Electricity: The same as in the United States or Canada-110 volts alternating current. Short power failures are common.
Time: Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time, but because the length of the days is virtually unchanged over the seasons, Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Tipping: Hotels, restaurants and night clubs are required to add 13 percent value-added tax (IVA) plus ten percent service charge. Although the ten percent is considered a tip and they expect no more, I add an extra five percent if service is excellent.
Drugs: The law provides a jail sentence of eight to 20 years for anyone involved in drug dealing. Drug use is considered extremely serious, and mere possession of drugs can be interpreted as evidence of drug dealing. That means prison time, folks! (Maybe that's why there are so few juvenile delinquents and so little graffiti.)

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