1. ЧАСЫ РАБОТЫ УЧРЕЖДЕНИЙ Business Hours Government offices are generally open from 8 am to 4 pm, while banks close anytime between 3:00 and 6:00 pm, according to the branch. Most shops are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, while some open at 8:00 am and others close at 7:00 pm; most grocery stores close at 8:00 pm. Some shops also close for lunch, between noon and 1:00 or 2:00 pm. Business Hours Most of Costa Rica's state banks are open weekdays 9 to 3, and many are open on Saturday morning. Several branches of Banco Nacional are open until 6. The growing cadre of private banks tend to keep longer hours, and are usually the best places to change dollars and traveler's checks. There are 24-hour gas stations near most cities, especially along the Pan-American Highway; most other stations are open from about 7 to 7, and sometimes until midnight. Museum hours are extremely variable. Most public museums are closed Monday. Most shops in Costa Rica are open 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday.
В будние дни банки обычно открыты с 9 до 13.30. Некоторые отделения банков открыты также с 16 до 18, в субботу с 10 до 13.30 и с 16 до 18, в воскресенье с 10 до 13.30.
Выходной день в музеях, районах археологических раскопок и в театрах, как правило, в понедельник.
Стандартные часы работы магазинов - по будням и в субботу с 9 или 10 до 19 или 20. Дневной перерыв (сиеста) - с 14 до 16. Правительственные учреждения обычно открыты с 8 до 15 часов. В дни национальных праздников правительственные учреждения и банки закрыты.
2. ЧРЕЗВЫЧАЙНЫЕ СИТУАЦИИ - КУДА ОБРАЩАТЬСЯ Emergencies Local people are usually quick to respond in an emergency. In a hotel or restaurant, the staff would offer immediate help, and in a public area, passersby can be counted to stop and help. Many doctors at San Jose's Clinica Biblica and Clinica Catolica speak English well; some even studied at U.S. medical schools. Contacts Emergencies (PHONE: 911). Ambulance (PHONE: 128). Police (PHONE: 117; 127 outside cities). Local Medical Help Clinica Biblica (Avda. 14 at C. 1, San Jose, PHONE: 506/221-3922). Clinica Catolica (San Antonio Guadelupe, PHONE: 506/283-6616).
- Полиция, скорая помощь, пожарная охрана и другие чрезвычайные ситуации - 06.
- SECTUR hot line: 5/250-0123, 5/250-0493, 5/250-0027, 5/250-0589, 5/250-0151, 5/250-0292, 5/250-0741.
- Пропавшие люди или машины - LOCATEL (5/658-1111).
В Мехико - больница American British Cowdray Hospital (Calle Sur 137-201, угол Observatorio и Col. las Americas; тел. 5/272-8500 - неотложная помощь, 516-8077 - коммутатор). National holidays are known as feriados. On these days government offices, banks, and post offices are closed, and public transport is restricted. Religious festivals are characterized by colorful processions. Panama's annual carnival celebrations feature some spectacular costumes. 2000 dates: January 1, New Year's Day; March 7, Shrove Tuesday; April 21-23, Good Friday-Easter Sunday; April 11, Juan Santamaria Day; May 1, Labor Day; July 25, Annexation of Guanacaste; August 2, Virgin of Los Angeles (Costa Rica's patron saint); September 15, Independence Day (Costa Rica); December 25, Christmas.