11 Things to Know Before Traveling to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is easily accessible for many international travelers, and most visitors do not need a visa or vaccinations. A passport that is valid for the entirety of your stay is sufficient to enter Costa Rica. Depending on your country of origin, the permitted stay in the country can range from 30 days to 180 days. No proof of vaccinations are necessary, except for the yellow fever inoculation from selected countries. You can review specific requirements based on country of origin here.

Visitors must supply documentation for proof of onward travel, such as a pre-purchased flight, bus ticket, or passage on a cruise ship exiting Costa Rica. It may not be enough to show a departure ticket from a nearby country; you should be able to provide proof of exiting Costa Rica specifically. On arrival, the customs agent will ask for your destination and name of accommodation while in the country, so have it on hand.

Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America due to a number of factors, such as a robust tourism industry, a high population of expatriates and foreigners residing in the country, and a functional government that invests in the country’s development, especially within the tourist areas.

The currency of Costa Rica is the colón, which at this time is performing strongly against the U.S. dollar.

Costs differ throughout the country. Popular tourist destinations, such as La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and the high-end resorts along the Pacific Coast will dent the wallet far more than the less-traveled, more remote areas. Everything from restaurants to hotels to transport can be comparable in price to the U.S. The upside is the availability of high-end dining and upscale lodgings that provide all the modern conveniences and luxurious amenities that may be less common in other Central American locations.

ATMs are prevalent in larger urban centers but can be limited in small towns, and many times, non-existent in villages or rural areas. If you are leaving a high-density area, be sure to stop at the ATM before heading out.

Cards are readily accepted in many places in Costa Rica, such as hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, especially in the tourist areas. However there are many instances of cash-only establishments, so it is a good idea to carry a mix of cash and cards to accommodate whichever payment is preferred. Using cash has its advantages, as sometimes there is a fee added to credit card transactions. When using a card, be sure to verify the amount and currency before your card is charged.

Tipping is welcome in Costa Rica, especially for restaurant servers, tour guides, surf instructors, etc. Sometimes a 10% gratuity is automatically added to restaurant bills. Small tips for gas station attendants or people who help with small tasks are also accepted. Tipping around 10% is acceptable, 20% is generous and would indicate that you are exceptionally pleased with the service.

Getting around in Costa Rica can be an adventure, as there are rivers to cross and mountains to ascend, the muddy jungle tracks and dusty backroads insisting on a slower pace of travel. Costa Rica is not a very large country, but traveling often takes longer than expected, due to indirect routes, adverse road conditions, and excessive traffic.

Most tourist areas offer paved roads and uncomplicated navigation, however, when renting a car, it is best to opt for a vehicle with 4×4 capabilities. Instead of renting, there are shuttle companies that offer daily service to different points around the country. These shuttles are more reliable, convenient, and comfortable than a public bus, but they are more expensive. Relying on the public bus system requires extra time and patience, as the buses can be limited and schedules unpredictable. Bus travel is inexpensive, safe to use, and the buses are generally in good condition, however, up-to-date information is virtually non-existent online. It can be easier to navigate with a grasp of basic Spanish, as it will be necessary to inquire with the ticket office or local people.

Uber is available in Costa Rica but mostly in San Jose and the Central Valley, and shouldn’t be relied on too heavily as it is not common outside of the capital. The rates in Uber are far less costly than the official (and overpriced) red taxis.

Costa Rica has two major airports—in the capital, San Jose, which sits squarely in the center of the country, and in Liberia, located in the northwest Guanacaste province, which is the gateway to many Pacific Coast beaches and seaside towns. Costa Rica also has a few small domestic airlines, such as Sansa and Costa Rica Green Airways, which shuttle their small propeller planes to destinations all over the country, in far less time and sometimes for the same amount of money it would cost for a private shuttle. These local flights are a good option if you have limited time or want to see stunning high-altitude views of the landscape.

Costa Rica may not be internationally recognized for its cuisine, but there are plenty of specialties that are must-haves while visiting the country.

The most traditional meal one can have in Costa Rica is the casado, which is a combination plate of white rice, black beans, fried plantains, salad, and a protein. Sometimes there are extras, like pasta salad or avocado. The primary location to find a casado is in a soda, which is a casual, often outdoor restaurant serving affordable, simple dishes. The menu is not usually extensive, but ideally, it is inexpensive, the ingredients are fresh, and the food is flavorful. Chicken and seafood (if near the coast) are preferable selections in lieu of beef, evidenced by the thin stature of the cows one observes when passing on the road. When ordering seafood, it is a good idea to ask for the most fresh and inquire if it is local or shipped in from far away.

