Discover Natural Beauty, Adventure and Pura Vida

In virtually all cases, a valid passport from your country of origin is required to enter Costa Rica. However, if you are traveling as a citizen of the United States, Canada or European Union, a visa is likely not required to enter. Costa Rica’s migration authority will grant you a visa (for up to 90 days) upon legal entry.

If you plan to drive, have your driver license as well.

Probably not if you’d like to avoid unnecessary fees. Most establishments accept US dollars. However, because the exchange rate fluctuates so frequently, it is best to use colones as often as possible. If you alert your bank that you will be traveling, you should be able to use your current check card at virtually any Costa Rican ATM to withdraw colones. Additionally, most merchants accept credit card transactions.

To get the most out of your stay, you don’t need much. If you stay along Costa Rica’s coastal communities, bring warm-weather clothing, a rain poncho and sunscreen.

If traveling to the country’s rain forests, heavy socks and closed shoes or boots are good to have. Over the counter insect repellent, and comfortable, breathable clothing.

Costa Rica is comprised of numerous ecosystems. Check your agenda ahead of time and make sure you bring the necessities.

In most cases, the answer is no. Costa Rica does not typically require specific vaccines for tourists to enter. However, pregnant women and other vulnerable individuals should check with their physicians for recommendations prior to travel.

For tourists originating from countries with high incidences of yellow fever, proof of vaccination is required. They include Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and the Republic of Guyana.

If traveling from North America, no. Costa Rica has 110 electricity service throughout the country. If you’re visiting from outside the Americas, bring a converter to 110.

If bringing prescription medications with you, make sure they are in their labeled containers showing your name, medication name and expiry date.

911 is Costa Rica’s emergency call number and is staffed with Spanish- and English-speaking representatives.

Unless you have an international plan, your cell phone likely won’t work in Costa Rica. If your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a SIM card upon entry in Costa Rica’s international airports. Kolbi, Movistar, Claro and ICE all offer prepaid SIM cards. Check ahead of time to ensure your cell phone is unlocked. Here’s how.

In most circumstances, it’s not a bad idea to rent your own vehicle. Keep in mind that Costa Rica’s public bus networks are inexpensive and far-reaching – making travel by bus convenient and affordable. If you plan to visit more rural areas, a 4×4 may be necessary. Check with the rental agent for the best vehicle fit for your planned outings.

In most cases, yes. There are paved and well-maintained roads throughout Costa Rica. However, there are also narrow mountain roads that demand absolute attention from the driver. Secondary (gravel) roads are best accessed with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. In green season, frequent rains can lead to road washes and mudslides. Additionally, deep rain culverts line roads throughout the country. If you plan to drive during your stay, drive cautiously and resist the urge to speed.

No. As a tourist, you may drive on your current, valid driver license for as long as your visa is valid.

In areas that draw high numbers of tourists, many Ticos (Costa Ricans) speak English. When you start to take the more unbeaten path, you’ll find that few do. If your Spanish is poor, consider using a learning app (such as Duolingo) prior to your visit. Else, you can use Google Translate on your smartphone to bridge the communication gap.

By most standards, yes. Costa Rica is safe for tourists of all nationalities. As with any country, larger cities require heightened personal awareness. San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, and many coastal towns draw large groups of people. For this reason, pick-pocketing and other petty crimes are possible. Use cursory precautions to avoid troubles.

Ticos, as they call themselves, are rather gracious, often humorous and typically non-confrontational. As Costa Rica depends heavily on tourism, it’s only natural that Ticos accommodate foreigners readily. Ticos are Eco-conscious and have a keen understanding of nature, wildlife and conservationism. The culture is a bit more reserved than other countries, but Ticos enjoy a party or community gathering. Most common of these are topes and street parties with music, food and libations.