DURING Semana Santa (Easter Week), it can seem as if the whole country shuts down. In fact, most of it does.
Nearly all government offices as well as some businesses will be closed the entire week.
While you can always get cash from automatic teller machines, bank offices will be open for business only through Wednesday of next week.
MOST clinics and doctors’ offices will remain open until Wednesday at noon. However, hospital emergency rooms around the country will remain open Holy Thursday and Good Friday as well as Easter weekend.
The Red Cross (128) and the National Insurance Institute (800-800-8000) will offer assistance with emergency services. If you need to fill a medical prescription, Farmacia Sucre de Los Angeles (262-3111) across from the Más x Menos in Heredia will be open.
MOST grocery stores will be open regular hours through Wednesday. Several chains, including Más x Menos and PalÃ, will have a shortened schedule on Thursday.
A handful of Más x Menos and all Palà stores will be closed on Good Friday. Normal schedules will resume Saturday. Liquor sales are prohibited by law next Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout the country.
On Thursday and Friday, many buses will run on an altered scheduled, with some routes shutting down entirely. If  you plan to travel those days, confirm bus schedules beforehand so you don’t get stranded.
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