Banks
Branches of several banks dotted around town. Banco Nacional has a branch on the corner of Av 6 and C 6, Banco de Costa Rica is at Av 6, C1, and Banco Popular is east of the church at Av Central, C 3.
Cultural centres
Casa de la Cultura, facing the northeastern corner of the plaza at Av Central and C Central, T2262-2505, has a good schedule of events covering all the performing arts and a few of the observational ones.
Internet
Several around town, one of the long-standing reliables is Internet Café, Av 2, C 5-7, Mon-Fri 0830-2130, Sat 1000-2000, Sun 1200-1800, US$2 per hr, 15 mins US$1.
Language schools
Centro Panamericana de Idiomas, in San Joaquín de Flores, T2265-6306, http://www.cpi-edu.com. Also has schools in Monteverde and Playa Flamingo. Intensive classes of 5½ hrs a day focusing on grammar and conversation, with supportive oral and written work. Maximum class sizes of 4 covering all levels. Full range of cultural activities, tours and a volunteer programme. University credits available. Also has a seminar programme on special subjects. 4 hrs a day, US$465 with homestay, US$315 without, 5½-hr day, US$580 and US$430. Instituto Profesional de Educación Daza, T2237-1801, www.learnspanish costarica.com. Founded in 1984, multiple levels with maximum class sizes of 6. Wide range of cultural activities support the classroom studies. Homestay strongly encouraged. US$370 a week with homestay, US$240 without. Intercultura, Centro de Idiomas, Av 4 and C10, T2260-8480, http://www.interculturacostarica.com. Language tuition in small classes covering all levels from beginner to advanced, with a good varied cultural activities programme and options for homestays and a volunteer programme. Also has a school in Sámara on the Nicoya Peninsula if you want to move around. University credits also available. Prices from US$270 a week without homestay, US$394 with. All schools offer discounts for more than 1 week.
Laundry
Sol y Mar, Mon-Sat, 0830-1900, Sun, 0830-1400. Wash 5kg for US$3 and dry it for another US$3.
Medical services
San Vicente de Paul Hospital, Av 8 and C 14, T2261-0091. Red Cross, on the corner of C Central and Av 3. Several pharmacies can be found on the streets between the market area and Central Park.
Post office
On the north side of the plaza, next to the fort.
Useful addresses
Emergency: T911.
