Costa Rica - shopping

When visiting Costa Rica, every traveler imagines different things: some dream of beaches , others about excursions , and some - of fascinating shopping . Read more about where to shop in this amazing country.

General information about shopping in Costa Rica

1. The country does not have a lot of luxury boutiques and fashion shops, but there are a lot of souvenir shops selling goods for every taste and purse.
2. Major department stores and shopping centers are located in the capital of the state of San Jose . There are all kinds of specialized shops and colorful markets. An exciting shopping will also be in such large cities as Cartago , Limon and Alajuela .
3. The most popular among tourists are souvenir shops, where you can buy traditional products: jewelry, vases, ceramics, bags, T-shirts, hammocks, wooden and coral ornaments. Of the grocery items worth buying coffee, rum, liqueurs, seasonings, tea, chocolate and fruit.

Shops and markets in Costa Rica

Those who want to fully immerse themselves in the local flavor, we recommend to visit the local markets. The largest in the country is the Mercado Central and Mercado-Borbon bazaar, as well as the Tamarindo Farmers Market . The latter is famous for the fact that sellers from European countries work here, who sell national goods and food not only in Costa Rica, but also in France or Italy.

In the markets you can buy jewelry, cosmetics, fruits, vegetables, seafood and other goods. If you get tired during shopping or want to refresh yourself, you will always be offered fresh or Costa Rican dishes . In addition, there is a huge number of souvenir shops all over the country, but if you still did not have time to purchase gifts, then in Souvenirs La gran Nicoya in Liberia , which is located on the way to one of the international airports , you can buy any local goods and products. They offer free samples of cookies and coffee, the staff is courteous and helpful.

Super Joseth network supermarkets are located on the territory of the whole state. Here you can buy both household chemicals and cosmetics, as well as food, fruits, drinks, alcohol. Payment is accepted not only in the columns, but also in dollars, and the staff speaks English. If you want to combine shopping with a cognitive journey, then go to Rainforest Spices . This is a souvenir farm where, during a sightseeing tour, you will be shown the process of growing and processing spices, spices and other plants. You can buy ready-made products right away.

To the tourist on a note

1. When visiting Costa Rica, remember that there is no VAT refund procedure, so all your purchases are subject to a 15 percent tax. In stores, the price, of course, fixed, but in local markets and beaches is a little bargain. Usually a discount can be obtained if you purchase several goods at the same time.
2. Large stores work from 9am to 19pm, boutiques are open until 19:30, and small shops close at 20:00. Break in all outlets of the country strictly from 12:00 to 14:00.
3. In Costa Rica, there is an official monetary unit called the column (CRC) and it equals 100 centavo.
4. From the currency with it is best to have American dollars, which can be exchanged anywhere in the country. The most profitable courses are provided by banks, and in restaurants, hotels and the airport the rate is less attractive. You can pay for purchases and credit card of the world's leading payment systems, for example, VISA. If you have another currency, then you can exchange only in one place in the country - in the agency CIA Financiera Londres Ltda.
5. In Costa Rica, you should not buy items made of tortoise shell, skins and furs ocelot and jaguar, quetzal feathers and untreated corals. By law, the export of these goods from the country is strictly prohibited.