Heredia Services & Facilities
Phones
Heredia and its suburbs generally provide excellent cell phone coverage. Cell phones may be rented from rental car agencies or companies specifically dedicated to cell phone rentals. Pay phones can be found around public parks – most require phone cards, which can be purchased at pharmacies, Internet cafes and other locations. For international calls, special phone cards are available and, in addition, many Internet cafes offer VOIP international calling at discounted rates.
Internet
Internet cafes can be found on nearly every street corner in Heredia. Most charge 250-400 colones per hour ($0.45-$0.72). Several offer WiFi service for the same rate. WiFi hotspots are also common throughout downtown and the suburbs, based mainly at hotels, restaurants and language schools.
Banks and ATMs
Public and private banks are interspersed throughout Heredia, especially around the downtown parks. Make sure to choose an ATM labeled “ATH” – these are compatible with almost every ATM card. If an ATH is hard to find, look for ATMs marked with your card network, such as Visa or Plus – those not marked as such are bank-specific and will not accept international ATM cards. In addition to banks, Mas X Menos, a local grocery store, has ATMs in each of their stores.
Medical Facilities
The Red Cross (Cruz Roja) provides ambulance services to all of Heredia. Patients are taken to a state-of-the-art hospital built in 2010.
Emergencies: 911
Hospital San Vicente de Paul: 2261-0001
Hospital Clinica Biblica (private – San Jose): 2257-0466
Red Cross (Ambulance): 911
Post Office
Located on the north side of Heredia’s Central Park, the Post Office offers national and international mail service. Every Heredia suburb has its own post office; ask around for the local “correo.”
Gas Stations
The government regulates all gas stations, so there is no need to price shop. The city and its suburbs have many gas stations – keep your eyes peeled at corners and along busy streets.