place where you are going. The National Theatre, the bar on the corner, or a nearby park all fall under the category of landmarks. The address is then estimated by how many meters and in what direction the place is located from the landmark. The ICAI’s address is "de la Pulpería Flor de Otoya, 100 metros al norte y 25 metros al oeste" (from the Flor de Otoya corner store, 100 meters north and 25 meters west). Be sure to find our the Tico address for your home in Costa Rica as soon as possible.

TIPS ON LIVING AS A PEDESTRIAN IN SAN JOSE

1. Street and avenue numbers are found sporadically on the sides of corner buildings. Keep on looking, you’ll fin one!.

2. To find out what’s north, east, west, and south, look for a church entrance since this one always faces west.

3. Literally, in many driver’s views, pedestrians have no rights, therefore, always be on the defensive when trying to cross a street as you can be viewed like an entertaining target by many a vehicle.

4. Don’t believe traffic lights!. These present no reason to let your guard down, so be aware of the cars and not only of the lights.

GETTING AROUND / TRANSPORTATION

There is an astronomical tax in place for buying cars and most Costa Ricans can’t afford then anyway; thus, the public transportation system in Costa Rica is fairly advanced, much used and affordable. A general understanding of the machinations involved will serve you because the transportation system is so different from the one in North America or Europe.

Buses

If you are traveling from San José to another province, you’ll be surprised at the efficiency and the excellent condition of the buses. They leave often and, for example, it will cost about US$ 5 to go the border with Panama or with Nicaragua. Buses within the province tend to be a bit rickety and, at times, packed like a sardine can. Nevertheless, they get you there and most are under 20 US cents.

Some helpful hints:

• Exact change is not required.

• Pay when getting on the bus (except for when going out of the Central Valley where, in some cases, you buy your ticket at least a day ahead).

• If the buzzer does not work, whistle or yell " La parada" at least 50 meters before your stop.

• You can stow your luggage (including surfboards) in the bus storage compartments when going outside of the Central Valley.

• Buses start running very early, sometimes at 4:30 a.m., and stop between ten and eleven at night.

Taxis

Officially, there are two types of taxis in Costa Rica: orange and red colored. The orange type are airport taxis and can be solicited by phone or hailed at the airport. They have a set price of about US$ 13 to go to and from the airport. The usual taxi you would use is red colored, has a little sign on top and uses a meter, a.k.a. "maría". If the taxi does not fit this description, it is not legal. Beware!. Ask the driver to put on the "maría" before entering the cab; if there is not one or he says it is broken, be sure to agree on a price before getting on. After 10:00 p.m. there is an extra 20% on the fare. It is usually not more than 250 colones to go across San José in a taxi.

Road condition

The maintenance of the roads is somewhat lacking compared to the smooth surfaces of countries such as Canada or Germany. Even though Costa Rica’s road conditions are some of the best in Latin America, be prepared for a bumpy or dusty ride sometimes.