The classic breakfast in Costa Rica is known as pinto, which is gallo pinto, a mix of white rice and black beans served alongside eggs, sometimes with additions of plantains or queso blanco, a mild white cheese.

Costa Rican food is not inherently spicy, however, on some tables you can find chilera, a mix of pickled vegetables that has the potential to be spicy or sweet, depending on the taste of the chef.

Street vendors are often selling pipas, which are cold coconuts hacked open with a machete in order to drink the delicious water inside.

A popular alcoholic drink is the chiliguaro—the clear liquor guaro is mixed with spicy tomato juice, served (and consumed) as a shot.

For a twist on Costa Rica’s most popular beer Imperial, consider ordering a micheleda, which is a bottle of beer served alongside a salt-rimmed glass of ice with fresh squeezed lime juice (they save their tomato juice for the chiliguaros).

For vegans and vegetarians, many delicious and healthy restaurants in Costa Rica accommodate dietary restrictions. However these establishments are primarily found in the urban centers and tourist hubs, and the options dwindle outside of these higher populated areas.

While the health risks of traveling to Costa Rica are few, there are considerations worth keeping in mind. The tap water in the urban and tourist areas is safe to drink, however, a person with a sensitive digestive system may want to consume only filtered or bottled water. There is a risk of unfamiliar bacteria in the food upsetting people’s stomachs, so it is advised to bring medicines that offset these effects.

Although no vaccinations are required to visit, being up-to-date on Hepatitis A, B and tetanus is recommended. (The yellow fever vaccine is required for visitors from select countries but not the U.S.) Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, the Zika virus, chikungunya, and malaria exist in Costa Rica, and malaria medication can be taken as a precaution. It is possible but not probable to contract a mosquito-borne illness, but the risk increases during the rainy season, in remote jungle areas, and if staying in the country for a lengthy period of time. Without malaria medicine, insect repellant and protective clothing are advised to stay safe.

Travel insurance is not a requirement for entering Costa Rica, but it is recommended in case you encounter a serious issue and need to use Costa Rica’s health system. When in the capital or tourist areas, there are modern urgent care centers that can address most concerns, depending on the severity. Without insurance, these urgent care centers are generally affordable and will help to resolve low-level health concerns.

The climate in Costa Rica is highly varied, with over 12 different microclimates that can differ greatly from one another. What to expect regarding weather tends to be very specific to the location, however, in general, there are only two major seasons in Costa Rica: the dry season, which runs from December to April, and the rainy season, taking place from May to November.

The tropical rainforests on the northern Pacific Coast tend to be drier than the Caribbean jungles, which receive rainfall to some degree all year round. The Central Valley is cooler, and the temperatures in the surrounding mountainous regions can drop to surprisingly low temperatures. The cloud forests in the highlands are cool and wet, while the coastal lowlands are hot and sunny. The frequency of rain and clouds varies depending on the season, but it is important to know in advance which climate and time of year you will be visiting so that you can plan accordingly. September through November are the rainiest months throughout most of the country, and flooding is common. If visiting during this time, consider heading to the Caribbean coast, which experiences its driest weather of the year while the rest of Costa Rica is under heavy rainfall.

Costa Rica’s biological diversity is possible thanks to a wealth of ecosystems, which means that weather and terrain is highly varied throughout the country. The extra items you pack depend on the season and destination, but there are a few items that could come in handy no matter what the scenario.

Sunscreen is a must and a hat is recommended, as Costa Rica is in the tropics. At these latitudes, it is also recommended to equip yourself with a heavy-duty bug repellant. Rain is common throughout the country,  so bring a rain jacket, a dry bag to preserve your belongings during a downpour, and water shoes for trekking river canyons or caves. The Central Valley and the higher altitude mountains and volcanoes can get quite cold, especially at night, so packing at least one warm set of clothing is a must. If you are planning a lot of jungle hikes, bring clothing that fully covers your body to limit exposure to bugs and spiky plant life.

Costa Rica is the most popular tourist destination in Central America, partly due to its record of safety and low-risk status. However, this does not mean that threats do not exist. It is necessary to take sensible precautions and be alert to your surroundings, even more so if you are traveling alone or are a woman.

