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San José – General Information
San José is the capital of Costa Rica and is just a 30 minute drive from Juan Santamaria Airport. During the month of July the weather is usually mild, a brief dry season with some afternoon showers and temperatures between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius.
Costa Rica's official currency is the colón and the expected exchange rate for the dates on which the LACIGF meeting will take place is approximately ₡556 per US dollar. The most widely accepted foreign currency is the US dollar. While most shops accept this currency at a slightly reduced exchange rate, payment in the form of small denomination US dollar bills is usually accepted ($1, $5, $10, $20; $50 and $100 bills are often rejected).
Almost a third of the country's population is found in San José, a city that offer many interesting attractions including museums, the National Theatre (an architectural marvel dating back to the nineteenth century) and other historic buildings, multiple churches, parks, as well as an active nightlife with chic gourmet restaurants and entertainment areas. The shops and markets located in select areas of the city are also worth visiting, as this is where local artisans display their original artwork.
Due to the relatively small size of San José and the location of its museums and major attractions, a one-day walking tour may be enough to see the major sights of this city where public transportation is one of the most commonly used forms of transportation.
For further details of what Costa Rica has to offer during your stay in the country, please visit the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism website, which offers not only tips and valuable advice, but also a wealth of information on the country and its different regions: