Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Costa Rica. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (₡)
Best SIM Provider
Kolbi (ICE)
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cash preferred
⚠️ Important Entry Restrictions
- Proof of onward travel REQUIRED: Airlines WILL deny boarding if you cannot show proof of onward travel (return ticket or ticket to an...
View full entry requirements
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Rentista Visa / Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers. Allows 1-year stay. Must prove income of $3,000/month or $4,000/month for families.
Official applicationMedication Restrictions
Prescription medications
Carry medications in original containers with prescription. Personal supply for trip duration is generally acceptable.
Essential Apps
UberOperates in legal gray area but widely used
DiDiGrowing alternative, often cheaper
Notes for Visitors
- Uber works with international cards but operates in a legal gray area — be discreet
- Waze is the preferred navigation app, used more than Google Maps locally
- WhatsApp is essential for booking tours, communicating with hotels, and local businesses
SIM Cards & Internet
Get a local SIM or eSIM. Kolbi (ICE) has the best nationwide coverage including rural areas. Claro and Movistar are alternatives in cities.
- eSIM works with Airalo, Saily
- Kolbi has best coverage in rural/mountain/rainforest areas
- Many hotels and eco-lodges have WiFi but speeds vary
- Remote areas may have limited connectivity
WiFi Reliability
Good WiFi in cities and tourist hotels. Variable in eco-lodges and remote areas. Expect 10-30 Mbps in most hotels.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Cards accepted in cities, tourist areas, and mid-to-high-end restaurants. Cash is essential in rural areas, local sodas (small eateries), markets, and for buses. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas but colones give better value.
ATM Tips
Use ATMs at banks (BAC, Banco Nacional, BCR, Scotiabank). Max withdrawal typically 200,000-500,000 CRC. Some ATMs dispense both CRC and USD. Avoid standalone ATMs.
Tipping Culture
Restaurants include a 10% service charge by law, plus 13% tax. Additional tipping is appreciated but not required. Tour guides: $10-20 USD/day. Porters: $1-2 per bag.
- Paying in colones usually gets better prices than USD at local businesses
- Many prices in tourist areas are quoted in USD — always check which currency
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Orange-colored official taxis with meters at Juan Santamaría Airport
Available at the airport. Use ground floor pickup.
Shared shuttles to popular destinations — book in advance
Local Transport
Most convenient in San José metro. Works with international cards.
Very cheap, extensive network. Cash only. Can be confusing for visitors.
Official taxis are red (city) or orange (airport). Insist on meter ('la maría').
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Costa Rica requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
40 city / 90 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Renting a car in Costa Rica
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Costa Rica across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Generally safe for solo female travelers
- Stick to tourist areas at night
- Use Uber or arranged transport after dark
- Beach towns are generally safe but take normal precautions
- Catcalling (piropos) is common — ignoring it is best
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Costa Rica is the most progressive country in Central America for LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2020. San José has a visible LGBTQ+ scene. Tourist areas are welcoming.
- San José has LGBTQ+ bars and events
- Tourist areas are generally very accepting
- Rural areas may be more conservative
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Improving in tourist areas but still limited overall. Many eco-lodges and nature reserves have rugged terrain. Newer hotels generally have accessible rooms.
- Major hotels in San José have accessible rooms
- Some national parks have accessible trails (Poás, Irazú)
- Public transport accessibility is limited
Pickpocket Hotspots
- San José downtown (especially around Mercado Central)
- Bus stations
- Crowded tourist areas in Jacó
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Broken taxi meter
Taxi drivers claim the meter is broken and quote inflated flat rates.
Prevention: Insist on 'la maría' (meter). If refused, take another taxi or use Uber.
Tour overcharging
Unlicensed tour operators charge high prices for substandard experiences.
Prevention: Book through your hotel or use certified guides (look for ICT badges).
Car rental damage claims
Rental companies claim pre-existing damage on return.
Prevention: Document the car with photos/video before leaving the lot. Get full insurance.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Costa Rica's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
18-29°C (64-84°F)
Low rainfall
Dry and sunny
Mar – May
20-30°C (68-86°F)
Medium rainfall
Transition month, occasional showers
Jun – Aug
19-28°C (66-82°F)
Medium rainfall
Mini dry season (veranillo) in Pacific
Sep – Nov
19-28°C (66-82°F)
Very High rainfall
Very wet, cheapest travel month
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Shop on AmazonSun hoodie (UPF)
Lightweight UPF layer that covers your arms and neck, so you skip reapplying sunscreen all day. Sized by fit — pick your cut.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Tap Water
Tap water safety depends on where you are.
In some places the tap water is fine to drink, and in others it is not. Ask your hotel or host, and choose sealed bottled water, or water that has been filtered and treated, when you are not sure. If you stick to bottled water, use it to brush your teeth too.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
120V
Frequency
60Hz
Plug Types
A, B
Same as US/Canada. Power outages can occur in rural areas and during heavy rain. Bring a portable charger.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and tour companies. Limited in rural areas and local neighborhoods. Basic Spanish is very helpful.
Essential Phrases
Pura Vida
Pure life (hello/goodbye/thanks/it's all good)
POO-rah VEE-dah
Gracias
Thank you
GRAH-see-ahs
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much?
KWAN-toh KWES-tah
Tuanis
Cool/Awesome (Costa Rican slang)
twah-NEES
Mae
Dude/Buddy
mah-EH
La cuenta, por favor
The bill, please
lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Growing vegan scene, especially in tourist areas like Santa Teresa, Nosara, and Puerto Viejo. Fresh tropical fruits are abundant. Rice and beans are staples. Many smoothie/health food spots.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Vegetarian-friendly with rice, beans, and fresh vegetables widely available. Ask for 'casado sin carne' (set meal without meat). Tourist areas have many vegetarian restaurants.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Rice and beans are the main staples, both naturally gluten-free. Corn tortillas are common. Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant. Awareness is growing in tourist areas.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires standard international export certificates and localized agricultural agency validation desk check-ins.
Timeline
10-15 days before travel
Quarantine Risk
None
Regulatory Framework
Local agency signoff (ICA, SENASA, AGROCALIDAD, SAG).
Key Constraints
Requires external parasite treatment (ticks/fleas) within 10-15 days of departure. Vaccination logs must show clear serial numbers.
Pet Culture
Exploding urban nomad support. Major rental hubs packed with local pet culture, leash laws, and pet fashion.
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Cultural Tips
'Pura Vida' is more than a greeting — it's the Costa Rican philosophy of life. Use it freely.
Ticos (Costa Ricans) are generally warm, polite, and non-confrontational
Lunch is the main meal, usually a 'casado' (set meal with rice, beans, protein, salad)
Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 and is proud of its peaceful history
Environmental conservation is deeply valued — respect nature and wildlife
Tipping: 10% service charge is included by law. Extra tips appreciated but not expected.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
'Pura Vida' literally means 'pure life' and is used as hello, goodbye, thank you, and 'it's all good'
Ticos call themselves Ticos (men) and Ticas (women) — it's endearing, not formal
Gallo pinto (rice and beans) is eaten for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner
Costa Rica has more biodiversity per square mile than almost any country on Earth
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not having proof of onward travel — airlines enforce this and may deny boarding
Only visiting San José — the real Costa Rica is in the rainforests, beaches, and volcanoes
Touching wildlife — it's illegal and dangerous. Monkeys bite and sloths carry diseases.
Paying in USD when colones give better value at local businesses
Not wearing insect repellent — mosquitoes are persistent, especially near the coast
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Costa Rica
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Nearby destinations
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