Costa Rica - Travel Guide

For a trip to Costa Rica, pack with a focus on lightweight, quick-drying, and rain-resistant clothing. Bring breathable T-shirts, shorts, and lightweight trousers, along with a light waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially during the rainy season. If visiting higher-elevation destinations such as Arenal or Monteverde, pack a long-sleeved layer and a light warm jacket, as temperatures can be cooler in the morning and evening. Comfortable walking shoes or non-slip hiking shoes are recommended, while water shoes or quick-drying footwear can be useful for rainforest hikes, rafting, and other wet activities. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, and personal medications are also useful essentials. For beach trips, bring swimwear and a dry bag, while binoculars can be helpful for wildlife watching. A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag is particularly useful in rainforest areas and during sudden rain. If your itinerary covers different climate zones, layering is generally more practical than bringing heavy clothing.

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC, ₡). U.S. dollars (USD) are also widely accepted in tourist areas, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, attractions, and some shops. Some tourist prices may even be quoted directly in U.S. dollars, although change may be given in colones. International cards such as Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in cities, hotels, and major tourist destinations, and contactless payments are available at many businesses. However, cash is still useful in rural areas, small shops, local markets, and some transportation situations. Travelers are advised to carry a small amount of both colones and U.S. dollars, preferably in smaller denominations, while avoiding carrying large amounts of cash.

International travelers mainly enter Costa Rica through two airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, the country's primary international gateway and the main airport serving the San José area, and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, which is particularly convenient for Guanacaste and the northern Pacific coast. LIR can also be a practical arrival point for itineraries that include destinations such as Monteverde and La Fortuna. For getting around the country, travelers can choose between rental cars, tourist shuttle services, public buses, and domestic flights. Renting a car offers the greatest flexibility for visiting multiple natural attractions, although some rural and mountainous roads can be narrow or challenging, particularly during the rainy season. Tourist shuttle services provide convenient point-to-point connections between many popular destinations and are a good option for travelers who prefer not to drive. Public buses are inexpensive and serve many popular destinations, but routes are operated by different private companies, so schedules and ticketing arrangements should be checked in advance. Costa Rica also has an extensive domestic flight network, with more than 10 domestic airports connecting major regions, which can save considerable travel time on longer routes.

When traveling in Costa Rica, respect local communities and the natural environment. Do not touch, feed, or chase wildlife, remove plants or archaeological objects, or leave designated trails in national parks; ask for permission before photographing local people, particularly in Indigenous communities. At beaches, avoid swimming alone and pay attention to rip-current warnings, weather conditions, and local safety signs. When driving, avoid stopping in isolated areas or accepting unsolicited help from strangers, and never leave luggage, passports, or valuables visible inside a vehicle. At night, avoid isolated or poorly lit areas and use official transportation and tourism services. For police, fire, medical, or other emergencies, dial 911; the number can be used even without a local mobile line. Costa Rica's Tourist Information Center can also be reached at +506 2299-5800, with WhatsApp/Telegram available at +506 8628-3247.

Costa Rica uses Type A and Type B power outlets, the same plug types commonly used in the United States and Canada. The standard electrical supply is 120V at 60Hz.