Avoid isolated areas at night, such as dark, empty streets or the beach. Stay away from illicit activity, such as a person selling illegal substances. A good idea is to ask your hotel for information regarding the surrounding area and what is considered to be safe behavior.

The attitudes toward LGBTQ people in Costa Rica have evolved toward more acceptance, but there is still resistance to outward expressions, especially among Costa Ricans themselves. Foreigners are regarded differently, however, and receive more tolerance, especially in areas populated mostly by tourists, such as upscale hotels or restaurants.

Be aware of your belongings. This means locking the doors and closing the windows when you go out, even when the surrounding environment feels calm and laid back. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying an arsenal of electronic devices. Don’t leave important items lying in the sand while you go for a swim. Limit the opportunities you create for people to make bad decisions.

Costa Rica is one of those rare countries that has their own saying, a phrase that is so infused into the culture that it is used often and in a bevy of situations. Every visitor to Costa Rica inevitably becomes familiar with pura vida, the concept of “pure life,” meaning to enjoy the moment, to be tranquilo, to embody a pace of life determined by the rhythms of nature, and taking a laidback approach to any situation.

Pura vida is so much a part of the vernacular that it is not only used to refer to a concept but can be used as a substitute for many common words and phrases, such as hello, goodbye, thank you, you are welcome, good morning, good night, and more. When someone tells a story with a favorable ending, pura vida! If the story ended badly, a sarcastic pura vida can be deployed. It serves many purposes, and when used liberally and frequently, nobody will bat an eye.

As a foreigner, it can feel a little unwieldy to visit a new place and immediately adopt their local saying, especially if you do not speak any Spanish, but it is perfectly acceptable to throw out some of your own pura vidas if you feel so inclined.

Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos and Ticas. Citizens adopting alternative self-references for either the sake of length or to reclaim an identity that may not be reflected in their current political affiliation is a practice that is found throughout Latin America. It is perfectly fine to refer to Costa Ricans as Ticos and ask if they are Tico if you are compelled to do so.

If you are paying attention, you will hear the word mae almost non-stop when Ticos are in conversation with one another. The English equivalent of mae (pronounced “my”) in meaning would be “bro” or “man” or “dude.” People across all demographics use this word, so it is not limited to a subset of stereotypes. It is also used as a filler word, similar to “like” in English. If you call someone mae, they will likely be surprised that you know it, and chances are very good that they will get a kick out of hearing you say it. It is on par to the prevalence of pura vida in the local speech, and in some cases exceeds it.

Two of the first words people are taught when learning Spanish are “hello” and “goodbye,” hola and adios. But in Costa Rica, adios is rarely used, and the common way of saying goodbye is ciao. In another twist of basic Spanish, “you’re welcome” is generally translated as de nada, however, in Costa Rica they use con gusto, meaning “with pleasure.”

If you find yourself tiring of muy bien as a response to the oft-asked question of how you are doing, feel free to pepper in some common alternatives, such as todo bien, todo tuanis, or a cachete, which means “all is well.”

It is possible to stay connected via strong wi-fi while in Costa Rica, especially in the higher populated areas and tourist hubs. There can be reliability issues, however, due to occasional power outages, but many hotels have backup generators to provide electricity should there be none. If wi-fi is a must, pay close attention to hotel reviews in which people complain endlessly about the lack of it. If you are planning a long stay, purchasing a SIM card or eSIM is simple and ensures uninterrupted phone access. Costa Rica uses the same electrical outlets as the U.S., however, it can be a good idea to bring along a power bank, especially when traveling to remote areas.

If prices are not listed, always ask for the cost upfront. If you can, ask a trusted local beforehand what you should expect to pay.

Costa Rican culture tends to be very polite, and it is common to take the time to greet people before launching into what it is that you want from them. Those who aren’t comfortable speaking Spanish may unintentionally overlook greetings and niceties, but they are important in Costa Rican culture, otherwise, it could be perceived as rude.

Pura vida does not apply only to those carefree moments of relaxation and appreciation—this unhurried attitude is in effect at all times. If you spend a lot of mental effort comparing how society functions in your home country, you will likely become frustrated by the lack of urgency in nearly every facet of life. Patience must be practiced, and getting upset does absolutely nothing to hurry anyone along. Pura vida!