The Costa Rican Colon is the only currency in the world that is named after a real person: Christopher Columbus. Travellers to Costa Rica should budget about £70 a day because Costa Rica is considered the most expensive of the Central American countries to visit.

When you are in Costa Rica you should not wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash. Take particular care of your belongings in hostels and hotels. Lock valuables in a hotel room safe. You should also not use street money-changers.

The US Dollar is widely accepted all across Costa Rica, but if you are backpacking or trying to do Costa Rica on a budget you should take Colons with you as bus services and street vendors often do not take US Dollars.

Before you travel to Costa Rica you can get advice from the UK Government website

If you hold a British passport you don't need a visa to enter Costa Rica for up to 90 days. If you wish to stay for longer than 90 days, or if you plan on working in Costa Rica, you should check the latest entry requirements with the Costa Rican Embassy.

You must provide evidence of onward or return travel upon entry to Costa Rica, otherwise your entry may be refused. In addition all travellers must pay a departure tax of $29 USD when leaving the country by air. You can pay this by cash or card in either US Dollars or Costa Rica Colons.